Children with Chronic Diseases and Physical Activity
Author Information
Author(s): Jennifer Fereday, Colin MacDougall, Marianne Spizzo, Philip Darbyshire, Wendy Schiller
Primary Institution: Children, Youth and Women's Health Service, South Australia
Hypothesis
How do children with chronic diseases perceive and manage their physical activity?
Conclusion
Children with chronic diseases do not see their conditions as barriers to participating in physical activities, thanks to strong parental support.
Supporting Evidence
- Children reported engaging in a variety of physical activities without citing chronic illness as a barrier.
- Parents actively planned and managed their children's participation in sports and activities.
- Children expressed a strong belief that they could do anything their peers could do.
Takeaway
Kids with chronic illnesses can still play and be active just like their friends, especially when their parents help them stay healthy.
Methodology
Qualitative data collection through focus groups, maps, photos, and interviews.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in sample selection as families who participated may have been more active than those who did not.
Limitations
The study is limited to a small sample size from one state in Australia, which may not represent broader populations.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 4-16 years with type 1 diabetes, asthma, or cystic fibrosis.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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