Start Date
17-6-2025 12:30 PM
End Date
17-6-2025 2:00 PM
Abstract
Introduction Latino parents of children with developmental disabilities face significant health disparities, including higher rates of depression and chronic pain, compared to non-Latino white parents (Magaña & Smith, 2006). These disparities negatively impact well-being, highlighting the need for interventions addressing both physical and mental health. While physical activity can reduce these risks, limited research exists on factors influencing exercise participation among Latino parents. Thus, this study aimed to explore Latino parents' preferences toward an exercise program tailored to their needs, aiming to inform the future design of culturally appropriate interventions.
Methods Participants included 15 Latino parents of children aged 3 to 21 with developmental disabilities, from Wisconsin (n = 7) and Puerto Rico (n = 8). Data were collected via semi-structured interviews in Spanish and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2021). The Socio-Ecological Model (Bronfenbrenner, 1977) guided the study to explore the factors influencing exercise participation.
Results Four themes were constructed. Overall, participants preferred flexible programs with Spanish-speaking instructors and childcare services. They valued educational workshops, relatable role models, and a mix of cardio, strength, and relaxation exercises. Importantly, parents prioritized programs that enhanced health and supported their caregiving roles, emphasizing family involvement and personal well-being.
Conclusions In line with ISAPA's theme, "Creating New Opportunities to Thrive," the results showed the need for exercise programs that fit Latino parents' cultural needs, help overcome barriers, and support their health and families. This study offers practical insights for designing interventions that improve the well-being of underserved communities.
References
Bandura, A. (1986). Social foundations of thought and action: A social cognitive theory. Bandura, New York, NY: Prentice Hall.
Braun, V., and Clarke, V. (2021). Thematic analysis: A practical guide. London: Sage Publications; 2021.
Bronfenbrenner, U. (1977). Toward an experimental ecology of human development. American Psychologist, 32(7), 513–531. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066x.32.7.513
Magaña S. & Smith M. J. (2006). Health outcomes of midlife and aging of Latina and Black American mothers of children with developmental disabilities. Mental Retardation 44, 224–34.
Recommended Citation
Jaime Concepcion, Jamie L.; Pickett, Kristen A.; Doyle, Kecia; and Columna, Luis, "Preferences for Exercise among Latino Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities: A Qualitative Study" (2025). International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness. 45.
https://sword.cit.ie/isapa/2025/day2/45
Preferences for Exercise among Latino Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities: A Qualitative Study
Introduction Latino parents of children with developmental disabilities face significant health disparities, including higher rates of depression and chronic pain, compared to non-Latino white parents (Magaña & Smith, 2006). These disparities negatively impact well-being, highlighting the need for interventions addressing both physical and mental health. While physical activity can reduce these risks, limited research exists on factors influencing exercise participation among Latino parents. Thus, this study aimed to explore Latino parents' preferences toward an exercise program tailored to their needs, aiming to inform the future design of culturally appropriate interventions.
Methods Participants included 15 Latino parents of children aged 3 to 21 with developmental disabilities, from Wisconsin (n = 7) and Puerto Rico (n = 8). Data were collected via semi-structured interviews in Spanish and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2021). The Socio-Ecological Model (Bronfenbrenner, 1977) guided the study to explore the factors influencing exercise participation.
Results Four themes were constructed. Overall, participants preferred flexible programs with Spanish-speaking instructors and childcare services. They valued educational workshops, relatable role models, and a mix of cardio, strength, and relaxation exercises. Importantly, parents prioritized programs that enhanced health and supported their caregiving roles, emphasizing family involvement and personal well-being.
Conclusions In line with ISAPA's theme, "Creating New Opportunities to Thrive," the results showed the need for exercise programs that fit Latino parents' cultural needs, help overcome barriers, and support their health and families. This study offers practical insights for designing interventions that improve the well-being of underserved communities.
References
Bandura, A. (1986). Social foundations of thought and action: A social cognitive theory. Bandura, New York, NY: Prentice Hall.
Braun, V., and Clarke, V. (2021). Thematic analysis: A practical guide. London: Sage Publications; 2021.
Bronfenbrenner, U. (1977). Toward an experimental ecology of human development. American Psychologist, 32(7), 513–531. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066x.32.7.513
Magaña S. & Smith M. J. (2006). Health outcomes of midlife and aging of Latina and Black American mothers of children with developmental disabilities. Mental Retardation 44, 224–34.
