Parental influences on child physical activity and screen viewing time: a population based study

Ben J Smith, Anne Grunseit, Louise L Hardy, Lesley King, Luke Wolfenden, Andrew Milat, Ben J Smith, Anne Grunseit, Louise L Hardy, Lesley King, Luke Wolfenden, Andrew Milat

Abstract

Background: Parents can influence their children's physical activity participation and screen time.This study examined the relative significance of perceived parental barriers and self-efficacy in relation to children's physical activity participation and screen time viewing. The associations between these factors and the behaviours were analysed.

Methods: Cross-sectional population survey in New South Wales, Australia of parents of pre-school (N = 764), younger (Kindergarten, Grades 2 and 4; N = 1557) and older children (Grades 6, 8 and 10; N = 1665). Parents reported barriers and self-efficacy to influence their child's physical activity and screen time behaviours in a range of circumstances. Differences were examined by child's sex and age group, household income, maternal education and location of residence. The duration of physical activity and screen viewing was measured by parental report for pre-school and younger children and self-report for older children. Associations between parental factors and children's organised, non-organised and total activity and screen time were analysed.

Results: Cost, lack of opportunities for participation and transport problems were the barriers most often reported, particularly by low income parents and those in rural areas. The number of barriers was inversely related to children's time spent in organised activity, but not their non-organised activity. Higher parental self-efficacy was positively associated with organised physical activity in the younger and older children's groups and the non-organised activity of older children. School-age children (younger and older groups) were less likely to meet physical activity guidelines when parents reported ≥4 barriers (OR 3.76, 95% CI 1.25-11.34 and OR 3.72, 95% CI 1.71-8.11 respectively). Low parental self-efficacy was also associated with the likelihood of children exceeding screen time guidelines for each age group (pre-school OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.43-0.87; young children OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.39-0.80; and older children OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.43-0.74).

Conclusion: Parental barriers are associated with the time that children spend in both active and sedentary pursuits. These findings highlight family, economic and environmental factors that should be addressed in programs to promote child physical activity and tackle sedentary behaviour.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The proportion of children who do not meet guidelines for (A) physical activity or (B) screen time by the number of barriers reported by parents*. White bar 0-1 barrier. Grey bar 2-3 barriers. Black bar ≥4 barriers. *p-values derived from Chi-square test of independence
Figure 2
Figure 2
The proportion of children who do not meet guidelines for (A) physical activity or (B) screen time by the level of self-efficacy reported by parents*. Vertical lines < = 25th Perc. Diagonal lines >25- < 75th Perc. Black and white squares > = 75th Perc. *p-values derived from Chi-square test of independence

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Source: PubMed

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