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Hermida C, Chillón P, Andrade J, Barranco-Ruiz Y, Campos-Garzón P, Palma-Leal X, Quezada A, Villa-González E, Orellana D, Huertas-Delgado J. Parents' perceived barriers to active commuting to school. Comparative study between Spanish and Ecuadorian cities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38817088 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2024.2358478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Parents´ perceptions can influence their children´s mode of commuting to school. In this sense, the purposes of this study were to compare parental barriers towards active commuting to school (ACS) between Ecuadorian and Spanish children, and to analyze the associations between those barriers and the children's mode of commuting. Descriptive and comparative analyses were performed using Chi-square and T-student test. Associations were analyzed by several logistic regression models. Results showed that road safety is the main barrier for ACS, and that all the barriers are perceived as higher by Ecuadorian parents (p<0.001). It was also found that Ecuadorian children were less likely to be active when parents perceive greater total barriers (OR=0.15, CI=0.06, 0.40). Public policies should focus on reducing the parental barriers in order to increase ACS, specifically those related to road safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Hermida
- Laboratorio de Movilidad Urbana, Universidad del Azuay, Cuenca, Ecuador
| | - Palma Chillón
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Sport and Health University Research Institute (IMUDS), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Jorge Andrade
- Escuela de Arquitectura, Diseño y Artes, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Ibarra, Ecuador
| | - Yaira Barranco-Ruiz
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Sport and Health University Research Institute (IMUDS), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Pablo Campos-Garzón
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Sport and Health University Research Institute (IMUDS), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Ximena Palma-Leal
- iGEO Group, School of Physical Education, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Adriana Quezada
- Facultad de Arquitectura y Urbanismo, LlactaLAB, Universidad de Cuenca, Cuenca, Ecuador
| | - Emilio Villa-González
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Sport and Health University Research Institute (IMUDS), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Daniel Orellana
- Facultad de Arquitectura y Urbanismo, LlactaLAB, Universidad de Cuenca, Cuenca, Ecuador
| | - Javier Huertas-Delgado
- Department of Musical, Plastic and Body Expression, Teacher Training Centre La Inmaculada, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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Lam HY, Jayasinghe S, Ahuja KDK, Hills AP. Active School Commuting in School Children: A Narrative Review of Current Evidence and Future Research Implications. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6929. [PMID: 37887667 PMCID: PMC10606062 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20206929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Active school commuting (ASC) has been proposed as a practical way to inculcate positive physical activity habits in children. This paper reviews the current evidence regarding ASC among children, highlights advances in research techniques and existing limitations in the field, and outlines future implications for research and promotion. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify English language studies on ASC among children aged 6-12 years, followed by a narrative review. ASC has witnessed a global decline, despite evidence of its contribution to physical activity levels. Context-dependent factors such as commuting distance and parental safety concerns are consistently identified as key determinants of ASC. Several promising interventions have been identified. Despite the limitations in intervention scope and quality, notable advancements in research techniques, such as multilevel regression and agent-based modelling, have been identified. Effective promotion of ASC to tackle childhood physical inactivity requires collaborative efforts among schools, parents, and the government, and should be tailored to address multilevel determinants within the local context. Future research should leverage recent advancements in research techniques to develop effective promotion strategies, while considering the context-dependent nature of ASC behaviours and addressing existing limitations, including the lack of standardised definitions and limited geographical and age coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Yeung Lam
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7250, Australia; (S.J.); (K.D.K.A.); (A.P.H.)
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Jingili N, Oyelere SS, Berghem SM, Brännström R, Laine TH, Balogun OS. Adolescents' perceptions of active school transport in northern Sweden. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20779. [PMID: 37860541 PMCID: PMC10582399 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Active school transport (AST) refers to using active means of transport such as walking, cycling, or riding a non-motorised scooter to school. It can help improve adolescents' physical activity levels and create a more sustainable environment. The study involved 70 adolescents (45 boys and 25 girls) aged 13 to 14 from one school in Skellefteå, in Northern Sweden. In an online questionnaire, they were asked about their perceptions of cycling, walking, and riding a non-motorised scooter to school. This study used descriptive statistics, multiple regression analysis, and hypothesis testing with ANOVA to analyse the collected data and compare the perceptions of different types of transport on safety, environmental, and personal factors among adolescents in Northern Sweden. According to the results, more adolescents walked to school than cycled, and significantly few rode a non-motorised scooter to school. Most adolescents believe walking or cycling to school is a great way to exercise. Furthermore, the study also revealed that many adolescents avoid using AST due to the time it takes. Although the study showed that adolescents felt sufficient support for using AST from schools and parents, the number of adolescents using motorised transport is higher during winter than in summer. Additionally, most of them were more confident about cycling and walking to school than riding a non-motorised scooter and thought using AST was nice. Finally, most adolescents perceived having complete control over their transport options when going to school. The research indicates that it is crucial to implement interventions that inspire children to be interested and excited about using AST. These strategies should include fostering an AST culture that is fun and positive, as well as creating environments that are safe and supportive. The research results will guide the creation of a persuasive game that can motivate adolescents to use AST and measure its effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuru Jingili
- Department of Computer Science, Electrical and Space Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, 931 87, Luleå, Sweden
| | - Solomon Sunday Oyelere
- Department of Computer Science, Electrical and Space Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, 931 87, Luleå, Sweden
| | - Simon Malmström Berghem
- Department of Computer Science, Electrical and Space Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, 931 87, Luleå, Sweden
| | - Robert Brännström
- Department of Computer Science, Electrical and Space Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, 931 87, Luleå, Sweden
| | - Teemu H. Laine
- Department of Digital Media, Ajou University, Suwon, 16499, South Korea
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Wangzom D, White M, Paay J. Perceived Safety Influencing Active Travel to School-A Built Environment Perspective. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1026. [PMID: 36673781 PMCID: PMC9859122 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Despite the many research studies on active school travel (AST), the number of children walking/cycling to school is decreasing as there is a lack of implementable research evidence. This review through database searches from 2000 to 2020 aims to identify research gaps and explore new perspectives. The articles are selected and screened methodically for systematic presentation of the review. An existing active school travel framework is used to structure and discuss this review paper on mediating factors influencing children's active travel to school, that is the perceived traffic safety, neighborhood safety, and distance to school. Perception of traffic safety could be ameliorated through lateral separation from the traffic, and this could be a new area of research. The neighborhood safety perception may require more research to validate the previous findings. Schools should be located within high-density residential development so that many children can walk to school.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorji Wangzom
- Centre for Design Innovation, Advanced Manufacturing and Design Centre (AMDC), 469-477 Burwood Road, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia
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Vaquero-Solís M, Tapia-Serrano M, Prieto Prieto J, Cerro-Herrero D, Sánchez-Miguel P. Desplazamiento activo en adolescentes: importancia de las barreras percibidas y el acompañamiento. REVISTA INTERNACIONAL DE MEDICINA Y CIENCIAS DE LA ACTIVIDAD FÍSICA Y DEL DEPORTE 2022. [DOI: 10.15366/rimcafd2022.88.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
El presente estudio tiene como objetivo conocer el valor predictivo de la edad, el acompañamiento, y las barreras físicas y psicosociales en el desplazamiento activo. Participaron un total de 1325 estudiantes procedentes de centros educativos de Educación Primaria y Educación Secundaria de la Comunidad Autónoma de Extremadura (España), con edades comprendidas entre los 10-17 años (M =12.1; DT= 1.60). Los estudiantes cumplimentaron información sobre el modo, distancia, tiempo y acompañamiento a través del cuestionario PACO, y de las barreras percibidas para el desplazamiento activo mediante la escala BATACE. Los resultados revelaron una importante incidencia del acompañamiento, la distancia y las barreras psicosociales percibidas para la realización de desplazamiento activo hacia el colegio (R2 = .53; p = 0.00). Se concluye en la importancia de la distancia hasta el centro educativo, las barreras psicosociales, y el acompañamiento como elementos más importantes en la realización de desplazamiento activo.
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Han L, Wang Y, Ao Y, Ding X, Li M, Wang T. The built environment impacts on route choice from home to school for rural students: A stated preference experiment. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1087467. [PMID: 36568754 PMCID: PMC9768427 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1087467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Rural roads and built environment in China have been developed enormously, but it is not clear whether these roads fulfill the needs of school children as they need to travel long to school every day. Objective It is crucial to understand the influencing factors of their travel mode choices to better design future country roads and built environment, aiming to promote physical activities of school children in a safe built environment. Method This study thus attempts to explore the impacts of rural built environment attributes on children's school travel mode preferences. Eight rural built environment attributes are considered: distance from home to school; the number of intersections passed on the way to school; whether there are sidewalks/bicycle lanes; the traffic speed of school access routes; whether there are separation facilities between motor vehicles and non-motor vehicles; whether there are traffic lights and zebra crossings; availability of greenery such as lawns, flower ponds and street trees and whether there are shops on the way to school and at the school gate. Six hundred and thirty eight valid questionnaires were obtained through face-to-face interviews with school-age children in villages. A multinomial logit model was estimated to unravel the preferences and choices of rural school-age children in different models of school travel using the stated choice data. Results All the eight attributes have significant impacts on rural children's school travel choices on foot, bicycle, electric bicycle or motorbike. And four rural road design attributes have significant effects on rural children's school travel by private cars. A travel path with pavements or bike lanes, few intersections, low traffic speeds, greenery and shops can facilitate children's school travels on foot or by bike. The conclusions can provide reference for the further upgrading planning, designing and construction of rural roads, as well as enriching the theory and practice of child-friendly villages construction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Han
- College of Environment and Civil Engineering, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Engineering Management, Sichuan College of Architectural Technology, Chengdu, China
| | - Yibin Ao
- College of Environment and Civil Engineering, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuan Ding
- College of Environment and Civil Engineering, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, China
| | - Mingyang Li
- College of Management Science, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, China
| | - Tong Wang
- Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
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Meena DK, Tripathi R, Agrawal S. An evaluation of primary schools and its accessibility using GIS techniques: a case study of Prayagraj district, India. GEOJOURNAL 2022; 88:1921-1951. [PMID: 35967593 PMCID: PMC9358108 DOI: 10.1007/s10708-022-10715-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The spatial analysis of primary schools is needed to ensure that they meet standards set by the Government of India. Therefore, mapping of Prayagraj district primary schools is carried out in this research work. The spatial analysis of schools is performed using various parameters that include: literacy rate, student gender ratio, teacher taught ratio, and students' toilets ratio. Several problems were revealed in the GIS based analysis of schools by highlighting their locations on the map. The results identify the location of all those schools where there is a need to take corrective measures. Further, the route analysis between home and school is handled in this research work. Sometimes, commutation is the sole criteria in the selection of a school. Therefore, optimal path analysis has been performed based on three parameters, i.e. population density, traveling distance and traveling time. A combined weight function is also given to find the optimal path. This work will help people to select the best possible path based upon their requirements. There is often a requirement to reach all the schools to distribute the goods or other physical monitoring activities. This work gave the optimal route to visit all the schools by using the Travelling Salesman Problem (TSP). School accessibility results obtained in this research through TSP will assist in choosing the best possible route. This will help the government identify locations where new roads need to be constructed to have road connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dharmendera Kumar Meena
- GIS Cell, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology Allahabad, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211004 India
| | - Rajeev Tripathi
- Electronics and Communication Engineering Department, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology Allahabad, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211004 India
| | - Sonam Agrawal
- GIS Cell, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology Allahabad, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211004 India
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Influences of the Built Environment on Rural School Children's Travel Mode Choice: The Case of Chengdu. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159008. [PMID: 35897380 PMCID: PMC9331266 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Since the reform and opening up of China, the rural built environment has changed dramatically. There is a need to understand how such changes have impacted rural children’s school travel mode choice to design the built environment and plan schools accordingly. This paper combines field measurement methods and questionnaires to obtain data on rural children’s school travel behavior and uses the multinomial logit (MNL) model to investigate the impacting factors. The results show the following insights: Age has a significant positive impact on children’s choice of bicycles and buses. The improvements in road layout and facility conditions are significantly and positively associated with children’s choice of electric bicycles for school. There is a significant positive correlation between a good and safe public environment and children’s choice of cycling. Furthermore, distance from home to school has a significant impact on the choice of children’s school travel mode: the greater the distance to school, the higher the probability that children will choose motorized modes of travel such as buses and private cars. This study provides empirical data and evidence in designing rural transport systems for school children based on their preferences concerning built environment factors.
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Cordovil R, Mercê C, Branco M, Lopes F, Catela D, Hasanen E, Laukkanen A, Tortella P, Fumagalli G, Sá C, Jidovtseff B, Zeuwts L, De Meester A, Bardid F, Fujikawa R, Veldman S, Zlatar S, Estevan I. Learning to Cycle: A Cross-Cultural and Cross-Generational Comparison. Front Public Health 2022; 10:861390. [PMID: 35570950 PMCID: PMC9096157 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.861390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Learning to cycle is an important milestone for children, but the popularity of cycling and the environmental factors that promote the development and practice of this foundational movement skill vary among cultures and across time. This present study aimed to investigate if country of residence and the generation in which a person was born influence the age at which people learn to cycle. Methods Data were collected through an online survey between November 2019 and December 2020. For this study, a total of 9,589 responses were obtained for adults (self-report) and children (parental report) living in 10 countries (Portugal, Italy, Brazil, Finland, Spain, Belgium, United Kingdom, Mexico, Croatia, and the Netherlands). Participants were grouped according to their year of birth with 20-year periods approximately corresponding to 3 generations: 1960-79 (generation X; n = 2,214); 1980-99 (generation Y; n = 3,994); 2000-2019 (generation Z; n = 3,381). Results A two-way ANOVA showed a significant effect of country, F (9,8628) = 90.17, p < 0.001, η p 2 = 0.086, and generation, F (2,8628) = 47.21, p < 0.001, η p 2 = 0.122, on the age at which individuals learn to cycle. Countries with the lowest learning age were the Netherlands, Finland and Belgium and countries with the highest learning age were Brazil and Mexico. Furthermore, the age at which one learns to cycle has decreased across generations. There was also a significant country x generation interaction effect on learning age, F (18,8628) = 2.90, p < 0.001; however, this effect was negligible ( η p 2 = 0.006). Conclusions These findings support the socio-ecological perspective that learning to cycle is a process affected by both proximal and distal influences, including individual, environment and time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Cordovil
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Estudo da Performance Humana, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cristiana Mercê
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Estudo da Performance Humana, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Departamento de Atividade Física e Saúde, Escola Superior de Desporto de Rio Maior, Instituto Politécnico de Santarém, Rio Maior, Portugal
| | - Marco Branco
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Estudo da Performance Humana, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Departamento de Atividade Física e Saúde, Escola Superior de Desporto de Rio Maior, Instituto Politécnico de Santarém, Rio Maior, Portugal
| | - Frederico Lopes
- Departamento de Desporto e Saúde, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - David Catela
- Centro de Investigação em Qualidade de Vida, Escola Superior de Desporto de Rio Maior, Instituto Politécnico de Santarém, Rio Maior, Portugal
| | - Elina Hasanen
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Arto Laukkanen
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Patrizia Tortella
- Department of Art, Music and Movement, Faculty of Education, Free University of Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Guido Fumagalli
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Center for Research on Motor Development in Infancy, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Cristina Sá
- Departamento de Ciências Do Movimento Humano, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Santos, Brazil
| | - Boris Jidovtseff
- Research Unit for a Life-Course Perspective on Health and Education, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Linus Zeuwts
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - An De Meester
- Department of Physical Education, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Farid Bardid
- School of Education, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Ricardo Fujikawa
- Real Centro Universitario Escorial Maria Cristina, Madrid College of Chiropractic, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sanne Veldman
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Center (Amsterdam UMC), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Health Behaviour and Chronic Diseases and Methodology, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Isaac Estevan
- AFIPS Research Group, RIIDASS Network, Department of Teaching of Music, Visual and Corporal Expression, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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Ikeda E, Guagliano JM, Atkin AJ, Sherar LB, Ekelund U, Hansen B, Northstone K, van Sluijs E. Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of active travel, organised sport and physical education with accelerometer-assessed moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in young people: the International Children's Accelerometry Database. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2022; 19:41. [PMID: 35366914 PMCID: PMC8977036 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-022-01282-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical activity (PA) declines during childhood. Important sources of PA are active travel, organised sport and physical education (PE), but it is unclear how these domain-specific PA sources contribute to (changes in) daily moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) in young people. This study aimed to examine (1) the cross-sectional association between domain-specific physical activity (i.e., active travel, organised sport and PE) and daily minutes in accelerometer-assessed MVPA; and (2) the longitudinal association between domain-specific physical activity at baseline and change in daily minutes in MVPA. METHODS Participants (baseline age 11.3 ± .1.2 years) were drawn from three studies in the International Children's Accelerometry Database. The contribution of self-reported standardised active travel, organised sport and PE to accelerometer-measured daily minutes in MVPA was examined using linear regression. In cross-sectional analyses, MVPA was regressed on each PA domain in separate models, adjusted for study, age, sex, maternal education, season, and monitor wear time. In longitudinal analyses, change in MVPA was regressed on each of the baseline PA domains, additionally adjusting for changes in season and wear time, follow-up duration, and baseline MVPA. R-squared was used to compare variance explained by each PA domain. RESULTS In the cross-sectional analyses (n = 3871), organised sport (standardised β = 3.81, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] = 3.06, 4.56) and active travel (β = 3.46, 95%CI = 2.73, 4.19) contributed more to daily MVPA than PE (β = 0.82, 95%CI = -0.02, 1.66). Compared to the base model which included only covariates (R2 = 21.5%), organised sport (absolute change: + 1.9%) and active travel (+ 1.7%) models explained more of the variance than the PE model (± < 0.1%). Associations followed a similar pattern in the longitudinal analyses (n = 2302), but none of the PA domains predicted change in MVPA (organised sport: standardised β = 0.85, 95%CI = -0.03, 1.72; active travel: β = 0.68, 95%CI = -0.14, 1.50; PE: β = 0.02, 95%CI = -0.87, 0.91). CONCLUSIONS A multi-sectoral approach covering a wide range of PA domains should be promoted to minimise the age-related decline in MVPA during childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Ikeda
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Justin M Guagliano
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Andrew J Atkin
- School of Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
- Norwich Epidemiology Centre, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Lauren B Sherar
- School of Sport, Exercise, and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Ulf Ekelund
- Department of Sports Medicine, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bjørge Hansen
- Department of Sports Medicine, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Kate Northstone
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol School of Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Buli BG, Tillander A, Fell T, Bälter K. Active Commuting and Healthy Behavior among Adolescents in Neighborhoods with Varying Socioeconomic Status: The NESLA Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19073784. [PMID: 35409464 PMCID: PMC8997619 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19073784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
(1) Background: The World Health Organization recommends active commuting as a source of physical activity. Active commuting is determined by various factors, including the socioeconomic status (SES) of families and neighborhoods, distance to schools, perceived neighborhood safety, lifestyles and availability of walkways and biking paths. This study aimed to assess factors associated with modes of transportation to and from school among adolescents aged 16–19 living in a middle-sized city in Sweden. (2) Method: Three hundred and fourteen students, of whom 55% were females, from schools in the city of Västerås participated in the study. Printed as well as web-based self-administered questionnaires were used to collect the data. (3) Results: Adolescents living in high SES neighborhoods were 80% more likely to bike or walk to school (OR = 1.80; CI: 1.01, 3.20) than adolescents living in low SES neighborhoods. Furthermore, active commuting was associated with higher consumption of fruits and vegetables (OR = 1.77; CI: 1.05, 2.97) and less consumption of junk foods (OR = 0.43; CI: 0.26, 0.71), as compared to passive commuting. (4) Conclusions: Active commuting is a cost-effective and sustainable source of regular physical activity and should be encouraged at a societal level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benti Geleta Buli
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Mälardalen University, 722 20 Västerås, Sweden;
- Correspondence:
| | - Annika Tillander
- Department of Computer and Information Science, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden;
| | - Terence Fell
- Division of Economics and Political Science, Mälardalen University, 722 20 Västerås, Sweden;
| | - Katarina Bälter
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Mälardalen University, 722 20 Västerås, Sweden;
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
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Khan UR, Razzak J, Gerdin Wärnberg M. Association of adolescents' independent mobility with road traffic injuries in Karachi, Pakistan: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e057206. [PMID: 35318236 PMCID: PMC8943767 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-057206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Participation in walking, cycling and taking public transportation without adult supervision is defined as independent mobility of children and adolescents. The association between adolescents' independent mobility and road traffic injury (RTI) is unclear. The purpose of this study is to determine measures of adolescents' independent mobility associated with RTIs in an urban lower middle-income setting. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional survey. SETTING Schools in Karachi, Pakistan. PARTICIPANTS Adolescents aged 10-19 years in grades 6-10 were enrolled from private and public schools. OUTCOME Any self-reported lifetime RTI sustained as a pedestrian, as a cyclist or while in a car or another vehicle that resulted in any first aid at home/school or consultation in a healthcare setting. EXPOSURE Self-reported independent mobility was assessed by four variables. (1) Any travel companion from school to home on the survey day, (2) parental permission to cross main roads alone, (3) parental permission to travel by public bus alone and (4) activity/activities outside the home on the previous weekend alone. RESULTS Data from 1264 adolescents, 10-19 years old, were included. Most were females (60%). Adolescents who had parental permission to cross main roads alone (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.39; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.86) and who participated in one or more activities outside the home alone on the previous weekend (aOR 2.61; 95% CI 1.42 to 5.13) or participated in a mixture of activities with and without adult accompaniment (aOR 2.50; 95% CI 1.38 to 4.89) had higher odds of RTIs. CONCLUSIONS Parental permission to cross main roads alone and participation in activity/activities outside the home on the previous weekend alone were two measures of independent mobility associated with higher odds of RTIs among adolescents. The study provides an understanding of the risk posed by adolescents' independent mobility in road traffic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uzma Rahim Khan
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Junaid Razzak
- Department of Emergency Medicine, New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, New York, USA
- Centre of Excellence for Trauma and Emergencies, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Martin Gerdin Wärnberg
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Function Perioperative Medicine and Intensive Care, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden
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Associations between Children's Physical Activity and Neighborhood Environments Using GIS: A Secondary Analysis from a Systematic Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031033. [PMID: 35162057 PMCID: PMC8834090 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Regular participation in physical activity is essential for children's physical, mental, and cognitive health. Neighborhood environments may be especially important for children who are more likely to spend time in the environment proximal to home. This article provides an update of evidence for associations between children's physical activity behaviors and objectively assessed environmental characteristics derived using geographical information system (GIS)-based approaches. A systematic scoping review yielded 36 relevant articles of varying study quality. Most studies were conducted in the USA. Findings highlight the need for neighborhoods that are well connected, have higher population densities, and have a variety of destinations in the proximal neighborhood to support children's physical activity behaviors. A shorter distance to school and safe traffic environments were significant factors in supporting children's active travel behaviors. Areas for improvement in the field include the consideration of neighborhood self-selection bias, including more diverse population groups, ground-truthing GIS databases, utilising data-driven approaches to derive environmental indices, and improving the temporal alignment of GIS datasets with behavioral outcomes.
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Yang W, Yu JJ, Wong SHS, Sum RKW, Li MH, Sit CHP. The Associations Among Physical Activity, Quality of Life, and Self-Concept in Children and Adolescents With Disabilities: A Moderated Mediation Model. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:947336. [PMID: 35899131 PMCID: PMC9309555 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.947336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to examine a moderated mediation model of the associations among physical activity (PA), quality of life (QoL), and self-concept (SC) in children and adolescents with physical disabilities (PDs) and intellectual disabilities (IDs). MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 288 children and adolescents with PDs and IDs, aged between 6 and 17 years, were recruited from 16 special schools in Hong Kong. PA, QoL, and SC were measured using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C), Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), and Physical Self-Description Questionnaire Short Form, respectively. Mediation (i.e., PA, QoL, and SC) and moderation analyses (i.e., age, sex, and parental education level) were conducted by structural equation modelling (SEM) using the M plus and PROCESS macro for SPSS. RESULTS Physical activity (PA) was positively associated with SC (PDs: β = 0.373; IDs: β = 0.343), and SC significantly mediated the associations between PA and QoL in children and adolescents with PDs (parent proxy-report QoL: β = 0.114; self-report QoL: β = 0.141) and IDs (self-report QoL: β = 0.204). The mediating effects of SC accounted for 16 and 15% of the total effects of PA on QoL (parent proxy-report and self-report) respectively, in participants with PDs, and 8 and 4%, respectively, in those with IDs. Males and participants with higher parental education levels reported stronger associations among PA, QoL, and SC than their counterparts. CONCLUSION This study supports mediating and moderating effects on the associations among PA, QoL, and SC in children and adolescents with PDs and IDs. Future researchers should consider PA intervention in mental health services and provide tailor-made PA programmes based on personal and environmental factors for children and adolescents with disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Yang
- Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jane Jie Yu
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Stephen Heung-Sang Wong
- Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Raymond Kim-Wai Sum
- Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ming Hui Li
- Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Cindy Hui-Ping Sit
- Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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15
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Hino K, Ikeda E, Sadahiro S, Inoue S. Associations of neighborhood built, safety, and social environment with walking to and from school among elementary school-aged children in Chiba, Japan. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2021; 18:152. [PMID: 34838032 PMCID: PMC8626724 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-021-01202-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although it is globally known that Japan has high prevalence of active school travel among children, there are few international studies on Japanese children's school travel. Moreover, only few studies have focused on the differences in their mode of travel between to-school and from-school. This study examined the associations of neighborhood built, safety, and social environments with walking to/from school among elementary school-aged children in Chiba, Japan. METHODS We conducted an online survey with 1545 parents of children aged 6-12 years residing in Chiba between 25 and 27 November 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. A neighborhood was defined as the area of a postcode provided by the participants. Each neighborhood environment was assessed based on the built environment (new town designation, walkability, distance to school, population density), social environment (neighborhood cohesion and connection), and safety (CCTVs, a road section for walking alone, safety volunteers). Neighborhood walkability was measured using subscales of the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale (youth and abbreviated versions) including crime safety and traffic safety. Parents' perceived influence of COVID-19 on school commuting and after-school activities were also included in the model as covariates. Walking to and from school were separately analyzed using multinomial logistic regressions, where new towns and walkability were computed separately as explanatory variables. RESULTS Four fifths of children walked to and from school daily. Walking to school was positively associated with crime safety, neighborhood connections, and schools sited in new towns. Walking from school had positive associations with traffic safety, neighborhood cohesion, and CCTVs, but negative associations with safety volunteers and after-school activities. The presence of a section for walking alone and perceived influence of COVID-19 had negative associations with walking to and from school. CONCLUSIONS Recent social changes such as declining birthrate, decline in public elementary schools, and increasing after-school activities may change parental attitudes toward children's walking to/from school, and subsequently, their mode of school travel over time. To maintain the high prevalence of walking to/from school in Japan, multidisciplinary approaches involving different stakeholders from education, public health, and urban planning are required to overcome sectionalism and support this behavior in the long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimihiro Hino
- Department of Urban Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan.
| | - Erika Ikeda
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Box 285, Institute of Metabolic Science, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Saiko Sadahiro
- Faculty of Education, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba, 263-8522, Japan
| | - Shigeru Inoue
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Tokyo Medical University, 6-1-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8402, Japan
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16
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Martin G, Graat M, Medeiros A, Clark AF, Button BLG, Ferguson KN, Gilliland JA. Perceived neighbourhood safety moderates the relationship between active school travel and health-related quality of life. Health Place 2021; 70:102623. [PMID: 34265633 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2021.102623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
There is a dearth of studies examining associations between active school travel and children's health-related quality of life. Additionally, studies have not examined how perceived neighbourhood characteristics may moderate these associations. This study aims to examine the relationship between regular active school travel, children's physical and psychosocial health-related quality of life, and the potential moderating effects of their perceived neighbourhood safety (interpersonal and traffic). This cross-sectional study used data from Ontario schoolchildren (aged 8-14) as part of the Spatial Temporal Environment and Activity Monitoring (STEAM) Project. Results showed no significant direct relationship between regular active school travel and children's physical or psychosocial functioning; but the relationships were moderated by perceived neighbourhood safety. Regular active school travelers with high levels of perceived neighbourhood interpersonal safety, had higher physical and psychosocial functioning than regular active school travelers with low levels of perceived neighbourhood interpersonal safety. Additionally, at higher levels of perceived neighbourhood traffic safety, regular active school travelers had higher psychosocial functioning than regular active school travelers with lower perceived neighbourhood traffic safety. Interventions promoting active school travel should consider the environments through which children will be traveling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina Martin
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2V5, Canada; Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada; Faculty of Health Disciplines, Athabasca University, Athabasca, AB T9S 3A3, Canada
| | - Megan Graat
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2V5, Canada; Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada
| | - Alina Medeiros
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2V5, Canada; Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada
| | - Andrew F Clark
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2V5, Canada; Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada
| | - Brenton L G Button
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2V5, Canada; Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada; Medical Education Research Lab in the North, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Thunder Bay, P7B 5E1, Canada
| | - Kendra Nelson Ferguson
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2V5, Canada; Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada
| | - Jason A Gilliland
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2V5, Canada; Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada; Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada; School of Health Studies, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; Department of Paediatrics, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada.
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17
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Crooks N, Alston L, Nichols M, Bolton KA, Allender S, Fraser P, Le H, Bliss J, Rennie C, Orellana L, Strugnell C. Association between the school physical activity environment, measured and self-reported student physical activity and active transport behaviours in Victoria, Australia. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2021; 18:79. [PMID: 34158052 PMCID: PMC8220765 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-021-01151-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Environments within schools including the physical, social-cultural and policy/practice environments have the potential to influence children’s physical activity (PA) behaviours and weight status. This Australian first study comprehensively examined the association(s) of physical, social-cultural and policy/practice environments with PA, active transport (AT) and weight status among regional primary school children. Methods Data were from two childhood obesity monitoring systems in regional Victoria, Australia. Measured height and weight were collected from students in Year 2 (aged approx. 7–8 years), Year 4 (9–10 years), and Year 6 (11–12 years). Self–reported PA behaviour, including AT were collected from students in Year 4 and 6 and a sub-sample wore an ActiGraph (wGT3X-BT) accelerometer for 7-days. A school physical activity environment audit was completed by the school principal and responses were used to calculate school physical activity environment scores (PAES) and active transport environment scores (ATES). Mixed effects logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between the proportion of students meeting the PA guidelines (≥60mins/day of moderate-to-vigorous PA) and PAES tertiles (low, medium, high) and those using AT and school ATES tertiles, controlling for gender, school size/type and socioeconomic composition. Results The analysed sample included 54/146 (37%) schools and 3360/5376 (64%) students. In stratified analysis, girls in schools with a medium PAES score were more likely to meet the objectively measured PA guideline compared to low PAES score (OR 2.3, 95%CI 1.27, 4.16). Similarly, students in schools with a medium or high ATES score had higher odds of self-reported AT (medium OR 3.15, 95%CI 1.67, 5.94; high OR 3.71, 95%CI: 1.80, 7.64). No association between PAES or ATES and weight status were observed. Self-reported AT among boys (OR 1.59, 95%CI 1.19, 2.13) and girls (OR 1.56, 95%CI 1.08, 2.27) was associated with higher odds of meeting self-reported PA guidelines on all 7-days than those who did not report using AT. Conclusions In this study of regional Victorian primary schools, PA environments were only associated with girls’ adherence to PA guidelines. School AT environments were strongly associated with students’ AT behaviours and with increased likelihood of students being physically active. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12966-021-01151-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Crooks
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, Victoria, 3220, Australia
| | - Laura Alston
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, Victoria, 3220, Australia
| | - Melanie Nichols
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, Victoria, 3220, Australia
| | - Kristy A Bolton
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, Victoria, 3220, Australia
| | - Steven Allender
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, Victoria, 3220, Australia
| | - Penny Fraser
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, Victoria, 3220, Australia
| | - Ha Le
- Deakin Health Economics, Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, Geelong, Victoria, 3125, Australia
| | - Joanne Bliss
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, Victoria, 3220, Australia
| | - Claire Rennie
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, Victoria, 3220, Australia
| | - Liliana Orellana
- Biostatistics Unit, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, Geelong, Victoria, 3125, Australia
| | - Claudia Strugnell
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, Victoria, 3220, Australia.
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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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19
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What Parental Correlates Predict Children's Active Transportation to School in the Southeast United States? J Phys Act Health 2021; 18:705-713. [PMID: 33952706 DOI: 10.1123/jpah.2020-0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND School-aged children in the Southeast, compared with other United States of America (US) regions, have significantly lower levels of active transportation to school (ATS). The purpose of this study was to contrast the parental correlates of ATS choice specific to the Southeast with other areas of the US. METHODS This study utilized national data from 2952 households with school-aged children located within a 20-minute walk to a school. Parents reported their children's ATS behavior and their own ATS beliefs and perceptions. Logistic regression contrasted correlates of parents from the Southeast with other regions. RESULTS Parents in the Southeast, compared with parents across the US, were significantly less likely to allow their child to take ATS (12.9% vs 33.3%, respectively) (odds ratio [OR] = 0.46; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.36-0.59). Specific to the Southeast, parental correlates linked to increases in ATS were Black race/ethnicity (OR = 1.68; 95% CI, 1.31-2.60), being single, (OR = 1.71; 95% CI, 1.15-2.54), and any parental physical activity (P value for trend = .0053). The only correlate associated with a decrease in ATS in the Southeast was heightened safety concerns (eg, traffic speed, safe crossings) (OR = 0.44; 95% CI, 0.23-0.84). CONCLUSIONS Among households with children in the Southeast, ATS interventions that allay parental safety concerns and that promote physical activity among parents might lead to increases in ATS.
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Tiwari RR, Patel S, Soju A, Trivedi P. Road Use Pattern and Street Crossing Habits of Schoolchildren in India. Front Public Health 2021; 9:628147. [PMID: 33614589 PMCID: PMC7892613 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.628147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Road traffic accidents (RTAs) contribute significant DALYs in the global burden of diseases. Vulnerable groups particularly pedestrians and children are at an increased risk. Road use pattern, street crossing habits, and road safety awareness are important determinants of RTAs. The present study was carried out to assess the road use pattern and street crossing habits of schoolchildren. This cross-sectional study included 497 schoolchildren of 12–15 years. The interview technique was used as a tool for data collection on a predesigned questionnaire. A total of 40.4% of schoolchildren did not like to go to school alone and wanted somebody from the family to drop them to school. About one quarter of the students were afraid of traffic and expressed their inability to deal with traffic on the road. A total of 10.7% reported crossing the street in groups, and 1.4% reported running while crossing the street. Only 80.9% of students received some form of road safety training, and the parents and schools were the major source of information for such safety training. Age <14 years and a lower level of mother's education were found to be significant contributors for poor road crossing habit in univariate as well as multivariate analysis. The study suggests that the knowledge regarding safe road use and street crossing was lacking among study participants albeit in a small proportion only. Safety aspects can be partly strengthened by imparting practical knowledge about road use pattern, street crossing habits, and road safety procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shruti Patel
- ENVIS, National Institute of Occupational Health, Ahmedabad, India
| | - Annie Soju
- ENVIS, National Institute of Occupational Health, Ahmedabad, India
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21
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Jurak G, Soric M, Sember V, Djuric S, Starc G, Kovac M, Leskosek B. Associations of mode and distance of commuting to school with cardiorespiratory fitness in Slovenian schoolchildren: a nationwide cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:291. [PMID: 33541296 PMCID: PMC7863324 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10326-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It is unclear whether active commuting has the potential to improve children’s health. This study examined the association of commuting mode and distance with children’s cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study, including 713 Slovenian schoolchildren aged 12 to 15 years. Commuting modes were self-reported, and four commuting groups were constructed, while CRF was determined with a 20-m shuttle run test. The distance from home to school was calculated using the Geographic Information System. Effects of commuting mode and distance, controlling for age, gender and amount of total physical activity, were evaluated using general two linear models (one for each direction of commuting to/from school). Results The main effect of commuting group on CRF and its interaction with distance were significant in the direction from school to home (P = 0.013 and P = 0.028, respectively), but not in the opposite direction. Predicted differences in CRF between commuting groups were moderate and generally higher in males than in females. When comparing commuting group median distance from home to school, males driven by car had around 4 ml/min/kg lower predicted CRF than those who walked (P = 0.01) or used wheels commuting (e.g., bicycle, skateboard). Conclusions The distance of commuting had a small effect on CRF, except in the Car group where children who live close to school had significantly lower CRF than those living further away. Children driven by car who live within wheels or walk distance from school should be targeted by interventions promoting active transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregor Jurak
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Gortanova ulica 22, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maroje Soric
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Gortanova ulica 22, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Horvacanski zavoj 15, 10110, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Vedrana Sember
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Gortanova ulica 22, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sasa Djuric
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Gortanova ulica 22, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Gregor Starc
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Gortanova ulica 22, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marjeta Kovac
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Gortanova ulica 22, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Bojan Leskosek
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Gortanova ulica 22, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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22
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Smith M, Cui J, Ikeda E, Mavoa S, Hasanzadeh K, Zhao J, Rinne TE, Donnellan N, Kyttä M. Objective measurement of children's physical activity geographies: A systematic search and scoping review. Health Place 2020; 67:102489. [PMID: 33302122 PMCID: PMC7883215 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2020.102489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to systematically identify, map out, and describe geographical information systems (GIS)-based approaches that have been employed to measure children's neighborhood geographies for physical activity behaviors. Forty studies were included, most were conducted in the USA. Heterogeneity in GIS methods and measures was found. The majority of studies estimated children's environments using Euclidean or network buffers ranging from 100 m to 5 km. No singular approach to measuring children's physical activity geographies was identified as optimal. Geographic diversity in studies as well as increased use of measures of actual neighborhood exposure are needed. Improved consistency and transparency in reporting research methods is urgently required. Varied GIS measures of children's physical activity geographies were identified. Evidence was heterogeneous and predominantly from the USA. Most research used Euclidean or network buffers ranging from 100 m to 5 km. Larger buffer sizes (i.e., ≥800 m) performed better than smaller buffer sizes. No optimal approach to measuring children's activity geographies was determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melody Smith
- School of Nursing, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Jianqiang Cui
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Erika Ikeda
- Centre for Diet & Activity Research (CEDAR), MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Suzanne Mavoa
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
| | | | - Jinfeng Zhao
- School of Nursing, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Tiina E Rinne
- Active Life Lab, South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences, Mikkeli, Finland.
| | - Niamh Donnellan
- School of Nursing, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Marketta Kyttä
- Department of Built Environment, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland.
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Mandic S, Ikeda E, Stewart T, Garrett N, Hopkins D, Mindell JS, Tautolo ES, Smith M. Sociodemographic and Built Environment Associates of Travel to School by Car among New Zealand Adolescents: Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E9138. [PMID: 33297467 PMCID: PMC7730892 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17239138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Travelling to school by car diminishes opportunities for physical activity and contributes to traffic congestion and associated noise and air pollution. This meta-analysis examined sociodemographic characteristics and built environment associates of travelling to school by car compared to using active transport among New Zealand (NZ) adolescents. Four NZ studies (2163 adolescents) provided data on participants' mode of travel to school, individual and school sociodemographic characteristics, distance to school and home-neighbourhood built-environment features. A one-step meta-analysis using individual participant data was performed in SAS. A final multivariable model was developed using stepwise logistic regression. Overall, 60.6% of participants travelled to school by car. When compared with active transport, travelling to school by car was positively associated with distance to school. Participants residing in neighbourhoods with high intersection density and attending medium deprivation schools were less likely to travel to school by car compared with their counterparts. Distance to school, school level deprivation and low home neighbourhood intersection density are associated with higher likelihood of car travel to school compared with active transport among NZ adolescents. Comprehensive interventions focusing on both social and built environment factors are needed to reduce car travel to school.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Mandic
- School of Sport and Recreation, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Private Bag 92006, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
- Active Living Laboratory, School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
- Centre for Sustainability, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Erika Ikeda
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, Box 285 Institute of Metabolic Science Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK;
| | - Tom Stewart
- Human Potential Centre, Auckland University of Technology, Private Bag 92006, Auckland 1142, New Zealand;
| | - Nicholas Garrett
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Private Bag 92006, Auckland 1142, New Zealand;
| | - Debbie Hopkins
- Transport Study Unit, School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QY, UK;
| | - Jennifer S. Mindell
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, UCL (University College London), 1–19 Torrington Place, London WC1E 6BT, UK;
| | - El Shadan Tautolo
- Pacific Health Research Centre, School of Public Health & Interdisciplinary Studies, Auckland University of Technology, Private Bag 92006, Auckland 1142, New Zealand;
| | - Melody Smith
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand;
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The Moderating Effect of Distance on Features of the Built Environment and Active School Transport. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17217856. [PMID: 33120926 PMCID: PMC7662262 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17217856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Despite growing research supporting the impact of the built environment on active school transport (AST), distance persists as the most powerful predictor of walking and biking to school. There is a need to better understand how environmental features interact with distance to affect AST, and whether the influence of environmental factors persist across different distance thresholds. Multilevel models using cluster-robust standard errors were used to examine for interactions between objectively measured macroscale environmental features and several reported distances from home to school (up to ¼, ¼ up to ½, ½ up to 1, 1+ miles) on the likelihood of parent reported AST for children grades 3-8 (n = 2751) at 35 schools who completed a Safe Routes to School Parent Survey about Walking and Biking to School (SRTS Parent Survey). An interaction between both intersection density and food-related land use with distance was observed. The likelihood of AST decreased as intersection density and distance increased (i.e., 31.0% reduced odds among those living within ¼ mile compared to 18.2% using ½-1-mile criterion). The likelihood of using AST were reduced as food-related land use and distance increased (i.e., 43.67% reduced odds among those living under ¼ mile compared to 19.83% reduced odds among those living ½-1 mile). Programs and infrastructure improvements focused on overcoming environmental barriers to promote AST may be most effective when targeting neighborhoods within ¼ mile of schools.
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Ikeda E, Mavoa S, Cavadino A, Carroll P, Hinckson E, Witten K, Smith M. Keeping kids safe for active travel to school: A mixed method examination of school policies and practices and children's school travel behaviour. TRAVEL BEHAVIOUR & SOCIETY 2020; 21:57-68. [PMID: 33014711 PMCID: PMC7473447 DOI: 10.1016/j.tbs.2020.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Active school travel contributes to children's physical, mental and social wellbeing. The prevalence of children's active school travel, however, has been declining in many developed countries. Gaining insights into school culture and environments in relation to school travel behaviour is crucial to inform interventions. Using a multiphase mixed methods approach, this study aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of how school policies and practices supported or inhibited school travel behaviour in Auckland, New Zealand. Data were drawn from Neighbourhoods for Active Kids, a cross-sectional study of 1085 children aged 8-13 years between February 2015 and December 2016. School representatives were interviewed regarding their policies and practices related to school travel behaviour and traffic around school, and the data were analysed thematically. An overarching theme, sub-themes and categories were contextualised for quantitative modelling using objectively measured school variables (school socioeconomic status, active school travel programme, built environments around school). Mixed effects multinomial logistic regression models were employed to determine associations between school travel mode and objectively measured child (sociodemographic characteristics, traffic safety perceptions) and school variables. Safety was the core concept of school travel policies, procedures and programmes. Significant differences in child variables, school socioeconomic status, and cycle lanes and traffic lights around school were found between children who actively travelled or used public transport to school and those driven to school. Overall, this study demonstrated the important role of school policy and procedures and the potential application of an intersectoral approach for interventions to support changes in school travel behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Ikeda
- School of Sport and Recreation, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Diet & Activity Research (CEDAR), MRC Epidemiology Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Suzanne Mavoa
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- SHORE and Whāriki Research Centre, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Alana Cavadino
- School of Population Health, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Penelope Carroll
- SHORE and Whāriki Research Centre, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Erica Hinckson
- School of Sport and Recreation, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Karen Witten
- SHORE and Whāriki Research Centre, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Melody Smith
- School of Nursing, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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26
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Molina-García J, Campos S, García-Massó X, Herrador-Colmenero M, Gálvez-Fernández P, Molina-Soberanes D, Queralt A, Chillón P. Different neighborhood walkability indexes for active commuting to school are necessary for urban and rural children and adolescents. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2020; 17:124. [PMID: 32993682 PMCID: PMC7526424 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-020-01028-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Literature focusing on youth has reported limited evidence and non-conclusive associations between neighborhood walkability measures and active commuting to and from school (ACS). Moreover, there is a lack of studies evaluating both macro- and micro-scale environmental factors of the neighborhood when ACS is analyzed. Likewise, most studies on built environment attributes and ACS focus on urban areas, whereas there is a lack of studies analyzing rural residential locations. Moreover, the relationship between built environment attributes and ACS may differ in children and adolescents. Hence, this study aimed to develop walkability indexes in relation to ACS for urban and rural children and adolescents, including both macro- and micro-scale school-neighborhood factors. METHODS A cross-sectional study of 4593 participants from Spain with a mean age of 12.2 (SD 3.6) years was carried out. Macro-scale environmental factors were evaluated using geographic information system data, and micro-scale factors were measured using observational procedures. Socio-demographic characteristics and ACS were assessed with a questionnaire. Several linear regression models were conducted, including all the possible combinations of six or less built environment factors in order to find the best walkability index. RESULTS Analyses showed that intersection density, number of four-way intersections, and residential density were positively related to ACS in urban participants, but negatively in rural participants. In rural children, positive streetscape characteristics, number of regulated crossings, traffic calming features, traffic lanes, and parking street buffers were also negatively related to ACS. In urban participants, other different factors were positively related to ACS: number of regulated crossings, positive streetscape characteristics, or crossing quality. Land use mix acted as a positive predictor only in urban adolescents. Distance to the school was a negative predictor on all the walkability indexes. However, aesthetic and social characteristics were not included in any of the indexes. CONCLUSIONS Interventions focusing on improving built environments to increase ACS behavior need to have a better understanding of the walkability components that are specifically relevant to urban or rural samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Molina-García
- Department of Teaching of Musical, Visual and Corporal Expression, University of Valencia, Avda. dels Tarongers, 4, 46022, Valencia, Spain.
- AFIPS research group, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Sergio Campos
- Department of Urban and Spatial Planning, University of Granada, C/ Severo Ochoa, s/n, 18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Xavier García-Massó
- Department of Teaching of Musical, Visual and Corporal Expression, University of Valencia, Avda. dels Tarongers, 4, 46022, Valencia, Spain
- AFIPS research group, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Manuel Herrador-Colmenero
- "La Inmaculada" Teacher Training Centre, University of Granada, C/ Joaquina Eguaras, 114, 18013, Granada, Spain
| | - Patricia Gálvez-Fernández
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, PROFITH "Promoting FITness and Health through physical activity" research group, Ctra. Alfacar, s/n, 18011, Granada, Spain
| | - Daniel Molina-Soberanes
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Avda. de la Investigación, 11, 18016, Granada, Spain
| | - Ana Queralt
- AFIPS research group, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Nursing, University of Valencia, Jaume Roig, s/n, 46010, Valencia, Spain
| | - Palma Chillón
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, PROFITH "Promoting FITness and Health through physical activity" research group, Ctra. Alfacar, s/n, 18011, Granada, Spain
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González SA, Aubert S, Barnes JD, Larouche R, Tremblay MS. Profiles of Active Transportation among Children and Adolescents in the Global Matrix 3.0 Initiative: A 49-Country Comparison. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E5997. [PMID: 32824793 PMCID: PMC7460170 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17165997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
This article aims to compare the prevalence of active transportation among children and adolescents from 49 countries at different levels of development. The data was extracted from the Report Cards on Physical Activity for Children and Youth from the 49 countries that participated in the Global Matrix 3.0 initiative. Descriptive statistics and a latent profile analysis with active transportation, Human Development Index and Gini index as latent variables were conducted. The global average grade was a "C", indicating that countries are succeeding with about half of children and youth (47-53%). There is wide variability in the prevalence and in the definition of active transportation globally. Three different profiles of countries were identified based on active transportation grades, Human Development Index (HDI) and income inequalities. The first profile grouped very high HDI countries with low prevalence of active transport and low inequalities. The second profile grouped low and middle HDI countries with high prevalence of active transportation and higher inequalities. And the third profile was characterized by the relatively high prevalence of active transportation and more variability in the socioeconomic variables. Promising policies from countries under each profile were identified. A unified definition of active transportation and contextualized methods for its assessment are needed to advance in surveillance and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia A. González
- Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada; (S.A.); (J.D.B.); (R.L.); (M.S.T.)
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1G 5Z3, Canada
| | - Salomé Aubert
- Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada; (S.A.); (J.D.B.); (R.L.); (M.S.T.)
| | - Joel D. Barnes
- Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada; (S.A.); (J.D.B.); (R.L.); (M.S.T.)
| | - Richard Larouche
- Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada; (S.A.); (J.D.B.); (R.L.); (M.S.T.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Mark S. Tremblay
- Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada; (S.A.); (J.D.B.); (R.L.); (M.S.T.)
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1G 5Z3, Canada
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Kidokoro T, Fuku N, Yanagiya T, Takeshita T, Takaragawa M, Annear M, Xiaojie T, Waiganjo LB, Bogonko LF, Isika JK, Kigaru MD, Mwangi FM. Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Patterns among Kenyan and Japanese Children: A Comprehensive Cross-Country Comparison. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17124254. [PMID: 32549222 PMCID: PMC7344811 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17124254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Health benefits of physical activity are well known, yet available physical activity data is limited from children living in African and Asian countries. The purpose of the cross-sectional study was to evaluate and compare physical activity and sedentary behavior patterns, particularly hourly variations, among children in Kenya and Japan. Participants included 298 primary school students (122 Kenyan, 176 Japanese) aged 9-12 years. Physical activity and sedentary behavior were measured with accelerometers. Domain-specific physical activity, screen time, and proportion of children using active transport to school were measured by questionnaire. A two-way ANOVA (countries × time) was used to examine the differences in the activity patterns between Kenyan and Japanese children. The results from the present study demonstrated that Kenyan children spent more time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity compared to Japanese children (p < 0.05) with the greatest differences found for weekday evenings (for boys and girls) and weekend afternoons (for girls). This suggests that these were 'critical periods' to differentiate the physical activity levels between Kenyan and Japanese children. However, a higher proportion of the children from Japan used active transport to school and spent less time in television viewing and computer gaming. The results suggest that both countries have successes and challenges that can aid in developing effective and country-specific intervention strategies for promoting physical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuhiro Kidokoro
- Physical Fitness Research Institute, Meiji Yasuda Life Foundation of Health and Welfare, Tokyo 192-0001, Japan
- Department of Health & Physical, Education College of Arts & Science, International Christian University, Tokyo 181-8585, Japan
- Correspondence:
| | - Noriyuki Fuku
- Graduate School of Health and Sports Science, Juntendo University, Chiba 270-1695, Japan; (N.F.); (T.Y.); (T.T.); (M.T.)
| | - Toshio Yanagiya
- Graduate School of Health and Sports Science, Juntendo University, Chiba 270-1695, Japan; (N.F.); (T.Y.); (T.T.); (M.T.)
| | - Tomonari Takeshita
- Graduate School of Health and Sports Science, Juntendo University, Chiba 270-1695, Japan; (N.F.); (T.Y.); (T.T.); (M.T.)
| | - Mizuki Takaragawa
- Graduate School of Health and Sports Science, Juntendo University, Chiba 270-1695, Japan; (N.F.); (T.Y.); (T.T.); (M.T.)
| | - Michael Annear
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, Tokyo 202-0021, Japan;
| | - Tian Xiaojie
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8574, Japan;
| | - Luka B. Waiganjo
- Department of Physical Education, Exercise & Sports Science, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, P.O. Box 43844-0010, Kenya; (L.B.W.); (L.F.B.); (F.M.M.)
| | - Lamec F. Bogonko
- Department of Physical Education, Exercise & Sports Science, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, P.O. Box 43844-0010, Kenya; (L.B.W.); (L.F.B.); (F.M.M.)
| | - Juliet K. Isika
- Department of Fashion Design and Marketing, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, P.O. Box 43844-0010, Kenya;
| | - Mbithe D. Kigaru
- Department of Food, Nutrition and Dietetics, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, P.O. Box 43844-0010, Kenya;
| | - Francis M. Mwangi
- Department of Physical Education, Exercise & Sports Science, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, P.O. Box 43844-0010, Kenya; (L.B.W.); (L.F.B.); (F.M.M.)
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A Conceptual Framework for Modelling Safe Walking and Cycling Routes to High Schools. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17093318. [PMID: 32397592 PMCID: PMC7246540 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17093318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Active transport to or from school presents an opportunity for adolescents to engage in daily physical activity. Multiple factors influence whether adolescents actively travel to/from school. Creating safe walking and cycling routes to school is a promising strategy to increase rates of active transport. This article presents a comprehensive conceptual framework for modelling safe walking and cycling routes to high schools. The framework has been developed based on several existing relevant frameworks including (a) ecological models, (b) the “Five Es” (engineering, education, enforcement, encouragement, and evaluation) framework of transport planning, and (c) a travel mode choice framework for school travel. The framework identifies built environment features (land use mix, pedestrian/cycling infrastructure, neighbourhood aesthetics, and accessibility to local facilities) and traffic safety factors (traffic volume and speed, safe road crossings, and quality of path surface) to be considered when modelling safe walking/cycling routes to high schools. Future research should test this framework using real-world data in different geographical settings and with a combination of tools for the assessment of both macro-scale and micro-scale built environment features. To be effective, the modelling and creation of safe routes to high schools should be complemented by other interventions, including education, enforcement, and encouragement in order to minimise safety concerns and promote active transport.
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Macdonald L, McCrorie P, Nicholls N, Olsen JR. Active commute to school: does distance from school or walkability of the home neighbourhood matter? A national cross-sectional study of children aged 10-11 years, Scotland, UK. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e033628. [PMID: 31874893 PMCID: PMC7008418 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-033628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To study the extent to which home-to-school distance and neighbourhood walkability were associated with self-reported active travel to school (ATS) (eg, walking, cycling), and to explore how distance moderates the effect of walkability on ATS, among 10-11 years old. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Data were collected between May 2015 and May 2016 in partnership with the Growing Up in Scotland Study, a nationally representative longitudinal cohort study. PARTICIPANTS 713 children (male (n=330) and female (n=383) 10-11 years old) from Studying Physical Activity in Children's Environments across Scotland. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Children who actively travelled to/from school categorised as active all (100% of ATS) and active 60%+ (at least 60% of ATS); home-to-school road/path network distance (<0.5 km, 0.5 to <1 km, 1 to <1.5 km, 1.5 to <2 km, 2 km+); home neighbourhood walkability (i.e., composite measure of road/path intersection density and dwelling density) (in quintiles). RESULTS Distance and walkability were both associated with ATS. The likelihood of ATS for all or most journeys decreased with increasing distance. Compared with 'most' walkable areas (Q1), the odds of active all were significantly lower within least walkable areas (Q5 OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.99), and odds of active 60%+ were significantly less in Q2-Q5 (lowest odds Q5 OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.47). Regarding walkability and distance interactions, for all distance categories, higher walkability increased the probability of ATS (for most school journeys). CONCLUSION Walkability was positively associated with ATS within all distance categories, with the relationship between walkability and ATS more complex than the clear-cut association between distance and ATS. A more walkable environment had a larger effect on the probability of reaching the 60% threshold of school journeys using ATS than the probability of always travelling in an active manner. Investment is needed in existing less walkable neighbourhoods to provide infrastructure to support opportunities for children's ATS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Macdonald
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Paul McCrorie
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Natalie Nicholls
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jonathan R Olsen
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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31
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Physical Activity and Commuting to School in Spanish Nine-Year-Old Children: Differences by Gender and by Geographical Environment. SUSTAINABILITY 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/su11247104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Children’s health status is related to their physical activity levels. Active commuting is associated with higher physical activity and reduced risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease incidence, and diabetes. The objective of this research was to study the levels of physical activity and the commuting to school (active vs. passive) in Spanish nine-year-old children, analyzing the differences by gender and by the geographical environment where they live (rural or urban environment). Accelerometry was used for the measurement of physical activity: Sedentary time (min/day), vigorous physical activity (min/day), moderate to vigorous physical activity (min/day), intensity (counts/min), steps (number). The questionnaire of the European Youth Heart Study (EYHS) was used to determine the geographical environment (city/urban, residential area/outside city, rural/village) and the modes of transport (active: Walking and bicycle, passive: Car, motorcycle, public transport). A total of 455 Spanish nine-year-old children (247 girls and 208 boys) belonging to the EYHS participated in this study. The results showed that boys were significantly more physically active than girls (p ≤ 0.001). Results also showed that active commuting to school was positively correlated with the levels of physical activity (r = 0.324, p ≤ 0.001). The geographical environment influenced the way in which children went to school, being active commuting to school significantly (p ≤ 0.001) less frequent in those children who lived in a rural environment (22.4%) than in those who lived in the city (57.1%) or in a residential area (62.7%). As active commuting to school means increasing levels of physical activity in both sexes, strategies should be implemented in order to encourage active commuting to schools, contributing at the same time to better health and sustainability of future generations.
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32
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Smith M, Amann R, Cavadino A, Raphael D, Kearns R, Mackett R, Mackay L, Carroll P, Forsyth E, Mavoa S, Zhao J, Ikeda E, Witten K. Children's Transport Built Environments: A Mixed Methods Study of Associations between Perceived and Objective Measures and Relationships with Parent Licence for Independent Mobility in Auckland, New Zealand. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E1361. [PMID: 31014023 PMCID: PMC6517958 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16081361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Children's independent mobility is declining internationally. Parents are the gatekeepers of children's independent mobility. This mixed methods study investigates whether parent perceptions of the neighbourhood environment align with objective measures of the neighbourhood built environment, and how perceived and objective measures relate to parental licence for children's independent mobility. Parents participating in the Neighbourhood for Active Kids study (n = 940) answered an open-ended question about what would make their neighbourhoods better for their child's independent mobility, and reported household and child demographics. Objective measures of the neighbourhood built environment were generated using geographic information systems. Content analysis was used to classify and group parent-reported changes required to improve their neigbourhood. Parent-reported needs were then compared with objective neighbourhood built environment measures. Linear mixed modelling examined associations between parental licence for independent mobility and (1) parent neighbourhood perceptions; and (2) objectively assessed neighbourhood built environment features. Parents identified the need for safer traffic environments. No significant differences in parent reported needs were found by objectively assessed characteristics. Differences in odds of reporting needs were observed for a range of socio-demographic characteristics. Parental licence for independent mobility was only associated with a need for safer places to cycle (positive) and objectively assessed cycling infrastructure (negative) in adjusted models. Overall, the study findings indicate the importance of safer traffic environments for children's independent mobility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melody Smith
- School of Nursing, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
| | - Rebecca Amann
- School of Nursing, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
| | - Alana Cavadino
- School of Nursing, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
| | - Deborah Raphael
- School of Nursing, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
| | - Robin Kearns
- School of Environment, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
| | - Roger Mackett
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Lisa Mackay
- Human Potential Centre, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
| | - Penelope Carroll
- Social and Health Outcomes Research and Evaluation (SHORE), Massey University, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
| | - Euan Forsyth
- School of Environment, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
| | - Suzanne Mavoa
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia.
| | - Jinfeng Zhao
- School of Nursing, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
| | - Erika Ikeda
- Human Potential Centre, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
| | - Karen Witten
- Social and Health Outcomes Research and Evaluation (SHORE), Massey University, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
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