Abstract A021: Barriers and opportunities for out-of-school-time physical activity among children in a persistent poverty area of Houston, Texas

Abstract Background: Physical activity (PA) is associated with lower risk of several types of cancer and chronic disease conditions, and increased life expectancy. Children are an important priority population for PA promotion as PA established during childhood predicts adult PA, yet a large percentage of school-aged children in Texas and the U.S. (∼80%) do not meet daily PA recommendations. Given declining levels of child PA during the COVID-19 pandemic, current research is needed to better understand out-of-school-time (OST) PA, especially among children in economically underserved communities. Purpose: We aimed to describe the barriers and opportunities for OST PA among 4th-6th grade children living in the Acres Homes community, an historically under-resourced community in Houston, Texas. Methods: A cross-sectional, mixed methods pilot study was conducted comprised of a parent/guardian survey, key informant interviews with parents/community leaders, analysis of existing data, and observational assessment of OST schoolyard utilization. For this abstract, we present findings from our parent survey and key informant interviews based on descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Results: Participants included parents/guardians of 4th-6th grade children (n=64) from four public schools (whose children were 48.4% female, 42.2% Black and 53.1% Hispanic; 46.9% of parents were Spanish speakers, and 60.7% earned <$35K/year), and n=20 key informants. Parents/guardians indicated low overall child OST program participation (68.9%) – which varied by child race/ethnicity (Hispanic children participating less: 90.9% compared to 42.3% Black, p<.001), and parent education and income (p<.05). Top barriers for OST participation included: lack of transportation, lack of program availability, and cost. Participation in active commuting to/from school was overall low (87.3%-83.9% do not walk/bike to/from school), and between one-third to over one-half reported their child had not visited a park (34.4%) or recreation center (55.2%) in the past year. Lack of crossing guards, violence/crime, distance, and weather were top reasons for child not walking/biking to school; lack of time, distance, cost, and lack of transportation were top barriers for not visiting parks/recreation centers. Despite barriers with these forms of OST PA, parents shared promising ways they engage their children in OST PA, with themes that included active games, sports, going outdoors, and family walking. Key themes for increasing supports for child OST PA included: establish more free OST PA offerings- including theater and art; increase safety- including patrols and clean-up of some areas; enhance transportation; and provide greater social support from parents/teachers/leaders (encouragement, communication, instrumental support). Conclusions: Findings from this pilot study document key needs and opportunities for enhancing community and environmental supports for child OST PA in a persistent poverty area. Citation Format: Andrew E. Springer, Nida Momin, Elysia Chandler, Kenneth Hernandez, Alonzo Mims, Haley Gardiner, Ruth Rechis, Lorna McNeill, Karen Basen-Engquist. Barriers and opportunities for out-of-school-time physical activity among children in a persistent poverty area of Houston, Texas [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 18th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities; 2025 Sep 18-21; Baltimore, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2025;34(9 Suppl):Abstract nr A021.