Girls, Inc. Mentor Physical Activity Interest Survey
Advisor Information
Danae Dinkel
Location
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
6-3-2015 2:00 PM
End Date
6-3-2015 3:30 PM
Abstract
Inactivity during childhood places individuals at greater risk of chronic diseases.1 In the United States, only 27% of children meet the daily physical activity (PA) recommendations of 60 minutes of daily PA.2 Females, of all ages, are less likely than males to meet the PA recommendations and are in need of innovative programs to increase PA. One innovative option that has been minimally researched is by encouraging PA in mentoring relationships. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine the interest of mentors in participating in PA outings with mentees. Methods: A 15-question survey was developed to explore the interest of mentors of participating in PA with their mentee. Within the survey, sixteen PA opportunities were inquired with an option to propose additional suggestions. The survey was sent to 120 female mentors participating in the Girls, Inc. program. Results: All mentors (n=22) expressed an interest to engage in PA outings. Specifically, 90% were interested in biking, hiking and walking; over 50% were interested in horseback riding, kickball, rock wall climbing, swimming, tennis, and volleyball; and less than 50% were interested in ultimate Frisbee, soccer, basketball, disc golf, flag football, geocaching, and golf. Mentors also expressed a strong desire to engage in PA with other mentor pairs. Conclusion: Some female mentors are interested in engaging in PA with their mentees alongside other mentoring pairs. To further explore the abilities of mentoring relationships to promote PA, PA opportunities are being planned for the Girls, Inc. mentor program. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2012). Overweight and Obesity: Basics About Childhood Obesity. Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/ childhood/basics.html. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidy and Mortality Weekly Report (2014). Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance-United States, 2013. Surveillance Summaries. 63(4), 28.
Girls, Inc. Mentor Physical Activity Interest Survey
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Inactivity during childhood places individuals at greater risk of chronic diseases.1 In the United States, only 27% of children meet the daily physical activity (PA) recommendations of 60 minutes of daily PA.2 Females, of all ages, are less likely than males to meet the PA recommendations and are in need of innovative programs to increase PA. One innovative option that has been minimally researched is by encouraging PA in mentoring relationships. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine the interest of mentors in participating in PA outings with mentees. Methods: A 15-question survey was developed to explore the interest of mentors of participating in PA with their mentee. Within the survey, sixteen PA opportunities were inquired with an option to propose additional suggestions. The survey was sent to 120 female mentors participating in the Girls, Inc. program. Results: All mentors (n=22) expressed an interest to engage in PA outings. Specifically, 90% were interested in biking, hiking and walking; over 50% were interested in horseback riding, kickball, rock wall climbing, swimming, tennis, and volleyball; and less than 50% were interested in ultimate Frisbee, soccer, basketball, disc golf, flag football, geocaching, and golf. Mentors also expressed a strong desire to engage in PA with other mentor pairs. Conclusion: Some female mentors are interested in engaging in PA with their mentees alongside other mentoring pairs. To further explore the abilities of mentoring relationships to promote PA, PA opportunities are being planned for the Girls, Inc. mentor program. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2012). Overweight and Obesity: Basics About Childhood Obesity. Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/ childhood/basics.html. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidy and Mortality Weekly Report (2014). Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance-United States, 2013. Surveillance Summaries. 63(4), 28.