Objective To investigate the influence of fathers and their parenting characteristics related to physical activity on the physical activity levels of preschool children, in order to provide a basis for enhancing the role of fathers in physical activity interventions. Methods From October 2020 to January 2021, a convenience cluster sampling method was employed to select 40 kindergartens across 8 cities in China, involving a total of 1 346 preschool children primarily raised by their fathers. Family demographic information was collected, and the Preschool Physical Activity Questionnaire (P-PAQ) was used to investigate the children's physical activity and fathers' parenting characteristics related to physical activity. Results For each additional year in the father's age, the compliance rates of children's outdoor activities and total physical activity decreased by 3% and 2%, respectively (OR=0.97 - 0.98, 95% CI: 0.96 - 1.00, P<0.05). Children whose fathers had a bachelor's degree or higher had screen time and outdoor activity compliance rates that were 1.48 and 1.38 times higher, respectively, than those whose fathers had less than a bachelor's degree (OR=1.38 - 1.48, 95% CI: 1.07 - 1.98, P<0.05). Children with fathers of normal body mas index (BMI) had moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and total physical activity compliance rates that were 1.33 and 1.28 times higher, respectively, than those with overweight or obese fathers (OR=1.28 - 1.33, 95% CI: 1.02 - 1.67, P<0.05). For each additional point in the father's physical activity parenting beliefs, the compliance rates of children's outdoor, moderate-to-vigorous, and total physical activity increased by 5% - 10% (OR=1.05 - 1.10, 95% CI: 1.00 - 1.15, P<0.05). For each additional point in the father's physical activity behavior, the compliance rates of children's outdoor time and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity increased by 4% (OR=1.04, 95% CI: 1.01 - 1.07, P<0.05). Conclusions Fathers' parenting characteristics related to physical activity may influence the physical activity levels of preschool children. Fathers with normal BMI, positive physical activity parenting beliefs, and good physical activity behaviors could serve as effective intervention strategies to improve the physical activity levels of preschool children.
Key words
fathers parenting characteristics related to physical activity /
preschool children /
physical activity
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