Interplay of parental, social, environmental factors related to outdoor play in childcare centers during COVID-19

Oral

Abstract Overview

Background: Outdoor play boosts physical activity in young children, positively affecting healthy development. Childcare is a key setting for promoting outdoor play at a population level.

Purpose: This study aimed to 1) identify underlying subgroups of childcare centers based on the interplay of co-existing contextual (i.e., parental, social, environmental) factors related to outdoor play during COVID-19, and 2) examine whether these subgroups displayed mean-level differences in outdoor play.

Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized questionnaire data collected during COVID-19 (June-August 2021) from 193 childcare center directors in Alberta, Canada. Directors reported five contextual factors related to outdoor play: changes in parental interest in outdoor play, social support from the provincial government, health authority, and licensing, as well as changes in the number of play areas in licensed outdoor spaces. Directors also reported on outdoor play and center demographics. Outdoor play frequency and duration were calculated for both toddlers (19-35 months) and preschoolers (36-60 months). Latent profile analysis was conducted using a bias-adjusted 3-step approach.

Results: We identified four underlying subgroups characterized by different levels of social support. Within each subgroup, minimal change was observed in the parental interest in outdoor play and the number of play areas in licensed outdoor spaces. These subgroups were labeled low, moderate, high, and very high social support groups, comprising 20.4%, 30.6%, 33.8%, and 15.1% of childcare centers, respectively. Childcare centers in the very high social support subgroup reported higher levels of outdoor play frequency and duration for both toddlers and preschoolers compared to centers belonging to the other three subgroups.

Conclusion: During COVID-19, the childcare centers that experienced higher social support best promoted outdoor play.

Practical implications: Identifying childcare subgroups can help tailor interventions to target those most likely to benefit, in an effort to promote outdoor play.

Funding: VC’s Killam Accelerator Research award.

Additional Authors

Name: Madison Boyd
Affiliation: University of Alberta
Presenting Author: no
Name: Cody Davenport
Affiliation: University of Alberta
Presenting Author: no
Name: Valerie Carson
Affiliation: University of Alberta
Presenting Author: no

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Information

Study Type: Epidemiology
Subtheme: Other (please specify)
Subtheme other Title: Population health
Population Group: Early Childhood
Setting: School

Submitting Author

Yeongho Hwang
PhD Candidate
University of Alberta
Canada

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