Determinants of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in Flemish caregiving grandparents: a qualitative study

Oral Presentation B11.2

Authors

  • Marie Vermote Vrije Universiteit Brussel; Ghent University; Research Foundation-Flanders
  • Line Van Espen Vrije Universiteit Brussel
  • Benjamin Cuyvers Vrije Universiteit Brussel
  • Benedicte Deforche Vrije Universiteit Brussel; Ghent University
  • Tom Deliens Vrije Universiteit Brussel
  • Eva D'Hondt Vrije Universiteit Brussel

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.559

Keywords:

Grandparents, Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, Grandchild Care, Determinants

Abstract

Background: Evidence on the factors influencing caregiving grandparents’ energy-expenditure related behaviours is limited, although this knowledge seems imperative in the broader context of healthy aging. Purpose: This explorative qualitative study aimed to identify the determinants of physical activity and sedentary behaviour levels among Flemish caregiving grandparents, both in absence and especially in the presence of their grandchild(ren) aged between 0-5 years. Methods: Six focus group discussions were conducted consisting of 9 grandfathers and 28 grandmothers (60.4±4.0 years). Based on grounded theory, an inductive approach was used to derive subcategories, main categories and themes from the verbatim transcribed data using NVivo R1. Results: Caregiving grandparents’ levels of PA were reported to be influenced by individual factors (e.g. physical health, habits, attitudes), interpersonal factors (e.g. characteristics of the grandchild (such as age, motor development, mood, interests), support of the partner) and physical environmental factors (e.g. weather, duration and timing of care, caregiving environment). Although the caregiving grandparents reported to spent limited time in SB while providing care, the determinants specifying their SB levels during childcare largely overlapped with those of PA. Conclusions: This study showed that for caregiving grandparents the interplay of the abovementioned types of factors facilitates PA while providing care. However, having grandchildren within the 0-5-year age range who are still developing their motor competences result in more inactive moments for the grandparent. Funding: Study funded by 3Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO) (individual Fellowship; Fellowship number: FWOTM974).

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Vermote, M., Van Espen, L., Cuyvers, B., Deforche, B., Deliens, T., & D’Hondt, E. (2021). Determinants of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in Flemish caregiving grandparents: a qualitative study: Oral Presentation B11.2. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.559