A qualitative study investigating the views of primary-age children and parents on physical activity

Abstract

A five-month, in-depth qualitative study was conducted in five sites across England to examine factors influencing children's involvement in physical activity. Sixty primary school students aged 5-11 years took part in paired interviews, and 38 parents were interviewed in groups. The study found that Children of this .age led a generally active lifestyle achieved through general play with friends, enjoyment of PE and an interest in participation in organised activities with parents. Involvement in physical activity was influenced by perceived enjoyment and social and cultural aspects, a finding Which can be utilised in future health promotion efforts. Among some of the older girls investigated, interest and engagement in physical activity was less enthusiastic.Special programmes and interventions may be needed with members of this group to ensure that a physically active lifestyle is maintained.

Perceptions of healthy eating and physical activity in an ethnically diverse sample of young children and their parents: the DEAL prevention of obesity study

“…Dislike of school meals, negativity towards physical education at school among girls, and lack of knowledge of physical activity guidelines for children were potential barriers to healthy living across groups. The girls' poor engagement with physical activity and explanations of their dislike for physical education were parallel with other studies (Mulvihill et al ., ; Thompson et al ., ; Rees et al ., ; Jansen et al ., ). The general themes in DEAL are also consistent with findings from the developmental stages of US obesity prevention studies (Thompson et al ., ; Resnicow et al ., ), as well as other ethnic specific qualitative research (Burnet et al ., ), such as limitations in knowledge, confusion over key health messages and children's access to fast food items despite parental rules or attempts at control.…”

“…Research has shown that grocery stores that sell healthy foods, safe parks and recreational facilities may promote healthy eating and physical activity (Ellaway & Macintyre, 2001). Deprived areas, which are less well served with facilities, and perceptions of safety and attractiveness of neighbourhoods, as well as the proliferation of fast food outlets, have been shown to influence eating and physical activity behaviours in surveys and qualitative studies (Rogers et al, 1997;Mulvihill et al, 2000;Rees et al, 2001;Parkes & Kearns, 2006). DEAL demonstrated that take-away food shops accommodating ethnic preferences, dietary acculturation, and the role of fathers in food provision, increases the complexity of the role of fast food in the diets of ethnic minorities.…”

Physical Activity, Gender, Weight Status, and Wellbeing in 9- to 11-Year-Old Children: A Cross-Sectional Survey

“…3,35 Parents facilitate children's activity by providing direct support such as transporting children to and from organized activities, joint family activities (eg, walking the dog, going to the playground), and travel to/from school (eg, walking, cycling). [35][36][37] Resilience has a strong focus on good parent-child relationships which might be the basis for children being active. Although the opposite could also be true, as some parents might limit children's activity opportunities due to safety concerns (eg, busy roads), time, expense, or school work (eg, preparing for tests).…”

“…Although the opposite could also be true, as some parents might limit children's activity opportunities due to safety concerns (eg, busy roads), time, expense, or school work (eg, preparing for tests). 37,38 Much physical activity among children seems to be embedded in interaction with friends and peers which may be indicated by the found association between MVPA and Achievement (capturing the ability to make friends and maintaining friendships), social acceptance, and social support and peers. Participating in sports (eg, football), games (eg, chases), and playground activities might result from and contribute to being socially accepted, popular, and having friends to be active with.…”

Mixing qualitative research methods in children's geographies

“…In some ways, the interviews and observations were able to show how children's everyday experiences helped to reinforce their perception of ‘healthy’ as positive, thus complementing the ‘child‐centred’ methods. Children's encounters with sport, exercise and active play were often reported in the interviews as fun, pleasurable and enjoyable (see also Burrows et al 1999; Mulvihill et al 2000; Tuxworth 1997). My observations also confirmed the way that many of these activities were associated with enjoyment, although this was structured through factors such as gender and peer group influences.…”