Physical activity and social connectedness in single-parent families

Denise Azar, Geraldine A. Naughton, Corey W. Joseph

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Little is known about how to promote physical activity in single-parent families. We evaluated physical activity, barriers to physical activity and social connectedness changes in single-parent families following a one year YMCA programme. At baseline, 106 single parents completed a survey about physical activity, barriers to activity and social connectedness. Sixty-four parents provided data after 12 months. Self-reported minutes of physical activity per week decreased over the 12 months (p < 0.05). However, perceptions of activity over the 12 months increased 44% for parents and 66% for children. Family-related barriers that decreased following the programme included a lack of time and affordability of existing opportunities. Compared with their baseline responses, parents at 12 months showed an increased frequency of visits with friends (p < 0.05). Difficulties in recruiting and retaining single parents to complete the evaluation are testimony to the current poor understanding of the leisure needs of single-parent families. The results provide direction for future research.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)349-358
Number of pages10
JournalLeisure Studies
Volume28
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2009
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Barriers
  • Physical activity
  • Single parents
  • Social connectedness

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