Identifying Opportunities to Promote Physical Activity in a Diverse Low-Income Population: A Mixed-Method Study at a Boys & Girls Club Site
Journal of Research and Practice in Children's Services: Child & Youth Care Forum Sept 2019
A mixed-method study conducted through RHCP and the Boys & Girls Club of Rochester (BGCR) explored physical activity engagement among children from diverse, low-income backgrounds. Quantitative data showed that while most children met physical activity guidelines, nearly half were overweight or obese and fewer than half met screen time recommendations. Focus groups with youth, staff, and caregivers revealed that environmental barriers—such as lack of equipment, staffing, and safe spaces—along with interpersonal and intrapersonal challenges like fear of judgment and competing responsibilities, limited physical activity. Facilitators included social support, adult modeling, structured activities, and access to outdoor spaces and equipment.
Stakeholders recommended enhancing physical activity through competitions, incentives, staff training, and increased family engagement. Caregivers expressed interest in supporting BGCR’s efforts but cited time and resource constraints. Staff emphasized the need for a community-wide vision for youth health and better infrastructure. The study highlighted the relevance of CBPR in designing interventions that address health disparities and suggested that afterschool programs like BGCR are promising venues for promoting physical activity. A hybrid model involving staff, peers, and caregivers may be more feasible and effective than traditional family-based interventions, especially for underserved populations.