Feasibility of objectively measuring habitual physical activity and sedentary behaviour in White British and South Asian toddlers and their parents – the Born in Bradford cohort study

Publication Summary

PURPOSE: To assess the feasibility of recruiting and objectively measuring the habitual physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) of South Asian and White British toddlers and parents participating in the Born in Bradford (BIB) cohort study. METHODS: Families of 2-3 year olds were informed about the study during routine BIB assessments. Interested families provided contact details and were contacted to discuss participating in the study. Consenting families received home visits for anthropometric measurements, interviews, accelerometer delivery and collection. Participants (children and parents) were instructed to wear the ActiGraph GT3X+ (at the hip, using an elastic belt) throughout waking hours for 8 consecutive days. Descriptive statistics were analysed to test the differences between South Asian and White British families regarding recruitment and compliance (Chi-square). RESULTS: 160 families (30%South Asian) provided contact details, and 97 (22% South Asians) agreed to enter the study. More White British families agreed to enter the study than South Asians (78% versus 54%; p=0.006). We were unable to organise data collection with 17 families (35% South Asians). Of 89 toddlers issued with an ActiGraph, 85% wore the accelerometer for ≥1 valid day (no ethnic differences), 34% complied with the 8-day protocol (significantly less South Asians; p=0.023), and 75% provided ≥3 valid days to assess habitual PA/SB (no ethnic differences). Of 133 parents (60%mothers; 23% South Asians) issued with an accelerometer, 93% wore the accelerometer for ≥1 valid day, 41% complied with the 8-day protocol, and 84% provided ≥3 valid days to assess habitual PA/SB. Rates of parents complying with the 8-day protocol and providing ≥3 valid days did not differ significantly between ethnicities. Some issues arose during data collection (e.g. child refusing to wear accelerometer), but several strategies (e.g. magnet/text message reminders) were used and showed success in promoting compliance. CONCLUSIONS: In this study set in a UK urban environment, South Asian families were significantly harder to recruit, suggesting that greater efforts or different strategies may be required to successfully recruit South Asians into similar studies. However, South Asians consenting to participate are as likely as White British families to provide sufficient data to assess habitual PA/SB.