Date of Award

Spring 3-25-2004

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

MS in Physician Assistant Studies (PA)

Department

Physician Assistant Studies

First Advisor

Beth Alexander

Second Advisor

Dawn B. Ludwig

Abstract

Background Research has shown that physical activity levels are declining in children and adolescents of racial and ethnic minority groups. It has been suggested that social influences may play an important role in these trends. A large and growing Hmong population exists in Minnesota and there is no data regarding physical or sedentary activity trends or possible underlying social influences within this group. This study examined the physical activity levels, sedentary leisure habits, and social influences in a group of Hmong children and adolescents Methods. Following a descriptive, qualitative design, a sample of 45 Hmong children and adolescents in a rural Minnesota community were surveyed regarding physical activity, sedentary habits, and possible social influence of parents, peers, and teachers in these habits. Results. The population reported spending 4-6 days per week in physical activities. The numbers of weekly hours in physical and sedentary activities were 8-10 and 6-9, respectively. Frequencies showed that parents, peers, and teachers were reported as influential in physical activity habits. Correlations between physical activity levels with gender and age yielded no significance. Further, there was no significance found between physical activity levels or social influences with the amount of time being spent in physical or sedentary activities. Conclusions. The population involved in this project is meets the national physical activity and sedentary behavior guidelines. There also appears to be positive social support from parents, peers, and teachers

Identifier

SC 11.PAS.2004.Smith.K

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