Is being a physically active parent related to having a physically active son/daughter?

Abstract Background Engaging in physical activity (PA) during childhood and adolescence can promote lifelong healthy habits and improve overall health. Physically active parents could play a key role in influencing the sons’ and daughters’ PA. The study aimed to evaluate the levels of PA among children and adolescents and to investigate the possible relationship with PA levels of parents. Methods This cross-sectional study involved a random sample of parents of a son/daughter aged 5 to 17 years in the Southern part of Italy. Data were collected through an anonymous self-administered questionnaire designed to retrieve i) sociodemographic characteristics and anthropometric data, ii) parent’s knowledge about the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines (GL) about PA, iii) levels of PA of son/daughter and parent. Results Preliminary findings refer to a sample of 230 parents, of whom, 52.2% were women with a mean age of 38.6 (SD ± 6.8) years. The vast majority of the sample was employed (79.6%) and married (89.1%). Less than half (48.7%) were knowledgeable about WHO’s GLs for PA both in adults (52.6%) and children/adolescents (74.8%). Almost two-thirds (63%) of parents practised PA according to WHO’s GLs. Among sons/daughters, 44.4% practised PA according to WHO’s GLs. The results of the multivariate analysis showed that sons/daughters of physically active parents had higher odds of practising PA according to WHO’s GLs (OR:6.48, 95%CI:3.29-12.79). Similarly, those with parents knowledgeable about WHO’s GLs for PA (OR:3.19, 95%CI:1.75-5.83) were more likely to practise PA according to WHO’s GLs. Conclusions Preliminary results reveal a lack of compliance with WHO’s GL on PA, especially among children and adolescents. This is of concern since it is linked to negative health outcomes in the future. The figure that sons/daughters of active parents had a higher likelihood of being active highlights that public health organizations should prioritise family-based interventions for PA. Key messages • Almost one-third of adults and more than half of the children and adolescents in the sample did not comply with WHO’s recommendations for physical activity. • Sons and daughters of physically active parents are more likely to be active, prompting the need for family-based public health intervention to promote physical activity.