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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Janie M. Leary, BSW, MPH¹, Sherry K. Gaines, PhD, RN², Judith L. Wold, PhD, RN², and David Adams, PhD, MPH³. (1) Armstrong Atlantic State University, Department of Health Sciences, 201 Solms Hall, 11935 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31419, 404-422-8697, learys2000@gmail.com, (2) Byrdine F. Lewis School of Nursing, Georgia State University, P. O. Box 4019, Atlanta, GA 30303-4019, (3) Department of Health Sciences, Armstrong Atlantic State University, 201 Solms Hall, 11935 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31419

This study assessed the physical activity preferences of preschoolers, parents, and childcare providers using an experimental tool. Parents and childcare providers completed a survey about personal activity preferences and their perception of the children's activity preferences. Children were interviewed using pictures of various activities to determine activity preferences. A score of 0-3 was considered primarily sedentary. A score of 4 or 5 was considered at risk for being sedentary. A score of 6-9 was considered physically active. The 76.5% of children scored £ 5 on the activity preference interview, resulting in classifications of sedentary or at risk for being sedentary. Sixty-eight percent of parents were classified as sedentary or at risk for being sedentary. There was a significant correlation between the activity scores based on preferences reported by parents and those reported by children (p < 0.05). There was not a significant correlation between parent and child self reported preferences and the parents' perceptions of the children's preferences. All of the childcare providers were classified as sedentary based on their responses. There were no significant correlations between the providers' activity scores and those of the children, nor was there significant difference between provider and child self-reported preferences and the providers' perceptions of the children's preferences. While children may appear very active to adults, in reality they may not be receiving enough physical activity to enjoy a life free from obesity-related illnesses. Adults are in a unique position to help children develop healthy physical activity habits that may track into adulthood.

Learning Objectives:

• Increase understanding of preschooler activity preferences.
• Describe an experimental tool for accessing preschooler and caregiver activity preferences.
• Discuss how parents and other caregivers can influence a preschooler's physical activity.

Keywords: Physical Activity, Child Health Promotion

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered