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Understanding neighborhood environment related to Hong Kong children's physical activity: a qualitative study using nominal group technique. PLoS One 2014; 9:e106578. [PMID: 25187960 PMCID: PMC4154758 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0106578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2014] [Accepted: 08/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Relationships between the neighborhood environment and children's physical activity have been well documented in Western countries but are less investigated in ultra-dense Asian cities. The aim of this study was to identify the environmental facilitators and barriers of physical activity behaviors among Hong Kong Chinese children using nominal group technique. METHODS Five nominal groups were conducted among 34 children aged 10-11 years from four types of neighborhoods varying in socio-economic status and walkability in Hong Kong. Environmental factors were generated by children in response to the question "What neighborhood environments do you think would increase or decrease your willingness to do physical activity?" Factors were prioritized in order of their importance to children's physical activity. RESULTS Sixteen unique environmental factors, which were perceived as the most important to children's physical activity, were identified. Factors perceived as physical activity-facilitators included "Sufficient lighting", "Bridge or tunnel", "Few cars on roads", "Convenient transportation", "Subway station", "Recreation grounds", "Shopping malls with air conditioning", "Fresh air", "Interesting animals", and "Perfume shop". Factors perceived as physical activity-barriers included "People who make me feel unsafe", "Crimes nearby", "Afraid of being taken or hurt at night", "Hard to find toilet in shopping mall", "Too much noise", and "Too many people in recreation grounds". CONCLUSIONS Specific physical activity-related environmental facilitators and barriers, which are unique in an ultra-dense city, were identified by Hong Kong children. These initial findings can inform future examinations of the physical activity-environment relationship among children in Hong Kong and similar Asian cities.
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Predictors of food and physical activity patterns among schoolchildren in the region of Sousse, Tunisia. Obes Res Clin Pract 2014; 7:e407-13. [PMID: 24304483 DOI: 10.1016/j.orcp.2012.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2011] [Accepted: 05/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
AIM To facilitate the improvement of future interventions, it's important to know the determinants of healthy behaviors. Our aim was to determine the predictors of healthy habits in a school based intervention study to promote healthy diet and physical activity among schoolchildren in the region of Sousse, Tunisia. METHODS It was a quasi-experimental intervention study with two groups: control and intervention group with pre-post evaluation of nutrition and physical activity intention and behavior in each group. The target population was composed with students aged 12-16 years schooled in colleges of Sousse in Tunisia. To evaluate the intervention, a sampling was used to include 2200 students who participated to the questionnaire. All the students of intervention group received a standardized program with information about healthy nutrition and physical activity. An Arabic pre-tested and auto-administered questionnaire was used to assess nutrition and physical activity intention and behavior before and after the intervention. RESULTS The intervention group's posttest knowledge and behavioral intention were significantly higher than the control group's posttest. No significant differences occurred in posttest attitudes between the control and intervention groups. A multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify the predictors of students' "healthy behavior". CONCLUSION This school based intervention improved eating and physical activity intentions and behaviors among schoolchildren. "Healthy behaviors' were determined by age, father's profession and home characteristics. This finding could direct future interventions to disadvantaged categories.
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Lenhart CM, Patterson F, Brown MD, O'Brien MJ, Nelson DB. Disparity in Physical Activity Among Urban Youth: An Ecologically Guided Assessment. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEALTH EDUCATION 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/19325037.2014.916638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Stanley RM, Ridley K, Olds TS, Dollman J. Development and psychometric properties of the Y-PASS questionnaire to assess correlates of lunchtime and after-school physical activity in children. BMC Public Health 2014; 14:412. [PMID: 24885601 PMCID: PMC4041362 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-14-412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2013] [Accepted: 04/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background To frame interventions, it is useful to understand context- and time-specific correlates of children’s physical activity. To do this, we need accurate assessment of these correlates. There are currently no measures that assess correlates at all levels of the social ecological model, contain items that are specifically worded for the lunchtime and/or after-school time periods, and assess correlates that have been conceptualised and defined by children. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of the lunchtime and after-school Youth Physical Activity Survey for Specific Settings (Y-PASS) questionnaires. Methods The Y-PASS questionnaire was administered to 264 South Australian children (146 boys, 118 girls; mean age = 11.7 ± 0.93 years). Factorial structure and internal consistency of the intrapersonal, sociocultural and physical environmental/policy lunchtime and after-school subscales were examined through an exploratory factor analysis. The test-retest reliability of the Y-PASS subscales was assessed over a one-week period on a subsample of children (lunchtime Y-PASS: n = 12 boys, 12 girls, mean age of 11.6 ± 0.8 years; after-school Y-PASS: n = 9 boys, 13 girls; mean age = 11.4 ± 0.9 years). Results For the lunchtime Y-PASS, three factors were identified under each of the intrapersonal, sociocultural and physical environmental/policy subscales. For the after-school Y-PASS, six factors were identified in the intrapersonal subscale, four factors in the sociocultural subscale and seven factors in the physical environmental/policy subscale. Following item reduction, all subscales demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach alpha = 0.78 – 0.85), except for the lunchtime sociocultural subscale (Cronbach alpha = 0.55). The factors and items demonstrated fair to very high test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.26 – 0.93). Conclusion The preliminary reliability and factorial structure evidence suggests the Y-PASS correlate questionnaires are robust tools for measuring correlates of context-specific physical activity in children. The multi-dimensional factor structure provides justification for exploring physical activity correlates from a social ecological perspective and demonstrates the importance of developing items that are context specific. Further development and refinement of the Y-PASS questionnaires is recommended, including a confirmatory factor analysis and exploring the inclusion of additional items.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca M Stanley
- Exercise for Health and Human Performance Group, School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
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Oyeyemi AL, Ishaku CM, Deforche B, Oyeyemi AY, De Bourdeaudhuij I, Van Dyck D. Perception of built environmental factors and physical activity among adolescents in Nigeria. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2014; 11:56. [PMID: 24766710 PMCID: PMC4008423 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5868-11-56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2013] [Accepted: 04/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding environmental factors related to adolescents' physical activity can inform intervention for obesity control and prevention, but virtually no study has been conducted in the African region, where adolescents' physical inactivity and chronic diseases rates are rising. This study assessed associations between perceived built environmental variables and adolescents' physical activity (active transportation to school and leisure-time moderate-to- vigorous physical activity), and the moderating effects of neighborhood-level income on association between environmental variables and physical activity among Nigerian boys and girls. METHODS Participants were 1006 adolescents (12-19 years, 50.4% girls) randomly selected from 11 secondary schools in Maiduguri city, Nigeria. Physical activity and perceptions of environmental characteristics were assessed by validated self-report questionnaires. Separate gender-based, hierarchical multiple moderated linear regression analyses were used to examine the direct associations between the environmental perceptions and physical activity variables (active transportation and leisure-time MVPA; dependent variables), as well as the moderating effects of neighborhood-level income. RESULTS Only in boys were direct associations and interaction effect of neighborhood-level income found. Access to destinations was positively associated with active transportation to school (β = 0.18; CI = 0.67, 2.24); while residential density (β = 0.10; CI = 0.01, 1.74) and availability/quality of infrastructures (β = 0.14; CI = 0.49, 2.68) were positively associated with leisure-time MVPA. Also, neighborhood-level income moderated the association between perceived safety and leisure-time MVPA, with more perceived safety related to less MVPA (β = -0.16; CI = -0.01, -0.70) in boys living in high SES neighborhood but marginally related to more MVPA (β = 0.11; CI = -0.04, 2.88, p = 0.06) in boys living in low SES neighborhood. CONCLUSIONS Few environmental attributes were associated with adolescents' physical activity in Nigeria. Future studies are needed to determine the multidimensional correlates of physical activity that may be relevant for both adolescents' boys and girls in Nigeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adewale L Oyeyemi
- Department of Physiotherapy, College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria
- Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Cornelius M Ishaku
- Department of Physiotherapy, College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria
| | - Benedicte Deforche
- Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biometry and Biomechanics, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Adetoyeje Y Oyeyemi
- Department of Physiotherapy, College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria
| | - Ilse De Bourdeaudhuij
- Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Delfien Van Dyck
- Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Research Foundation Flanders, Brussels, Belgium
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Castro-Piñero J, Carbonell-Baeza A, Martinez-Gomez D, Gómez-Martínez S, Cabanas-Sánchez V, Santiago C, Veses AM, Bandrés F, Gonzalez-Galo A, Gomez-Gallego F, Veiga OL, Ruiz JR, Marcos A. Follow-up in healthy schoolchildren and in adolescents with Down syndrome: psycho-environmental and genetic determinants of physical activity and its impact on fitness, cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory biomarkers and mental health; the UP&DOWN study. BMC Public Health 2014; 14:400. [PMID: 24761982 PMCID: PMC4012062 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-14-400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2014] [Accepted: 04/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background An objective diagnosis of sedentary behaviour as well as of the physical activity and fitness levels in youth and to better understand how lifestyle is associated with cardiovascular disease risk factors and other phenotypes is of clinical and public health interest, and might be informative for developing intervention studies focused on the promotion of physical activity in these population. The aim of this methodological paper is to describe the design and assessment in the UP&DOWN study. Methods/Design The UP&DOWN study is a multi-center follow-up design where 2225 Spanish primary and secondary schoolchildren from Cadiz and Madrid, respectively, as well as 110 Spanish adolescents with Down syndrome from Madrid and Toledo were recruited to be assessed. Nine main measurement categories are assessed: i) socio-demographic and early determinants; ii) environmental determinants; iii) physical activity and sedentary behaviour; iv) health-related fitness; v) blood pressure and resting heart rate; vi) mental health; vii) dietary patterns; viii) blood samples; and ix) genetic analysis. During the 3-yr follow-up study, socio-demographic and early determinants, and genetic analysis are only assessed in the first year. Blood sampling is assessed in the first year and the third year (2nd follow-up), and all the other measurements are assessed every year. Discussion The findings of the UP&DOWN study may help the Health Information Systems and policy makers to identify the target population for primary prevention and health promotion policies, and to develop and test preventive strategies. Moreover, these data will allow following the trends at population level, as well as to modify/adapt/create new evidence-based physical activity guidelines at national level. The findings will also serve as a scientific platform for interventional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Castro-Piñero
- Department of Physical Education, School of Education, University of Cádiz, Puerto Real, Spain.
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Oluyomi AO, Lee C, Nehme E, Dowdy D, Ory MG, Hoelscher DM. Parental safety concerns and active school commute: correlates across multiple domains in the home-to-school journey. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2014; 11:32. [PMID: 24602213 PMCID: PMC3975836 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5868-11-32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2013] [Accepted: 02/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Empirical evidence of the relationship between safety concerns and walking to school (WTS) is growing. However, current research offers limited understanding of the multiple domains of parental safety concerns and the specific mechanisms through which parents articulate safety concerns about WTS. A more detailed understanding is needed to inform environmental and policy interventions. This study examined the relationships between both traffic safety and personal safety concerns and WTS in the U.S. Methods This cross-sectional analysis examined data from the Texas Childhood Obesity Prevention Policy Evaluation (T-COPPE) project, an evaluation of state-wide obesity prevention policy interventions. All study data were from the survey (n = 830) of parents with 4th grade students attending 81 elementary schools across Texas, and living within two miles from their children's schools. Traffic safety and personal safety concerns were captured for the home neighborhood, en-route to school, and school environments. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to assess the odds of WTS controlling for significant covariates. Results Overall, 18% of parents reported that their child walked to school on most days of the week. For traffic safety, students were more likely to walk to school if their parent reported favorable perceptions about the following items in the home neighborhood environment: higher sidewalk availability, well maintained sidewalks and safe road crossings. For the route to school, the odds of WTS were higher for those who reported "no problem" with each one of the following: traffic speed, amount of traffic, sidewalks/pathways, intersection/crossing safety, and crossing guards, when compared to those that reported "always a problem". For personal safety in the en-route to school environment, the odds of WTS were lower when parents reported concerns about: stray or dangerous animals and availability of others with whom to walk. Conclusions Findings offered insights into the specific issues that drive safety concerns for elementary school children’s WTS behaviors. The observed associations between more favorable perceptions of safety and WTS provide further justification for practical intervention strategies to reduce WTS barriers that can potentially bring long-term physical activity and health benefits to school-aged children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abiodun O Oluyomi
- The Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, UT School of Public Health, Austin Regional Campus, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1616 Guadalupe, Suite 6,300, Austin, TX 78701, USA.
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Hager ER, Witherspoon DO, Gormley C, Latta LW, Pepper MR, Black MM. The perceived and built environment surrounding urban schools and physical activity among adolescent girls. Ann Behav Med 2014; 45 Suppl 1:S68-75. [PMID: 23334761 DOI: 10.1007/s12160-012-9430-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neighborhood perceived/built environment and physical activity (PA) associations have been examined for adolescents around homes, but not surrounding schools. PURPOSE The purpose of this paper is to examine if positive perceptions/built environment in neighborhoods surrounding schools predict PA among low-income, urban adolescent girls. METHODS Measures include: minutes in moderate-vigorous PA (MVPA, ankle accelerometry), perceptions of the school environment (questionnaire), built environment (neighborhood audit). Analyses include multi-level models. RESULTS Two hundred twenty-four sixth and seventh grade girls [mean(sd) age = 12.1(0.7) years] from 12 schools serving low-income, primarily African American communities; mean MVPA 35.4 min (mean days assessed = 5.8). Girls in schools with more positive perceptions of the neighborhood environment surrounding the school were less active (β = 7.2, p = 0.043). Having "places to go within walking distance" (perceptions) and number of food stores near school (built environment) positively relate to MVPA (β = 5.5, p = 0.042 and β = 0.59, p = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS Among neighborhoods surrounding urban schools, positive perceptions do not predict PA; accessibility, via both perceived and built environment, support PA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin R Hager
- Department of Pediatrics, Growth and Nutrition Division, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 737 West Lombard Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
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Deweese RS, Yedidia MJ, Tulloch DL, Ohri-Vachaspati P. Neighborhood perceptions and active school commuting in low-income cities. Am J Prev Med 2013; 45:393-400. [PMID: 24050414 PMCID: PMC4765294 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2013.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2012] [Revised: 03/05/2013] [Accepted: 04/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few children accumulate the recommended ≥60 minutes of physical activity each day. Active travel to and from school (ATS) is a potential source of increased activity for children, accounting for 22% of total trips and time spent traveling by school-aged children. PURPOSE This study identifies the association of parents' perceptions of the neighborhood, geospatial variables, and demographic characteristics with ATS among students in four low-income, densely populated urban communities with predominantly minority populations. METHODS Data were collected in 2009-2010 from households with school-attending children in four low-income New Jersey cities. Multivariate logistic regression analyses (n=765) identified predictors of ATS. Analyses were conducted in 2012. RESULTS In all, 54% of students actively commuted to school. Students whose parents perceived the neighborhood as very unpleasant for activity were less likely (OR=0.39) to actively commute, as were students living farther from school, with a 6% reduction in ATS for every 0.10 mile increase in distance to school. Perceptions of crime, traffic, and sidewalk conditions were not predictors of ATS. CONCLUSIONS Parents' perceptions of the pleasantness of the neighborhood, independent of the effects of distance from school, may outweigh concerns about crime, traffic, or conditions of sidewalks in predicting active commuting to school in the low-income urban communities studied. Efforts such as cleaning up graffiti, taking care of abandoned buildings, and providing shade trees to improve neighborhood environments are likely to increase ATS, as are efforts that encourage locating schools closer to the populations they serve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin S Deweese
- School of Nutrition and Health Promotion (DeWeese, Ohri-Vachaspati), Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona
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Laxer RE, Janssen I. The proportion of youths' physical inactivity attributable to neighbourhood built environment features. Int J Health Geogr 2013; 12:31. [PMID: 23777593 PMCID: PMC3689048 DOI: 10.1186/1476-072x-12-31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2013] [Accepted: 06/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective We investigated the independent association between several neighbourhood built environment features and physical inactivity within a national sample of Canadian youth, and estimated the proportion of inactivity within the population that was attributable to these built environment features. Methods This was a cross-sectional study of 6626 youth aged 11–15 years from 272 schools across Canada. Participants resided within 1 km of their school. Walkability, outdoor play areas (parks, wooded areas, yards at home, cul-de-sacs on roads), recreation facilities, and aesthetics were measured objectively within each school neighbourhood using geographic information systems. Physical inactivity (<5 days/week of 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity) was assessed by questionnaire. Multilevel logistic regression analyses, which controlled for several covariates, examined relationships between built environment features and physical inactivity. Results The final regression model indicated that, by comparison to youth living in the least walkable neighbourhoods, the risks for physical inactivity were 28-44% higher for youth living in neighbourhoods in the remaining three walkability quartiles. By comparison to youth living in neighbourhoods with the highest density of cul-de-sacs, risks for physical inactivity were 28-32% higher for youth living in neighbourhoods in the lowest two quartiles. By comparison to youth living in neighbourhoods with the least amount of park space, risks for physical inactivity were 28-37% higher for youth living in the neighbourhoods with a moderate to high (quartiles 2 and 3) park space. Population attributable risk estimates suggested that 23% of physical inactivity within the population was attributable to living in walkable neighbourhoods, 16% was attributable to living in neighbourhoods with a low density of cul-de-sacs, and 15% was attributable to living in neighbourhoods with a moderate to high amount of park space. Conclusions Of the neighbourhood built environment exposure variables measured in this study, the three that were the most highly associated with inactivity were walkability, the density of cul-de-sacs, and park space. The association between some of these features and youths’ activity levels were in the opposite direction to what has previously been reported in adults and younger children.
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Multilevel correlates of physical activity for early, mid, and late adolescent girls. J Phys Act Health 2013; 11:950-60. [PMID: 23676305 DOI: 10.1123/jpah.2012-0192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We examined associations among multilevel variables and girls' physical activity to determine whether they vary at different adolescent ages. METHODS All field sites of the Trial of Activity for Adolescent Girls contributed participants from 6th (n = 1576) and 8th grades (n = 3085). The Maryland site contributed an 11th grade sample (n = 589). Questionnaires were used to obtain demographic and psychosocial information (individual- and social-level variables); height, weight, and triceps skinfold to assess body composition; interviews and surveys for school-level data; and geographical information systems and self-report for neighborhood-level variables. Moderate to vigorous physical activity minutes (MVPA) were assessed from accelerometers. Mixed models (13 individual, 5 social, 15 school, 12 neighborhood variables) were used to determine multilevel associations. RESULTS Variables at individual, social, school, and neighborhood levels were associated with MVPA, but differed across grades. Lower percent body fat, higher social support from friends, and lower school math scores were associated with higher MVPA at 6th and 8th grade. Higher physical activity self-efficacy was associated with higher MVPA at 11th grade. Only lower physical activity barriers were associated with higher MVPA at all grades. CONCLUSION MVPA is a complex behavior with fluid, multilevel correlates that differ among girls across middle and high school.
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Reimers AK, Mess F, Bucksch J, Jekauc D, Woll A. Systematic review on measurement properties of questionnaires assessing the neighbourhood environment in the context of youth physical activity behaviour. BMC Public Health 2013; 13:461. [PMID: 23663328 PMCID: PMC3658917 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-13-461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2013] [Accepted: 05/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-quality measurement instruments for assessing the neighbourhood environment are a prerequisite for identifying associations between the neighbourhood environment and a person's physical activity. The aim of this systematic review was to identify reliable and valid questionnaires assessing neighbourhood environmental attributes in the context of physical activity behaviours in children and adolescents. In addition, current gaps and best practice models in instrumentation and their evaluation are discussed. METHODS We conducted a systematic literature search using six databases (Web of Science, Medline, TRID, SportDISCUS, PsycARTICLES and PsycINFO). Two independent reviewers screened the identified English-language peer-reviewed journal articles. Only studies examining the measurement properties of self- or proxy-report questionnaires on any aspects of the neighbourhood environment in children and adolescents aged 3 to 18 years were included. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the COSMIN checklists. RESULTS We identified 13 questionnaires on attributes of the neighbourhood environment. Most of these studies were conducted in the United States (n = 7). Eight studies evaluated self-report measures, two studies evaluated parent-report measures and three studies included both administration types. While eight studies had poor methodological quality, we identified three questionnaires with substantial test-retest reliability and two questionnaires with acceptable convergent validity based on sufficient evidential basis. CONCLUSIONS Based on the results of this review, we recommend that cross-culturally adapted questionnaires should be used and that existing questionnaires should be evaluated especially in diverse samples and in countries other than the United States. Further, high-quality studies on measurement properties should be promoted and measurement models (formative vs. reflexive) should be specified to ensure that appropriate methods for psychometric testing are applied in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne K Reimers
- Department of Sport Science, University of Konstanz, Konstance, Germany.
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Moore JB, Brinkley J, Crawford TW, Evenson KR, Brownson RC. Association of the built environment with physical activity and adiposity in rural and urban youth. Prev Med 2013; 56:145-8. [PMID: 23219761 PMCID: PMC4761410 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2012.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2012] [Revised: 11/20/2012] [Accepted: 11/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine if: (1) differences exist for body mass index (BMI) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) between rural and urban youth, and (2) perceived and objective measures of environmental supports for physical activity differentially correlate with BMI and MVPA in middle school rural and urban youth. METHOD Cross-sectional analyses were performed in spring 2012 on data collected from December 2008 until May 2010 for 284 middle school youth from a rural county and an adjacent urbanized area. Multivariable linear models estimated associations between BMI/MVPA and perceived environmental barriers/supports for physical activity and objectively measured neighborhood spatial variables. RESULTS Mean MVPA was significantly lower for rural youth (15.9 min/day) compared to urban youth (19.2 min/day). No differences were observed between rural and urban youth for BMI or BMI percentile. Significant differences in both perceived and objective correlates for MVPA and BMI percentile were found in multivariable models between rural and urban youth. CONCLUSION Differences observed for correlates of MVPA and BMI across the settings suggest that rurality should be considered when identifying targets for intervention to promote MVPA and prevent adiposity in youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin B Moore
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, & Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
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Predictors of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in African American young adolescents. Ann Behav Med 2013; 45 Suppl 1:S142-50. [PMID: 23334766 DOI: 10.1007/s12160-012-9437-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND African American adolescents residing in the South are at increased risk for obesity and physical inactivity, yet our understanding of potential influences is limited. PURPOSE Using an ecological framework, this study explored multilevel predictors (individual, family, home, and neighborhood environment) of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among 116 African American adolescents (ages 12-16). METHODS Adolescents and their parents completed self-report surveys for hypothesized predictors. Youth physical activity was measured using accelerometry. RESULTS In multiple regression models, decreased daily MVPA was associated with female sex (β = -24.27, p < 0.0001). Family social support (β = 1.07, p = 0.004) and adolescent self efficacy for PA (β = 6.89, p = 0.054) were positively associated with daily MVPA. CONCLUSIONS Adolescent demographics along with family social support and self-efficacy influence younger African American adolescent physical activity. Further exploration of the complex interaction of multiple levels of influence is needed to develop appropriate interventions for this vulnerable group.
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Saksvig BI, Webber LS, Elder JP, Ward D, Evenson KR, Dowda M, Chae SE, Treuth MS. A cross-sectional and longitudinal study of travel by walking before and after school among eighth-grade girls. J Adolesc Health 2012; 51:608-14. [PMID: 23174472 PMCID: PMC3505283 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2012.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2011] [Revised: 01/31/2012] [Accepted: 03/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine "travel by walking" (TBW) before and after school among eighth-grade girls. METHODS Participants attended 36 middle schools from Arizona, Maryland, Minnesota, Louisiana, California, and South Carolina participating in the Trial of Activity for Adolescent Girls. The cross-sectional sample consisted of 3,076 eighth-grade girls, and the longitudinal sample included 1,017 girls who participated in both sixth and eighth grades. Before- or after-school TBW status was determined from the 3-Day Physical Activity Recall. The main outcomes were body mass index and physical activity, which was measured by accelerometry, estimated for total physical activity (light, moderate, vigorous) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). RESULTS Eighth-grade girls who reported TBW had 4 more minutes (95% confidence interval = 2.1-6.1) of MVPA before and after school than nonwalkers, and 2 more minutes of MVPA (95% confidence interval = 1.1-3.1) on an average weekday. In the longitudinal sample, girls who reported TBW before and after school in both sixth and eighth grades (consistent walkers) accumulated more minutes of MVPA for an average weekday than inconsistent walkers in both sixth (27 ± 2.2 vs. 25 ± 1.9 minutes; p = .03) and eighth (28 ± 2.6 vs. 25 ± 2.3 minutes; p = .003) grades. There were no differences in body mass index by walking status. CONCLUSIONS Adolescent girls who reported TBW before and after school accumulated more minutes of MVPA than nonwalkers. Efforts to prevent the decline in walking to school in middle school girls could contribute to their overall physical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brit I. Saksvig
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland School of Public Health, 2316 SPH Building, College Park, MD 20742, Tel. (301) 405-2491 Fax (301) 405-5578,
| | - Larry S. Webber
- Department of Biostatistics, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine
| | - John P. Elder
- Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University
| | - Dianne Ward
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Department of Nutrition
| | - Kelly R. Evenson
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Department of Epidemiology
| | - Marsha Dowda
- Arnold School of Public Health, Department of Exercise Science, University of South Carolina
| | - Soo Eun Chae
- Korean Educational Development Institute, Seoul, Korea
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Aarts MJ, Mathijssen JJP, van Oers JAM, Schuit AJ. Associations Between Environmental Characteristics and Active Commuting to School Among Children: a Cross-sectional Study. Int J Behav Med 2012; 20:538-55. [DOI: 10.1007/s12529-012-9271-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Yong R, Lee SH, Freishtat H, Bleich S, Gittelsohn J. Availability of Healthy Foods in Prepared Food Sources in Urban Public Markets. JOURNAL OF HUNGER & ENVIRONMENTAL NUTRITION 2012. [DOI: 10.1080/19320248.2012.735219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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de Wit B, Loman K, Faithfull K, Hinckson EA. Reliability and validity of the hands-up survey in assessing commuting to school in New Zealand elementary school children. Health Promot Pract 2012; 13:349-54. [PMID: 22461685 DOI: 10.1177/1524839911432932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The decrease in physical activity time in and out of school increases the need for active commuting. School travel plan programs have been used internationally to increase active commuting in elementary school children. However, little research has been conducted in the reliability and validity of travel survey instruments. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the test-retest reliability and validity of the Hands-Up survey to assess active commuting to school from a random sample of children within the Auckland region, New Zealand. Test-retest reliability and criterion validity of travel modes were determined in 118 elementary school children in the Auckland region. The survey tool consisted of one question on commuting to school. Test-retest reliability and validity were evaluated using kappa coefficients. The level of agreement between the children's responses (κ = .96, 95% confidence interval = 0.92-1.00) and between children's and parents' (κ = .91, 95% confidence interval = 0.85-0.98) were almost perfect. The Hands-Up survey is a valid and reliable tool to determine travel mode to school among elementary school children.
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69
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Blacksher E, Lovasi GS. Place-focused physical activity research, human agency, and social justice in public health: Taking agency seriously in studies of the built environment. Health Place 2012; 18:172-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2011.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2011] [Revised: 08/26/2011] [Accepted: 08/30/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Kirby J, Levin KA, Inchley J. Associations between the school environment and adolescent girls' physical activity. HEALTH EDUCATION RESEARCH 2012; 27:101-114. [PMID: 21987476 DOI: 10.1093/her/cyr090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
This paper explores school sports facility provision, physical education allocation and opportunities for physical activity and their association with the number of days adolescent girls participate in at least 60 min of moderate-vigorous physical activity per week (MVPAdays). Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires from Scottish secondary school girls (n = 1978) and head teachers (n = 123) participating in the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children 2005/06 study. The best predictor of adolescent girls' MVPAdays was hours allocated to PE in fourth year of secondary school (β = 0.27, 95% CI 0.06-0.48). Having shower facilities resulted in decreased MVPA (β = -0.51, CI -0.90 to -0.12), as did providing less than two team sports clubs (β = -0.69, CI -1.28 to -0.10), compared with schools who provided four or more. Compared with schools with no after school clubs, girls who attended schools with activities at least 1 day per week were likely to have increased MVPAdays. PE allocation and extra-curricular clubs are likely to be of greater importance to girls' participation than school facilities per se. This study demonstrates how schools can maximize their environment to increase girls' PA and offers encouraging findings for those with limited sports facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Kirby
- School of Medicine, Medical.iological Sciences Building, North Haugh, University of St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9TF, Scotland, UK.
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71
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Neighborhood environment and physical activity among youth a review. Am J Prev Med 2011; 41:442-55. [PMID: 21961474 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2011.06.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 538] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2010] [Revised: 05/08/2011] [Accepted: 06/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Research examining the association between environmental attributes and physical activity among youth is growing. An updated review of literature is needed to summarize the current evidence base, and to inform policies and environmental interventions to promote active lifestyles among young people. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION A literature search was conducted using the Active Living Research (ALR) literature database, an online database that codes study characteristics and results of published papers on built/social environment and physical activity/obesity/sedentary behavior. Papers in the ALR database were identified through PubMed, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus using systematically developed and expert-validated search protocols. For the current review, additional inclusion criteria were used to select observational, quantitative studies among youth aged 3-18 years. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS Papers were categorized by design features, sample characteristics, and measurement mode. Relevant results were summarized, stratified by age (children or adolescents) and mode of measurement (objective or perceived) for environmental attributes and physical activity. Percentage of significant results was calculated. CONCLUSIONS Mode of measurement greatly influenced the consistency of associations between environmental attributes and youth physical activity. For both children and adolescents, the most consistent associations involved objectively measured environmental attributes and reported physical activity. The most supported correlates for children were walkability, traffic speed/volume, access/proximity to recreation facilities, land-use mix, and residential density. The most supported correlates for adolescents were land-use mix and residential density. These findings support several recommendations for policy and environmental change from such groups as the IOM and National Physical Activity Plan.
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72
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Physical activity and active transport are predicted by adolescents’ different built environment perceptions. J Public Health (Oxf) 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s10389-011-0432-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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Huang YJ, Wong SH, Salmon J, Hui SS. Reliability and validity of psychosocial and environmental correlates measures of physical activity and screen-based behaviors among Chinese children in Hong Kong. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2011; 8:16. [PMID: 21385418 PMCID: PMC3065395 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5868-8-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2010] [Accepted: 03/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Insufficient participation in physical activity and excessive screen time have been observed among Chinese children. The role of social and environmental factors in shaping physical activity and sedentary behaviors among Chinese children is under-investigated. The purpose of the present study was to assess the reliability and validity of a questionnaire to measure child- and parent-reported psychosocial and environmental correlates of physical activity and screen-based behaviors among Chinese children in Hong Kong. Methods A total of 303 schoolchildren aged 9-14 years and their parents volunteered to participate in this study and 160 of them completed the questionnaire twice within an interval of 10 days. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), kappa statistics, and percent agreement were performed to evaluate test-retest reliability of the continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Exploratory factor analyses (EFAs) were conducted to assess convergent validity of the emergent scales. Cronbach's alpha and ICCs were performed to assess internal and test-retest reliability of the emergent scales. Criterion validity was assessed by correlating psychosocial and environmental measures with self-reported physical activity and screen-based behaviors, measured by a validated questionnaire. Results Reliability statistics for both child- and parent-reported continuous variables showed acceptable consistency for all of the ICC values greater than 0.70. Kappa statistics showed fair to perfect test-retest reliability for the categorical items. Adequate internal consistency and test-retest reliability were observed in most of the emergent scales. Criterion validity assessed by correlating psychosocial and environmental measures with child-reported physical activity found associations with physical activity in the self-efficacy scale (r = 0.25, P < 0.05), the peer support for physical activity scale (r = 0.25, P < 0.05) and home physical activity environmental (r = 0.14, P < 0.05). Children's screen-based behaviors were associated with the family support for physical activity scale (r = -0.22, P < 0.05) and parental role modeling of TV (r = 0.12, P = 0.053). Conclusions The findings provide psychometric support for using this questionnaire for examining psychosocial and environmental correlates of physical activity and screen-based behaviors among Chinese children in Hong Kong. Further research is needed to develop more robust measures based on the current questionnaire, especially for peer influence on physical activity and parental rules on screen-based behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Jun Huang
- Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong 00852, PR China
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Voorhees CC, Ashwood S, Evenson KR, Sirard JR, Rung AL, Dowda M, Mckenzie TL. Neighborhood design and perceptions: relationship with active commuting. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2010; 42:1253-60. [PMID: 20019628 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0b013e3181cd5dfd] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Walking to and from school contributes to total physical activity levels. This study investigated whether perceived and actual neighborhood features were associated with walking to or from school among adolescent girls. METHODS A sample of geographically diverse eighth-grade girls (N = 890) from the Trial of Activity in Adolescent Girls (TAAG) study living within 1.5 miles of their middle school was recruited. Participants completed a self-administered survey on their neighborhood and walking behavior. Geographic information system data were used to assess objective neighborhood features. Nested multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the contribution of perceived and objective measures of walking to or from school. RESULTS Fifty-six percent (n = 500) of the girls walked to or from school for at least 1 d in a week. White (42%) girls walked more frequently than Hispanic (25%) and African American (21%) girls. Girls were nearly twice as likely to walk to or from school if they perceived their neighborhoods as safe and perceived that they had places they liked to walk, controlling for other potential confounders. In addition, girls who lived closer to school, had more active destinations in their neighborhood, and had smaller-sized blocks were more likely to walk to or from school than those who did not. CONCLUSIONS Safety, land use, and school location issues need to be considered together when designing interventions to increase walking to and from school.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn C Voorhees
- Department of Public and Community Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, MD 20742-2611, USA.
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75
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Grana RA, Black D, Sun P, Rohrbach LA, Gunning M, Sussman S. School disrepair and substance use among regular and alternative high school students. THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH 2010; 80:387-93. [PMID: 20618621 PMCID: PMC2904640 DOI: 10.1111/j.1746-1561.2010.00518.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The physical environment influences adolescent health behavior and personal development. This article examines the relationship between level of school disrepair and substance use among students attending regular high school (RHS) and alternative high school (AHS). METHODS Data were collected from students (N = 7058) participating in 2 randomized controlled trials of a school-based substance abuse prevention program implemented across the United States. Students provided substance use and demographic information on a self-reported survey. Data for the physical disrepair of schools were collected from individual rater observations of each school environment. We hypothesized that school disrepair would be positively associated with substance use controlling for individual characteristics and a socioeconomic status proxy. Multilevel mixed modeling was used to test the hypothesized association and accounted for students nested within schools. RESULTS Findings indicated that students attending AHS with greater school disrepair were more likely to report the use of marijuana and other illicit drugs (ie, cocaine, heroin). Students attending RHS with greater school disrepair were less likely to report smoking cigarettes. CONCLUSIONS Differences in findings between RHS and AHS students are discussed, and implications for substance use prevention programming are offered. Students attending AHS with greater school disrepair may require more substance abuse prevention programming, particularly to prevent illicit substance use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A. Grana
- Doctoral Student, University of Southern California, 1000 Fremont Ave., Unit 8, Alhambra, CA 91803, Phone: 626-457-5855, Fax: 626-457-4012
| | - David Black
- Doctoral Student, University of Southern California, 1000 Fremont Ave., Unit 8, Alhambra, CA 91803, Phone: 626-457-6142, Fax: 626-457-4012
| | - Ping Sun
- Assistant Professor, University of Southern California, 1000 Fremont Ave., Unit 8, Alhambra, CA 91803, Phone: 626-457-4116, Fax: 626-457-4012
| | - Louise A. Rohrbach
- Associate Professor, University of Southern California, 1000 Fremont Ave., Unit 8, Alhambra, CA 91803, Phone: 626-457-6642, Fax: 626-457-4012
| | - Melissa Gunning
- Doctoral Student, University of Southern California, 1000 Fremont Ave., Unit 8, Alhambra, CA 91803, Phone: 626-457-4205, Fax: 626-457-4012
| | - Steven Sussman
- Professor, University of Southern California, 1000 Fremont Ave., Unit 8, Alhambra, CA 91803, Phone: 626-457-6129, Fax: 626-457-4012
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76
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Evenson KR, Murray DM, Birnbaum AS, Cohen DA. Examination of perceived neighborhood characteristics and transportation on changes in physical activity and sedentary behavior: The Trial of Activity in Adolescent Girls. Health Place 2010; 16:977-85. [PMID: 20615746 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2010.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2010] [Revised: 06/06/2010] [Accepted: 06/12/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
We examined the association between perceived neighborhood characteristics and transport and 2-year changes in accelerometer-determined nonschool MET-weighted moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MW-MVPA) and sedentary behavior of adolescent girls. Reporting that children do not play outdoors in their neighborhood, that their neighborhood was well lit, and that there were trails in their neighborhood were each associated with significant decreases in nonschool MW-MVPA. None of the neighborhood or transportation measures was associated with changes in nonschool sedentary behavior. Further work is needed to understand the determinants of the decline in physical activity and the increase in sedentary behavior among adolescent girls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly R Evenson
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, 137 East Franklin Street, Bank of America Center, Suite 306, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA.
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Built environmental correlates of walking and cycling in Dutch urban children: results from the SPACE study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2010; 7:2309-24. [PMID: 20623026 PMCID: PMC2898051 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph7052309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2010] [Revised: 04/28/2010] [Accepted: 04/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study examined built environmental correlates of children’s walking and cycling behavior. Four hundred and forty-eight children from 10 Dutch neighborhoods completed a seven-day physical activity diary in which the number of walking and cycling trips for transportation, to school, and for recreation were assessed. The associations between observed built environmental characteristics and children’s walking and cycling behavior were examined with multivariate linear regression analyses. The results showed that built environmental correlates of children’s walking and cycling behavior differ by purpose and by commuting mode implying a behavior-specific approach for interventions and for future, preferably prospective, studies.
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78
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Loureiro N, Matos MG, Santos MM, Mota J, Diniz JA. Neighborhood and physical activities of Portuguese adolescents. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2010; 7:33. [PMID: 20444283 PMCID: PMC2881093 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5868-7-33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2009] [Accepted: 05/05/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study examines associations between perceptions of neighbourhood environment and physical activity and sports within Portuguese adolescents. Methods The sample consisted of 4,877 individuals of both genders, with an average age of 14 years. The instrument used was the Health Behavior School-aged Children questionnaire. Results Perceptions of the neighbourhood being unsafe for children to play and having no place to spend leisure time were associated with lower levels of exercise among adolescents. The perceptions of the neighbourhood being unsafe for children to play (OR = 1.3, p < .005) and the fact of not having a place to spend leisure time (OR = 1.3, p < .005) p < .005) were associated with lower levels of exercise among adolescents. The perception of these variables is associated to a lower probability of exercising. The neighbourhood characteristics are more important to the practice of outdoor sports than of indoor sports. Conclusion The perceptions of the neighbourhood may influence adolescent's physical activity and sports, in different ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuno Loureiro
- Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Cruz Quebrada, Portugal.
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79
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Yan AF, Voorhees CC, Clifton K, Burnier C. "Do you see what I see?" - correlates of multidimensional measures of neighborhood types and perceived physical activity-related neighborhood barriers and facilitators for urban youth. Prev Med 2010; 50 Suppl 1:S18-23. [PMID: 19799931 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2009.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2009] [Revised: 07/31/2009] [Accepted: 08/05/2009] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To classify types of neighborhood environment and to examine the gender-specific cross-sectional associations between these neighborhood types and adolescents' perceptions of physical activity-related neighborhood barriers and facilitators. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 350 high school students in Baltimore, Maryland, in 2006. Participants completed the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale (NEWS). Objectively GIS-measured attributes of urban form came from various sources. Classification of built environment/neighborhood types was achieved by factor analysis and cluster analysis. RESULTS Four neighborhood types were identified: (1) arterial development; (2) inner-city area; (3) suburban residential; and (4) central business district. Girls who lived in suburban residential areas were less likely than their central business district counterparts to perceive the protective effects of crosswalks and pedestrian traffic signals. Girls living in inner-city neighborhoods were more likely than their central business district counterparts to perceive the traffic as being slow. Boys' perceptions of their neighborhood did not vary by neighborhood pattern. CONCLUSIONS Girls appear to be more sensitive to their environment and perceive more physical activity-related built environment barriers compared to boys. Efforts to overcome physical activity barriers salient for adolescent girls should be tailored to the type of neighborhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Fang Yan
- University of Texas at San Antonio, Department of Health and Kinesiology, 6900 North loop 1604 West, San Antonio, TX 78250, USA.
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Deforche B, Van Dyck D, Verloigne M, De Bourdeaudhuij I. Perceived social and physical environmental correlates of physical activity in older adolescents and the moderating effect of self-efficacy. Prev Med 2010; 50 Suppl 1:S24-9. [PMID: 19818363 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2009.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2009] [Revised: 08/10/2009] [Accepted: 08/21/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine if perceptions of the social and physical environment are associated with active transport and leisure-time sports among Belgian youth and to investigate if this relationship is moderated by self-efficacy. METHODS In February-May 2008, 1445 adolescents (17.4+/-0.6 yrs) were recruited in 20 randomly selected Belgian schools. Physical activity, psychosocial, and environmental factors were assessed using validated questionnaires. Moderated multilevel regression analysis was used to examine the association between physical activity and possible correlates. RESULTS Social environmental variables (modeling and social support) were positively associated with active transportation and leisure-time sports (p<0.05). Higher land use mix diversity, higher street connectivity, more attractive environments, better access to recreational facilities, and higher emotional satisfaction with the neighborhood were associated with more active transportation (p<0.05). Higher perceived safety from traffic, better access to recreational facilities, more physical activity equipment at home, and fewer electronic devices in the bedroom were associated with more leisure-time sports (p<0.05). Lower perceived safety and poorer access to (recreational) facilities were only associated with lower active transport among youth with lower self-efficacy (p<0.05). CONCLUSION Creating more supportive environments could have the potential to affect the physical activity levels of Belgian adolescents with both high and low self-efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Deforche
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Department of Human Biometrics and Biomechanics, Brussel, Belgium.
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Lytle LA, Murray DM, Evenson KR, Moody J, Pratt CA, Metcalfe L, Parra-Medina D. Mediators affecting girls' levels of physical activity outside of school: findings from the trial of activity in adolescent girls. Ann Behav Med 2009; 38:124-36. [PMID: 20012810 DOI: 10.1007/s12160-009-9127-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Providing after school activities is a community level approach for reducing the decline in physical activity of girls as they reach early adolescence. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to examine psychosocial, environmental, and behavioral factors as potential mediators of after school physical activity in adolescent girls. METHODS We assessed objectively measured levels of physical activity occurring outside of school and potential predictors and mediators of activity in girls participating in the Trial of Activity in Adolescent Girls (TAAG). RESULTS We found that the TAAG intervention had a statistically significant and positive effect on out of school activity in the 2006 cohort. Self-efficacy, friends' social support, total social support, and difficulty getting to and from community activities mediated the level of moderate to vigorous physical activity in girls. CONCLUSIONS Parents, communities, and schools should provide and enhance opportunities outside of the school day for adolescents to be active. Reducing transportation barriers and enlisting social support appear to be key.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie A Lytle
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, 1300 South Second Street, Minneapolis, MN 55454-1054, USA.
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McMinn AM, van Sluijs EM, Harvey NC, Cooper C, Inskip HM, Godfrey KM, Griffin SJ. Validation of a maternal questionnaire on correlates of physical activity in preschool children. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2009; 6:81. [PMID: 19954524 PMCID: PMC2791748 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5868-6-81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2009] [Accepted: 12/02/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Valid measures of physical activity correlates in preschool children are lacking. This study aimed to assess the validity, factor structure and internal consistency of a maternal questionnaire on potential correlates of four-year-old children's physical activity. Methods The questionnaire was designed to measure the following constructs: child personal factors; parental support and self-efficacy for providing support; parental rules and restrictions; maternal attitudes and perceptions; maternal behaviour; barriers to physical activity; and the home and local environments. Two separate studies were conducted. Study I included 24 mothers of four-year-old children who completed the questionnaire then participated in a telephone interview covering similar items to the questionnaire. To assess validity, the agreement between interview and questionnaire responses was assessed using Cohen's kappa and percentage agreement. Study II involved 398 mothers of four-year-old children participating in the Southampton Women's Survey. In this study, principal components analysis was used to explore the factor structure of the questionnaire to aid future analyses with these data. The internal consistency of the factors identified was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. Results Kappa scores showed 30% of items to have moderate agreement or above, 23% to have fair agreement and 47% to have slight or poor agreement. However, 89% of items had fair agreement as assessed by percentage agreement (≥ 66%). Limited variation in responses to variables is likely to have contributed to some of the low kappa values. Six questions had a low kappa and low percentage agreement (defined as poor validity); these included questions from the child personal factors, maternal self-efficacy, rules and restrictions, and local environment domains. The principal components analysis identified eleven factors and found several variables to stand alone. Eight of the composite factors identified had acceptable internal consistency (α ≥ 0.60) and three fell just short of achieving this (0.60 > α > 0.50). Conclusion Overall, this maternal questionnaire had reasonable validity and internal consistency for assessing potential correlates of physical activity in young children. With minor revision, this could be a useful tool for future research in this area. This, in turn, will aid the development of interventions to promote physical activity in this age group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison M McMinn
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK.
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Duncan DT, Johnson RM, Molnar BE, Azrael D. Association between neighborhood safety and overweight status among urban adolescents. BMC Public Health 2009; 9:289. [PMID: 19671180 PMCID: PMC2734852 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-9-289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2009] [Accepted: 08/11/2009] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neighborhood safety may be an important social environmental determinant of overweight. We examined the relationship between perceived neighborhood safety and overweight status, and assessed the validity of reported neighborhood safety among a representative community sample of urban adolescents (who were racially and ethnically diverse). Methods Data come from the 2006 Boston Youth Survey, a cross-sectional study in which public high school students in Boston, MA completed a pencil-and-paper survey. The study used a two-stage, stratified sampling design whereby schools and then 9th–12th grade classrooms within schools were selected (the analytic sample included 1,140 students). Students reported their perceptions of neighborhood safety and several associated dimensions. With self-reported height and weight data, we computed body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) for the adolescents based on CDC growth charts. Chi-square statistics and corresponding p-values were computed to compare perceived neighborhood safety by the several associated dimensions. Prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to examine the association between perceived neighborhood safety and the prevalence of overweight status controlling for relevant covariates and school site. Results More than one-third (35.6%) of students said they always felt safe in their neighborhood, 43.9% said they sometimes felt safe, 11.6% rarely felt safe, and 8.9% never felt safe. Those students who reported that they rarely or never feel safe in their neighborhoods were more likely than those who said they always or sometimes feel safe to believe that gang violence was a serious problem in their neighborhood or school (68.0% vs. 44.1%, p < 0.001), and to have seen someone in their neighborhood assaulted with a weapon (other than a firearm) in the past 12 months (17.8% vs. 11.3%, p = 0.025). In the fully adjusted model (including grade and school) stratified by race/ethnicity, we found a statistically significant association between feeling unsafe in one's own neighborhood and overweight status among those in the Other race/ethnicity group [(PR = 1.56, (95% CI: 1.02, 2.40)]. Conclusion Data suggest that perception of neighborhood safety may be associated with overweight status among urban adolescents in certain racial/ethnic groups. Policies and programs to address neighborhood safety may also be preventive for adolescent overweight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin T Duncan
- Department of Society, Human Development and Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
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84
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Lovasi GS, Hutson MA, Guerra M, Neckerman KM. Built environments and obesity in disadvantaged populations. Epidemiol Rev 2009; 31:7-20. [PMID: 19589839 DOI: 10.1093/epirev/mxp005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 519] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In the United States, health disparities in obesity and obesity-related illnesses have been the subject of growing concern. To better understand how obesity-related health disparities might relate to obesogenic built environments, the authors conducted a systematic review of the published scientific literature, screening for studies with relevance to disadvantaged individuals or areas, identified by low socioeconomic status, black race, or Hispanic ethnicity. A search for related terms in publication databases and topically related resources yielded 45 studies published between January 1995 and January 2009 with at least 100 participants or area residents that provided information on 1) the built environment correlates of obesity or related health behaviors within one or more disadvantaged groups or 2) the relative exposure these groups had to potentially obesogenic built environment characteristics. Upon consideration of the obesity and behavioral correlates of built environment characteristics, research provided the strongest support for food stores (supermarkets instead of smaller grocery/convenience stores), places to exercise, and safety as potentially influential for disadvantaged groups. There is also evidence that disadvantaged groups were living in worse environments with respect to food stores, places to exercise, aesthetic problems, and traffic or crime-related safety. One strategy to reduce obesity would involve changing the built environment to be more supportive of physical activity and a healthy diet. Based on the authors' review, increasing supermarket access, places to exercise, and neighborhood safety may also be promising strategies to reduce obesity-related health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina S Lovasi
- Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health and Society Scholars Program, Institute of Social and Economic Research and Policy, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA.
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85
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Brownson RC, Hoehner CM, Day K, Forsyth A, Sallis JF. Measuring the built environment for physical activity: state of the science. Am J Prev Med 2009; 36:S99-123.e12. [PMID: 19285216 PMCID: PMC2844244 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2009.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 598] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2008] [Revised: 12/08/2008] [Accepted: 01/06/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Physical inactivity is one of the most important public health issues in the U.S. and internationally. Increasingly, links are being identified between various elements of the physical-or built-environment and physical activity. To understand the impact of the built environment on physical activity, the development of high-quality measures is essential. Three categories of built environment data are being used: (1) perceived measures obtained by telephone interview or self-administered questionnaires; (2) observational measures obtained using systematic observational methods (audits); and (3) archival data sets that are often layered and analyzed with GIS. This review provides a critical assessment of these three types of built-environment measures relevant to the study of physical activity. Among perceived measures, 19 questionnaires were reviewed, ranging in length from 7 to 68 questions. Twenty audit tools were reviewed that cover community environments (i.e., neighborhoods, cities), parks, and trails. For GIS-derived measures, more than 50 studies were reviewed. A large degree of variability was found in the operationalization of common GIS measures, which include population density, land-use mix, access to recreational facilities, and street pattern. This first comprehensive examination of built-environment measures demonstrates considerable progress over the past decade, showing diverse environmental variables available that use multiple modes of assessment. Most can be considered first-generation measures, so further development is needed. In particular, further research is needed to improve the technical quality of measures, understand the relevance to various population groups, and understand the utility of measures for science and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross C Brownson
- Prevention Research Center in St. Louis, George Warren Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.
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86
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Odoms-Young AM, Zenk S, Mason M. Measuring food availability and access in African-American communities: implications for intervention and policy. Am J Prev Med 2009; 36:S145-50. [PMID: 19285205 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2009.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2008] [Revised: 12/08/2008] [Accepted: 01/05/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is a major public health concern in the U.S. As compared to whites, minority populations are disproportionately at risk, with the highest prevalence rates of overweight and obesity occurring among African American women. Although researchers and policymakers argue that environmental approaches have the greatest potential to reverse the rising prevalence of obesity, critical gaps remain in our understanding of the complex mechanisms that underlie the associations between neighborhood food environments and weight status. A major challenge has been the need for reliable and valid measures to assess aspects of the neighborhood food environment that encourage or inhibit healthful eating behaviors and weight management. Investigators have made considerable gains in the development of tools and approaches to measure neighborhood food environments overall, but few studies focus on the specific challenges and issues associated with characterizing neighborhood food environments in communities of color. This paper highlights important considerations for measuring food environments in African-American neighborhoods and their implications for developing programmatic and policy solutions to reduce racial disparities in overweight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela M Odoms-Young
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA.
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87
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Environmental correlates of children's active transportation: a systematic literature review. Health Place 2009; 15:827-40. [PMID: 19285904 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2009.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2008] [Revised: 11/11/2008] [Accepted: 02/03/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
This systematic review investigated the environmental (physical, economic, socio-cultural and political) correlates of active transportation (AT) among young people aged 5-18 years to better inform the promotion of active living. Greater distance, increasing household income and increasing car ownership are consistently associated with lower rates of AT among children. Having a non-white ethnic background has a convincing positive association with AT. Having recreation facilities and walk or bike paths present are possibly associated with higher rates of AT. Further research requires longitudinal and intervention studies, utilizing multi-level design methodologies and objective measures of environmental attributes.
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88
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Sociodemographic, Family, and Environmental Factors Associated with Active Commuting to School among US Adolescents. J Public Health Policy 2009; 30 Suppl 1:S203-20. [PMID: 19190574 DOI: 10.1057/jphp.2008.61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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89
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Abstract
Walking and bicycling (active commuting) to school has been proposed as a strategy for increasing youth physical activity and decreasing the prevalence of overweight. Citations for this review were retrieved through PubMed, Transport, ERIC, and ISI database searches using relevant keywords (1975 to March 2007), government and organization Web sites, and bibliographic citations. This review presents (1) prevalence estimates for active commuting to school; (2) the correlates of active commuting to school, presented using a new conceptual framework; (3) the associations between active commuting to school and health (ie, physical activity, weight status, environmental); and (4) a summary of the findings and recommendations for further research. Considerable heterogeneity exists among the reviewed studies for sample size and demographics, the methods used to measure active commuting, and the definition used to identify a positive case (active commuter). In general, active commuting to school is much less prevalent in the United States compared with European countries. A wide range of correlates of active commuting to school have been studied (individual to policy level). Active commuters tend to be more active than nonactive commuters, although no difference in weight status was observed in most studies. More research is needed to corroborate these findings and build on the knowledge base so that effective walk-to-school interventions can be implemented independently or as part of other health promotion efforts, including physician counseling for physical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R. Sirard
- University of Minnesota, School of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota,
| | - Megan E. Slater
- University of Minnesota, School of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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90
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Panter JR, Jones AP, van Sluijs EM. Environmental determinants of active travel in youth: a review and framework for future research. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2008. [PMID: 18573196 DOI: 10.1186/1479–5868–5–34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many youth fail to meet the recommended guidelines for physical activity. Walking and cycling, forms of active travel, have the potential to contribute significantly towards overall physical activity levels. Recent research examining the associations between physical activity and the environment has shown that environmental factors play a role in determining behaviour in children and adolescents. However, links between the environment and active travel have received less attention. METHODS Twenty four studies were identified which examined the associations between the environment (perceived or objectively measured) and active travel among youth aged 5-18 years. Findings were categorised according to the location of the environmental measure examined; attributes of the neighbourhood, destination and the route between home and destination. RESULTS Results from the reviewed studies indicated that youth active travel is positively associated with social interactions, facilities to assist active travel and urban form in the neighbourhood as well as shorter route length and road safety en-route. A conceptual framework is presented which highlights the associations between active travel behaviours and environmental factors, drawing upon both existing and hypothesised relationships. CONCLUSION We provide a review of the available literature and present a novel theoretical framework that integrates the environment into the wider decision making process around travel choices for children and adolescents. Further work should explore associations where gaps in understanding have been identified, and account for the main moderators of behaviour so hypothesised associations can be confirmed.
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91
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Panter JR, Jones AP, van Sluijs EM. Environmental determinants of active travel in youth: a review and framework for future research. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2008; 5:34. [PMID: 18573196 PMCID: PMC2483993 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5868-5-34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 214] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2007] [Accepted: 06/23/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many youth fail to meet the recommended guidelines for physical activity. Walking and cycling, forms of active travel, have the potential to contribute significantly towards overall physical activity levels. Recent research examining the associations between physical activity and the environment has shown that environmental factors play a role in determining behaviour in children and adolescents. However, links between the environment and active travel have received less attention. Methods Twenty four studies were identified which examined the associations between the environment (perceived or objectively measured) and active travel among youth aged 5–18 years. Findings were categorised according to the location of the environmental measure examined; attributes of the neighbourhood, destination and the route between home and destination. Results Results from the reviewed studies indicated that youth active travel is positively associated with social interactions, facilities to assist active travel and urban form in the neighbourhood as well as shorter route length and road safety en-route. A conceptual framework is presented which highlights the associations between active travel behaviours and environmental factors, drawing upon both existing and hypothesised relationships. Conclusion We provide a review of the available literature and present a novel theoretical framework that integrates the environment into the wider decision making process around travel choices for children and adolescents. Further work should explore associations where gaps in understanding have been identified, and account for the main moderators of behaviour so hypothesised associations can be confirmed.
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92
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Children's active commuting to school: current knowledge and future directions. Prev Chronic Dis 2008; 5:A100. [PMID: 18558018 PMCID: PMC2483568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Driven largely by international declines in rates of walking and bicycling to school and the noted health benefits of physical activity for children, research on children's active commuting to school has expanded rapidly during the past 5 years. We summarize research on predictors and health consequences of active commuting to school and outline and evaluate programs specific to children's walking and bicycling to school. METHODS Literature on children's active commuting to school published before June 2007 was compiled by searching PubMed, PsycINFO, and the National Transportation Library databases; conducting Internet searches on program-based activities; and reviewing relevant transportation journals published during the last 4 years. RESULTS Children who walk or bicycle to school have higher daily levels of physical activity and better cardiovascular fitness than do children who do not actively commute to school. A wide range of predictors of children's active commuting behaviors was identified, including demographic factors, individual and family factors, school factors (including the immediate area surrounding schools), and social and physical environmental factors. Safe Routes to School and the Walking School Bus are 2 public health efforts that promote walking and bicycling to school. Although evaluations of these programs are limited, evidence exists that these activities are viewed positively by key stakeholders and have positive effects on children's active commuting to school. CONCLUSION Future efforts to promote walking and bicycling to school will be facilitated by building on current research, combining the strengths of scientific rigor with the predesign and postdesign provided by intervention activities, and disseminating results broadly and rapidly.
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93
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Forman H, Kerr J, Norman GJ, Saelens BE, Durant NH, Harris SK, Sallis JF. Reliability and validity of destination-specific barriers to walking and cycling for youth. Prev Med 2008; 46:311-6. [PMID: 18206220 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2007.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2007] [Revised: 12/05/2007] [Accepted: 12/07/2007] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the psychometric properties of a new measure of barriers youth encounter while walking to specific destinations and to validate the measure with self-reported walking to these destinations. METHODS In 2005 in Boston, Cincinnati and San Diego, parents of youth (n=289, aged 5-18) and adolescents (n=189, aged 12-18) completed surveys in a two-week test-retest study design. Seventeen items assessed participant agreement with the influence of different barriers to walking or cycling to three types of destinations: 1) parks, 2) shops and restaurants and 3) school. Participants also reported whether or not they walked or cycled to the destinations at least once a week. RESULTS Principal components analysis identified three barrier subscales labeled 'environmental', 'psychosocial/planning', and 'safety', which were consistent across the three destinations and two respondent groups. Internal consistency for the subscales was good (alphas> .70) and two-week test-retest reliability was moderately high (ICCs .56-.81) for both parents and adolescents for all destinations. Psychosocial and environmental barriers were higher in adolescents who did not walk (p< .003). Parents of younger children reported high environmental barriers. CONCLUSION The three barrier subscales to active commuting to multiple destinations demonstrated good reliability and some initial evidence of validity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Forman
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92103, USA
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94
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Boone JE, Gordon-Larsen P, Stewart JD, Popkin BM. Validation of a GIS facilities database: quantification and implications of error. Ann Epidemiol 2008; 18:371-7. [PMID: 18261922 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2007.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2007] [Revised: 10/16/2007] [Accepted: 11/14/2007] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To validate a commercial database of community-level physical activity facilities that can be used in future research examining associations between access to physical activity facilities and individual-level physical activity and obesity. METHODS Physical activity facility characteristics and locations obtained from a commercial database were compared to a field census conducted in 80 census block groups within two U.S. communities. Agreement statistics, agreement of administratively defined neighborhoods, and distance between locations were used to quantify count, attribute, and positional error. RESULTS There was moderate agreement (concordance: nonurban: 0.39; urban: 0.46) of presence of any physical activity facility and poor to moderate agreement (kappa range: 0.14 to 0.76) of physical activity facility type. The mean Euclidean distance between commercial database versus field census locations was 757 and 35 m in the nonurban and urban communities, respectively. However, 94% and 100% of nonurban and urban physical activity facilities, respectively, fell into the same 5-digit ZIP code, dropping to 92% and 98% in the same block group and 71% along the same street. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the commercial database of physical activity facilities may contain appreciable error, but patterns of error suggest that built environment-health associations are likely biased downward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janne E Boone
- Department of Nutrition, Schools of Public Health & Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC 27516-3997, USA
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95
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Nelson NM, Foley E, O'Gorman DJ, Moyna NM, Woods CB. Active commuting to school: how far is too far? Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2008; 5:1. [PMID: 18182102 PMCID: PMC2268942 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5868-5-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2007] [Accepted: 01/08/2008] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Walking and cycling to school provide a convenient opportunity to incorporate physical activity into an adolescent's daily routine. School proximity to residential homes has been identified as an important determinant of active commuting among children. The purpose of this study is to identify if distance is a barrier to active commuting among adolescents, and if there is a criterion distance above which adolescents choose not to walk or cycle. METHODS Data was collected in 2003-05 from a cross-sectional cohort of 15-17 yr old adolescents in 61 post primary schools in Ireland. Participants self-reported distance, mode of transport to school and barriers to active commuting. Trained researchers took physical measurements of height and weight. The relation between mode of transport, gender and population density was examined. Distance was entered into a bivariate logistic regression model to predict mode choice, controlling for gender, population density socio-economic status and school clusters. RESULTS Of the 4013 adolescents who participated (48.1% female, mean age 16.02 +/- 0.661), one third walked or cycled to school. A higher proportion of males than females commuted actively (41.0 vs. 33.8%, chi2 (1) = 22.21, p < 0.001, r = -0.074). Adolescents living in more densely populated areas had greater odds of active commuting than those in the most sparsely populated areas (chi2 (df = 3) = 839.64, p < 0.001). In each density category, active commuters travelled shorter distances to school. After controlling for gender and population density, a 1-mile increase in distance decreased the odds of active commuting by 71% (chi2 (df = 1) = 2591.86, p < 0.001). The majority of walkers lived within 1.5 miles and cyclists within 2.5 miles. Over 90% of adolescents who perceived distance as a barrier to active commuting lived further than 2.5 miles from school. CONCLUSION Distance is an important perceived barrier to active commuting and a predictor of mode choice among adolescents. Distances within 2.5 miles are achievable for adolescent walkers and cyclists. Alternative strategies for increasing physical activity are required for individuals living outside of this criterion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norah M Nelson
- Department of Sport, Culture and the Arts, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Eimear Foley
- Institute of Technology Tralee, Co. Kerry, Ireland
| | - Donal J O'Gorman
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Niall M Moyna
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Catherine B Woods
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
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96
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Evenson KR, Neelon B, Ball SC, Vaughn A, Ward DS. Validity and reliability of a school travel survey. J Phys Act Health 2008; 5 Suppl 1:S1-15. [PMID: 18364515 PMCID: PMC4955384 DOI: 10.1123/jpah.5.s1.s1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the growing interest in active (ie, nonmotorized) travel to and from school, few studies have explored the measurement properties to assess active travel. We evaluated the criterion validity and test-retest reliability of a questionnaire with a sample of young schoolchildren to assess travel to and from school, including mode, travel companion, and destination after school. METHODS To assess test-retest reliability, 54 children age 8 to 11 years completed a travel survey on 2 consecutive school days. To assess criterion validity, 28 children age 8 to 10 years and their parents completed a travel survey on 5 consecutive weekdays. RESULTS Test-retest reliability of all questions indicated substantial agreement. The questions on mode of transport, where you will go after school, and how you will get there also displayed substantial agreement between parental and child reports. CONCLUSIONS For this population, a questionnaire completed by school-age children to assess travel to and from school, including mode, travel companion, and destination after school, was reliably collected and indicated validity for most items when compared with parental reports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly R Evenson
- Dept of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
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97
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Bennett GG, McNeill LH, Wolin KY, Duncan DT, Puleo E, Emmons KM. Safe to walk? Neighborhood safety and physical activity among public housing residents. PLoS Med 2007; 4:1599-606; discussion 1607. [PMID: 17958465 PMCID: PMC2039759 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.0040306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2007] [Accepted: 09/07/2007] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite its health benefits, physical inactivity is pervasive, particularly among those living in lower-income urban communities. In such settings, neighborhood safety may impact willingness to be regularly physically active. We examined the association of perceived neighborhood safety with pedometer-determined physical activity and physical activity self-efficacy. METHODS AND FINDINGS Participants were 1,180 predominantly racial/ethnic minority adults recruited from 12 urban low-income housing complexes in metropolitan Boston. Participants completed a 5-d pedometer data-collection protocol and self-reported their perceptions of neighborhood safety and self-efficacy (i.e., confidence in the ability to be physically active). Gender-stratified bivariate and multivariable random effects models were estimated to account for within-site clustering. Most participants reported feeling safe during the day, while just over one-third (36%) felt safe at night. We found no association between daytime safety reports and physical activity among both men and women. There was also no association between night-time safety reports and physical activity among men (p = 0.23) but women who reported feeling unsafe (versus safe) at night showed significantly fewer steps per day (4,302 versus 5,178, p = 0.01). Perceiving one's neighborhood as unsafe during the day was associated with significantly lower odds of having high physical activity self-efficacy among both men (OR 0.40, p = 0.01) and women (OR 0.68, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS Residing in a neighborhood that is perceived to be unsafe at night is a barrier to regular physical activity among individuals, especially women, living in urban low-income housing. Feeling unsafe may also diminish confidence in the ability to be more physically active. Both of these factors may limit the effectiveness of physical activity promotion strategies delivered in similar settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary G Bennett
- Department of Society, Human Development and Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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98
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Dowda M, McKenzie TL, Cohen DA, Scott MM, Evenson KR, Bedimo-Rung AL, Voorhees CC, Almeida MJCA. Commercial venues as supports for physical activity in adolescent girls. Prev Med 2007; 45:163-8. [PMID: 17673281 PMCID: PMC2443857 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2007.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2006] [Revised: 05/27/2007] [Accepted: 06/01/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purposes of this study were to describe the types and availability of commercial facilities for physical activity (PA) in six diverse geographic areas (Washington DC and Maryland; South Carolina; Minnesota; Louisiana; Arizona; and California) and to assess the relationship between those facilities and the non-school PA of adolescent girls. METHODS A total of 1556 6th grade girls participating in the Trial of Activity for Adolescent Girls (TAAG) wore accelerometers for 7 days providing 6 days of complete data, completed questionnaires in 2003 and had their residential addresses geocoded. Nearby commercial facilities available to provide PA (i.e. dance studios, youth organizations) within a 1-mile radius of participants' residences were identified and geocoded. The association between the presence of any commercial PA facility and girls' PA was determined using a multi-level design and controlling for demographic characteristics and other potential confounders. Analyses were conducted in 2005-2006. RESULTS Sixty-eight percent of the girls had at least one commercial PA facility near their homes. Availability and types of commercial PA facilities differed by where participants lived. Girls who lived near one or more commercial PA facilities had higher non-school MET-weighted moderate-to-vigorous PA than girls who had none near their homes. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that commercial PA facilities are important contributors to the accumulation of PA among adolescent girls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marsha Dowda
- Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health, 921 Assembly Street, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
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99
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Scott MM, Evenson KR, Cohen DA, Cox CE. Comparing perceived and objectively measured access to recreational facilities as predictors of physical activity in adolescent girls. J Urban Health 2007; 84:346-59. [PMID: 17401691 PMCID: PMC2231830 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-007-9179-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
A number of studies in recent years have identified both self-report and objectively measured accessibility of recreational facilities as important predictors of physical activity in youth. Yet, few studies have: (1) examined the relationship between the number and proximity of objectively measured neighborhood physical activity facilities and respondents' perceptions and (2) compared objective and self-report measures as predictors of physical activity. This study uses data on 1,367 6th-grade girls who participated in the Trial of Activity for Adolescent Girls (TAAG) to explore these issues. Girls reported whether nine different types of recreational facilities were easily accessible. These facilities included basketball courts, golf courses, martial arts studios, playing fields, tracks, skating rinks, swimming pools, tennis courts, and dance/gymnastic clubs. Next, geographic information systems (GIS) were used to identify all the parks, schools, and commercial sites for physical activity located within a mile of each girl's home. These sites were then visited to inventory the types of facilities available. Girls wore accelerometers to measure their weekly minutes of non-school metabolic equivalent weighted moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MW-MVPA). The number of facilities within a half-mile of girls' homes strongly predicted the perception of easy access to seven out of nine facility types. Both individual facility perceptions and the total number of facilities perceived were associated with increased physical activity. For each additional facility perceived, girls clocked 3% more metabolic equivalent weighted moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (p < 0.001). Although girls tended to record 3% more of this kind of physical activity (p < 0.05) per basketball court within a mile of their homes, objective facility measures were otherwise unrelated to physical activity. The results from this study suggest that raising the profile of existing facilities may help increase physical activity among adolescent girls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly M Scott
- The RAND Corporation, 1200 S Hayes St., Arlington, VA 22202, USA.
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Evenson KR, Scott MM, Cohen DA, Voorhees CC. Girls' perception of neighborhood factors on physical activity, sedentary behavior, and BMI. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2007; 15:430-45. [PMID: 17299117 DOI: 10.1038/oby.2007.502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to examine the association of perceived physical neighborhood factors with physical activity, sedentary behavior, and BMI among adolescent girls. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES Sixth grade girls (n = 1554) completed a questionnaire on neighborhood factors (e.g., safety, esthetics, access to physical activity resources). The dependent variables included non-school metabolic equivalent weighted moderate to vigorous physical activity (MW-MVPA) and non-school sedentary behavior, both measured using accelerometry, and BMI. RESULTS The following neighborhood factors were associated with lower BMI: seeing walkers and bikers on neighborhood streets, not having a lot of crime in the neighborhood, seeing other children playing outdoors, having bicycle or walking trails in the neighborhood, and access to physical activity facilities. The absolute contribution for the average girl for each of these neighborhood factors was relatively small, with none of these factors exceeding 0.8 kg/m(2) BMI units. The following neighborhood factors were associated with higher MW-MVPA: having well-lit streets at night, having a lot of traffic in the neighborhood, having bicycle or walking trails in the neighborhood, and access to physical activity facilities. Girls with > or = 9 places to go for physical activity had 14.0% higher non-school MW-MVPA than girls with < or = 4 places. DISCUSSION This study identified several neighborhood factors associated with non-school MW-MVPA and BMI, but none of the factors explored were associated with non-school sedentary behavior. Of all of the neighborhood factors we examined, reporting more physically active destinations contributed the largest absolute amount to the average girl's non-school MW-MVPA, according to this cross-sectional study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly R Evenson
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, 137 East Franklin Street, Bank of America Center, Suite 306, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA.
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