Physical Activity of Mexican-origin Children: Examining Parental Support.

Unlabelled: Objectives Mexican-origin children living along the US-Mexico border in colonias communities are medically underserved, at great risk for obesity-related diseases, and rarely meet physical activity guidelines. This study examined the roles of parental social support and social norms for physical activity among these children.

Methods: Promotora-researchers conducted one-on-one interview-administered surveys with 99 Mexican-origin mother-child dyads (n=198). Survey items examined perceptions of familial social support and norms relating to physical activity.

Results: Parental social support for physical activity received by children was low, and gender differences were detected. Discrepancies between mother and child perceptions were also detected.

Conclusions: High rates of overweight and obesity and low familial social support indicate a need for improved parental social support to increase physical activity levels and combat obesity among underserved Mexican-origin children residing in Texas border colonias.