Predictors of Native American children's perceived status of health and physical shape

Pamela Kulinna, Ernesto R. Ramirez, Julie A. Jahn, Donetta J. Cothran, Ryan D. Burns, Tiffany Kloeppel

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

To increase our understanding of predictors of healthy behavior patterns in Native American children. Children from the Southwest (N = 145) United States were administered a questionnaire with predictors of healthy living behaviors (i.e., perceived health status and perceived physical shape [fitness]). Using structural equation modeling, significant path estimates were present for self-efficacy in predicting beliefs, for (removing) barriers, and for adult/peer support. Further, belief, barriers, and peer social support significantly predicted goals/intentions to be physically active. For children's perceived physical shape (fitness), similar results were found except with no significant relationship between self-efficacy and (removing) barriers. Efforts focusing on increasing support systems and improving experiences (leading to positive efficacy/beliefs) can lead to significantly greater goals/intentions and perhaps the adoption of healthy behavior patterns by children.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere12089
JournalJournal of Applied Biobehavioral Research
Volume22
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2017

Keywords

  • Native American
  • fitness
  • health
  • physical activity
  • psychosocial development

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cultural Studies
  • Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Social Sciences (miscellaneous)

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