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Pham J, Buttazzoni A, Gilliland J. Applying the multiphase optimization strategy to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of an online road safety education intervention for children and parents: a pilot study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1782. [PMID: 38965545 PMCID: PMC11223427 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19208-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reports of children's engagement in active transportation outline low participation rates in many countries despite many associated mental, physical, and social health benefits. One of the main contributors to this phenomenon is a cited lack of education and knowledge among children regarding active travel (AT), specifically road safety. To address this issue, the aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of an online road safety education intervention to promote AT among children and their parents. METHODS Applying the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) for intervention development, implementation, and evaluation, we designed and assessed a four-module online road safety education intervention with a sample of 57 parent-child dyads using a 23 factorial design featuring both qualitative and quantitative analyses. RESULTS Main intervention feasibility findings include positive and critical feedback on the program's content and design, and moderate participant engagement as reflected by program retention and completion rates. With respect to the preliminary intervention effectiveness on children, a significant improvement in road safety knowledge scores was observed for groups that feature the "wheeling safety and skills" module. Slight improvements in AT knowledge scores across all the intervention groups were observed, but were not of significance. Preliminary intervention effectiveness on select parental AT practices and perceptions saw significant improvements in some groups. Groups that featured the 'wheeling safety and skills' module exhibited significantly higher guided choice scores upon completion of the program than those who did not receive this component. CONCLUSION The MOST framework allowed us to design and evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of an online road safety education intervention. The developed intervention has demonstrated that it has the potential to improve children's road safety knowledge and some areas of parental AT practices and perceptions, to which improvements may be attributed to the inclusion of the "wheeling safety and skills" module, suggesting that the targeted focus on cycling skills is a prioritized area. AT programming and practice implications are discussed. Future research is encouraged to refine modules to better reflect the priorities of children and parents and to test these refined components among larger samples. WORD COUNT 9,391 (excludes abstract, tables, figures, abbreviations, and references).
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Pham
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Department of Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Geography and Environment, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Adrian Buttazzoni
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Department of Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.
- School of Planning, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada.
| | - Jason Gilliland
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Department of Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Geography and Environment, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
- Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
- School of Health Studies, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
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2
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Savolainen E, Lindqvist AK, Mikaelsson K, Nyberg L, Rutberg S. Children's active school transportation: an international scoping review of psychosocial factors. Syst Rev 2024; 13:47. [PMID: 38291491 PMCID: PMC10826279 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-023-02414-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the last decades, the prevalence of AST has decreased significantly. Barriers to active school transport (AST) have been extensively examined in the literature, while psychosocial factors that facilitate AST have received less attention. To our best knowledge, there are currently no reviews on this subject. Therefore, the objective of this review was to scope the literature and identify published research about psychosocial factors related to AST. METHODS Systematic searches conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, TRID, Scopus, and ERIC resulted in a total of 1933 publications, and 77 of them were considered eligible for this review. RESULTS The results of the included articles were categorised into four psychosocial factors: confidence in ability, attitudes, social support, and social norms, which were all generally positively related to AST, with a few exceptions. CONCLUSION The findings of this review indicate that these psychosocial factors may be important to consider when developing interventions and highlight that both children and parents should be involved in the process. This knowledge can serve as a valuable guide for developing interventions to promote AST. However, the evidence base supporting these psychosocial factors requires further investigation to fully understand how and when to incorporate them to maximise AST efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Savolainen
- Department of Health, Education and Technology, Luleå University of Technology, 97187, Luleå, Sweden.
| | - Anna-Karin Lindqvist
- Department of Health, Education and Technology, Luleå University of Technology, 97187, Luleå, Sweden
| | - Katarina Mikaelsson
- Department of Health, Education and Technology, Luleå University of Technology, 97187, Luleå, Sweden
| | - Lars Nyberg
- Department of Health, Education and Technology, Luleå University of Technology, 97187, Luleå, Sweden
| | - Stina Rutberg
- Department of Health, Education and Technology, Luleå University of Technology, 97187, Luleå, Sweden
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3
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Buttazzoni A, Pham J, Clark A, Romanelli-Baird E, Gilliland J. Validating the Perceived Active School Travel Enablers and Barriers - Child (PASTEB-C) questionnaire. Public Health 2023; 223:117-127. [PMID: 37634451 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Presently, child-specific tools and instruments related to active school travel (AST) are lacking. This methodological shortcoming often contributes to suboptimal AST behaviour evaluations and intervention programming. The aim of this paper was to develop and validate a theoretically informed child-specific scale regarding multiple perceived barriers and enablers known to impact children's participation in AST. STUDY DESIGN Mixed methods. METHODS A mixed-methods and multistudy scale development approach featuring the application of social-ecological theory, a validation pilot study (n = 80), and test-retest study (n = 96) was conducted in collaboration with children in Ontario, Canada. In tandem with completing cognitive interviews and online surveys, multiple analyses, including a qualitative thematic analysis, along with weighted Cohen's kappa, Cronbach's alpha, and confirmatory factor analysis were undertaken. RESULTS Qualitative analyses of the developed tool addressed face validity concerns related to the response options and definitions of terms used. Following the reliability analyses of 40 items, two confirmatory factor analyses were run to assess the construct validation of perceived AST barriers and enablers, and resulted in the development of the 24-item Perceived Active School Travel Enablers and Barriers - Child (PASTEB-C) questionnaire. CONCLUSION The developed PASTEB-C questionnaire may be used to inform the programming and development of AST interventions, as well as conduct child-specific AST research.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Buttazzoni
- Department of Geography and Environment, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Department of Geography, Faculty of Social Science, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
| | - J Pham
- Department of Geography and Environment, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Department of Geography, Faculty of Social Science, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - A Clark
- Department of Geography and Environment, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Department of Geography, Faculty of Social Science, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - E Romanelli-Baird
- Department of Geography and Environment, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Department of Geography, Faculty of Social Science, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - J Gilliland
- Department of Geography and Environment, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Department of Geography, Faculty of Social Science, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada; Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada; School of Health Studies, Western University, Canada; Department of Paediatrics, Western University, Canada; Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Western University, Canada
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4
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Morris S, Lawlor ER, Foley L, Summerbell C, Panter J, Adams J, Jago R, Pollard TM. Children's experiences of the journey between home and school: A qualitative synthesis using meta-ethnography. Health Place 2022; 76:102819. [PMID: 35667224 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2022.102819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
This paper uses meta-ethnography to synthesise qualitative and ethnographic studies of children's (aged 5-13) experiences of socio-material environments on their school journey. Most of the 21 papers (18 studies) identified from the systematic search were from high-income countries and used self-report qualitative methods. Our synthesis shows children can feel vulnerable, but also negotiate journeys and manage risks, enjoy shared and solitary mobility, and explore their material environments. School journeys offer children a place to learn and develop agency within their socio-material environments. Attending to these wider benefits of school journeys, alongside supporting children to develop active modes attuned to the risks associated with these journeys, could improve the reach and impact of active school travel initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Morris
- Department of Anthropology, Durham University, Dawson Building, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK; Department of Sport and Exercises Sciences, Durham University, 42 Old Elvet, Durham, DH1 3HN, UK; Fuse, The Centre for Translational Research in Public Health, UK.
| | - Emma R Lawlor
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Box 285, Institute of Metabolic Science, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Louise Foley
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Box 285, Institute of Metabolic Science, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Carolyn Summerbell
- Department of Sport and Exercises Sciences, Durham University, 42 Old Elvet, Durham, DH1 3HN, UK; Fuse, The Centre for Translational Research in Public Health, UK
| | - Jenna Panter
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Box 285, Institute of Metabolic Science, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Jean Adams
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Box 285, Institute of Metabolic Science, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Russell Jago
- Centre for Exercise, Nutrition & Health Sciences, School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TZ, UK
| | - Tessa M Pollard
- Department of Anthropology, Durham University, Dawson Building, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK; Fuse, The Centre for Translational Research in Public Health, UK
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5
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Emm-Collison L, Cross R, Garcia Gonzalez M, Watson D, Foster C, Jago R. Children's Voices in Physical Activity Research: A Qualitative Review and Synthesis of UK Children's Perspectives. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19073993. [PMID: 35409676 PMCID: PMC8998303 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19073993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical activity during childhood is associated with multiple short- and long-term health benefits. Physical activity levels decline throughout primary school emphasising a need for effective strategies to promote more activity in children. Children have rarely been involved in the intervention development process. This gap is an important omission and there is much to be learnt from existing qualitative studies with children, which could serve as a starting point for specific projects. This systematic review aimed to synthesise qualitative studies with primary school children in the United Kingdom to identify children's perspectives on why physical activity is important, the factors that influence their physical activity and what they like when it comes to physical activity. METHODS A search of seven databases (conducted in October 2019) identified 26 papers for inclusion. Data extraction and synthesis were conducted using qualitative thematic synthesis. The quality of papers was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist for qualitative research. RESULTS Across the diverse range of studies, several key themes were identified in relation to the three research questions. Children have a comprehensive understanding of the various benefits of physical activity, including benefits for health, fitness and skills development. A range of social agents and practical issues influence children's physical activity, with friend and peer influences being particularly salient. Most children like to have choice over the activities they undertake and the opportunities for creative physical play such as making up active games. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that future interventions should utilize peer relationships, ensure a variety of activities are offered to cater to a broad range of children's physical activity preferences and incorporate child-led activities where possible. The included studies also highlight a need for more diversity in qualitative research in this area, particularly in terms of ethnicity and age, and combining traditional qualitative methods with creative methods, such as photography, may provide richer insights than when using a single mode of data collection. We also highlight several methodological challenges, and in particular, the need for greater acknowledgement of the role of the researcher in qualitative work with children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Emm-Collison
- Centre for Exercise, Nutrition & Health Sciences, School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TZ, UK; (M.G.G.); (C.F.); (R.J.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Rosina Cross
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK;
| | - Maria Garcia Gonzalez
- Centre for Exercise, Nutrition & Health Sciences, School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TZ, UK; (M.G.G.); (C.F.); (R.J.)
| | - Debbie Watson
- Children and Families Research Centre, School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TZ, UK;
| | - Charlie Foster
- Centre for Exercise, Nutrition & Health Sciences, School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TZ, UK; (M.G.G.); (C.F.); (R.J.)
| | - Russell Jago
- Centre for Exercise, Nutrition & Health Sciences, School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TZ, UK; (M.G.G.); (C.F.); (R.J.)
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Olsen JR, Leung KY, Nicholls N, Loo BP. Do neighbourhood characteristics matter in understanding school children’s active lifestyles? A cross-region multi-city comparison of Glasgow, Edinburgh and Hong Kong. CHILDREN'S GEOGRAPHIES 2021; 19:488-504. [PMID: 34790065 PMCID: PMC7611993 DOI: 10.1080/14733285.2020.1828826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Many studies have explored the influence of individual and neighbourhood factors on active school travel (AST), this novel study is the first to examine how AST and formal extracurricular activities are associated with children’s active lifestyles. The aims of this study were to (a) create an active lifestyle variable (ALIFE) measured in terms of total weekly minutes of AST and extracurricular activities, and (b) explore how ALIFE is associated with different attributes at the individual, household and neighbourhood levels, and how these relationships differ for children aged 10 and 11 years old across the three cities: Glasgow, Edinburgh and Hong Kong. We found environmental factors to be important indicators of lower AST, for example greater parking facility density. The most substantial contribution to children’s overall ALIFE was household income, those from the lowest household group having almost 2 h less ALIFE per-week than those from the highest income.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan R. Olsen
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Kevin Y.K. Leung
- Department of Geography, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Natalie Nicholls
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Becky P.Y. Loo
- Department of Geography, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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7
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Children's Experiences of Their Journey to School: Integrating Behaviour Change Frameworks to Inform the Role of the Built Environment in Active School Travel Promotion. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18094992. [PMID: 34066720 PMCID: PMC8125842 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Childhood obesity is a public health problem with multiple effects on children’s life. Promoting Active School Travel (AST) could provide an inclusive opportunity for physical activity and shape healthy behaviours. Data for this cross-sectional study were drawn from questionnaires carried out in five primary schools located in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, in neighbourhoods chosen for their variability in IMD (index of multiple deprivation) and spatial structure of street networks (measured through space syntax measure of integration). A randomly selected and heterogenic sample of 145 pupils (aged 9–10) completed an open-ended questionnaire to state what they like and dislike about their journey to school. Thematic analysis identified four typologies (environmental context, emotions, social influences and trip factors) based on the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and specific themes and sub-themes underlying children’s affective experiences of their journeys to school. This study is the first known to authors to attempt to adapt the Capability, Opportunity and Motivation Behaviour (COM-B) model into AST and children’s experiences and associated behavioural domains with design aspects. Such an insight into children’s attitudes could inform urban planners and designers about how to apply more effective behaviour change interventions, targeting an AST increase among children.
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8
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Haug E, Smith ORF, Bucksch J, Brindley C, Pavelka J, Hamrik Z, Inchley J, Roberts C, Mathisen FKS, Sigmundová D. 12-Year Trends in Active School Transport across Four European Countries-Findings from the Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC) Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18042118. [PMID: 33671596 PMCID: PMC7926861 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18042118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Active school transport (AST) is a source of daily physical activity uptake. However, AST seems to have decreased worldwide over recent decades. We aimed to examine recent trends in AST and associations with gender, age, family affluence, and time to school, using data from the Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC) study collected in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2018 in the Czech Republic, Norway, Scotland, and Wales. Data from 88,212 students (11, 13 and 15 years old) revealed stable patterns of AST from 2006 to 2018, apart from a decrease in the Czech Republic between 2006 and 2010. For survey waves combined, walking to and from school was most common in the Czech Republic (55%) and least common in Wales (30%). Cycling was only common in Norway (22%). AST differed by gender (Scotland and Wales), by age (Norway), and by family affluence (everywhere but Norway). In the Czech Republic, family affluence was associated with change over time in AST, and the effect of travel time on AST was stronger. The findings indicate that the decrease in AST could be levelling off in the countries considered here. Differential associations with sociodemographic factors and travel time should be considered in the development of strategies for AST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Haug
- Department of Health Promotion and Development, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway;
- Department of Teacher Education, NLA University College, 5012 Bergen, Norway
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +47-958-095-48
| | | | - Jens Bucksch
- Department of Prevention and Health Promotion, Faculty of Natural and Human Sciences, Heidelberg University of Education, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (J.B.); (C.B.)
| | - Catherina Brindley
- Department of Prevention and Health Promotion, Faculty of Natural and Human Sciences, Heidelberg University of Education, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (J.B.); (C.B.)
| | - Jan Pavelka
- Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, Faculty of Physical Culture, Palacký University Olomouc, 77111 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (J.P.); (Z.H.)
| | - Zdenek Hamrik
- Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, Faculty of Physical Culture, Palacký University Olomouc, 77111 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (J.P.); (Z.H.)
| | - Joanna Inchley
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G37 HR, UK;
| | - Chris Roberts
- Social Research and Information Devision, Welsh Government, Cardiff CF10 3NQ, UK;
| | | | - Dagmar Sigmundová
- Institute of Active Lifestyle, Faculty of Physical Culture, Palacký University Olomouc, 77111 Olomouc, Czech Republic;
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Ginja S, Arnott B, Namdeo A, McColl E. Understanding active school travel through the Behavioural Ecological Model. Health Psychol Rev 2017; 12:58-74. [PMID: 29098932 DOI: 10.1080/17437199.2017.1400394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Active school travel (AST) is an important source of physical activity for children and a conceptual understanding of AST is necessary to inform promotion efforts. The aim of this article is to provide a conceptual analysis of AST. All currently identified AST formulations include intra-individual variables which are often recommended as intervention targets. However, existing literature lacks clarity on precisely how these intra-individual variables might shape specific AST interventions. Moreover, evaluative studies of AST interventions typically fail to specify an underpinning theory or model. To address this limitation, the Behavioural Ecological Model (BEM), not previously addressed in AST, is presented to guide this area of research. Based on specific examples, we draw attention to the role of potential antecedents and potential reinforcers of AST, as well as potential reinforcers of motorised travel. Antecedents and reinforcers may help to explain choices of school travel mode, and to inform and increase intervention options to promote AST. Consistent with the BEM, the provision of more immediate consequences, such as fun and material prizes, is an evidence-based strategy for increasing AST which is likely to be low-cost and easier to deliver than alternative interventions. This approach to the study of AST is expected to contribute to similar analyses in this and other areas of behaviour change research, and to a more useful discussion and treatment of theoretical and conceptual behavioural models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Ginja
- a Institute of Health & Society , Newcastle University , Newcastle upon Tyne , UK
| | - Bronia Arnott
- a Institute of Health & Society , Newcastle University , Newcastle upon Tyne , UK
| | - Anil Namdeo
- b School of Engineering , Newcastle University , Newcastle upon Tyne , UK
| | - Elaine McColl
- a Institute of Health & Society , Newcastle University , Newcastle upon Tyne , UK
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Pang B, Rundle-Thiele SR, Kubacki K. An empirical examination of the ecological and cognitive active commuting framework. HEALTH EDUCATION 2017. [DOI: 10.1108/he-12-2016-0066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
Evidence indicates that active school travel (AST) including walking can effectively lower levels of obesity among school-age children. Yet Queensland has been identified as one of the most inactive states in Australia where only 5 per cent of Years 1 and 5 children engaged in AST on a daily basis. The purpose of this paper is to explain walking to school behaviour among Queensland children by investigating the explanatory potential of the ecological and cognitive active commuting (ECAC) model.
Design/methodology/approach
An online survey of 537 carers in Queensland, Australia was conducted to collect data about demographics and the variables in the ECAC model. Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the ECAC model and the pathways between variables.
Findings
The results indicate that the ECAC model explained 53.4 per cent of the variance in walking to school. Social norms are the dominating factor in the model. Distance to school affects how the ECAC model works by moderating the associations among walking to school behaviours, perceived risks, and social norms.
Practical implications
Changing carers’ social norms and lowering the perceived risks they associate with walking to school should increase the incidence of walking to school in Queensland.
Originality/value
Although the ECAC model was proposed as a comprehensive framework to explain walking to school behaviour, to date, it has not been tested empirically. Informed by a modified ECAC framework this study aims to empirically explore the factors that may be preventing or facilitating Queensland children from walking to school.
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11
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Macdonald L, McCrorie P, Nicholls N, Ellaway A. Walkability around primary schools and area deprivation across Scotland. BMC Public Health 2016; 16:328. [PMID: 27080230 PMCID: PMC4832497 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-2994-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A number of studies based in the US, Canada, and Australia, have found evidence of associations between the built environment (BE) and mode of transport to school, and links between active travel and deprivation. Limited research in the UK compares potential BE supports for walking to school by area deprivation. Within this study, we gathered data on BE attributes previously linked to active travel, i.e., street/path connectivity, and dwelling density, created a composite 'walkability score' (WS) for areas around primary schools across urban Scotland, and explored whether poorer areas exhibit lower scores than more affluent areas, or vice versa. We consider this to be a novel approach as few studies have compared BE features by deprivation across a whole country. METHODS Address and road/path maps were obtained and primary schools (N = 937) across mainland Scotland were mapped. Schools were attributed income deprivation scores (scores divided into quintiles (Q1: least deprived, Q5: most deprived)). Catchment area (CA) boundaries, i.e., the geographic area representing eligibility for local school attendance, were drawn around schools, and WS calculated for each CA. We compared mean WS by income quintile (ANOVA), for all local authorities (LAs) combined (N = 29), and separately for the four LAs with the greatest number of schools included in the analysis. RESULTS For all LAs combined, the least deprived quintile (Q1) showed a significantly lower WS (-0.61), than quintiles 3, 4 and 5 (Q2: -0.04 (non-sig), Q3: 0.38, Q4: 0.09, Q5: 0.18); while for Glasgow the second least deprived quintile (Q2) showed significantly higher WS (Q1: 1.35, Q2: 1.73), than middling (Q3: 0.18) and most deprived quintiles (Q4: 0.06, Q5: -0.10). CONCLUSION WS differ by deprivation with patterns varying depending on the spatial scale of the analysis. It is essential that less walkable areas are provided with the resources to improve opportunities to engage in active travel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Macdonald
- CSO/MRC Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, 200 Renfield Street, Glasgow, G2 3QB, UK.
| | - Paul McCrorie
- CSO/MRC Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, 200 Renfield Street, Glasgow, G2 3QB, UK
| | - Natalie Nicholls
- CSO/MRC Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, 200 Renfield Street, Glasgow, G2 3QB, UK
| | - Anne Ellaway
- CSO/MRC Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, 200 Renfield Street, Glasgow, G2 3QB, UK
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12
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Morton KL, Atkin AJ, Corder K, Suhrcke M, van Sluijs EMF. The school environment and adolescent physical activity and sedentary behaviour: a mixed-studies systematic review. Obes Rev 2016; 17:142-58. [PMID: 26680609 PMCID: PMC4914929 DOI: 10.1111/obr.12352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Revised: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 10/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing academic and policy interest in interventions aiming to promote young people's health by ensuring that the school environment supports healthy behaviours. The purpose of this review was to summarize the current evidence on school-based policy, physical and social-environmental influences on adolescent physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Electronic databases were searched to identify studies that (1) involved healthy adolescents (11-18 years old), (2) investigated school-environmental influences and (3) reported a physical activity and/or sedentary behaviour outcome or theme. Findings were synthesized using a non-quantitative synthesis and thematic analysis. Ninety-three papers of mixed methodological quality were included. A range of school-based policy (e.g. break time length), physical (e.g. facilities) and social-environmental (e.g. teacher behaviours) factors were associated with adolescent physical activity, with limited research on sedentary behaviour. The mixed-studies synthesis revealed the importance of specific activity settings (type and location) and intramural sport opportunities for all students. Important physical education-related factors were a mastery-oriented motivational climate and autonomy supportive teaching behaviours. Qualitative evidence highlighted the influence of the wider school climate and shed light on complexities of the associations observed in the quantitative literature. This review identifies future research needs and discusses potential intervention approaches to be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- K L Morton
- UKCRC Centre for Diet and Activity Research (CEDAR), MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - A J Atkin
- UKCRC Centre for Diet and Activity Research (CEDAR), MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - K Corder
- UKCRC Centre for Diet and Activity Research (CEDAR), MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - M Suhrcke
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, York, UK
| | - E M F van Sluijs
- UKCRC Centre for Diet and Activity Research (CEDAR), MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Kirby J, Inchley J. Walking behaviours among adolescent girls in Scotland: a pilot study. HEALTH EDUCATION 2012. [DOI: 10.1108/09654281311293628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Jones CHD, Ogilvie D. Motivations for active commuting: a qualitative investigation of the period of home or work relocation. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2012; 9:109. [PMID: 22967090 PMCID: PMC3489688 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5868-9-109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2012] [Accepted: 09/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Promoting walking or cycling to work (active commuting) could help to increase population physical activity levels. According to the habit discontinuity and residential self-selection hypotheses, moving home or workplace is a period when people (re)assess, and may be more likely to change, their travel behavior. Research in this area is dominated by the use of quantitative research methods, but qualitative approaches can provide in-depth insight into the experiences and processes of travel behavior change. This qualitative study aimed to explore experiences and motivations regarding travel behavior around the period of relocation, in an effort to understand how active commuting might be promoted more effectively. Methods Participants were recruited from the Commuting and Health in Cambridge study cohort in the UK. Commuters who had moved home, workplace or both between 2009 and 2010 were identified, and a purposive sample was invited to participate in semi-structured interviews regarding their experiences of, and travel behavior before and after, relocating. A grounded theory approach was taken to analysis. Results Twenty-six commuters participated. Participants were motivated by convenience, speed, cost and reliability when selecting modes of travel for commuting. Physical activity was not a primary motivation, but incidental increases in physical activity were described and valued in association with active commuting, the use of public transport and the use of park-and-ride facilities. Conclusions Emphasizing and improving the relative convenience, cost, speed and reliability of active commuting may be a more promising approach to promoting its uptake than emphasizing the health benefits, at least around the time of relocation. Providing good quality public transport and free car parking within walking or cycling distance of major employment sites may encourage the inclusion of active travel in the journey to work, particularly for people who live too far from work to walk or cycle the entire journey. Contrary to a straightforward interpretation of the self-selection hypothesis, people do not necessarily decide how they prefer to travel, relocate, and then travel in their expected way; rather, there is constant negotiation, reassessment and adjustment of travel behavior following relocation which may offer an extended window of opportunity for travel behavior change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline H D Jones
- MRC Epidemiology Unit and UKCRC Centre for Diet and Activity Research (CEDAR), Box 296, Institute of Public Health, Forvie Site, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 OSR, UK.
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McMinn D, Rowe DA, Murtagh S, Nelson NM. The Strathclyde Evaluation of Children's Active Travel (SE-CAT): study rationale and methods. BMC Public Health 2011; 11:958. [PMID: 22208498 PMCID: PMC3264665 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-11-958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2011] [Accepted: 12/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The school commute is a prime opportunity to increase children's physical activity levels. However, active commuting has decreased over the past 40 years. Strategies that increase walking to school are therefore needed. Travelling Green (TG) is a school-based active travel resource aimed at increasing children's walking to school. The resource consists of a curriculum-based program of lessons and goal setting activities. A previous study found that children who received the TG intervention increased self-reported distance travelled to school by active modes and reduced the distance travelled by inactive modes. This study was limited by self-reported outcome measures, a small sample, and no follow-up measures. A more robust evaluation of TG is required to address these limitations. This paper describes the rationale and methods for such an evaluation of Travelling Green, and describes the piloting of various active commuting measures in primary school children. Methods/Design Measures of active commuting were piloted in a sample of 26 children (aged 8-9 years) over one school week. These measures were subsequently used in an 18-month quasi-experimental design to evaluate the effect of TG on commuting behaviour. Participants were 166 children (60% male) aged 8-9 years from 5 primary schools. Two schools (n = 79 children) received TG in September/October 2009. Three schools (n = 87 children) acted as a comparison group, and subsequently received TG at a later date. Physical activity was measured using Actigraph GT1M accelerometers. Personal and environmental determinants of active commuting were measured via parent and child questionnaires, as were factors related to the Theory of Planned Behaviour and the construct of habit. Measures were taken pre- and post-intervention and at 5 and 12 months follow-up. Discussion The piloted protocol was practical and feasible and piloted measures were reliable and valid. All study data, including 5 and 12 month follow-up, have been collected and processed. Data analysis is ongoing. Results will indicate whether TG successfully increases active commuting in a sample of Scottish school children and will inform future efforts in school active travel promotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- David McMinn
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK.
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Stock C, Bloomfield K, Ejstrud B, Vinther-Larsen M, Meijer M, Grønbæk M, Grittner U. Are characteristics of the school district associated with active transportation to school in Danish adolescents? Eur J Public Health 2011; 22:398-404. [PMID: 21893503 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckr111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study sought to determine the influence of individual factors on active transportation to school among Danish seventh graders and whether school district factors are associated with such behaviour independently of individual factors. METHODS Mixed effects logistic regression models determined the effects of individual (gender, family affluence, enjoyment of school and academic performance) and school district factors (educational level, household savings, land use and size) on active transportation to school (by foot, bicycle or other active means) among 10 380 pupils aged 13-15 years nested in 407 school districts. RESULTS Of all students, 64.4% used active transportation to school daily. Boys, those with perceived higher school performance and those with lower family affluence were more likely to use active transportation to school. After adjustment for all individual factors listed above, high household savings at the school district level was associated with higher odds of active transportation to school. As factors of land use, low level of farming land use and high proportion of single houses were associated with active transportation to school. CONCLUSIONS Policies aiming at reducing social inequalities at the school district level may enhance active transportation to school. School districts with farming land use face barriers for active transportation to school, requiring special policy attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Stock
- Unit for Health Promotion Research, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark.
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