Familial and Parental Predictors of Physical Activity in Late Adolescence: Prospective Analysis over a Two-Year Period

Abstract

Children’s health behaviors are highly influenced by their parents and family. This study aimed to prospectively evaluate the parental/familial factors associated with physical activity levels (PALs) among older adolescents. The participants were 766 adolescents, who were prospectively observed at baseline (when they were 16 years of age), at first follow-up measurement (FU1; 17 years of age), and second follow-up measurement (FU2; 18 years of age). Sociodemographic factors (age, gender, socioeconomic status, and sport participation) and parental/familial variables were evaluated at baseline. PALs (evidenced by the Physical-Activity Questionnaire-for-Adolescents) were prospectively evidenced at baseline, FU1, and FU2. Factorial analysis of variance for repeated measurements showed a significant decrease in PALs during the study course (F = 83.05, p < 0.001). Sport participation and male gender were significant predictors of PALs at baseline, FU1, and FU2. Logistic regression, controlled for sport participation and male gender, evidenced paternal education as a significant predictor of baseline PALs. Parental conflict was a significant predictor of PALs in all three testing waves. The significant influence of paternal education on the children’s PALs existed from younger adolescence until the age of 17 years. The association between parental conflict and PALs developed in older adolescence. These results should be used in the development of specific and targeted interventions aimed at the improvement of PALs and a reduction of sedentarism in youth.

Study of Parents` Influence Over the Physical Activity and Sports of Adolescents From Different Ethnicities in Plovdiv

“…In other words, there is no evidence that a specific age only should be considered "critical" in terms of a more rapid decline in PALs. [9]. The results showed that the relationship between perceived parental support and physical activity enjoyment is mediated by the overweight and obese adolescents' perceived cardiorespiratory fitness and flexibility.…”

Cross-Sectional Associations between Playing Sports or Electronic Games in Leisure Time and Life Satisfaction in 12-Year-Old Children from the European Union

“…The association between low levels of physical activity and an increased use of new technologies, and, consequently, the increased time spent by children in front of a screen, cannot be understood without considering the current society, which is increasingly affected by circumstances that constantly pose new and different threats to well-being in general and to children in particular [ 63 ]. Faced with this contextual scenario, it is important to consider the greatest possible involvement of parents and teachers to promote the reduction and adequacy of exposure to the computer screen, in an era where the use of digital technology is so integrated [ 47 , 64 , 65 ].…”

Indices of Cardiovascular Health, Body Composition and Aerobic Endurance in Young Women; Differential Effects of Two Endurance-Based Training Modalities

“…Moreover, studies regularly confirm the positive preventive and therapeutic effects of increased PA on many chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular and tumour diseases [3,4]. Therefore, increase in PA is recognised as a worldwide public health priority [5][6][7]. Nowadays, increase in PA activity is most commonly associated with the inclusion of a certain type of physical exercise (PE) in the individuals' daily rhythm.…”