Sedentary and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity among preschool-aged Latino children in farmworker families

Statement of the Problem. Evidence suggests substantially elevated rates of obesity among farmworker children, but little data exist on their physical activity patterns: one of the two primary causes of obesity. The aims of this analysis are to 1) describe time spent in sedentary and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA); and 2) delineate variation in sedentary and MVPA by selected personal, housing, and family-related correlates.

Methods. The Ninos Sanos study is a prospective longitudinal cohort study (N=248) of Latino preschool-aged children's dietary and physical activity habits.

Results. 27.4% of the sample were in a migrant farmworker family, most children were female (52%), and fully 98% of children were born in the US while 85% of mothers were born in Mexico. The average child was sedentary 6 hours/day (M=395.1 minutes, SD=140.5), not including sleep. Children engaged in little MVPA (M=8.2, SD=7.5). Being sedentary was more common during “warm” season (April – October) than “cool” season (November – March). Children with farmworker mothers spent more time in MVPA. Maternal reports of how frequently the child is taken to parks or play spaces are associated with more time in MVPA.

Discussion. Time spent sedentary is substantial among Latino children in farmworker families, and there is a substantial gap between time spent in MVPA and recommended levels of physical activity. Refined attempts to incorporate movement into head start curriculum may be needed, and outreach activities advocating taking children to public parks and play spaces may promote regular physical activity among farmworker children.