Examining the role of parental self-regulation in family physical activity: A mixed-methods approach

ABSTRACT Introduction United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) cadets are at risk for sustaining concussions; however, several factors inhibit disclosure. We aimed to better understand the role of social support in concussion disclosure. Methods and Materials We used a mixed methods approach with an electronic survey and interviews. The survey used a 9-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree and 9 = strongly agree) to assess concussion disclosure. Survey items asked cadets whom they felt most comfortable disclosing a concussion or bell-ringer/ding to, how quickly they would seek medical attention for a suspected concussion or bell-ringer/ding, whether cadets would be generally supportive/unsupportive of another cadet disclosing a concussion to medical staff, and whether other cadets important to them would be generally supportive/unsupportive if they reported a concussion to medical staff. Two multivariate linear regressions, one for concussion and one for bell-ringers/dings, were calculated to determine whether cadet choice of the person they felt most comfortable disclosing a concussion or bell-ringer/ding to predicted whether they would immediately seek medical attention for either condition. Choice of person included Air Officer Commanding (AOC)/Academy Military Trainer (AMT), upper classmen, cadet who had recovered from a concussion, cadet, closest friend, teammate, and squadmate. Descriptive analyses assessed whether cadets felt supported or unsupported by other cadets and by those who were important to them concerning concussion reporting. Thirty-four semi-structured interviews were conducted with cadets to explore their views on concussion disclosure. Results Increased comfort with disclosing a suspected concussion to an AOC/AMT had higher agreement seeking medical attention (β = 0.28, P < .001). For every 1-point increase in being comfortable disclosing a potential bell-ringer/ding to an AOC/AMT (β = 0.272, P < .001), squadmate (β = 0.241, P = .002), and teammate (β = −0.182, P = .035), agreement for seeking medical attention immediately increased 0.27, increased 0.24, and decreased 0.18, respectively. Interviews indicated cadets would often speak to a peer before seeking medical attention. Conclusions Our results suggested that cadets felt comfortable reporting a suspected concussion or bell-ringer/ding to various peers and that those peers would be supportive of that choice, indicating social support. Future interventions should include educating cadets that peers may come to them, especially if they are AOCs/AMTs or squadmates.

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Feasibility of a Lifestyle Physical Activity Intervention to Prevent Memory Loss in Older Women With Cardiovascular Disease: A Mixed-Methods Approach

Canadian Journal of Nursing Research ◽

10.1177/0844562119856233 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 084456211985623 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Shannon Halloway ◽

JoEllen Wilbur ◽

Michael E. Schoeny ◽

Lynne T. Braun ◽

Neelum T. Aggarwal ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Cardiovascular Disease ◽

Mixed Methods ◽

Physical Activity Intervention ◽

Memory Loss ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Mixed Methods Approach ◽

High Satisfaction ◽

Post Test ◽

Lifestyle Physical Activity

Background Memory loss in older age affects women more than men and cardiovascular disease is a leading risk factor. Physical activity can improve memory in healthy older adults; however, few physical activity interventions have targeted women with cardiovascular disease, and none utilized lifestyle approaches. Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of a 24-week lifestyle physical activity intervention (physical activity prescription, five group meetings, and nine motivational interviewing calls). Methods A sequential mixed-methods approach was used. Participants were 18 sedentary women ≥65 years with cardiovascular disease and without cognitive impairment recruited in August 2017. Feasibility, acceptability, self-reported health, accelerometer-assessed physical activity, and neurocognitive memory tests were measured using a pre-post test design. Two post-intervention focus groups ( n = 8) were conducted in June 2018. Concept analysis was used to identify barriers/motivators of intervention participation. Results Meeting attendance was >72% and retention was 94%. Participants rated the program with high satisfaction. There were significant improvements at 24 weeks in self-rated physical health, objective daily steps, and estimated cardiorespiratory fitness ( d = .30–.64). Focus group themes generated recommendations for modifying the intervention. Conclusion Findings support adapting the intervention further for women with cardiovascular disease and testing it in an efficacy trial.

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