Too Tired, Too Busy, Still Trying: Perspectives on Exercise Participation Among Latino Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

El estudio analiza los factores que influyen en la participación en actividad física de padres latinos con hijos con discapacidades del desarrollo en Wisconsin y Puerto Rico. Mediante un enfoque cualitativo basado en entrevistas semiestructuradas, se identificaron barreras como la falta de tiempo, el cansancio, limitaciones económicas, ausencia de cuidado infantil y barreras lingüísticas. También se identificaron facilitadores como el apoyo familiar, los objetivos de salud personal y estrategias de planificación. Los resultados muestran cómo las responsabilidades de cuidado, los valores culturales y las desigualdades estructurales condicionan la participación en ejercicio físico. El estudio destaca la necesidad de diseñar programas culturalmente adaptados que promuevan la salud y el bienestar de estas familias.

Purpose Latino parents of children with developmental disabilities (DD) face elevated risk of depression, chronic pain, and other health disparities. While physical activity can support their well-being, little is known about the factors that influence their exercise participation. The purpose of this study was to explore factors that influence exercise participation among Latino parents of children with DD in Wisconsin, United States, and Puerto Rico. Methods A descriptive qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews in Spanish. Participants were recruited employing purposive and snowball sampling strategies. Fifteen Latino parents (11 mothers and 4 fathers; 43.3±6.83 years) of children aged 3 to 21 with developmental disabilities were interviewed. Results Four themes related to barriers and facilitators were identified. Conclusion Findings highlight barriers such as limited time and resources, and facilitators including support and personal motivation, informing culturally responsive interventions.