Physical Activity Beliefs and Influences from Inner City, Low-Income Children’s Perspectives: A Qualitative Study

ABSTRACT

Low-income children are at increased risk for obesity and have low levels of physical activity. The objective of this study was to use qualitative methodology to understand low-income, urban children’s beliefs about physical activity. Children (n = 52) who were 8–12 years old and lived in an urban, low-income household participated in 8 focus groups. Children were predominantly Native American or African American. Focus group questions were based on the social cognitive theory. Open coding methods were used for focus group analysis. Three major themes were identified: (1) community programs and school impact physical activity, (2) physical environment effects activity level, and (3) social factors influence physical activity. Changes at the policy level should be considered to improve accessibility to safe venues for physical activity, such as recreation centers and community programs.

KEYWORDS:

• Climate
• social environment
• community programs
• neighborhood safety
• low-income children

Acknowledgements

We thank the children for voluntarily participating in this study and sharing their valuable insights. We also thank Diana Adamson, Pat Koch, Stephanie Siegel, and Albert Greene at the Boys and Girls Club of the Twin Cities and Julie Green and Rachel Greenwalt at the Ginew/Golden Eagle Program and their staff for their help with coordinating focus groups.

Funding

This project was funded by the USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Education Program.

Additional information

Funding

This project was funded by the USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Education Program.