Author(s): GOTO, T., SHIMIZU, Y., Institution: MANCHESTER METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY , Country: JAPAN, Abstract-ID: 388

Young caregivers (YCs), including children and adolescents who assume adult-level caregiving responsibilities, often have limited access to academic, leisure, and physical activity opportunities that are essential for their physical and mental well-being. Although YCs are gaining attention in Japan, research and policy responses remain limited owing to the nature of the Japanese family system. This study aimed to explore strategies to promote physical activity among YCs.

The participants were 238 high school and university students aged 15–24 years (64 men, 168 women, and six others or non-respondents; M = 19.45 years, SD = 2.76) who had experience as YCs in their households. The online survey consisted of five sections: demographics, exercise participation and family support, physical activity indicators, preliminary facilitators, and barrier scales. Scales for sports-related facilitators and barriers were developed, and data were analyzed using correlation analysis, cluster analysis, one-way ANOVA with post hoc tests, and multiple regression analysis.

Scales with six factors and 29 items each for facilitators and barriers were developed, and their construct validity was confirmed using confirmatory factor analysis. Correlation analysis revealed that physical activity levels were positively associated with social recognition and competency improvement and negatively associated with exercise reluctance and time constraints. Cluster analysis identified three groups: only the high interference factor group showed significantly higher physical activity levels, whereas no difference was found between the high facilitation and low activation factor groups. Multiple regression analysis showed that social recognition and exercise satisfaction positively influenced physical activity levels, whereas time constraints and exercise reluctance had negative effects.

This study developed two reliable and valid scales for YCs’ physical activity: facilitation and barrier scales. These findings indicate that reducing barriers, particularly time constraints, should take priority over simply facilitating physical activity among the YCs. Therefore, this study proposes the need to (1) assess the actual time burden experienced by YCs, (2) develop support system that reduces caregiving responsibilities at home, and (3) provide opportunities for YCs to engage in physical activities. These findings underscore the importance of developing institutional frameworks, enhancing supportive services, and designing targeted intervention programs to enhance YCs’ well-being through physical activity.