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Article
Exploring the physical activity and screen-viewing-related knowledge, training, and self-efficacy of early childhood education candidates
BMC Pediatrics
  • Brianne A. Bruijns, Western University
  • Kristi B. Adamo, University of Ottawa
  • Shauna M. Burke, Western University
  • Valerie Carson, University of Alberta
  • Jennifer D. Irwin, Western University
  • Patti Jean Naylor, University of Victoria
  • Brian W. Timmons, McMaster University
  • Leigh M. Vanderloo, Hospital for Sick Children University of Toronto
  • Patricia Tucker, Western University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-5-2019
URL with Digital Object Identifier
10.1186/s12887-018-1358-6
Abstract

Background: Early childhood educators greatly influence young children's physical activity and screen-viewing behaviours in childcare. However, educators have requested additional training in physical activity programming, and one logical place to provide this education is during their pre-service schooling. This study explored the physical activity and screen-viewing-related knowledge, training, and self-efficacy of early childhood education (ECE) candidates across Canada, to determine their confidence and ability to facilitate physical activity opportunities and limit screen-viewing among young children in childcare. Methods: Key program personnel at 61 (of 110) Canadian colleges/universities offering an ECE program agreed to participate in this cross-sectional study. An online survey (112 items; 9 domains), developed by experts using the Tailored Design Method, was administered via Qualtrics© to a sample of 1292 ECE candidates. Descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U-tests, and chi-square tests were used to report participant demographics and physical activity and screen-viewing-related knowledge (i.e., of physical activity and screen-viewing concepts), training (i.e., physical activity and screen-viewing courses/content received), and self-efficacy (i.e., to facilitate physical activity and limit screen-viewing in childcare) of candidates. Results: ECE candidates exhibited the least amount of knowledge regarding the impact of screen-viewing on physiological outcomes (i.e., blood pressure) in young children. Further, only 32.2 and 26.7% of candidates reported completing physical activity or screen-viewing courses during their post-secondary training, respectively. Candidates who completed one or more physical activity or screen-viewing courses exhibited significantly greater (p <.05) self-efficacy than those without such training related to ensuring children were engaging in adequate moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Confidence to limit screen time did not differ. Candidates reporting meeting national physical activity recommendations (i.e., 150+ minutes of MVPA/week) exhibited significantly greater (p <.05) physical activity-related self-efficacy than those not meeting these guidelines. Conclusions: Findings from this work highlight both the need for and the potential of supplementary physical activity and screen-viewing content in post-secondary ECE programs to benefit candidates' knowledge and self-efficacy in these areas. Introducing this content at the post-secondary level will ensure that all early childhood educators are appropriately trained regarding physical activity and screen-viewing before entering a childcare-based profession, where they can positively influence young children's health behaviours.

Citation Information
Brianne A. Bruijns, Kristi B. Adamo, Shauna M. Burke, Valerie Carson, et al.. "Exploring the physical activity and screen-viewing-related knowledge, training, and self-efficacy of early childhood education candidates" BMC Pediatrics Vol. 19 Iss. 1 (2019)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/dr_shauna_burke/167/