Physical activity behaviors of rural preschoolers.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the physical activity and active play of rural preschoolers. METHOD: A micro-ethnography approach using observation, photography, individual interviews, and focus groups led to five major themes describing preschool activity and play in the rural area. FINDINGS: The five major themes describing preschool activity and play in the rural area were Self-Reliance, Learning Through Play, One Big Rural Family, Rural Surroundings, and Money Matters. CONCLUSIONS: Rural areas may not be as conducive to every day physical activity for children as traditionally believed. Nurses can apply these results when intervening to increase physical activity levels of preschool children.