Renee Umstattd-MeyerAllen, Samantha2012-05-072012-05-072012-05-052012-05-07http://hdl.handle.net/2104/8381Colonias residents the United States-Mexico border are medically underserved with disproportionate rates of diabetes and other obesity-related diseases. Although physical activity (PA) plays a role in preventing such diseases, a majority of this population fails to meet recommended PA guidelines. Given consistent support of theory to understand and/or increase PA participation, this study examined familial social support and social norms associated with PA engagement among colonias children using a Promotora model. Promotora researchers conducted surveys with 99 mother-child dyads in spring and summer of 2011. Mean parental social support for PA received by children was 6.77 (SD=5.76). Girls reported receiving less (µ=6.0, SD=5.5) total parental social support than boys (µ=7.8, SD=6.0). Thirty-nine percent of mothers also reported exercising with their children (22% of girls and 16% of boys), and 33% provided transportation to their children for PA. These findings indicate a need for improved social support to increase PA levels.en-USBaylor University projects are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. Contact libraryquestions@baylor.edu for inquiries about permission.childhood obesity, social theory, border healthThesisWorldwide access.Access changed 12/15/14.