Barriers, facilitators, and feasibility of family-based physical activity: the role of socioeconomic status

Background: Family-based physical activity is a potential avenue for physical activity promotion amongst children and their parents. The facilitators and barriers to family-based physical activity, families’ perceptions of the feasibility of family-based physical activity prior to an intervention, and the influence of socioeconomic status (SES) on these, are unknown. Purpose: To determine the perceived facilitators, barriers, and factors affecting the feasibility of family-based physical activity, and how SES influences these variables. Methods: Whole-family focus groups and parent and child interviews were conducted with 24 families (n=79; 37 parents, 42 children), who were categorised into low (deciles 1-3), middle (deciles 4-7), or high (deciles 8-10) SES using the Index of Multiple Deprivation. Focus groups and interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using content analysis, with an inductive and semantic approach. Results: Regardless of SES, parental role modelling was a key facilitator to being physically active whilst high cost, and lack of free time were barriers mentioned by families. There were differences between families based on SES; families from high-middle SES discussed access to local facilities as a facilitator of physical activity, whilst this was a barrier for low SES families. Regardless of SES, when discussing the feasibility of family-based physical activity, differing levels of fitness between children and parents was a factor mentioned across generations. All parents thought family-based physical activity would allow for quality family-time, whilst children expressed that family-based physical activity sessions would feel safe. Conclusion: Family-based physical activity allows for quality family-time and provides a safe environment, but differing levels of fitness between parents and children and cost, should be considered. Furthermore, access to facilities may be a particular barrier for low SES families. Practical Implications: These findings can inform the development of family-based physical activity interventions for families from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds.
Funding: N/A