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

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.