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Parchem B, Poquiz J, Rahm-Knigge RL, Panetta E, Watson RJ, Nic Rider G. Barriers to Participation in Organized Physical Activity Among LGBTQ+ Youth: Differences by Sexual, Gender, and Racial Identities. J Phys Act Health 2024; 21:698-706. [PMID: 38626889 DOI: 10.1123/jpah.2023-0652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND LGBTQ+ youth engage in organized physical activity to a lesser degree than their cisgender and heterosexual counterparts. Existing literature on this organized physical activity disparity is limited, particularly with LGBTQ+ youth samples. The current analysis examined individual and systemic barriers to organized physical activity for LGBTQ+ youth across sexual, gender, and racial identities. METHODS A subsample of LGBTQ+ students (N = 4566) from the 2021 Dane County Youth Assessment completed items that measured barriers to organized physical activity and systemic factors (ie, family money problems and bias-based bullying) associated with access to organized physical activity. Latent class analysis discerned patterns of individual and systemic barriers to organized physical activity. Latent class regression modeling tested gender, sexual, and racial identities as correlates of latent class membership. RESULTS More than half of the sample did not participate in organized physical activity. Four profiles of LGBTQ+ youth were discerned based on self-reported barriers: high barrier (8%), bullied (16%), low interest or perceived skills (28%), and low barrier (48%). The low-barrier class included a greater proportion of LGBTQ+ youth who identified as White, or cisgender, or heterosexual as well as youth self-reporting higher organized physical activity. The high-barrier and bullied classes comprised more marginalized gender and sexual identities. CONCLUSIONS LGBTQ+ youth experience individual and systemic barriers to organized physical activity, including inequitable access and bullying, and barriers are uniquely experienced across sexual, gender, and racial identities. Physical activity promotion among LGBTQ+ youth would be strengthened by policies that address inequitable access to opportunities and bias-based bullying.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Parchem
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Health, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Jonathan Poquiz
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Health, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Ryan L Rahm-Knigge
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Health, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Elizabeth Panetta
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Health, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Ryan J Watson
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - G Nic Rider
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Health, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Lee YH, Kim H, Hwang J, Noh S. Effectiveness of Mobile-Based Progressive and Fixed Physical Activity on Depression, Stress, Anxiety, and Quality of Life Outcomes Among Adults in South Korea: Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2024; 12:e55578. [PMID: 38865705 PMCID: PMC11208842 DOI: 10.2196/55578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression acts as a significant obstacle to the overall well-being of individuals. Given the significant consequences, timely recognition and proactive steps to manage symptoms of depression become essential. Such actions not only reduce personal distress but also play a crucial role in reducing its far-reaching impact on society as a whole. OBJECTIVE In response to this concern, the objective of this study was to explore the use of mobile-based interventions as a possible remedy. More specifically, this study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of 2 types of physical activity (PA), progressive and fixed, within a mobile-based app on depression, perceived stress, anxiety, physical health, and psychological health, aiming to contribute to the optimization of mental health benefits. METHODS Participants (N=60; mean age 25.29, SD 6.10 years) were recruited using a combination of web-based and offline methods, and the study lasted for 8 weeks. The baseline and posttest questionnaires were administered to all participants. The participants were randomly assigned to 1 of the 3 groups: progressive group (n=20; performing mobile-based progressive PA), fixed group (n=20; performing mobile-based fixed intensity PA), and control group C (n=20). Data analysis involved comparing scores between the experimental and control groups using a one-way ANOVA, paired sample t tests (2-tailed), and repeated measures ANOVA with a 3 (group)×2 (time) design. RESULTS The findings revealed significant improvements in mental health indicators among participants engaged in both fixed and progressive PA groups compared with the control group. However, the fixed PA group demonstrated more significant reductions in symptoms. Specifically, the progressive PA group showed significant reductions in depression (F1,36=6.941; P=.01; ηp2=0.16) and perceived stress (F1,36=5.47; P=.03; ηp2=0.13), while the fixed PA group exhibited significant reductions in depression (F1,37=5.36; P=.03; ηp2=0.12), perceived stress (F1,37=7.81; P=.008; ηp2=0.17), and general anxiety disorder (F1,37=5.45; P=.03; ηp2=0.13) compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS This study underscores the potential of mobile-based PA in improving mental health outcomes. The findings offer significant insights for mental health professionals and researchers aiming to optimize mental well-being through innovative mobile therapies. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinical Research Information Service KCT0009100; https://tinyurl.com/mr33fmur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Hoon Lee
- Division of Global Sport Industry, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyungsook Kim
- Department of Data Science, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Hanyang Digital Healthcare Center, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Juhee Hwang
- Division of Global Sport Industry, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Sihyeon Noh
- Division of Global Sport Industry, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
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Shrivastava A, Mehrotra S. Emerging trends and knowledge domain of research on urban green open spaces and wellbeing: A scientometric review. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2023; 38:663-679. [PMID: 35981568 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2022-0091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Green Open Spaces (GOS) and its linkages to human health and wellbeing have received growing attention in the field of urban planning. In spite of increase in number of studies in this field, there is lack of scientometric perspective pertaining to this research domain. The purpose of the study is to map the research status and key research directions in the interdisciplinary domain: Green open spaces, public health and urban planning, using Citespace. Scientometric analysis (co-author, co-citation, co-word and cluster analysis) is conducted for 451 peer reviewed publications, primarily published in last two decades (2000-2021) in the web of science database. The study assessed influential authors, journals and documents to identify the intellectual structure and network of co-authorship and countries to understand research collaborations of this domain. As a result of this review, five emerging research trends in this domain are identified - Emerging data sources, Study areas at various spatial scales, Type of study, Assessment of urban GOS benefits and Urban planning contribution in the research area. In addition, critical review of these trends is conducted to understand corresponding challenges and opportunities. The critical analysis highlighted the need of generating evidence base appropriate for assessing GOS use and user perception, especially in developing nations capturing socio-demographic diversity. The use of Citespace for scientometric analysis facilitated the systematic understanding of this research area by visualizing and analyzing various patterns and trends. This study provides an intensive understanding of present research status and emerging trends of this research domain. Findings in this study are envisioned to provide practitioners, decision makers and researchers with promising future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akansha Shrivastava
- Department of Architecture and Planning, Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal, M.P., India
| | - Surabhi Mehrotra
- Department of Architecture and Planning, Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal, M.P., India
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Roth KB, Goplerud DK, Adams LB, Maury ME, Musci RJ. The relationship between neighborhood typologies and self-rated health in Maryland: A latent class analysis. Health Place 2023; 83:103079. [PMID: 37423092 PMCID: PMC11311254 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2023.103079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Despite widespread evidence that neighborhood conditions impact health, few studies apply theory to clarify the physical and social factors in communities that drive health outcomes. Latent class analysis (LCA) addresses such gaps by identifying distinct neighborhood typologies and the joint influence that neighborhood-level factors play in health promotion. In the current study, we conducted a theory-driven investigation to describe Maryland neighborhood typologies and examined differences in area-level self-rated poor mental and physical health across typologies. We conducted an LCA of Maryland census tracts (n = 1384) using 21 indicators of physical and social characteristics. We estimated differences in tract-level self-rated physical and mental health across neighborhood typologies using global Wald tests and pairwise comparisons. Five neighborhood classes emerged: Suburban Resourced (n = 410, 29.6%), Rural Resourced (n = 313, 22.6%), Urban Underserved (n = 283, 20.4%), Urban Transient (n = 226, 16.3%), Rural Health Shortage (n = 152, 11.0%). Prevalence of self-rated poor physical and mental health varied significantly (p < 0.0001) by neighborhood typology, with the Suburban Resourced neighborhood class demonstrating the lowest prevalence of poor health and the Urban Underserved neighborhoods demonstrating the poorest health. Our results highlight the complexity of defining "healthy" neighborhoods and areas of focus to mitigate community-level health disparities to achieve health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly B Roth
- Mercer University School of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine, 1250 E 66th Street, Savannah, GA, 31404, USA.
| | - Dana K Goplerud
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Mental Health, 624 N Broadway, Hampton House, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Leslie B Adams
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Mental Health, 624 N Broadway, Hampton House, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Mikalah E Maury
- Mercer University School of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine, 1250 E 66th Street, Savannah, GA, 31404, USA
| | - Rashelle J Musci
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Mental Health, 624 N Broadway, Hampton House, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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Abstract
Background Physical activity is a commonly prescribed medicine for people with conditions such as obesity and diabetes who are also at increased risk of being hospitalized or severely ill from COVID-19. However, many people are reporting challenges in engaging in a healthy dose of physical activity amid the pandemic. Objective This rapid review synthesizes the current empirical evidence about the impacts of COVID-19 on people’s outdoor physical activity and sedentary behavior while highlighting the role of community environments in promoting or hindering physical activity during the pandemic. Methods Literature searches were conducted using keywords related to COVID-19: physical activity, mobility, and lifestyle behaviors. Eligibility criteria were peer-reviewed empirical and quantitative studies published in English, addressing COVID-19 and using physical activity and/or sedentary behavior as the study outcomes. Results Out of 61 eligible studies, the majority (78.3%) were conducted in Asian and European countries, with only four (6.7%) being US studies. The results showed that COVID-19 was linked with significant decreases in mobility, walking, and physical activity, and increases in sedentary activity. A few studies also reported contradicting results including increased uses of parks/trails and increased recreational activity among certain groups of population. Conclusions Evidence suggests an overall negative impact of COVID-19 on physical activity, with differential effects across different sub-populations. Significant knowledge gaps are also found in the roles of social and physical attributes that can promote physical activity during pandemics with reduced safety risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaryllis H Park
- Department of Landscape Architecture & Urban Planning, College of Architecture, Texas A&M University, Texas, USA
| | - Sinan Zhong
- Department of Landscape Architecture & Urban Planning, College of Architecture, Texas A&M University, Texas, USA
| | - Haoyue Yang
- Department of Landscape Architecture & Urban Planning, College of Architecture, Texas A&M University, Texas, USA
| | - Jiwoon Jeong
- Department of Landscape Architecture & Urban Planning, College of Architecture, Texas A&M University, Texas, USA
| | - Chanam Lee
- Department of Landscape Architecture & Urban Planning, College of Architecture, Texas A&M University, Texas, USA
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Play-Friendly Communities in Nova Scotia, Canada: A Content Analysis of Physical Activity and Active Transportation Strategies. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19052984. [PMID: 35270678 PMCID: PMC8910746 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19052984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
The Play-Friendly Cities framework describes key municipal actions and indicators which support a community’s playability and can positively influence children’s health behaviors and quality of life. The purpose of this study was to conduct a content analysis of Nova Scotia physical activity (PA) and active transportation (AT) strategies by applying the playability criteria in the Play-Friendly Cities framework. Methods: PA and AT strategies from communities across Nova Scotia were assessed using the Play-Friendly Cities framework. Strategy content was analyzed based on indicators across four themes: participation of children in decision making, safe and active routes around the community, safe and accessible informal play environments, and evidence-informed design of formal play spaces. Results: Forty-two (28 PA,14 AT) strategies were reviewed and all included statements reflective of at least one indicator (8 ± 4; range: 1–14). Content about safe and active routes around the community was most prevalent (41 plans, 812 mentions), while participation of children in decision making was least frequently presented (18 plans, 39 mentions). Content about safe and accessible informal play environments (31 plans, 119 mentions) and evidence-informed design of formal play spaces (28 plans, 199 mentions) was also present. Conclusions: All PA and AT strategies included some content reflective of a Play-Friendly City; however, there was great variability in the number of included indicators. This summary provides key information on opportunities, such as increasing meaningful involvement of children in decision making, that can inform future municipal actions and policies to improve a community’s playability.
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Shen Y. Race/ethnicity, built environment in neighborhood, and children's mental health in the US. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2022; 32:277-291. [PMID: 32351120 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2020.1753663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The prevention and treatment of mental health disorders in childhood and adolescence is one among the major public health challenges in the United States today. Prior research has suggested that neighborhood is very important for children and adolescents' mental health. The present study extends the research on neighborhood and mental health by examining the association between childhood mental health and the identified specific built environment attributes in neighborhood as well as its intersection with race/ethnicity in the United States. Statistical analyses results of data from the 2016 National Survey of Children Health (NSCH) indicate that children's mental health and the built environment in neighborhood vary across racial/ethnic groups, with minority groups being more likely to live in the disadvantaged neighborhoods and to experience more mental health disorders, particularly American Indian children. Further, the relationship between built environment neighborhood mental health among children varies across race/ethnicity in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuying Shen
- Department of Sociology, Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA, USA
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8
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Enthoven CA, Mölenberg FJM, Tideman JWL, Polling JR, Labrecque JA, Raat H, van Lenthe FJ, Klaver CCW. Physical Activity Spaces Not Effective against Socioeconomic Inequalities in Myopia Incidence: The Generation R Study. Optom Vis Sci 2021; 98:1371-1378. [PMID: 34759237 PMCID: PMC8677612 DOI: 10.1097/opx.0000000000001809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Our findings show that non-Dutch background, lower maternal education, and lower net household income level may be new risk factors for myopia development in the Netherlands. Newly introduced physical activity spaces may not be effective enough in increasing outdoor exposure in children to reduce eye growth. PURPOSE The aims of this study were to evaluate socioeconomic inequalities in myopia incidence, eye growth, outdoor exposure, and computer use and to investigate if newly introduced physical activity spaces can reduce eye growth in school-aged children. METHODS Participants (N = 2643) from the Dutch population-based birth cohort Generation R were examined at ages 6 and 9 years. Socioeconomic inequalities in myopia incidence, eye growth, and lifestyle were determined using regression analyses. Information on physical activity spaces located in Rotterdam was obtained. Differences in eye growth between those who became exposed to new physical activity spaces (n = 230) and those nonexposed (n = 1866) were evaluated with individual-level fixed-effects models. RESULTS Myopia prevalence was 2.2% at age 6 years and 12.2% at age 9 years. Outdoor exposure was 11.4 h/wk at age 6 years and 7.4 h/wk at age 9 years. Computer use was 2.1 h/wk at age 6 years and 5.2 h/wk at age 9 years. Myopia incidence was higher in children with non-Dutch background, and families with lower household income and lower maternal education (odds ratio [OR], 1.081 [95% confidence interval, 1.052 to 1.112]; OR, 1.035 [95% confidence interval, 1.008 to 1.063]; OR, 1.028 [95% confidence interval, 1.001 to 1.055], respectively). Children living <600 m of a physical activity space did not have increased outdoor exposure, except those from families with lower maternal education (β = 1.33 h/wk; 95% confidence interval, 0.15 to 2.51 h/wk). Newly introduced physical activity spaces were not associated with reduction of eye growth. CONCLUSIONS Children from socioeconomically disadvantaged families became more often myopic than those from socioeconomically advantaged families. We did not find evidence that physical activity spaces protect against myopia for the population at large, but subgroups may benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clair A. Enthoven
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Famke J. M. Mölenberg
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - J. Willem L. Tideman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Roelof Polling
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Orthoptics and Optometry, University of Applied Sciences, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jeremy A. Labrecque
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hein Raat
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Frank J. van Lenthe
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Geoscience, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Caroline C. W. Klaver
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Gelderland, the Netherlands
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology, Basel, Switzerland
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Christiana RW, Bouldin ED, Battista RA. Active living environments mediate rural and non-rural differences in physical activity, active transportation, and screen time among adolescents. Prev Med Rep 2021; 23:101422. [PMID: 34159049 PMCID: PMC8193609 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2021.101422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Disparities in physical activity-related behaviors among rural and non-rural adolescents are important to consider given the relatively recent concerns surrounding the health of rural populations. Differences in rural and non-rural environments may facilitate or hinder physical activity opportunities. The purpose of this study is to examine differences between non-rural and rural adolescents' moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), screen time, and active transportation, including the mediating role of neighborhood resources. Data came from 1,128 adolescents (207 rural, 18%) aged 12-17 years old and their parents living in the United States in the 2014 Family Life, Activity, Sun, Health, and Eating (FLASHE) study. Counterfactual mediation models were used to compare MVPA and screen time (linear regression) and active transit (log-binomial regression) among rural and non-rural adolescents, adjusting for demographics and health and measuring the mediating influence of neighborhood resources for PA. In adjusted models, rural adolescents engaged in less MVPA at school compared to non-rural adolescents (B = -1.14 min/day, p = 0.031) while no difference was found in MVPA at home or on weekends. Rural adolescents had less screen time (B = -2.1 min/day, p = 0.036) than their non-rural peers and were less likely to report active transit trips than non-rural adolescents (OR = 0.66, p = 0.016). Much of the differences in MVPA (70%) and active transit (54%) were mediated by differences in neighborhood resources. Improving the neighborhood resources in rural areas may encourage adolescents to be more active. This includes providing physical activity resources in rural areas such as sidewalks, bike lanes, greenways, playgrounds, fitness facilities, and parks/green space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard W. Christiana
- Department of Health & Exercise Science, Beaver College of Health Sciences, Appalachian State University, 1179 State Farm Road, Boone, NC 28608, USA
| | - Erin D. Bouldin
- Department of Health & Exercise Science, Beaver College of Health Sciences, Appalachian State University, 1179 State Farm Road, Boone, NC 28608, USA
| | - Rebecca A. Battista
- Department of Health & Exercise Science, Beaver College of Health Sciences, Appalachian State University, 1179 State Farm Road, Boone, NC 28608, USA
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Abshire DA, Pinto BM, Wilson DK. Physical Activity From Transportation: New Insights and Lingering Questions. J Adolesc Health 2021; 69:187-188. [PMID: 34303442 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2021.04.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Bernardine M Pinto
- College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Dawn K Wilson
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
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D'Agostino EM, Armstrong SC, Alexander EP, Østbye T, Neshteruk CD, Skinner AC. Predictors and Patterns of Physical Activity From Transportation Among United States Youth, 2007-2016. J Adolesc Health 2021; 69:263-271. [PMID: 33958267 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2021.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Physical activity is strongly associated with health benefits in youth, although wide disparities in physical activity persist across sex, race/ethnicity, and income. Active transportation is an important source of youth physical activity. We aimed to describe active transportation patterns for United States adolescents and young adults ages 12-25 years across sociodemographic and weight status characteristics. METHODS Cross-sectional secondary data analyses were based on self-reported transportation-related physical activity using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2007-2016. RESULTS Of the sample (n = 8,680; population represented, N = 57,768,628), 4,300 (49.5%) were adolescents (12-17 y), and 4,380 (50.4%) were young adults (18-25 y). Male adolescents were more likely to participate in any (risk ratio [RR] = 1.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16-1.40) and daily (RR = 1.3; 95% CI, 1.06-1.63) active transportation than females. Black (RR = 1.1; 95% CI, 1.01-1.31) and Hispanic (RR = 1.2; 95% CI, 1.05-1.31) adolescents were more likely to engage in any active transportation than whites. Young adult males were more likely to participate in any (RR = 1.3; 95% CI, 1.20-1.50) and daily (RR = 1.3; 95% CI, 1.08-1.55) active transportation than females. Young adults with a lower family income, and both adolescents and young adults with a lower household education, were more likely to engage in any and daily active transportation. We also observed an inverse relationship between weight class and active transportation participation. CONCLUSION Active transportation was higher in males, minority, and lower income youth. Our study findings provide evidence for physical activity interventions, suggesting active transportation is a feasible target for low-income and minority youth to reduce physical activity disparities and support optimal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M D'Agostino
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina; Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina.
| | - Sarah C Armstrong
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina; Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina; Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina; Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Emily P Alexander
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Truls Østbye
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina; Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Cody D Neshteruk
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Asheley C Skinner
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina; Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
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Abstract
Ambient air pollution is produced by sources including vehicular traffic, coal-fired power plants, hydraulic fracturing, agricultural production, and forest fires. It consists of primary pollutants generated by combustion and secondary pollutants formed in the atmosphere from precursor gases. Air pollution causes and exacerbates climate change, and climate change worsens health effects of air pollution. Infants and children are uniquely sensitive to air pollution, because their organs are developing and they have higher air per body weight intake. Health effects linked to air pollution include not only exacerbations of respiratory diseases but also reduced lung function development and increased asthma incidence. Additional outcomes of concern include preterm birth, low birth weight, neurodevelopmental disorders, IQ loss, pediatric cancers, and increased risks for adult chronic diseases. These effects are mediated by oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, endocrine disruption, and genetic and epigenetic mechanisms across the life span. Natural experiments demonstrate that with initiatives such as increased use of public transportation, both air quality and community health improve. Similarly, the Clean Air Act has improved air quality, although exposure inequities persist. Other effective strategies for reducing air pollution include ending reliance on coal, oil, and gas; regulating industrial emissions; reducing exposure with attention to proximity of residences, schools, and child care facilities to traffic; and a greater awareness of the Air Quality Index. This policy reviews both short- and long-term health consequences of ambient air pollution, especially in relation to developmental exposures. It examines individual, community, and legislative strategies to mitigate air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather L Brumberg
- Division of Neonatology, Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, Westchester Medical Center and Departments of Pediatrics and Public Health, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York; and
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Laddu D, Paluch AE, LaMonte MJ. The role of the built environment in promoting movement and physical activity across the lifespan: Implications for public health. Prog Cardiovasc Dis 2021; 64:33-40. [PMID: 33428966 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcad.2020.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Engaging in regular physical activity (PA) and reducing time spent in sedentary behaviors is critically important to prevent and control non-communicable diseases (NCDs). However, global public health efforts to promote and encourage maintenance of PA behavior on a population level remains challenging. To address what is now described as a global physical inactivity pandemic, a breadth of research has focused on understanding the relation of built environment characteristics, including aspects of urban design, transportation and land-use planning, to PA behavior across multiple domains in life, and subsequently how changes in environmental attributes influence changes in PA patterns in diverse populations and subgroups. This review describes the role the built environment has on improving the promotion and the engagement of PA, particularly in the context of active transportation and leisure time domains of PA. An additional focus will be on the disparities in access to activity-promoting environments and the differential effects of environmental interventions in disadvantaged populations. This paper will further discuss opportunities for public health and policy to advocate for and prioritize the implementation of equitable and effective interventions that aim to expand/improve activity-supportive infrastructures within neighborhoods and communities with the ultimate goal of meaningful population-level increases in PA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepika Laddu
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Science, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA; Healthy Living for Pandemic Event Protection (HL - PIVOT) Network, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Amanda E Paluch
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Michael J LaMonte
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, USA
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14
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Supporting Children’s Independent Activities in Smart and Playable Public Places. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12208352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The global process of urbanization, and the modification of social interaction determined by the pandemic crisis, poses the issue of the place of vulnerable users and, in particular, children, within the contemporary city. This research aimed to elaborate a theoretical and methodological framework, based on the concepts of affordance and capability, for analyzing the potential of public spaces to enable and support children’s independent activities. This potential, or meaningful usefulness, is expressed by the Index of Meaningful Usefulness of public Urban Spaces (IUIS). The latter is calculated via the tool ‘Opportunities for Children in Urban Spaces’ (OCUS). This methodology is applied to the analysis of significant public spaces within the historic center of the city of Iglesias in Sardinia, Italy. The results reveal adequate usefulness of the selected spaces, while underlining criticalities related to intrinsic spatial and physical attributes. The application to the case study confirms the validity of the theoretical and methodological framework embodied in the OCUS tool for supporting urban design and planning by orienting place-shaping processes towards the acknowledgement of children’s needs.
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15
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Hardy LL, Mihrshahi S. Elements of Effective Population Surveillance Systems for Monitoring Obesity in School Aged Children. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17186812. [PMID: 32962004 PMCID: PMC7558984 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17186812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The continuing high prevalence of child overweight and obesity globally means that it remains the most common chronic health condition in children. Population-based child obesity surveillance systems are critical for monitoring trends in obesity and related behaviours, and determining the overall effect of child obesity prevention strategies. Effective surveillance systems may vary in methods, scope, purpose, objectives, and attributes, and our aim was to provide an overview of child obesity surveillance systems globally, and to highlight main components and other types of survey data that can enhance our understanding of child obesity. Measures of adiposity, including body mass index and waist circumference are essential, but effective surveillance must also include measures of weight-related behaviours, including diet, physical activity, sedentary time, and sleep. While objective measures are desirable, the variability in psychometrics and rapid evolution of wearable devices is potentially problematic for examining long-term trends over time and how behaviours may change. Questionnaires on self-reported behaviours are often used but also have limitations. Because the determinants of obesity are not only functioning at the individual level, some measures of the broader environmental and commercial determinants, including the built and food environments, are useful to guide upstream policy decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise L. Hardy
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-2-86271846
| | - Seema Mihrshahi
- Department of Health Systems and Populations, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2190, Australia;
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16
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Hosokawa R, Katsura T. The Relationship between Neighborhood Environment and Child Mental Health in Japanese Elementary School Students. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17155491. [PMID: 32751397 PMCID: PMC7432741 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17155491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Limited research has examined the relationship between neighborhood environment and mental health outcomes in elementary school students (middle childhood). In countries with high relative poverty, little is known about how neighborhood conditions are related to children's health after controlling for family socioeconomic status; thus, it is necessary to distinguish the particular neighborhood characteristics relevant to behavioral risk in children, independent of socioeconomic position. Using a self-report survey completed by parents, we assessed neighborhood environment characteristics, children's behavioral outcomes, and family socioeconomic status in fourth grade students from Nagoya, in Aichi prefecture, Japan (n = 695). A multiple linear regression was conducted to evaluate to what extent neighborhood characteristics predict child behaviors, after adjusting for socioeconomic variables. Greater aesthetic quality, walkability, accessibility of healthy foods, safety, and social cohesion were inversely linked to children's behavioral problems and positively linked to social competence, suggesting that quality of living environment may affect behavioral outcomes in children, even after controlling for socioeconomic factors. Developing a quality environment that matches these characteristics may minimize the negative impact of a family's socioeconomic distress and is likely to aid socioeconomically disadvantaged parents and their children. Thus, policies and programs that enhance the neighborhood environment for socioeconomically disadvantaged families should be promoted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rikuya Hosokawa
- Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-75-751-4154
| | - Toshiki Katsura
- Faculty of Health Care, Tenri Health Care University, Tenri 632-0018, Japan;
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17
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Jirout J, LoCasale-Crouch J, Turnbull K, Gu Y, Cubides M, Garzione S, Evans TM, Weltman AL, Kranz S. How Lifestyle Factors Affect Cognitive and Executive Function and the Ability to Learn in Children. Nutrients 2019; 11:E1953. [PMID: 31434251 PMCID: PMC6723730 DOI: 10.3390/nu11081953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In today's research environment, children's diet, physical activity, and other lifestyle factors are commonly studied in the context of health, independent of their effect on cognition and learning. Moreover, there is little overlap between the two literatures, although it is reasonable to expect that the lifestyle factors explored in the health-focused research are intertwined with cognition and learning processes. This thematic review provides an overview of knowledge connecting the selected lifestyle factors of diet, physical activity, and sleep hygiene to children's cognition and learning. Research from studies of diet and nutrition, physical activity and fitness, sleep, and broader influences of cultural and socioeconomic factors related to health and learning, were summarized to offer examples of research that integrate lifestyle factors and cognition with learning. The literature review demonstrates that the associations and causal relationships between these factors are vastly understudied. As a result, current knowledge on predictors of optimal cognition and learning is incomplete, and likely lacks understanding of many critical facts and relationships, their interactions, and the nature of their relationships, such as there being mediating or confounding factors that could provide important knowledge to increase the efficacy of learning-focused interventions. This review provides information focused on studies in children. Although basic research in cells or animal studies are available and indicate a number of possible physiological pathways, inclusion of those data would distract from the fact that there is a significant gap in knowledge on lifestyle factors and optimal learning in children. In a climate where childcare and school feeding policies are continuously discussed, this thematic review aims to provide an impulse for discussion and a call for more holistic approaches to support child development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Jirout
- Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | | | - Khara Turnbull
- Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Yin Gu
- Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Mayaris Cubides
- Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Sarah Garzione
- Department of Kinesiology, Curry School of Education and Human Development, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Tanya M Evans
- Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Arthur L Weltman
- Department of Kinesiology, Curry School of Education and Human Development, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Sibylle Kranz
- Department of Kinesiology, Curry School of Education and Human Development, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA.
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18
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Mölenberg FJM, Noordzij JM, Burdorf A, van Lenthe FJ. New physical activity spaces in deprived neighborhoods: Does it change outdoor play and sedentary behavior? A natural experiment. Health Place 2019; 58:102151. [PMID: 31238231 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2019.102151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We used the introduction of dedicated physical activity (PA) spaces in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, to study the impact of reducing distance to dedicated PA spaces on outdoor play and sedentary behavior, and to evaluate if these effects were similar between population subgroups. METHODS We included 1841 Dutch children from the Generation R Study who participated at two subsequent measurement waves when the children were, on average, 6.0 and 9.7 years old. None of these children lived within 600 m of a dedicated PA space at baseline, and during follow-up 171 children became exposed to 13 new PA spaces within 600 m from home. Individual-level fixed-effects models were used to evaluate changes in distances (determined by Geographical Information Systems (GIS)) from home to the nearest new dedicated PA space, to parent-reported outdoor play and sedentary behavior. RESULTS The introduction of a dedicated PA space within 600 m from home, and the reduction of the distance per 100 m, did not affect outdoor play or sedentary behaviors. At p < 0.1, significant interaction terms were found between the introduction of the PA spaces and indicators of family socioeconomic position. Although not statistically significant, stratified analyses showed a consistent pattern, suggesting that reducing the distance to the nearest PA space increased outdoor play for children from parents with lower levels of education. However, they also showed a non-significant increase in sedentary behaviors for children from families with net household income below average Dutch income, and for children from a non-Dutch ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS Introducing dedicated PA spaces may be a promising approach to increase outdoor play for children from more socioeconomically disadvantaged families, but larger studies are needed to contribute to the evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Famke J M Mölenberg
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - J Mark Noordzij
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Alex Burdorf
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Frank J van Lenthe
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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19
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Lusk AC, Willett WC, Morris V, Byner C, Li Y. Bicycle Facilities Safest from Crime and Crashes: Perceptions of Residents Familiar with Higher Crime/Lower Income Neighborhoods in Boston. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16030484. [PMID: 30736407 PMCID: PMC6388134 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16030484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
While studies of bicyclist’s perceptions of crime and crash safety exist, it is also important to ask lower-income predominantly-minority residents what bicycle-route surface or context they perceive as safest from crime and crashes. With their insights, their chosen bike environments could be in engineering guidelines and built in their neighborhoods to improve residents’ health and lessen their risk of exposure to crime or crashing. This study involved two populations in Boston: (a) community-sense participants (eight groups-church/YMCA n = 116); and (b) street-sense participants (five groups-halfway house/homeless shelter/gang members n = 96). Participants ranked and described what they saw in 32 photographs of six types of bicycle environments. Quantitative data (Likert Scale 0–6 with 0 being low risk of crime/crash) involved regression analysis to test differences. Qualitative comments were categorized into 55 themes for surface or context and if high or low in association with crime or crashes. For crime, two-way cycle tracks had a significantly lower score (safest) than all others (2.35; p < 0.01) and share-use paths had a significantly higher score (least safe) (3.39; p < 0.01). For crashes, participants rated shared-use paths as safest (1.17) followed by two-way cycle tracks (1.68), one-way cycle tracks (2.95), bike lanes (4.06), sharrows (4.17), and roads (4.58), with a significant difference for any two groups (p < 0.01) except between bike lane and sharrow (p = 0.9). Street-sense participants ranked all, except shared-use paths, higher for crime and crash. For surface, wide two-way cycle tracks with freshly painted lines, stencils, and arrows were low risk for crime and a cycle track’s median, red color, stencils, and arrows low risk for crash. For context, clean signs, balconies, cafes, street lights, no cuts between buildings, and flowers were low risk for crime and witnesses, little traffic, and bike signals low risk for crash. As bicycle design guidelines and general Crime Perception Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles do not include these details, perhaps new guidelines could be written.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne C Lusk
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Walter C Willett
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Vivien Morris
- Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition, Boston, MA 02126, USA.
| | | | - Yanping Li
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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20
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Besenyi GM, Schooley B, Turner-McGrievy GM, Wilcox S, Wilhelm Stanis SA, Kaczynski AT. The Electronic Community Park Audit Tool (eCPAT): Exploring the Use of Mobile Technology for Youth Empowerment and Advocacy for Healthy Community Policy, Systems, and Environmental Change. Front Public Health 2018; 6:332. [PMID: 30515373 PMCID: PMC6256082 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2018.00332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Empowering and engaging youth in advocacy and participatory action research (PAR) for healthy community environments is an emerging approach to reducing the childhood obesity epidemic. Technology is a promising strategy for engaging youth in such efforts. The Community Park Audit Tool (CPAT) is user-friendly tool for evaluating the ability of parks to promote youth physical activity. Recently an electronic version of the tool (eCPAT) was developed and validated. The purpose of this study was to explore the use of eCPAT mobile technology on youth empowerment and advocacy. This study examined tool usability, youths' technology access, use, and readiness for PAR efforts, effectiveness of mobile technology on youth empowerment and advocacy, interaction effects between tool format and regular technology use, and tool format preferences. Youth ages 11-18 years were recruited and randomized into one of three study conditions: Control (no audit), paper (CPAT), and mobile technology (eCPAT). Intervention youth completed two park audits using assigned format. A subsample of youth in the Control group completed both CPAT and eCPAT audits for comparison. Independent samples t-tests and MANCOVAs explored differences in post-project levels of tool usability and empowerment and advocacy scores between groups. Multivariate linear regression analysis explored the interaction between Control, Paper, or eCPAT group membership and mean technology use in predicting empowerment and advocacy. Youth (n = 124) completed pre and post surveys. The majority of youth had access to technology (smartphone 77.4%, tablet/iPad 67.7%). Youth used mobile technology at least once a day to use apps (M = 7.8, SD = 3.2), browse the web (M = 6.3, SD = 3.3), and search for information (M = 6.3, SD = 3.5). Youth were also ready and willing to use technology for PAR (M = 3.42-3.59). No main or interaction effects were found for post-project levels of youth empowerment or advocacy. However, the eCPAT tool had high usability scores, was better liked, and was preferred by youth over paper-pencil methods. Mobile technologies are ubiquitous and a preferred strategy among youth for engagement in community change. Future studies should explore mobile technology as a potential strategy for engaging youth in ongoing PAR efforts to achieve successful engagement and advocacy in community healthy environmental change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina M. Besenyi
- Department of Kinesiology, College of Human Ecology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States
| | - Benjamin Schooley
- Integrated Information Technology, College of Engineering and Computing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Gabrielle M. Turner-McGrievy
- Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Sara Wilcox
- Prevention Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
- Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Sonja A. Wilhelm Stanis
- Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Andrew T. Kaczynski
- Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
- Prevention Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
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21
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Evenson KR, Cho GH, Rodríguez DA, Cohen DA. Park use and physical activity among adolescent girls at two time points. J Sports Sci 2018; 36:2544-2550. [PMID: 29708015 PMCID: PMC6089639 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2018.1469225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
This longitudinal study described park usage and assessed the contribution of parks to moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among adolescent girls. High school girls from California (n = 131) and Minnesota (n = 134) wore a global positioning system (GPS) monitor and accelerometer for 6 consecutive days at two time points, one year apart. Park visits were classified by linking the GPS, accelerometer, and park and built environment data around home and school locations into a geographic information system. At baseline, 20% of girls visited a park at least once (mean 0.1 times/day), which was similar one year later (19%, mean 0.1 times/day). Girls lived a mean Euclidean distance of 0.2 miles to the nearest park at both times. Among all park visits, the mean Euclidean distance of the park visited was 4.1 (baseline) and 3.9 miles (follow-up). The average duration of park visits was higher at baseline (63.9 minutes) compared to follow-up (38.4 minutes). On days when a park was visited, MVPA was higher than on days when a park was not visited. On average, 1.9% (baseline) and 2.8% (follow-up) of MVPA occurred in parks. In this study, parks were an under-used resource for adolescent girls, particularly for MVPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly R. Evenson
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, US
| | - Gi-Hyoug Cho
- School of Urban and Environmental Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, Korea
- Department of City and Regional Planning, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, US
| | - Daniel A. Rodríguez
- Department of City and Regional Planning, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, US
- Department of City and Regional Planning, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, US
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22
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A Critical Review of Child-Friendly Environments, Focusing on Children’s Experiential Perspectives on the Physical World for Sustainability. SUSTAINABILITY 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/su10103725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The concept of child-friendliness has appeared in numerous research studies concerning sustainability and the wellbeing of children. For this critical review of child-friendly environments (CFEs), an evaluation framework of CFEs has been developed, consisting of four principal experiential categories: sociality, wellness, development, and independence of children. Despite considerable research on CFEs since the middle of the twentieth century, there have been few evaluations of CFEs focusing on children’s experiences in relation to the physical environment. Through an exhaustive analysis of selected papers in this research, it was found that most papers have focused on the physical experiences of children, rarely mentioning the emotional experiences of children in relation to the physical environment. The environmental experiences of children are very critical for a balanced development in their emotional, physical, and intellectual comprehension. Therefore, research on CFEs should consider the balanced emotional, physical, and intellectual development of children. This research critically highlights the aspects of children’s experiences to be addressed in CFEs research, exploring valuable insights into the environmental cognition of children and their development. A better understanding of children and an interpretative analysis of their experiences will lead to adequately balanced CFEs, creating sustainable environments.
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23
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Ortega Hinojosa AM, MacLeod KE, Balmes J, Jerrett M. Influence of school environments on childhood obesity in California. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 166:100-107. [PMID: 29883903 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To conduct a state-wide examination of public schools and the school neighborhood as potential targets for environmental public health tracking to address childhood obesity. METHODS We examined the relationship of social and physical environmental attributes of the school environment (within school and neighborhood) and childhood obesity in California with machine learning (Random Forest) and multilevel methods. We used data compiled from the California Department of Education, the U.S. Geological Survey, ESRI's Business Analyst, the U.S. Census, and other public sources for ecologic level variables for various years and assessed their relative importance to obesity as determined from the statewide Physical Fitness Test 2003 through 2007 for grades 5, 7, and 9 (n = 5,265,265). RESULTS In addition to individual-level race and gender, the following within and school neighborhood variables ranked as the most important model contributors based on the Random Forest analysis and were included in multilevel regressions clustered on the county. Violent crime, English learners, socioeconomic disadvantage, fewer physical education (PE) and fully credentialed teachers, and diversity index were positively associated with obesity while academic performance index, PE participation, mean educational attainment and per capita income were negatively associated with obesity. The most highly ranked built or physical environment variables were distance to the nearest highway and greenness, which were 10th and 11th most important, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Many states in the U.S. do not have school-based surveillance programs that collect body mass index data. System-level determinants of obesity can be important for tracking and intervention. The results of these analyses suggest that the school social environment factors may be especially important. Disadvantaged and low academic performing schools have a higher risk for obesity. Supporting such schools in a targeted way may be an efficient way to intervene and could impact both health and academic outcomes. Some of the more important variables, such as having credentialed teachers and participating in PE, are modifiable risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto M Ortega Hinojosa
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States; IMPAQ International, LLC, Oakland, CA 94612, United States
| | - Kara E MacLeod
- Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - John Balmes
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
| | - Michael Jerrett
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States; Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States.
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24
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Turner L, Calvert HG, Chaloupka FJ. Barriers to Shared Use of Indoor and Outdoor Facilities at US Elementary Schools. THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH 2018; 88:379-387. [PMID: 29609211 DOI: 10.1111/josh.12621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Revised: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND School policies and practices, such as the sharing of school facilities with the surrounding community, support physical activity among students and community members, but are often underutilized. This study examined variations in shared use practices, and associations with perceived barriers. METHODS Surveys were completed by a nationally representative sample of 640 public elementary schools across the United States. Administrators reported on their school's practices related to the shared use of indoor and outdoor facilities, and perceived barriers to sharing. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine associations between barriers and practices. RESULTS Liability or legal concerns, staffing expenses, and facility operation costs were most frequently reported as barriers, while lack of adequate facilities and perceived lack of community interest were less common. Cost concerns and perceived lack of community interest were most strongly associated with lack of sharing. CONCLUSIONS Although liability or legal concerns are common, such concerns are not necessarily associated with less sharing when other factors are taken into account. Administrators' perceptions about lack of community interest were associated with less sharing, but these perceptions may not accurately reflect the community's perspective. Active development of partnerships could increase access to school facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey Turner
- College of Education, Boise State University, 1910 University Drive, #1740, Boise, ID 83725-1740
| | - Hannah G Calvert
- College of Education, Boise State University, 1910 University Drive, #1740, Boise, ID 83725-1740
| | - Frank J Chaloupka
- Institute for Health Research and Policy, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1747 W. Roosevelt Road, #558, Chicago, IL 60608
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25
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Addressing Disparities in Physical Activity Participation Among African American and Latino Youth. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1123/kr.2018-0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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26
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Environment perception and leisure-time physical activity in Portuguese high school students. Prev Med Rep 2018; 10:221-226. [PMID: 29632802 PMCID: PMC5889708 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2017.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Revised: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to analyze the association between perceived environmental factors and leisure-time physical activity (PA) among adolescents of both genders. Data were collected in autumn of 2011 from 866 adolescents (412 girls and 454 boys) 12- to 18-years-old, from four Portuguese cities. Perception of environmental factors was assessed by Assessing Levels of Physical Activity and Fitness (ALPHA) questionnaire (Spittaels et al., 2010, IJBNPA). PA was assessed by a questionnaire that evaluated PA during leisure-time and participants were assigned into the following categories: sedentary; low active; moderate active; and very active. Boys presented higher levels of structured PA, frequency and intensity of PA, and level of sport competition than girls (p < 0.001). Distance to local facilities (p = 0.001 for girls; p < 0.001 for boys) and home environment (p = 0.004 for girls; p = 0.015 for boys) were negatively associated with PA. Total, cycling and walking infrastructures (p < 0.001), as well as cycling and walking network (p = 0.049) and connectivity (p = 0.034) showed a positive association with PA in boys. Analysis of variance showed significant differences between girls' PA regarding aesthetics (p = 0.013), study environment (p = 0.023), home environment (p = 0.014) and whether it is pleasant or not (p = 0.023). Differences between boys' PA were observed for distance to local facilities (p = 0.003), total, cycling and walking infrastructures (p < 0.001) and home environment (p = 0.002). This study results support that some environmental factors are associated with adolescents' PA levels, with relevant differences between genders. Therefore, these gender differences must be taken into account, in order to increase levels of PA in Portuguese youth, especially in girls. Portuguese adolescents' physical activity levels remain extremely low. Adolescent boys present higher levels of physical activity than girls. Several environmental factors are associated with adolescents' physical activity. Perceptions about the environment are different between genders. Boys and girls' physical activity is related with different environmental factors.
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Oliveira A, Lopes L, Abreu S, Moreira C, Silva P, Agostinis-Sobrinho C, Oliveira-Santos J, Mota J, Santos R. Environmental perceptions and its associations with physical fitness and body composition in adolescents: longitudinal results from the LabMed Physical Activity Study. Int J Adolesc Med Health 2018; 32:ijamh-2017-0205. [PMID: 29634480 DOI: 10.1515/ijamh-2017-0205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background The environmental correlates have been extensively studied in the last years, but most associations with physical fitness (PF) and body composition have been cross-sectional in nature. Objective This study aimed to determine if adolescents' environmental perceptions associated with PF and body composition in a 2-year follow-up. Subjects Participants were 583 adolescents aged 12-18 years (299 girls) from the LabMed Physical Activity Study. Methods PF and body composition were assessed with the protocols of the ALPHA health-related fitness battery and environmental perceptions with the ALPHA environmental questionnaire. Linear regression models were used to determine the associations between environmental perceptions at baseline and PF and anthropometric measures at follow-up. Results Results showed that perceptions of distant facilities at baseline were associated with lower fitness at follow-up in boys. Also, boys' lower study environment perceptions at baseline were associated with higher body composition at follow-up. Positive perceptions of a pleasant environment at baseline were associated with better fitness at follow-up in boys. Additionally, girls' positive bike lanes availability and esthetics perceptions at baseline were associated with better body composition at follow-up. Conclusion Positive environmental perceptions at baseline are associated with better PF and body composition at follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Oliveira
- Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Luis Lopes
- Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sandra Abreu
- Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carla Moreira
- Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro Silva
- Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - César Agostinis-Sobrinho
- Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - José Oliveira-Santos
- Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Jorge Mota
- Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rute Santos
- Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Early Start Research Institute, School of Education, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
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Liu Y, Zhang Y, Chen S, Zhang J, Guo Z, Chen P. Associations between parental support for physical activity and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity among Chinese school children: A cross-sectional study. JOURNAL OF SPORT AND HEALTH SCIENCE 2017; 6:410-415. [PMID: 30356620 PMCID: PMC6189258 DOI: 10.1016/j.jshs.2017.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Revised: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The objective of this study was to examine the associations between parental support for physical activity (PA) and levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among Chinese school children. METHODS Study participants were 81,857 school-aged children (aged 9-17 years; mean age = 13 years; 49.0% boys) and their parents or guardians who took part in the 2016 Physical Activity and Fitness in China-The Youth Study project. The independent variables included various forms of parental support for PA ascertained through a survey completed by parents or guardians. The dependent variable was the children's average MVPA in minutes per day by self-report. Structure equation modeling was used to examine the associations between parental support for PA and children's MVPA minutes. RESULTS The overall mean for MVPA participation time for the child participants was 48.82 ± 28.71 min/day. Significant associations between various forms of parental support and MVPA among children were found. Parental encouragement, accompanying, financial support, involvement, and role modeling for PA were positively associated with a high level of student MVPA participation. Parental PA knowledge-sharing was not associated with MVPA. The patterns of the associations were similar across sex, residence locale (i.e., urban and rural), and school grades (primary, junior middle, and junior high schools). CONCLUSION Findings from this study suggest that, among Chinese school children, parental support for PA is important in promoting and facilitating children's participation in MVPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- School of Physical Education and Sport Training, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
- Shanghai Research Center for Physical Fitness and Health of Children and Adolescents, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Yajun Zhang
- School of Physical Education, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing 312000, China
| | - Sitong Chen
- School of Physical Education and Sport Training, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Jialin Zhang
- School of Physical Education and Sport Training, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Zongchen Guo
- Educational Management Information Center, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100816, China
| | - Peijie Chen
- Shanghai Research Center for Physical Fitness and Health of Children and Adolescents, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
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Poulsen MN, Knapp EA, Hirsch AG, Bailey-Davis L, Pollak J, Schwartz BS. Comparing objective measures of the built environment in their associations with youth physical activity and sedentary behavior across heterogeneous geographies. Health Place 2017; 49:30-38. [PMID: 29161656 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2017.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
We compared two strategies for measuring built environment features in their associations with youth physical activity and sedentary behavior across heterogeneous geographies of Pennsylvania. Physical activity environments of communities representing a rural-to-urban gradient were characterized through direct observation and spatially referenced archival data subjected to confirmatory factor analysis. Stratified regression analyses assessed associations between environmental measures and behavioral outcomes by community type. Neither strategy was consistently associated with behavior across communities. Findings highlight the importance of differentiating community type in evaluating associations of the built environment, and the challenge of measuring meaningful differences that influence youth behavior across heterogeneous geographies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa N Poulsen
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Health Services Research, Geisinger Health System, 100 North Academy Avenue, MC 44-00, Danville, PA 17822, USA.
| | - Emily A Knapp
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Annemarie G Hirsch
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Services Research, Geisinger Health System, 100 North Academy Avenue, MC 44-00, Danville, PA 17822, USA.
| | - Lisa Bailey-Davis
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Services Research, Geisinger Health System, 100 North Academy Avenue, MC 44-00, Danville, PA 17822, USA.
| | - Jonathan Pollak
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Brian S Schwartz
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Health Services Research, Geisinger Health System, 100 North Academy Avenue, MC 44-00, Danville, PA 17822, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 733 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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Carlin A, Perchoux C, Puggina A, Aleksovska K, Buck C, Burns C, Cardon G, Chantal S, Ciarapica D, Condello G, Coppinger T, Cortis C, D’Haese S, De Craemer M, Di Blasio A, Hansen S, Iacoviello L, Issartel J, Izzicupo P, Jaeschke L, Kanning M, Kennedy A, Lakerveld J, Chun Man Ling F, Luzak A, Napolitano G, Nazare JA, Pischon T, Polito A, Sannella A, Schulz H, Sohun R, Steinbrecher A, Schlicht W, Ricciardi W, MacDonncha C, Capranica L, Boccia S. A life course examination of the physical environmental determinants of physical activity behaviour: A "Determinants of Diet and Physical Activity" (DEDIPAC) umbrella systematic literature review. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182083. [PMID: 28787023 PMCID: PMC5546676 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Participation in regular physical activity is associated with a multitude of health benefits across the life course. However, many people fail to meet PA recommendations. Despite a plethora of studies, the evidence regarding the environmental (physical) determinants of physical activity remains inconclusive. OBJECTIVE To identify the physical environmental determinants that influence PA across the life course. METHODS An online systematic literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, ISI Web of Science, Scopus and SPORTDiscus. The search was limited to studies published in English (January 2004 to April 2016). Only systematic literature reviews (SLRs) and meta-analyses (MAs) of observational studies, that investigated the association between physical determinants and physical activity outcomes, were eligible for inclusion. The extracted data were assessed on the importance of determinants, strength of evidence and methodological quality. RESULTS The literature search identified 28 SLRs and 3 MAs on 67 physical environmental characteristics potentially related to physical activity that were eligible for inclusion. Among preschool children, a positive association was reported between availability of backyard space and outdoor toys/equipment in the home and overall physical activity. The availability of physical activity programs and equipment within schools, and neighbourhood features such as pedestrian and cyclist safety structure were positively associated with physical activity in children and adolescents. Negative street characteristics, for example, lack of sidewalks and streetlights, were negatively associated with physical activity in adults. Inconsistent associations were reported for the majority of reviewed determinants in adults. CONCLUSION This umbrella SLR provided a comprehensive overview of the physical environment determinants of physical activity across the life course and has highlighted, particularly amongst youth, a number of key determinants that may be associated with overall physical activity. Given the limited evidence drawn mostly from cross-sectional studies, longitudinal studies are needed to further explore these associations. REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42015010616.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Carlin
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- * E-mail: (AC); (AP)
| | - Camille Perchoux
- Centre de Recherche en Nutrition Humaine Rhône-Alpes, CarMeN INSERM U1060, University of Lyon1, Lyon, France
- Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research, Esch/Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Anna Puggina
- Section of Hygiene - Institute of Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail: (AC); (AP)
| | - Katina Aleksovska
- Section of Hygiene - Institute of Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Christoph Buck
- Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS, Bremen, Germany
| | - Con Burns
- Department of Sport, Leisure and Childhood Studies, Cork Institute of Technology, Cork, Munster, Ireland
| | - Greet Cardon
- Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Simon Chantal
- Centre de Recherche en Nutrition Humaine Rhône-Alpes, CarMeN INSERM U1060, University of Lyon1, Lyon, France
| | - Donatella Ciarapica
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics -Research Centre for Food and Nutrition, Rome, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Condello
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome Foro Italico, Rome, Italy
| | - Tara Coppinger
- Department of Sport, Leisure and Childhood Studies, Cork Institute of Technology, Cork, Munster, Ireland
| | - Cristina Cortis
- Department of Human Sciences, Society, and Health, University of Cassino and Lazio Meridionale, Cassino, Italy
| | - Sara D’Haese
- Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marieke De Craemer
- Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Andrea Di Blasio
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, 'G. d'Annunzio' University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieta, Italy
| | - Sylvia Hansen
- Department for Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Licia Iacoviello
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo: NEUROMED. Pozzilli. Italy
| | - Johann Issartel
- School of Health and Human Performance, Multisensory Motor Learning Lab, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Pascal Izzicupo
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, 'G. d'Annunzio' University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieta, Italy
| | - Lina Jaeschke
- Molecular Epidemiology Group, Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Martina Kanning
- Department for Sport Sciences, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Aileen Kennedy
- Centre for Preventive Medicine, School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jeroen Lakerveld
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University medical center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Fiona Chun Man Ling
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Institute of Sport, Exercise & Active Living, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Psychology, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, United Kingdom
| | - Agnes Luzak
- Institute of Epidemiology I, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Giorgio Napolitano
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, 'G. d'Annunzio' University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieta, Italy
| | - Julie-Anne Nazare
- Centre de Recherche en Nutrition Humaine Rhône-Alpes, CarMeN INSERM U1060, University of Lyon1, Lyon, France
| | - Tobias Pischon
- Molecular Epidemiology Group, Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Angela Polito
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics -Research Centre for Food and Nutrition, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Sannella
- Department of Human Sciences, Society, and Health, University of Cassino and Lazio Meridionale, Cassino, Italy
| | - Holger Schulz
- Department of Psychology, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, United Kingdom
| | - Rhoda Sohun
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Astrid Steinbrecher
- Molecular Epidemiology Group, Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Schlicht
- Department for Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Walter Ricciardi
- Section of Hygiene - Institute of Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy (Istituto Superiore di Sanita - ISS)
| | - Ciaran MacDonncha
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Health Research Institute (HRI), University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Laura Capranica
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome Foro Italico, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Boccia
- Section of Hygiene - Institute of Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Ichan School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States of America
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Roswall N, Ammitzbøll G, Christensen JS, Raaschou-Nielsen O, Jensen SS, Tjønneland A, Sørensen M. Residential exposure to traffic noise and leisure-time sports – A population-based study. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2017; 220:1006-1013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2017.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Kahan D, McKenzie TL. School and Neighborhood Predictors of Physical Fitness in Elementary School Students. THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH 2017; 87:448-456. [PMID: 28463449 DOI: 10.1111/josh.12516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Revised: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We assessed the associations of 5 school and 7 neighborhood variables with fifth-grade students achieving Healthy Fitness Zone (HFZ) or Needs Improvement-Health Risk (NI-HR) on aerobic capacity (AC) and body composition (BC) physical fitness components of the state-mandated FITNESSGRAM® physical fitness test. METHODS Data for outcome (physical fitness) and predictor (school and neighborhood) variables were extracted from various databases (eg, Data Quest, Walk Score® ) for 160 schools located in San Diego, California. Predictor variables that were at least moderately correlated (|r| ≥ .30) with ≥1 outcome variables in univariate analyses were retained for ordinary least squares regression analyses. RESULTS The mean percentages of students achieving HFZ AC (65.7%) and BC (63.5%) were similar (t = 1.13, p = .26), while those for NI-HR zones were significantly different (AC = 6.0% vs BC = 18.6%; t = 12.60, p < .001). Correlations were greater in magnitude for school than neighborhood demographics and stronger for BC than AC. The school variables free/reduced-price lunch (negative) and math achievement (positive) predicted fitness scores. Among neighborhood variables, percent Hispanic predicted failure of meeting the HFZ BC criterion. CONCLUSIONS Creating school and neighborhood environments conducive to promoting physical activity and improving fitness is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Kahan
- San Diego State University, School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, 5500 Campanile Drive, ENS Building 315, San Diego, CA 92182-7251
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Quistberg DA, Howard EJ, Hurvitz PM, Moudon AV, Ebel BE, Rivara FP, Saelens BE. The Relationship Between Objectively Measured Walking and Risk of Pedestrian-Motor Vehicle Collision. Am J Epidemiol 2017; 185:810-821. [PMID: 28338921 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwx020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Safe urban walking environments may improve health by encouraging physical activity, but the relationship between an individual's location and walking pattern and the risk of pedestrian-motor vehicle collision is unknown. We examined associations between individuals' walking bouts and walking risk, measured as mean exposure to the risk of pedestrian-vehicle collision. Walking bouts were ascertained through integrated accelerometry and global positioning system data and from individual travel-diary data obtained from adults in the Travel Assessment and Community Study (King County, Washington) in 2008-2009. Walking patterns were superimposed onto maps of the historical probabilities of pedestrian-vehicle collisions for intersections and midblock segments within Seattle, Washington. Mean risk of pedestrian-vehicle collision in specific walking locations was assessed according to walking exposure (duration, distance, and intensity) and participant demographic characteristics in linear mixed models. Participants typically walked in areas with low pedestrian collision risk when walking for recreation, walking at a faster pace, or taking longer-duration walks. Mean daily walking duration and distance were not associated with collision risk. Males walked in areas with higher collision risk compared with females, while vehicle owners, residents of single-family homes, and parents of young children walked in areas with lower collision risk. These findings may suggest that pedestrians moderate collision risk by using lower-risk routes.
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Heerman WJ, Mitchell SJ, Thompson J, Martin NC, Sommer EC, van Bakergem M, Taylor JL, Buchowski MS, Barkin SL. Parental perception of built environment characteristics and built environment use among Latino families: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2016; 16:1180. [PMID: 27876038 PMCID: PMC5120513 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-3854-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 11/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Perception of undesirable features may inhibit built environment use for physical activity among underserved families with children at risk for obesity. Methods To examine the association of perceived availability, condition, and safety of the built environment with its self-reported use for physical activity, we conducted a cross-sectional analysis on baseline data from a randomized controlled trial. Adjusted Poisson regression was used to test the association between the primary independent variables (perceived availability, physical condition, and safety) with the primary outcome of self-reported use of built environment structures. Results Among 610 parents (90% Latino) of preschool-age children, 158 (26%) reported that there were no available built environment structures for physical activity in the neighborhood. The use of built environment structures was associated with the perceived number of available structures (B = 0.34, 95% CI 0.31, 0.37, p < 0.001) and their perceived condition (B = 0.19, 95% CI 0.12, 0.27, p = 0.001), but not with perceived safety (B = 0.00, 95% CI −0.01, 0.01, p = 0.7). Conclusions In this sample of underserved families, perceived availability and condition of built environment structures were associated with use rather than perceived safety. To encourage physical activity among underserved families, communities need to invest in the condition and availability of built environment structures. Trial registration Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01316653) on March 11, 2011.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J Heerman
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2146 Belcourt Ave, 2nd Floor, Nashville, TN, 37209, USA.
| | | | - Jessica Thompson
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2146 Belcourt Ave, 2nd Floor, Nashville, TN, 37209, USA
| | - Nina C Martin
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Peabody College, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, USA
| | - Evan C Sommer
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2146 Belcourt Ave, 2nd Floor, Nashville, TN, 37209, USA
| | | | - Julie Lounds Taylor
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2146 Belcourt Ave, 2nd Floor, Nashville, TN, 37209, USA.,Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, USA
| | - Maciej S Buchowski
- Department of Medicine, Energy Balance Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, USA
| | - Shari L Barkin
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2146 Belcourt Ave, 2nd Floor, Nashville, TN, 37209, USA
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Comparison of the Effects of Stable and Dynamic Furniture on Physical Activity and Learning in Children. J Prim Prev 2016; 37:555-560. [PMID: 27785657 DOI: 10.1007/s10935-016-0451-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
We compared the effects of traditional (stable) and non-traditional (dynamic) school furniture on children's physical activity (PA), energy expenditure (EE), information retention, and math skills. Participants were 12 students (8.3 years, 58 % boys) in grades 1-5. Participants wore an Actigraph GT3X+ accelerometer (to assess PA), and an Oxycon Mobile indirect calorimetry device (to assess EE) for 40 min (20 min for each session). Each session consisted of a nutrition lecture, multiple choice questions related to the lecture, and grade-appropriate math problems. We used paired t tests to examine differences between the stable and dynamic furniture conditions. Average activity counts were significantly greater in the dynamic than the stable furniture condition (40.82 vs. 9.81, p < 0.05). We found no significant differences between conditions for average oxygen uptake (p = 0.34), percentage of nutrition questions (p = 0.5), or math problems (p = 0.93) answered correctly. Movement was significantly greater in the dynamic than the stable furniture condition, and did not impede information acquisition or concentration. Future studies should compare the long-term effects of traditional and dynamic furniture on health and academic outcomes in schools and other settings.
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A Multimodal Counseling-Based Adolescent Physical Activity Intervention. J Adolesc Health 2016; 59:332-337. [PMID: 27235377 PMCID: PMC5002229 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2016.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Revised: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE National guidelines recommend adolescents achieve 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA)/day, yet few adolescents meet these guidelines. METHODS We piloted a novel quasi-randomized physical activity intervention to promote adolescent's use of their surrounding built environment among 30 intervention and 30 control overweight/obese adolescents aged 10-16 years living in greater Boston from 2013 to 2015. Location-specific MPVA was measured by accelerometry and global positioning system for three one-week periods (Time 1 [T1], Time 2 [T2], and Time 3 [T3]). One month after T1, intervention participants received individualized counseling on how to use their surrounding built environment to increase MVPA, and control participants received standard-of-care lifestyle modification counseling; both groups received their T1 physical activity data. T2 assessment occurred the week after the counseling visit and T3 assessment 3-4 months later. The main outcome was change in average daily minutes of MVPA; the secondary outcome was meeting national MVPA guidelines. Multivariable modeling accounted for covariates (baseline MVPA, body mass index, age, sex, race/ethnicity) and clustering by study group and town. RESULTS Among the 60 adolescents recruited, 55 (92%) completed data collection. Short-term (T2) intervention effects included increased average MVPA of +13.9 minutes intervention versus -.6 minutes control (p < .0001). Differential increase in mean daily MVPA was sustained at T3 (9.3 minutes more in intervention group; p = .0006). The proportion of adolescents in the intervention group who achieved 60 minutes/day of MVPA increased from 11% (T1) to 21% (T2), whereas declining (7%-0%) among controls. CONCLUSIONS Individualized counseling about the built environment can help increase MVPA among overweight and obese adolescents.
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Chow BC, McKenzie TL, Sit CHP. Public Parks in Hong Kong: Characteristics of Physical Activity Areas and Their Users. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 13:E639. [PMID: 27367709 PMCID: PMC4962180 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13070639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Revised: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Public parks, salient locations for engaging populations in health promoting physical activity, are especially important in high-density cities. We used the System for Observing Physical Activity in Communities (SOPARC) to conduct the first-ever surveillance study of nine public parks in Hong Kong (288 observation sessions during 36 weekdays and 36 weekend days) and observed 28,585 visitors in 262 diverse areas/facilities. Parks were widely used throughout the day on weekdays and weekend days and across summer and autumn; visitor rates were among the highest seen in 24 SOPARC studies. In contrast to other studies where teens and children dominated park use, most visitors (71%) were adults and seniors. More males (61%) than females used the parks, and they dominated areas designed for sports. Over 60% of visitors were observed engaging in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, a rate higher than other SOPARC studies. Facilities with user fees were less accessible than non-fee areas, but they provided relatively more supervised and organized activities. Assessing parks by age, gender, and physical activity can provide useful information relative to population health. This study not only provides information useful to local administrators for planning and programming park facilities relative to physical activity, but it also provides a baseline for comparison by other high-density cities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bik C Chow
- Department of Physical Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Thomas L McKenzie
- School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, San Diego State University, 5127 Walsh Way, San Diego, CA 92115, USA.
| | - Cindy H P Sit
- Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China.
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Esteban-Cornejo I, Carlson JA, Conway TL, Cain KL, Saelens BE, Frank LD, Glanz K, Roman CG, Sallis JF. Parental and Adolescent Perceptions of Neighborhood Safety Related to Adolescents' Physical Activity in Their Neighborhood. RESEARCH QUARTERLY FOR EXERCISE AND SPORT 2016; 87:191-9. [PMID: 27030158 PMCID: PMC5784762 DOI: 10.1080/02701367.2016.1153779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to examine the association between adolescent and parental perceptions of neighborhood safety and adolescents' physical activity in multiple locations and to investigate the moderating effect of sex within this association. METHOD This cross-sectional study was conducted with 928 adolescents aged 12 to 16 years old and 1 of their parents. Adolescents and parents reported their perceptions of neighborhood safety (traffic safety, pedestrian safety, crime safety, and stranger danger safety). Adolescents reported how often they were physically active in multiple locations (physical activity in the neighborhood, in parks, and for active transport). Mixed-effects linear regression models were used to investigate these associations while controlling for demographics and the Walkability Index. RESULTS Parent-perceived crime safety was positively associated with adolescents' physical activity in parks (B = .094, p = .024). Parent-perceived traffic safety was positively associated with adolescents' reported physical activity in the neighborhood (B = .186, p = .014). Adolescents' physical activity for active transport was positively associated with parent-perceived traffic safety (B = .179, p = .001), stranger danger safety (B = .110, p = .013), and crime safety (B = .077, p = .035). There were 2 interactions by sex on the relation between adolescent traffic safety perception and parent pedestrian safety perception in the neighborhood and adolescents' physical activity in parks (i.e., statistically significant only for boys). CONCLUSIONS Parents' perceptions of traffic, stranger danger, and crime safety were all related to adolescents' active transportation. Multiple safety concerns may be motivating parents to restrict adolescent mobility by walking and bicycling.
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Besenyi GM, Diehl P, Schooley B, Turner-McGrievy BM, Wilcox S, Stanis SAW, Kaczynski AT. Development and testing of mobile technology for community park improvements: validity and reliability of the eCPAT application with youth. Transl Behav Med 2016; 6:519-532. [PMID: 27146276 DOI: 10.1007/s13142-016-0405-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Creation of mobile technology environmental audit tools can provide a more interactive way for youth to engage with communities and facilitate participation in health promotion efforts. This study describes the development and validity and reliability testing of an electronic version of the Community Park Audit Tool (eCPAT). eCPAT consists of 149 items and incorporates a variety of technology benefits. Criterion-related validity and inter-rater reliability were evaluated using data from 52 youth across 47 parks in Greenville County, SC. A large portion of items (>70 %) demonstrated either fair or moderate to perfect validity and reliability. All but six items demonstrated excellent percent agreement. The eCPAT app is a user-friendly tool that provides a comprehensive assessment of park environments. Given the proliferation of smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices among both adolescents and adults, the eCPAT app has potential to be distributed and used widely for a variety of health promotion purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina M Besenyi
- Clinical and Digital Health Sciences, College of Allied Health Sciences, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.
| | - Paul Diehl
- Integrated Information Technology, College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Benjamin Schooley
- Integrated Information Technology, College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Brie M Turner-McGrievy
- Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Sara Wilcox
- Prevention Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA.,Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Sonja A Wilhelm Stanis
- Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Andrew T Kaczynski
- Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA.,Prevention Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
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Cohen DA, Han B, Derose KP, Williamson S, Marsh T, Raaen L, McKenzie TL. The Paradox of Parks in Low-Income Areas: Park Use and Perceived Threats. ENVIRONMENT AND BEHAVIOR 2016; 48:230-245. [PMID: 27065480 PMCID: PMC4821183 DOI: 10.1177/0013916515614366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Concerns about safety and perceived threats have been considered responsible for lower use of parks in high poverty neighborhoods. To quantify the role of perceived threats on park use we systematically observed 48 parks and surveyed park users and household residents in low-income neighborhoods in the City of Los Angeles. Across all parks, the majority of both park users and local residents perceive parks as safe or very safe. We noted apparently homeless individuals during nearly half of all observations, but very few instances of fighting, intimidating groups, smoking and intoxication. The presence of homeless individuals was associated with higher numbers of park users, while the presence of intoxicated persons was associated with lower numbers. Overall the strongest predictors of increased park use were the presence of organized and supervised activities. Therefore, to increase park use, focusing resources on programming may be more fruitful than targeting perceived threats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bing Han
- RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, CA, USA
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Clark AF, Bent EA, Gilliland J. Shortening the trip to school: Examining how children’s active school travel is influenced by shortcuts. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.1177/0265813515614678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
For children and youth, the journey to and from school represents a significant opportunity to increase daily levels of physical activity by using non-motorized modes of travel, such as walking and biking. Studies of active school travel have demonstrated that the likelihood a child will walk or bike is significantly influenced by the distance they must travel between home and school, which in turn, is influenced by built environment characteristics such as the configuration of the local road network. This study examines how shortcuts can facilitate active school travel by decreasing the distance children must travel to get to and from school. A geographic information system was used to compare shortest route distances along road networks with and without shortcuts in 32 elementary school zones in London, Ontario, Canada and provide evidence on the effectiveness of shortcuts to facilitate active school travel. This study contributes two key findings: (1) shortcuts have a greater impact in areas with low street connectivity and low population density and (2) children living farther from school are more likely to benefit from shortcuts. The findings suggest that planners should consider the location and maintenance of shortcuts in school neighbourhoods in order to promote increased physical activity, health and well-being among students.
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Buro B, Gold A, Contreras D, Keim AL, Mobley AR, Oscarson R, Peters P, Procter S, Smathers C. An Ecological Approach to Exploring Rural Food Access and Active Living for Families With Preschoolers. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2015; 47:548-554.e1. [PMID: 26566097 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2015.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2015] [Revised: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify factors using the Ecological Model of Childhood Overweight related to accessing nutritious foods and physical activity opportunities from the perspectives of rural parents of preschoolers. METHODS A mixed-methods study using a quantitative survey (Active Where?) and qualitative interviews. Analyzed interview themes provided context to the survey results. The setting was Head Start centers, county human service offices, and Women, Infants, and Children Program sites in rural counties in the Midwest. Rural parents (n = 377) of preschoolers took part in the survey in 7 Midwestern states; 15 similar participants were interviewed from 1 of the states. Transcribed interviews were coded. Frequencies and chi-square tests were computed; significance was set at P < .05. RESULTS The Active Where? survey and interviews revealed that close proximity to recreation spaces and traffic safety issues influenced physical activity. For food access, close proximity to full service grocery stores did not influence access to healthy foods because respondents traveled to urban communities to purchase healthy foods. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Public transportation solutions and enhanced neighborhood safety are potential community-wide obesity prevention strategies in rural communities. However, interventions should be tailored to the community's stage of readiness. Strong social networks should be considered an asset for community change in these regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandy Buro
- Center for Family Development, University of Minnesota Extension, St Paul, MN
| | - Abby Gold
- Department of Public Health, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND.
| | - Dawn Contreras
- Health and Nutrition Institute, Michigan State University Extension, East Lansing, MI
| | - Ann L Keim
- Family Living Programs, University of Wisconsin-Extension, Madison, WI
| | - Amy R Mobley
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
| | - Renee Oscarson
- Department of Counseling and Human Development, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD
| | - Paula Peters
- Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
| | - Sandy Procter
- Department of Human Nutrition, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
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Strauss WJ, Sroka CJ, Frongillo EA, Arteaga SS, Loria CM, Leifer ES, Wu CO, Patrick H, Fishbein HA, John LV. Statistical Design Features of the Healthy Communities Study. Am J Prev Med 2015; 49:624-30. [PMID: 26384932 PMCID: PMC4575768 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2015.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Revised: 05/12/2015] [Accepted: 06/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The Healthy Communities Study is designed to assess relationships between characteristics of community programs and policies targeting childhood obesity and children's BMI, diet, and physical activity. The study involved a complex data collection protocol implemented over a 2-year period (2013-2015) across a diverse sample of 130 communities, defined as public high school catchment areas. The protocol involved baseline assessment within each community that included in-person or telephone interviews regarding community programs and policies and in-home collection of BMI, nutritional, and physical activity outcomes from a sample of up to 81 children enrolled in kindergarten through eighth grade in public schools. The protocol also involved medical record reviews to establish a longitudinal trajectory of BMI for an estimated 70% of participating children. Staged sampling was used to collect less detailed measures of physical activity and nutrition across the entire sample of children, with a subset assessed using more costly, burdensome, and detailed measures. Data from the Healthy Community Study will be analyzed using both cross-sectional and longitudinal models that account for the complex design and correct for measurement error and bias using a likelihood-based Markov-chain Monte Carlo methodology. This methods paper provides insights into the complex design features of the Healthy Communities Study and may serve as an example for future large-scale studies that assess the relationship between community-based programs and policies and health outcomes of community residents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Edward A Frongillo
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - S Sonia Arteaga
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Catherine M Loria
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Eric S Leifer
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Colin O Wu
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Heather Patrick
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | - Lisa V John
- Battelle Health and Analytics, St. Louis, Missouri
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Sweeney SM, Von Hagen LA. Middle School Students' Perceptions of Safety: A Mixed-Methods Study. THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH 2015; 85:688-696. [PMID: 26331751 DOI: 10.1111/josh.12298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2014] [Revised: 02/22/2015] [Accepted: 04/15/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Active travel to school has been on the decline, despite its beneficial influence on children's current and future well-being. Adults' safety perceptions have been shown to influence children's active travel. Children's perceptions, particularly of safety, may be an important link not only to their present health and travel behaviors, but also their future health and behaviors. This study examined middle school students' perceptions of the built environment and safety. METHODS Overall, 776 students from 3 schools in Hudson County, New Jersey participated in a visual survey and structured, interactive classroom discussions. Emergent themes from the discussions were tested using multivariate statistical models. RESULTS Findings suggest that older students, boys, and students who self-identified as black, rated built environment scenes as safer. Students also perceived being near adults, traveling in a group, and using crosswalks as significantly safer and want additional recognition of these to further improve safety. Students perceived that being near a school, in daylight, and aesthetics as factors contributing to safety. CONCLUSIONS Schools and municipalities may increase programs for students to travel in groups, prioritize maintenance in school zones, and increase the number of crossing guards, particularly outside the immediate school proximity to further improve safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon M Sweeney
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine, 1 Worlds Fair Drive, Somerset, NJ 08873.
| | - Leigh Ann Von Hagen
- Alan M. Voorhees Transportation Center, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 33 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901.
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Bird ME, Datta GD, van Hulst A, Kestens Y, Barnett TA. A reliability assessment of a direct-observation park evaluation tool: the parks, activity and recreation among kids (PARK) tool. BMC Public Health 2015; 15:906. [PMID: 26380967 PMCID: PMC4573305 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-015-2209-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parks are increasingly being viewed as a resource that may influence youth obesity and physical activity (PA). Assessing park quality can be challenging as few tools assess park characteristics geared towards youth PA. Additionally, no studies have compared reliability estimates of items assessed in different countries, hindering aims towards generalizable park audit items. Finally, new satellite imaging technology is allowing for desktop identification of parks, however it remains unclear how this compares to direct observation park identification. The purpose of this study is 1) to describe the development and reliability of a youth-oriented direct-observation park audit tool tested in Montreal, Canada, and; 2) to compare reliability estimates of items with those drawn from a tool previously tested in Perth, Australia, with those same items tested in Montreal, Canada. METHODS Items were drawn and adapted from two existing tools and 13 new items were newly developed for a total of 92 items. Parks were pre-identified using a GIS software and then verified and audited on-site by observers. A total of 576 parks were evaluated. Cohen's kappa and percent agreement were used to assess the inter- and intra-rater reliability of each item. Inter-rater reliabilities of 17 items drawn from a tool previously tested in Australia were compared. RESULTS Eighty-six percent of items had ≥ 75 % agreement and 83 % had kappa coefficients between 0.41 and 1. Among 40 test-retest episodes kappa agreement was relatively high (≥ 0.40) for all but four items. Percent agreement was excellent (≥ 75 % agreement) for all but eight items. Inter-rater reliability estimates of the 17 items tested in Montreal and Perth were of similar magnitude. CONCLUSIONS The tool is generally reliable and can be used to assess park characteristics that may be associated with youth PA. The items tested in Montreal and Perth are likely generalizable to other urban environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine E Bird
- Département de médecine sociale et préventive, École de Santé Publique de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Geetanjali D Datta
- Département de médecine sociale et préventive, École de Santé Publique de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Andraea van Hulst
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Yan Kestens
- Département de médecine sociale et préventive, École de Santé Publique de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Tracie A Barnett
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Unité d'Épidémiologie et Biostatistiques 531, boulevard des Prairies, Montreal, Laval Québec, H7V 1B7, Canada.
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Sirard JR, McDonald K, Mustain P, Hogan W, Helm A. Effect of a School Choice Policy Change on Active Commuting to Elementary School. Am J Health Promot 2015; 30:28-35. [DOI: 10.4278/ajhp.130510-quan-236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose. The purposes of this study were to assess the effect of restricting school choice on changes in travel distance to school and transportation mode for elementary school students. Design. Study design was pre-post (spring 2010–fall 2010) quasi-experimental. Setting. Study setting was all public elementary schools in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Subjects. Subjects comprised approximately 20,500 students across 39 schools. Intervention. Study assessed a school choice policy change that restricted school choice to a school closer to the family's home. Measures. School district transportation data were used to determine distance to school. Direct observations of student travel modes (two morning and two afternoon commutes at each time point) were used to assess transportation mode. Analysis. Chi-square and independent-sample t-tests were calculated to describe the schools. Repeated measures general linear models were used to assess changes in travel distance to school and observed commuting behavior. Results. Distance to school significantly decreased (1.83 ± .48 miles to 1.74 ± .46 miles; p = .002). We failed to observe any significant changes in morning (+.7%) or afternoon (–.7%) active commuting (both p = .08) or the number of automobiles in the morning (–7 autos per school; p = .06) or afternoon (+3 autos per school; p = .14). Conclusion. The more restrictive school choice policy decreased distance to school but had no significant effect on active commuting. Policy interventions designed to increase active commuting to school may require additional time to gain traction and programmatic support to induce changes in behavior.
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Brittin J, Sorensen D, Trowbridge M, Lee KK, Breithecker D, Frerichs L, Huang T. Physical Activity Design Guidelines for School Architecture. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0132597. [PMID: 26230850 PMCID: PMC4521876 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0132597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing children's physical activity at school is a national focus in the U.S. to address childhood obesity. While research has demonstrated associations between aspects of school environments and students' physical activity, the literature currently lacks a synthesis of evidence to serve as a practical, spatially-organized resource for school designers and decision-makers, as well as to point to pertinent research opportunities. This paper describes the development of a new practical tool: Physical Activity Design Guidelines for School Architecture. Its aims are to provide architects and designers, as well as school planners, educators, and public health professionals, with strategies for making K-12 school environments conducive to healthy physical activity, and to engage scientists in transdisciplinary perspectives toward improved knowledge of the school environment's impact. We used a qualitative review process to develop evidence-based and theory-driven school design guidelines that promote increased physical activity among students. The design guidelines include specific strategies in 10 school design domains. Implementation of the guidelines is expected to enable students to adopt healthier physical activity behaviors. The tool bridges a translational gap between research and environmental design practice, and may contribute to setting new industry and education standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeri Brittin
- University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Public Health, Department of Health Promotion, Social & Behavioral Health, Omaha, NE, United States of America
| | - Dina Sorensen
- VMDO Architects, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - Matthew Trowbridge
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - Karen K. Lee
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Dieter Breithecker
- Federal Institute for Posture and Mobilisation Support, Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - Leah Frerichs
- University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Public Health, Department of Health Promotion, Social & Behavioral Health, Omaha, NE, United States of America
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Center for Health Equity, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Terry Huang
- University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Public Health, Department of Health Promotion, Social & Behavioral Health, Omaha, NE, United States of America
- City University of New York, School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States of America
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Jenkins GR, Yuen HK, Vogtle LK. Experience of Multisensory Environments in Public Space among People with Visual Impairment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2015; 12:8644-57. [PMID: 26213952 PMCID: PMC4555239 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph120808644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2015] [Revised: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 07/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This qualitative study explored the role of sensory characteristics embedded in the built environment and whether they support or hinder people with visual impairment in their use of public spaces. An online survey link was e-mailed to the presidents and committee members of each state's chapters and associations of the National Federation of the Blind in the United States, resulting in 451 direct invitations to participate. Written responses of the survey questions from 48 respondents with visual impairment were analyzed. Three main themes: Barriers, Supporters, and Context-Dependence emerged from the respondents' experience of multisensory characteristics within the built environment. The four subthemes subsumed in Barriers were: (1) Population specific design, (2) Extreme sensory backgrounds, (3) Uneven ground surfaces and objects, and (4) Inconsistent lighting. For Supporters, respondents provided specific examples of various sensory characteristics in built environments, including audible cues and echoes, smells, tactile quality of the ground surface, and temperature. Context-Dependence referred to the effects of sensory characteristics embedded in public spaces depending on one's vision condition, the proximity to the sensory cues and the purpose of the activities one was performing at that moment. Findings provide occupational therapy practitioners an in-depth understanding of the transactional relationship between embedded sensory characteristics in the built environment, occupations, and people with visual impairment in order to make appropriate modifications or removal of barriers that affect occupational performance and engagement. Suggestions for occupational therapists as well as architects, designers, planners, policy makers/legislators related to functional sensory cues in the design of built environments were provided to increase accessibility in the use of public spaces by people with visual impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin R Jenkins
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Professions, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| | - Hon K Yuen
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Professions, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| | - Laura K Vogtle
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Professions, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
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Smith AL, Troped PJ, McDonough MH, DeFreese JD. Youth perceptions of how neighborhood physical environment and peers affect physical activity: a focus group study. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2015; 12:80. [PMID: 26091859 PMCID: PMC4487508 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-015-0246-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Accepted: 06/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective There is need for a youth-informed conceptualization of how environmental and social neighborhood contexts influence physical activity. We assessed youths’ perceptions of their neighborhood physical and peer environments as affecting physical activity. Methods Thirty-three students (20 girls; ages 12-14 years) participated in focus groups about the physical environment and peers within their neighborhoods, and their understanding of how they affect physical activity. Results Inductive analysis identified themes of access (e.g., to equipment); aesthetics; physical and social safety; peer proximity and behavior (e.g., bullying); adult support or interference; and adult boundary setting. Participants also identified interconnections among themes, such as traffic shaping parent boundary setting and, in turn, access to physical spaces and peers. Conclusions Young adolescents view neighborhoods in ways similar to and different from adults. Examining physical and social environments in tandem, while mindful of how adults shape and youth perceive these environments, may enhance understanding of youth physical activity behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan L Smith
- Department of Kinesiology, Michigan State University, 308 W. Circle Drive, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
| | - Philip J Troped
- Department of Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA, 02125, USA.
| | - Meghan H McDonough
- Department of Health & Kinesiology, Purdue University, 800 W. Stadium Ave, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
| | - J D DeFreese
- Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 209 Fetzer Hall, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
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Redesigning a neighborhood park to increase physical activity: a community-based participatory approach. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2015; 21 Suppl 3:S101-5. [PMID: 25828211 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000000206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community collaboration and active engagement of neighborhood residents in park redesign are promising strategies for creating public spaces that support physical activity. OBJECTIVE This research brief describes the process of community engagement and discusses outcomes of a participatory park redesign project. METHODS A community design charrette was held in collaboration with community organizations. Environmental audits of park features and amenities were completed before and after implementation of park redesign. A guided discussion with stakeholders following the park redesign was conducted to discuss challenges, successes, and next steps. RESULTS Although level of activity among youth observed in the post implementation observations did not differ, there were a greater variety of activities observed among both children and adolescents. Furthermore, the goals of the project related to capacity building and meeting residents' needs were accomplished. CONCLUSIONS Active participation of residents in a neighborhood park redesign requires time, commitment, and communication from a variety of stakeholders. However, the creation of a park that supports a variety of activity types, and builds community capacity, supports the need for involving stakeholders in redesigning neighborhood parks.
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