Family and Home Influences on Children's Physical Activity
Author Information
Author(s): Alison M McMinn, Esther MF van Sluijs, Claire M Nightingale, Simon J Griffin, Derek G Cook, Chris G Owen, Alicja R Rudnicka, Peter H Whincup
Primary Institution: Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit, Cambridge, UK
Hypothesis
The prevalence of family and home factors and their associations with physical activity might vary across ethnic groups.
Conclusion
Some family and home environmental factors have modest associations with childhood physical activity, and these are mostly similar across different ethnic groups.
Supporting Evidence
- Family PA support and having a pet were associated with higher average physical activity.
- Car ownership and internet access at home were associated with lower average physical activity.
- The number of siblings showed varying associations with physical activity across different ethnic groups.
Takeaway
Having supportive family members and pets can help kids be more active, while having a car or internet at home might make them less active.
Methodology
Cross-sectional study measuring physical activity in 9-10 year-old children using accelerometers and questionnaires on family and home factors.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reported ethnicity and family factors.
Limitations
The study is cross-sectional, limiting causal inferences, and only a selection of family and home factors were included.
Participant Demographics
Mean age 9.95 years; 47.8% male; 25% white European, 28% black African-Caribbean, 24% South Asian, 24% other ethnic origin.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.04
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 1,10
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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