Factors Influencing Maternal Support for Physical Activity of Preschool Children

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore maternal physical activity support for preschool children. METHODS: Survey methodology using a self-administered questionnaire was employed. Mothers with preschool children from a daycare center in Daejeon participated in the study. One hundred and fifty-six questionnaires were analyzed. RESULTS: Mothers with preschool children showed a moderate level of physical activity support for their children. Significant factors affecting physical activity support of mothers were monthly household income (beta=.417, p=.002), maternal self-efficacy for physical activity support (beta=.231, p=.003), information for physical activity support (beta=.173, p=.022), and experience of education about physical activity support (beta=.237, p=.002). These variables explained 26.4% of the variance in physical activity support (F=7.628, p<.001). CONCLUSION: To improve maternal support for increasing physical activity of preschool children, maternal education and appropriate information should be provided to improve self-efficacy for physical activity support.