Jago, Russell, Steeds, Joanna K., Bentley, Georgina F., Sebire, Simon J., Lucas, Patricia J., Fox, Kenneth R., Stewart-Brown, Sarah L. and Turner, Katrina M. (2012) Designing a physical activity parenting course : parental views on recruitment, content and delivery. BMC Public Health, Vol.12 (No.1). p. 356. doi:10.1186/1471-2458-12-356

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Abstract

Background
Many children do not engage in sufficient levels of physical activity (PA) and spend too much time screen-viewing (SV). High levels of SV (e.g. watching TV, playing video games and surfing the internet) and low levels of PA have been associated with adverse health outcomes. Parenting courses may hold promise as an intervention medium to change children’s PA and SV. The current study was formative work conducted to design a new parenting programme to increase children’s PA and reduce their SV. Specifically, we focussed on interest in a course, desired content and delivery style, barriers and facilitators to participation and opinions on control group provision.

Methods
In-depth telephone interviews were conducted with thirty two parents (29 female) of 6–8 year olds. Data were analysed thematically. An anonymous online survey was also completed by 750 parents of 6–8 year old children and descriptive statistics calculated.

Results
Interview participants were interested in a parenting course because they wanted general parenting advice and ideas to help their children be physically active. Parents indicated that they would benefit from knowing how to quantify their child’s PA and SV levels. Parents wanted practical ideas of alternatives to SV. Most parents would be unable to attend unless childcare was provided. Schools were perceived to be a trusted source of information about parenting courses and the optimal recruitment location. In terms of delivery style, the majority of parents stated they would prefer a group-based approach that provided opportunities for peer learning and support with professional input. Survey participants reported the timing of classes and the provision of childcare were essential factors that would affect participation. In terms of designing an intervention, the most preferred control group option was the opportunity to attend the same course at a later date.

Conclusions
Parents are interested in PA/SV parenting courses but the provision of child care is essential for attendance. Recruitment is likely to be facilitated via trusted sources. Parents want practical advice on how to overcome barriers and suggest advice is provided in a mutually supportive group experience with expert input.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman R Medicine > RJ Pediatrics
Divisions:	Faculty of Medicine > Warwick Medical School > Health Sciences > Mental Health and Wellbeing Faculty of Medicine > Warwick Medical School
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Parenting -- Study and teaching, Exercise for children
Journal or Publication Title:	BMC Public Health
Publisher:	Bio Med Central
ISSN:	1471-2458
Official Date:	2012
Dates:	Date Event 2012 Published
Date of first compliant deposit:	22 December 2015
Volume:	Vol.12
Number:	No.1
Page Range:	p. 356
DOI:	10.1186/1471-2458-12-356
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Open Access
Funder:	British Heart Foundation, National Institute for Health Research (Great Britain) (NIHR)
Grant number:	PG/10/025/28302 (BHF)

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