24-hour Movement Behaviors in Minority Children from Low-income Families in the U.S

Abstract

Purpose: We examined adherence to the 24-hr movement guidelines in a sample of primarily African American children from low-income families in the U.S. Secondly, we examined how parental practices and the screen environment within the home related to child health behaviors. Methods: 48 families completed questionnaires regarding child screen time, sleep, and parental practices/screen environment within the home. Children’s moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was assessed using Actigraphs. Adherence to guidelines was calculated as a percentage of the population who met guidelines, and differences MVPA, screen time, and sleep were examined between children from families with and without screen time rules and between children who did and did not have access to screens in the room where they slept. Results: One child (3%) met all 24-hour movement recommendations during the week, and 7 children (26%) met all on the weekend. Children with access to screens where theft slept had more weekday screen time than children without access to screens (p<0.05). Children with screen time rules engaged in more MVPA on weekdays than children without rules (p<0.05). Conclusion: Children mostly failed to meet guidelines. Parental practices and home screen environment influenced children’s movement behaviors.