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ARS Home » Plains Area » Houston, Texas » Children's Nutrition Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #434425
Research Project: Enhancing Childhood Health and Lifestyle Behaviors

Location: Children's Nutrition Research Center

Title: Exploring rural teens' perspectives on what influences their physical activity behaviors using photovoice

Author
item CHANDRASEKHARA, KESHAV - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC)
item MIRANDA, JULIE - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC)
item Sombuor, Titus
item CHHABRA, PEEHU - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC)
item CALLENDER, CHISHINGA - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC)
item Thompson, Deborah

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/15/2026
Publication Date: 4/18/2026
Citation: Chandrasekhara, K., Miranda, J., Sombuor, T.N., Chhabra, P., Callender, C., Thompson, D.J. 2026. Exploring rural teens' perspectives on what influences their physical activity behaviors using photovoice [abstract]. Rice University Natural Sciences Undergraduate Research Fair. April 18, 2026; Houston, TX. Poster Presentation.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Adolescents living in rural communities have higher overweight and obesity rates than their urban counterparts. Insufficient physical activity (PA) is a risk factor for both groups. This study investigates teen perspectives of how living in a rural community influences their PA choices. Using the photovoice method, 32 teens captured images representing their PA behaviors, provided informative captions, and participated in structured interviews to discuss the photo. Images and verbatim texts were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings are reported by key environments (home, social, community). Within the home environment, chores (e.g., mending fences) was a common source of PA. Parents and siblings influenced PA through chore expectations and companionship. Within the social environment, coaches and teammates played an important role in promoting sustained PA through performance expectations and shared team goals. Within the community environment, gyms and nature trails were the most used PA locations, with aesthetics encouraging regular use and PA enjoyment. This study's findings can inform future policies and programs aimed at improving PA levels among rural adolescents.