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Partridge SR, Reece L, Sim KA, Todd A, Jia SS, Raeside R, Schirmer T, Phongsavan P, Redfern J. An analysis of current obesity strategies for adolescents in NSW against best practice recommendations: Implications for researchers, policymakers and practitioners. Health Promot J Austr 2023; 34:390-397. [PMID: 35411703 PMCID: PMC10946797 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
ISSUE ADDRESSED Obesity is a significant health challenge facing adolescents. There is a critical need for government action to support all adolescents to improve risk factors for obesity. This study critically appraised initiatives, guidelines and policies (termed "strategies") from local health districts (LHDs), speciality health networks and Primary Health Networks (PHNs) across New South Wales (NSW), relevant to the prevention and management of obesity amongst adolescents and compare these to best practice recommendations. METHODS We critically appraised strategies against best practice recommendations that included support, access, responsiveness to needs, supportive environment, monitoring and evaluation and health equity. Strategies were collected by systematically searching websites of 15 LHDs, one speciality health network and 10 PHNs. RESULTS There was evidence of strategies regarding adolescent obesity prevention and management across all best practice recommendations. There was limited evidence of adolescent consumer participation, digital strategies for health services and online health information. There were minimal targeted public or school-based education campaigns and interventions on physical activity or nutrition. Place-based approaches such as sports and recreation facilities were not included in policies regarding the sale of healthy food and drinks. Evaluation evidence across all strategies was minimal. CONCLUSIONS Numerous strategies are being implemented across NSW to address adolescent obesity. Despite this, the alignment of strategies with best practice recommendations is poor and evidence of progress in tackling adolescent obesity remains unclear. SO WHAT?: Opportunities to generate and translate best practice evidence within government strategies for obesity must be prioritised with embedded measurement and evaluation plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie R. Partridge
- Engagement and Co‐design Hub, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and HealthThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and HealthThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Charles Perkins CentreThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Lindsey Reece
- Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and HealthThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Charles Perkins CentreThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Kyra A. Sim
- Charles Perkins CentreThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Sydney Local Health DistrictCamperdownNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Allyson Todd
- Engagement and Co‐design Hub, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and HealthThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Si Si Jia
- Engagement and Co‐design Hub, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and HealthThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Rebecca Raeside
- Engagement and Co‐design Hub, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and HealthThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Teisha Schirmer
- Mid North Coast Local Health DistrictPort MacquarieNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Philayrath Phongsavan
- Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and HealthThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Charles Perkins CentreThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Julie Redfern
- Engagement and Co‐design Hub, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and HealthThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- The George Institute for Global HealthThe University of New South WalesCamperdownNew South WalesAustralia
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Foley BC, Turner N, Owen KB, Cushway D, Nguyen J, Reece LJ. "It Goes Hand in Hand with Us Trying to Get More Kids to Play" Stakeholder Experiences in a Sport and Active Recreation Voucher Program. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4081. [PMID: 36901093 PMCID: PMC10001936 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Vouchers that reduce the cost of sport and active recreation participation have been shown to increase children's and adolescent's physical activity levels. Yet, the influence of government-led voucher programs on the capacity of sport and active recreation organisations is unclear. This qualitative study explored the experiences of stakeholders in the sport and recreation sector that were engaged in implementing the New South Wales (NSW) Government's Active Kids voucher program in Australia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 29 sport and active recreation providers. Interview transcriptions were analysed by a multidisciplinary team using the Framework method. Overall, participants reported that the Active Kids voucher program was an acceptable intervention to address the cost barrier to participation for children and adolescents. Three main steps influenced the capacity of organisations to deliver their sport and recreation programs and the voucher program: (1) Implementation priming-alignment of the intervention aims with stakeholder priorities and early information sharing, (2) Administrative ease-enhanced technology use and establishment of simple procedures, and (3) Innovation impacts-enablement of staff and volunteers to address barriers to participation for their participants. Future voucher programs should include strategies to enhance the capacity of sport and active recreation organisations to meet program guidelines and increase innovation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget C. Foley
- SPRINTER, Prevention Research Collaboration, Charles Perkins Centre, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Natalie Turner
- SPRINTER, Prevention Research Collaboration, Charles Perkins Centre, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Katherine B. Owen
- SPRINTER, Prevention Research Collaboration, Charles Perkins Centre, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - David Cushway
- Office of Sport, New South Wales Government, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW 2127, Australia
| | - Jacqueline Nguyen
- Office of Sport, New South Wales Government, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW 2127, Australia
| | - Lindsey J. Reece
- SPRINTER, Prevention Research Collaboration, Charles Perkins Centre, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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Hayba N, Shi Y, Allman-Farinelli M. Enabling Better Physical Activity and Screen Time Behaviours for Adolescents from Middle Eastern Backgrounds: Semi-Structured Interviews with Parents. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182312787. [PMID: 34886513 PMCID: PMC8657648 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312787] [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: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The unrelenting obesity pandemic in Middle Eastern (ME) adolescents living in Australia warrants culturally responsive and locally engineered interventions. Given the influence of parents on the lifestyle behaviours of adolescents, this qualitative study aimed to capture the opinions of ME parents on the barriers and enablers to sufficient physical activity and limiting screen time behaviours in adolescents. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 ME parents (female) aged 35–59 years old, most of whom resided in lower socioeconomic areas (n = 19). A reflexive thematic analysis using the Theoretical Domains Framework and the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behaviour model was performed for coding. Parents voiced confidence in their knowledge of the importance of physical activity and limiting screen time but were less optimistic in their ability to enable change in behaviours, especially for older adolescents without outside support. Despite adolescents having the necessary skills to engage in a wide array of sports, the parents admitted deep fears regarding the safety of the social environment and restricted their children’s independent mobility. Gender differences were noted, with parents reporting older girls expressing disinterest in sports and having limited physical opportunities to participate in sports at school. It may be that a community-based participatory framework is needed to improve physical activity opportunities and to address specific physical, social, and cultural barriers.
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Foley BC, Rose C, Owen KB, Reece LJ. Linking sports registration information and player feedback to enhance netball participation. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 2021; 13:59. [PMID: 34103084 PMCID: PMC8188710 DOI: 10.1186/s13102-021-00286-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sports should endeavour to provide inclusive opportunities for all people to participate. More evidence is required to understand who joins sports clubs and what keeps participants engaged throughout their lifetime. Little is known about who plays netball or what drives participation and retention of players in netball. This study aimed to identify the sociodemographic characteristics of Netball New South Wales (NSW) members, their odds of re-registering in the sport, and explore their motivations to play, experiences during participation and the perceived benefits of playing netball. METHODS We used longitudinal sport registration data from all Netball NSW members in 2018 and 2019. A cross-sectional online survey was sent to all players registered during the two-year study period (n = 157,152). We used logistic regression to determine the odds of individuals returning to netball in 2019 after playing in 2018 and linked the sports registration data with the survey responses, calculating frequencies and proportions. RESULTS Netball NSW members were mostly female (98 %) and aged less than 18 years old (69 %). Netball NSW retained 68 % of members in 2019 who played the previous year. Members who were male, aged 18-44 years old, lived in low SES areas, lived in regional/remote locations, identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, spoke a language other than English at home or were born outside Australia had lower odds of returning to play from 2018 to 2019. Survey participants (n = 10,795) rated their experience playing netball highly and reported that playing netball improved their health and wellbeing. The main reason to play netball reported was 'fun and enjoyment' while the main reason to consider quitting was the 'skill/experience of umpires and officials'. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the strengths of netball in engaging and retaining females, who often participate in less sport than males. The positive experiences reported by netball participants should be fostered to retain current participants throughout the lifecourse. The data provided by members should be inform strategic actions to enhance netball participation for sociodemographic groups who had greatest odds of dropout. Routine surveillance using linked registration and player feedback should be utilised by sports to enhance sport delivery and increase participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget C Foley
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Public Health, Charles Perkins Centre, Prevention Research Collaboration, SPRINTER, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Catriona Rose
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Public Health, Charles Perkins Centre, Prevention Research Collaboration, SPRINTER, Sydney, Australia
| | - Katherine B Owen
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Public Health, Charles Perkins Centre, Prevention Research Collaboration, SPRINTER, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lindsey J Reece
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Public Health, Charles Perkins Centre, Prevention Research Collaboration, SPRINTER, Sydney, Australia
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Owen KB, Bellew B, Foley BC, Bauman A, Reece LJ. Body mass Index of children and adolescent participants in a voucher program designed to incentivise participation in sport and physical activity: A cross-sectional study. Prev Med Rep 2021; 22:101349. [PMID: 34141526 PMCID: PMC8186661 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2021.101349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
There has been limited population-level success in tackling overweight and obesity. The Active Kids program is a universal intervention that aims to increase participation in structured physical activity and sport among children and adolescents in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. This study examined the prevalence of overweight and obesity across subgroups and by social disadvantage in this large broadly representative sample. A cross-sectional study was conducted including all children (n = 671,375) who registered for an Active Kids Program voucher in 2018. The child's height and weight were obtained from an online registration form. Among children and adolescents who registered in the Active Kids Program, the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 17.2% and 7.6%, respectively. A large number of children and adolescents who lived in the most disadvantaged areas (n = 99,583; 14.8%) registered for the program. There was a clear socio-economic gradient for obesity prevalence across areas of increasing disadvantage, with children and adolescents living in the most disadvantaged area being 1.87 (95% CIs 1.82, 1.93) times more likely to be overweight or obese. The Active Kids program successfully reached a substantial proportion of children who are overweight and obese from socio-economically disadvantaged areas, providing financial support and opportunities for these children to participate in structured sport and physical activity. However, the program did not reach all children, and additional physical activity promotion strategies may be needed in a comprehensive approach. Nonetheless, these findings support government investment in reaching children who are overweight or obese with large-scale programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine B. Owen
- SPRINTER, Prevention Research Collaboration, Charles Perkins Centre,
School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of
Sydney, Australia
| | - Bill Bellew
- SPRINTER, Prevention Research Collaboration, Charles Perkins Centre,
School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of
Sydney, Australia
| | - Bridget C. Foley
- SPRINTER, Prevention Research Collaboration, Charles Perkins Centre,
School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of
Sydney, Australia
| | - Adrian Bauman
- SPRINTER, Prevention Research Collaboration, Charles Perkins Centre,
School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of
Sydney, Australia
| | - Lindsey J. Reece
- SPRINTER, Prevention Research Collaboration, Charles Perkins Centre,
School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of
Sydney, Australia
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Reilly K, Bauman A, Reece L, Lecathelinais C, Sutherland R, Wolfenden L. Evaluation of a voucher scheme to increase child physical activity in participants of a school physical activity trial in the Hunter region of Australia. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:570. [PMID: 33757472 PMCID: PMC7986265 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10588-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Global population data suggest that physical activity levels in children remain unacceptably low. Improved participation in organised sport has been recommended by the WHO as one strategy to improve population levels of physical activity. In 2018, in the state of New South Wales, Australia, the government introduced the Active Kids scheme, to help families meet the cost of getting children into organized sport. The aim of this study is to describe the uptake of Active Kids and assess the impact of the scheme on organized sport participation and child physical activity in a region of New South Wales. METHODS A pragmatic longitudinal study was undertaken of parents/carers from primary school aged children (5-12 years) in the Hunter region of NSW, Australia. Baseline data were collected between Oct-Dec 2017, with follow-up 12 months later. A telephone survey occurred at both time points, asking questions regarding registration and redemption of an Active Kids voucher for their child, child participation in organised sports and child physical activity levels. RESULTS Of the 974 parents/carers who consented to participate, 511 (52.5%) completed the telephone surveys at both time points. A very large proportion of children (n = 454, 89.0%) were reported by their parents/carers at baseline as meeting the minimum physical activity guideline of 60 min per day. Of participating parents/carers in this study, 407 (96.0%) reported redeeming an Active Kids voucher. Children who redeemed a voucher had three times the odds to participate in organized team sports from baseline to follow-up (p = 0.009). Sub group analyses identified that females who redeemed a voucher had four times the odds to participate in organized team sports (p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS Given the already active nature of this sample, no significant improvements in physical activity levels were noted, but the positive contribution community sport can have on health and wellbeing amongst children is reinforced. Whilst voucher schemes can address financial burdens across all socio-economic groups, more population targeting is needed to deliver voucher schemes to the most disadvantaged and inactive segments of the population in order to increase physical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Reilly
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
- Hunter New England Population Health, Wallsend, NSW, 2287, Australia.
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, NSW, 2305, Australia.
| | - Adrian Bauman
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Lindsey Reece
- SPRINTER research group, Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | | | - Rachel Sutherland
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
- Hunter New England Population Health, Wallsend, NSW, 2287, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Luke Wolfenden
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
- Hunter New England Population Health, Wallsend, NSW, 2287, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, NSW, 2305, Australia
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Foley BC, Owen KB, Bauman AE, Bellew W, Reece LJ. Effects of the Active Kids voucher program on children and adolescents' physical activity: a natural experiment evaluating a state-wide intervention. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:22. [PMID: 33423663 PMCID: PMC7798231 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-10060-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an urgent need for scaled-up effective interventions which overcome barriers to health-enhancing physical activity for children and adolescents. In New South Wales (NSW), Australia, the state government implemented a universal voucher program, 'Active Kids' to support the cost of structured physical activity registration for school-enrolled children aged 4.5-18 years old. The objective of this study was to understand the effects a financial incentive intervention delivered in a real-world setting has on children and adolescent's physical activity participation. METHOD In 2018, all children and adolescents registered for an Active Kids voucher provided sociodemographic characteristics, physical activity and research consent. This prospective cohort study used an online survey with validated items to measure physical activity and other personal and social factors in children and adolescents who used an Active Kids voucher. Generalized linear mixed models were used to examine changes from registration to after voucher use at ≤8 weeks, 9-26 weeks and ≥ 6 months. RESULTS Study participants reported increasing their days achieving physical activity guidelines from 4.0 days per week (95%CI 3.8, 4.2) at registration (n = 37,626 children) to 4.9 days per week (95%CI 4.7, 5.1) after 6 months (n = 14,118 children). Increased physical activity was observed for all sociodemographic population groups. The voucher-specific activity contributed 42.4% (95%CI 39.3, 45.5) to the total time children participated in structured physical activities outside of school. Children and adolescents who increased to, or maintained, high levels of activity were socially supported to be active, had active parent/caregivers, had better concentration and were overall happier than their low-active counterparts. CONCLUSION The Active Kids program significantly increased children's physical activity levels and these increases continued over a six-month period. The Active Kids voucher program shows promise as a scaled-up intervention to increase children and adolescents' physical activity participation. TRIAL REGISTRATION Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry ACTRN12618000897268 , approved May 29th, 2018 - Retrospectively registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget C Foley
- SPRINTER (Sport and Active Recreation Intervention & Epidemiology Research Group), Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, D17 Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Level 6, the Hub, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - Katherine B Owen
- SPRINTER (Sport and Active Recreation Intervention & Epidemiology Research Group), Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, D17 Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Level 6, the Hub, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Adrian E Bauman
- SPRINTER (Sport and Active Recreation Intervention & Epidemiology Research Group), Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, D17 Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Level 6, the Hub, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - William Bellew
- SPRINTER (Sport and Active Recreation Intervention & Epidemiology Research Group), Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, D17 Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Level 6, the Hub, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Lindsey J Reece
- SPRINTER (Sport and Active Recreation Intervention & Epidemiology Research Group), Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, D17 Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Level 6, the Hub, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
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Foley BC, Owen KB, Bellew W, Wolfenden L, Reilly K, Bauman AE, Reece LJ. Physical Activity Behaviors of Children Who Register for the Universal, State-Wide Active Kids Voucher: Who Did the Voucher Program Reach? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E5691. [PMID: 32781753 PMCID: PMC7460334 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17165691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Active Kids is a government-led, universal voucher program that aims to reduce the cost of participation in structured physical activity for all school-enrolled children in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. As part of the Active Kids program evaluation, this cross-sectional study examined the Active Kids' program's reach to children in NSW and their physical activity behaviors, before voucher use. Demographic registration data from all children (4.5-18 years old) who registered for an Active Kids voucher in 2018 (n = 671,375) were compared with Census data. Binary and multinomial regression models assessed which correlates were associated with meeting physical activity guidelines and participation in the sessions of structured physical activity. The Active Kids program attracted more than half (53%) of all eligible children in NSW. Children who spoke a primary language other than English at home, were aged 15-18 years old, lived in the most disadvantaged areas, and girls, were less likely to register. Of the registered children, 70% had attended structured physical activity sessions at least once a week during the previous 12 months, whilst 19% achieved physical activity guidelines. Active Kids achieved substantial population reach and has the potential to improve children's physical activity behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget C. Foley
- SPRINTER, Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, D17 Charles Perkins Centre, Level 6, the Hub, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia; (K.B.O.); (W.B.); (A.E.B.); (L.J.R.)
| | - Katherine B. Owen
- SPRINTER, Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, D17 Charles Perkins Centre, Level 6, the Hub, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia; (K.B.O.); (W.B.); (A.E.B.); (L.J.R.)
| | - William Bellew
- SPRINTER, Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, D17 Charles Perkins Centre, Level 6, the Hub, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia; (K.B.O.); (W.B.); (A.E.B.); (L.J.R.)
| | - Luke Wolfenden
- The School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (L.W.); (K.R.)
| | - Kathryn Reilly
- The School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (L.W.); (K.R.)
| | - Adrian E. Bauman
- SPRINTER, Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, D17 Charles Perkins Centre, Level 6, the Hub, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia; (K.B.O.); (W.B.); (A.E.B.); (L.J.R.)
| | - Lindsey J. Reece
- SPRINTER, Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, D17 Charles Perkins Centre, Level 6, the Hub, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia; (K.B.O.); (W.B.); (A.E.B.); (L.J.R.)
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Macniven R, Foley BC, Owen KB, Evans JR, Bauman AE, Reece LJ. Physical activity and sport participation characteristics of Indigenous children registered in the Active Kids voucher program in New South Wales. J Sci Med Sport 2020; 23:1178-1184. [PMID: 32653250 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2020.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Investigate sociodemographic factors associated with physical activity and sport participation among Indigenous children registered in the New South Wales (NSW) government-funded Active Kids voucher program in 2018, including comparison with non-Indigenous children. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. METHODS The Active Kids voucher program aims to support the cost of children's sport and physical activities. All children aged 5-18 years in NSW are eligible for a voucher. To register, parent/carers report child sociodemographic characteristics, physical activity, sport participation and optional height and weight. Regression models were used to determine which sociodemographic characteristics were associated with meeting physical activity guidelines and sport participation for Indigenous and non-Indigenous children. RESULTS Of the 671,375 children aged 5-18 years, 36,129 (5.4%) were Indigenous. More Indigenous children than non-Indigenous children met the physical activity guidelines before registering in the Active Kids program. Indigenous children had greater odds of meeting physical activity guidelines across all socio-economic quartiles. Among non-Indigenous children, odds reduced with social disadvantage. Indigenous children (38%) were less likely to participate in organised physical activity and sport sessions at least twice a week compared to non-Indigenous children (43%). Indigenous children living in major cities had higher sport participation levels compared with those living in outer regional and remote areas. CONCLUSIONS The Active Kids voucher program achieved population representative reach among Indigenous children, whose physical activity levels were higher than non-Indigenous children across all socioeconomic quartiles. The program has potential to supplement Indigenous children's physical activity levels using organised sessions and reduce sport drop-out among older children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rona Macniven
- University of New South Wales, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Australia; The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, Australia
| | - Bridget C Foley
- The University of Sydney, SPRINTER, Prevention Research Collaboration, The Charles Perkins Centre, Sydney School of Public Health, Australia
| | - Katherine B Owen
- The University of Sydney, SPRINTER, Prevention Research Collaboration, The Charles Perkins Centre, Sydney School of Public Health, Australia
| | - John R Evans
- University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Health, Australia
| | - Adrian E Bauman
- The University of Sydney, SPRINTER, Prevention Research Collaboration, The Charles Perkins Centre, Sydney School of Public Health, Australia
| | - Lindsey J Reece
- The University of Sydney, SPRINTER, Prevention Research Collaboration, The Charles Perkins Centre, Sydney School of Public Health, Australia.
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