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Lavergne V, Butler G, Prince SA, Contreras G. Associations between school-level environment and individual-level factors of walking and cycling to school in Canadian youth. Prev Med Rep 2023; 36:102489. [PMID: 38116258 PMCID: PMC10728322 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102489] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Identifying individual-level and school-level correlates of walking and cycling to school remains a public health priority as only one in four Canadian youth actively travels to school. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Canadian youth in grades 6 to 10 who walk, cycle, or use motorised transport to go to school, and to examine if school neighbourhood walkability, neighbourhood-level and individual-level correlates are associated with mode of transportation to school. Data come from the 2017/2018 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study. The walkability of the schools' neighbourhood was measured using the Canadian Active Living Environments (Can-ALE) index. We observed that only 22.4% and 4.2% of youth walked and cycled to school, respectively. Most (73.4%) used motorised transport to school, including 53.2% of youth who lived less than 5 minutes from school. Schools located in neighbourhoods with higher Can-ALE classes (i.e., higher walkability) were positively associated with walking to school. No statistically significant association between school walkability and cycling to school was observed. Individual-level socioeconomic status (SES) was associated with walking, but not cycling, to school. Conversely, neighbourhood-level SES was associated with cycling, but not with walking, to school. Correlates of walking to school differed from those for cycling to school, suggesting that different approaches to promoting active transportation are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Lavergne
- Centre for Surveillance and Applied Research, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Gregory Butler
- Centre for Surveillance and Applied Research, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Stephanie A. Prince
- Centre for Surveillance and Applied Research, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Gisèle Contreras
- Centre for Surveillance and Applied Research, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Canada
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Müller C, Domokos B, Amersbach T, Hausmayer EM, Roßmann C, Wallmann-Sperlich B, Bucksch J. Development and reliability testing of an audit toolbox for the assessment of the physical activity friendliness of urban and rural environments in Germany. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1153088. [PMID: 37637797 PMCID: PMC10449332 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1153088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background According to socio-ecological theories, physical activity behaviors are linked to the physical and social neighborhood environment. Reliable and contextually adapted instruments are needed to assess environmental characteristics related to physical activity. This work aims to develop an audit toolbox adapted to the German context, to urban and rural settings, for different population groups, and different types of physical activity; and to evaluate its inter-rater reliability. Methods We conducted a systematic literature search to collect existing audit tools and to identify the latest evidence of environmental factors influencing physical activity in general, as well as in German populations. The results guided the construction of a category system for the toolbox. Items were assigned to the categories based on their relevance to physical activity and to the German context as well as their comprehensibility. We piloted the toolbox in different urban and rural areas (100 street segments, 15 parks, and 21 playgrounds) and calculated inter-rater reliability by Cohen's Kappa. Results The audit toolbox comprises a basic streetscape audit with seven categories (land use and destinations, traffic safety, pedestrian infrastructure, cycling infrastructure, attractiveness, social environment, and subjective assessment), as well as supplementary tools for children and adolescents, seniors and people with impaired mobility, parks and public open spaces, playgrounds, and rural areas. 76 % of all included items had moderate, substantial, or almost perfect inter-rater reliability (κ > 0.4). Conclusions The audit toolbox is an innovative and reliable instrument for the assessment of the physical activity friendliness of urban and rural environments in Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Müller
- Institute of Sport Science, University of Wurzburg, Wurzburg, Germany
- Department of Prevention and Health Promotion, Faculty of Natural and Sociological Sciences, Heidelberg University of Education, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bruno Domokos
- Institute of Sport Science, University of Wurzburg, Wurzburg, Germany
- Department of Prevention and Health Promotion, Faculty of Natural and Sociological Sciences, Heidelberg University of Education, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tanja Amersbach
- Institute of Sport Science, University of Wurzburg, Wurzburg, Germany
- Department of Prevention and Health Promotion, Faculty of Natural and Sociological Sciences, Heidelberg University of Education, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eva-Maria Hausmayer
- Institute of Sport Science, University of Wurzburg, Wurzburg, Germany
- Department of Prevention and Health Promotion, Faculty of Natural and Sociological Sciences, Heidelberg University of Education, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | - Jens Bucksch
- Department of Prevention and Health Promotion, Faculty of Natural and Sociological Sciences, Heidelberg University of Education, Heidelberg, Germany
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3
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Wende ME, Meyer MRU, Abildso CG, Davis K, Kaczynski AT. Urban-rural disparities in childhood obesogenic environments in the United States: Application of differing rural definitions. J Rural Health 2023; 39:121-135. [PMID: 35635492 PMCID: PMC10084162 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12677] [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: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research is needed that identifies environmental resource disparities and applies multiple rural definitions. Therefore, this study aims to examine urban-rural differences in food and physical activity (PA) environment resource availability by applying several commonly used rural definitions. We also examine differences in resource availability within urban-rural categories that are typically aggregated. METHODS Six food environment variables (access to grocery/superstores, farmers' markets, fast food, full-service restaurants, convenience stores, and breastfeeding-friendly facilities) and 4 PA environment variables (access to exercise opportunities and schools, walkability, and violent crimes) were included in the childhood obesogenic environment index (COEI). Total COEI, PA environment, and food environment index scores were generated by calculating the average percentile for related variables. US Department of Agriculture Urban Influence Codes, Office of Management and Budget codes, Rural-Urban Continuum Codes, Census Bureau Population Estimates for percent rural, and Rural Urban Commuting Area Codes were used. One-way ANOVA was used to detect urban-rural differences. RESULTS The greatest urban-rural disparities in COEI (F=310.2, P<.0001) and PA environment (F=562.5, P<.0001) were seen using RUCC codes. For food environments, the greatest urban-rural disparities were seen using Census Bureau percent rural categories (food: F=24.9, P<.0001). Comparing remote rural categories, differences were seen for food environments (F=3.1, P=.0270) and PA environments (F=10.2, P<.0001). Comparing metro-adjacent rural categories, differences were seen for PA environment (F=4.7, P=.0090). CONCLUSION Findings inform future research on urban and rural environments by outlining major differences between urban-rural classifications in identifying disparities in access to health-promoting resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilyn E Wende
- Deparment of Public Health, Robbins School of Health and Human Sciences, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| | - M Renée Umstattd Meyer
- Deparment of Public Health, Robbins School of Health and Human Sciences, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| | - Christiaan G Abildso
- Department of Social and Behavioral Health Sciences, School of Public Health, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Kara Davis
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Andrew T Kaczynski
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA.,Prevention Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
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Meena DK, Tripathi R, Agrawal S. An evaluation of primary schools and its accessibility using GIS techniques: a case study of Prayagraj district, India. GEOJOURNAL 2022; 88:1921-1951. [PMID: 35967593 PMCID: PMC9358108 DOI: 10.1007/s10708-022-10715-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The spatial analysis of primary schools is needed to ensure that they meet standards set by the Government of India. Therefore, mapping of Prayagraj district primary schools is carried out in this research work. The spatial analysis of schools is performed using various parameters that include: literacy rate, student gender ratio, teacher taught ratio, and students' toilets ratio. Several problems were revealed in the GIS based analysis of schools by highlighting their locations on the map. The results identify the location of all those schools where there is a need to take corrective measures. Further, the route analysis between home and school is handled in this research work. Sometimes, commutation is the sole criteria in the selection of a school. Therefore, optimal path analysis has been performed based on three parameters, i.e. population density, traveling distance and traveling time. A combined weight function is also given to find the optimal path. This work will help people to select the best possible path based upon their requirements. There is often a requirement to reach all the schools to distribute the goods or other physical monitoring activities. This work gave the optimal route to visit all the schools by using the Travelling Salesman Problem (TSP). School accessibility results obtained in this research through TSP will assist in choosing the best possible route. This will help the government identify locations where new roads need to be constructed to have road connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dharmendera Kumar Meena
- GIS Cell, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology Allahabad, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211004 India
| | - Rajeev Tripathi
- Electronics and Communication Engineering Department, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology Allahabad, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211004 India
| | - Sonam Agrawal
- GIS Cell, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology Allahabad, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211004 India
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Wende ME, Stowe EW, Eberth JM, McLain AC, Liese AD, Breneman CB, Josey MJ, Hughey SM, Kaczynski AT. Spatial clustering patterns and regional variations for food and physical activity environments across the United States. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2021; 31:976-990. [PMID: 31964175 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2020.1713304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This study examined spatial patterns of obesogenic environments for US counties. We mapped the geographic dispersion of food and physical activity (PA) environments, assessed spatial clustering, and identified food and PA environment differences across U.S. regions and rurality categories. Substantial low food score clusters were located in the South and high score clusters in the Midwest and West. Low PA score clusters were located in the South and high score clusters in the Northeast and Midwest (p < .0001). For region, the South had significantly lower food and PA environment scores. For rurality, rural counties had significantly higher food environment scores and metropolitan counties had significantly higher PA environment scores (p < .0001). This study highlights geographic clustering and disparities in food and PA access nationwide. State and region-wide environmental inequalities may be targeted using structural interventions and policy initiatives to improve food and PA access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilyn E Wende
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, USA
| | - Ellen W Stowe
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, USA
| | - Jan M Eberth
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, USA
- Rural and Minority Health Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, USA
| | - Alexander C McLain
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, USA
| | - Angela D Liese
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, USA
| | - Charity B Breneman
- Rural and Minority Health Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, USA
| | - Michele J Josey
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, USA
- Rural and Minority Health Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, USA
| | - S Morgan Hughey
- Department of Health and Human Performance, College of Charleston, Charleston, USA
| | - Andrew T Kaczynski
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, USA
- Prevention Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, USA
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Wende ME, Alhasan DM, Hallum SH, Stowe EW, Eberth JM, Liese AD, Breneman CB, McLain AC, Kaczynski AT. Incongruency of youth food and physical activity environments in the United States: Variations by region, rurality, and income. Prev Med 2021; 148:106594. [PMID: 33932474 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2021.106594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Local environments are increasingly the focus of health behavior research and practice to reduce gaps between fruit/vegetable intake, physical activity (PA), and related guidelines. This study examined the congruency between youth food and PA environments and differences by region, rurality, and income across the United States. Food and PA environment data were obtained for all U.S. counties (N = 3142) using publicly available, secondary sources. Relationships between the food and PA environment tertiles was represented using five categories: 1) congruent-low (county falls in both the low food and PA tertiles), 2) congruent-high (county falls in both the high food and PA tertiles), 3) incongruent-food high/PA low (county falls in high food and low PA tertiles), 4) incongruent-food low/PA high (county falls in low food and high PA tertiles), and 5) intermediate food or PA (county falls in the intermediate tertile for food and/or PA). Results showed disparities in food and PA environment congruency according to region, rurality, and income (p < .0001 for each). Nearly 25% of counties had incongruent food and PA environments, with food high/PA low counties mostly in rural and low-income areas, and food low/PA high counties mostly in metropolitan and high-income areas. Approximately 8.7% of counties were considered congruent-high and were mostly located in the Northeast, metropolitan, and high-income areas. Congruent-low counties made up 10.0% of counties and were mostly in the South, rural, and low-income areas. National and regional disparities in environmental obesity determinants were identified that can inform targeted public health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilyn E Wende
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, United States.
| | - Dana M Alhasan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, United States
| | - Shirelle H Hallum
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, United States
| | - Ellen W Stowe
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, United States
| | - Jan M Eberth
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, United States; Rural and Minority Health Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, United States
| | - Angela D Liese
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, United States
| | - Charity B Breneman
- Rural and Minority Health Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, United States
| | - Alexander C McLain
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, United States
| | - Andrew T Kaczynski
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, United States; Prevention Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, United States
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7
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Kaczynski AT, Eberth JM, Stowe EW, Wende ME, Liese AD, McLain AC, Breneman CB, Josey MJ. Development of a national childhood obesogenic environment index in the United States: differences by region and rurality. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2020; 17:83. [PMID: 32615998 PMCID: PMC7330993 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-020-00984-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Diverse environmental factors are associated with physical activity (PA) and healthy eating (HE) among youth. However, no study has created a comprehensive obesogenic environment index for children that can be applied at a large geographic scale. The purpose of this study was to describe the development of a childhood obesogenic environment index (COEI) at the county level across the United States. Methods A comprehensive search of review articles (n = 20) and input from experts (n = 12) were used to identify community-level variables associated with youth PA, HE, or overweight/obesity for potential inclusion in the index. Based on strength of associations in the literature, expert ratings, expertise of team members, and data source availability, 10 key variables were identified – six related to HE (# per 1000 residents for grocery/superstores, farmers markets, fast food restaurants, full-service restaurants, and convenience stores; as well as percentage of births at baby (breastfeeding)-friendly facilities) and four related to PA (percentage of population living close to exercise opportunities, percentage of population < 1 mile from a school, a composite walkability index, and number of violent crimes per 1000 residents). Data for each variable for all counties in the U.S. (n = 3142) were collected from publicly available sources. For each variable, all counties were ranked and assigned percentiles ranging from 0 to 100. Positive environmental variables (e.g., grocery stores, exercise opportunities) were reverse scored such that higher values for all variables indicated a more obesogenic environment. Finally, for each county, a total obesogenic environment index score was generated by calculating the average percentile for all 10 variables. Results The average COEI percentile ranged from 24.5–81.0 (M = 50.02,s.d. = 9.01) across US counties and was depicted spatially on a choropleth map. Obesogenic counties were more prevalent (F = 130.43,p < .0001) in the South region of the U.S. (M = 53.0,s.d. = 8.3) compared to the Northeast (M = 43.2,s.d. = 6.9), Midwest (M = 48.1,s.d. = 8.5), and West (M = 48.4,s.d. = 9.8). When examined by rurality, there were also significant differences (F = 175.86,p < .0001) between metropolitan (M = 46.5,s.d. = 8.4), micropolitan (M = 50.3,s.d. = 8.1), and rural counties (M = 52.9,s.d. = 8.8) across the U.S. Conclusion The COEI can be applied to benchmark obesogenic environments and identify geographic disparities and intervention targets. Future research can examine associations with obesity and other health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew T Kaczynski
- Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA. .,Prevention Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.
| | - Jan M Eberth
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.,Rural and Minority Health Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Ellen W Stowe
- Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Marilyn E Wende
- Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Angela D Liese
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Alexander C McLain
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Charity B Breneman
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Michele J Josey
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.,Rural and Minority Health Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
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González SA, Sarmiento OL, Lemoine PD, Larouche R, Meisel JD, Tremblay MS, Naranjo M, Broyles ST, Fogelholm M, Holguin GA, Lambert EV, Katzmarzyk PT. Active School Transport among Children from Canada, Colombia, Finland, South Africa, and the United States: A Tale of Two Journeys. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17113847. [PMID: 32481728 PMCID: PMC7312928 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17113847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Walking and biking to school represent a source of regular daily physical activity (PA). The objectives of this paper are to determine the associations of distance to school, crime safety, and socioeconomic variables with active school transport (AST) among children from five culturally and socioeconomically different country sites and to describe the main policies related to AST in those country sites. The analytical sample included 2845 children aged 9-11 years from the International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and the Environment. Multilevel generalized linear mixed models were used to estimate the associations between distance, safety and socioeconomic variables, and the odds of engaging in AST. Greater distance to school and vehicle ownership were associated with a lower likelihood of engaging in AST in sites in upper-middle- and high-income countries. Crime perception was negatively associated to AST only in sites in high-income countries. Our results suggest that distance to school is a consistent correlate of AST in different contexts. Our findings regarding crime perception support a need vs. choice framework, indicating that AST may be the only commuting choice for many children from the study sites in upper-middle-income countries, despite the high perception of crime.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia A. González
- School of Medicine, Universidad de los Andes, Bogota 111711, Colombia; (O.L.S.); (M.N.); (G.A.H.)
- Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada; (R.L.); (M.S.T.)
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1G 5Z3, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-613-981-8332
| | - Olga L. Sarmiento
- School of Medicine, Universidad de los Andes, Bogota 111711, Colombia; (O.L.S.); (M.N.); (G.A.H.)
| | | | - Richard Larouche
- Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada; (R.L.); (M.S.T.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive, Lethbridge, AB, T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Jose D. Meisel
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Ibagué, Ibagué 730001, Colombia;
| | - Mark S. Tremblay
- Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada; (R.L.); (M.S.T.)
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1G 5Z3, Canada
| | - Melisa Naranjo
- School of Medicine, Universidad de los Andes, Bogota 111711, Colombia; (O.L.S.); (M.N.); (G.A.H.)
| | - Stephanie T. Broyles
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA; (S.T.B.); (P.T.K.)
| | - Mikael Fogelholm
- Department of Food and Nutrition, University of Helsinki, 00100 Helsinki, Finland;
| | - Gustavo A. Holguin
- School of Medicine, Universidad de los Andes, Bogota 111711, Colombia; (O.L.S.); (M.N.); (G.A.H.)
| | - Estelle V. Lambert
- Research Centre for Health through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport, Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7700, South Africa;
| | - Peter T. Katzmarzyk
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA; (S.T.B.); (P.T.K.)
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McKay A, Goodman A, van Sluijs E, Millett C, Laverty AA. Cycle training and factors associated with cycling among adolescents in England. JOURNAL OF TRANSPORT & HEALTH 2020; 16:100815. [PMID: 32382501 PMCID: PMC7197752 DOI: 10.1016/j.jth.2019.100815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cycling has the potential to encourage physical activity as well as advancing societal goals such as reducing carbon emissions; encouraging cycling is therefore a policy goal in many contexts. We analysed individual level data from the whole of England on factors associated with cycling among adolescents, including cycle training delivered by the age of 11 years in primary schools. METHODS Data came from the nationally representative Millennium Cohort Study collected when participants were aged 13-15 years (adolescents). We assessed frequency of cycling at least once per week (regular cycling) and used logistic regression to assess how this differed across characteristics including demographic, health and environmental factors, as well as receiving cycle training ('Bikeability') in primary school. RESULTS We found that 21.0% of adolescents cycled at least once per week. In fully adjusted analyses, this was more common among boys than girls (32.5% vs. 9.4%, p < 0.001), and those in rural areas than urban areas (24.9% vs. 20.3%, p < 0.001). Adolescents in areas with higher prevalence of adult cycle commuting were more likely to cycle regularly (26.1% in high cycling areas vs. 19.3% in low cycling areas, p < 0.001). Participants offered cycle training in primary school were not more likely to cycle regularly as adolescents (21.7% vs. 22.3%, p = 0.528). DISCUSSION Approximately one in five adolescents in England cycles regularly, although being offered cycle training in primary school was not linked to greater cycling. Many of the factors associated with adolescent cycling are similar to those for adults and adolescents are more likely to cycle in areas with higher levels of adult cycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailsa McKay
- Public Health Policy Evaluation Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Anna Goodman
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK
| | - Esther van Sluijs
- Centre for Diet and Activity Research (CEDAR), MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, UK
| | - Christopher Millett
- Public Health Policy Evaluation Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Anthony A. Laverty
- Public Health Policy Evaluation Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK
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Bringolf-Isler B, Schindler C, de Hoogh K, Kayser B, Suggs LS, Dössegger A, Probst-Hensch N. Association of objectively measured and perceived environment with accelerometer-based physical activity and cycling: a Swiss population-based cross-sectional study of children. Int J Public Health 2019; 64:499-510. [PMID: 30701279 DOI: 10.1007/s00038-019-01206-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We tested whether objectively assessed neighbourhood characteristics are associated with moderate-to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and cycling in Swiss children and adolescents and assessed the mediating role of the perception of the environment. METHODS The cross-sectional analyses were based on data of 1306 participants aged 6-16 years of the population-based SOPHYA study. MVPA was measured by accelerometry, time spent cycling and the perceived environment by questionnaire. Objective environmental parameters at the residential address were GIS derived. In all analyses, personal, social and environmental factors were considered. RESULTS MVPA showed significant positive associations with perceived personal safety and perceived access to green spaces but not with respective objective parameters. Objectively assessed main street density and shorter distance to the next public transport were associated with less cycling in adolescents. Parents' perceptions did not mediate the observed associations of the objectively assessed environment with MVPA and cycling. CONCLUSIONS Associations between the environment and physical activity differ by domain. In spatial planning efforts to improve objective environments should be complemented with efforts to increase parental sense of security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Bringolf-Isler
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051, Basel, Switzerland.
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Christian Schindler
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kees de Hoogh
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Bengt Kayser
- Institute of Sport Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - L Suzanne Suggs
- Institute of Public Communication, University della Svizzera italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Alain Dössegger
- Swiss Federal Institute of Sport SFISM, Magglingen, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Probst-Hensch
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Wilson K, Clark AF, Gilliland JA. Understanding child and parent perceptions of barriers influencing children's active school travel. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:1053. [PMID: 30134889 PMCID: PMC6106832 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-5874-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical activity plays a fundamental role in the health and well-being of children. Walking is the most common form of physical activity and the journey to and from school provides an opportunity for children to be active every day. This study examines how child and parent perceptions of barriers to active school travel influences children's behaviour. METHODS Participants were recruited from 48 elementary schools in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. The study sample includes 1296 children (ages 9-14 years) who live within walking distance of their school, defined as 1.6 km network distance. Chi-square analysis examined differences between child and parent perceptions of barriers to active school travel. Logistic regression models examined how parent and child perceptions of barriers influence active school travel behaviour, while controlling for key intrapersonal, interpersonal, and physical environment factors. RESULTS The results indicate that there are significant differences in how parents and children perceive barriers to active school travel. Model results find older children, children without siblings, households with no vehicles, and children who live closer to school are most likely to use active school travel. Parent perceptions of barriers are found to have a greater influence on children's active school travel behaviour than children's perceptions. Different perceptions of barriers influence active school travel to school compared to returning home from school. CONCLUSIONS Child and parent perceptions of barriers to active school travel differ and have different impacts on children's travel behaviour. Understanding how child and parent perceptions of barriers differ can help policymakers and practitioners develop specialized interventions aimed at increasing children's use of active school travel and children's overall physical activity. Interventions used to promote active school travel should focus on safety, as well as perceptions of distance to break parental habits of routinely driving their children to school. Overall, this study highlights the importance of considering both child and parent perceptions to create a safe and accessible environment to allow for an increase in active school travel behaviour among elementary school children who live within walking distance of their school.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Wilson
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St, London, N6A 3K7 Canada
- Children’s Health Research Institute, 800 Commissioners Rd. E, London, N6C 2V5 Canada
| | - Andrew F. Clark
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St, London, N6A 3K7 Canada
- Children’s Health Research Institute, 800 Commissioners Rd. E, London, N6C 2V5 Canada
| | - Jason A. Gilliland
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St, London, N6A 3K7 Canada
- Children’s Health Research Institute, 800 Commissioners Rd. E, London, N6C 2V5 Canada
- School of Health Studies, Department of Paediatrics, & Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St, London, N6A 3K7 Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, 750 Base Line Rd. E, London, N6C 2R5 Canada
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Ghenadenik AE, Kakinami L, Van Hulst A, Henderson M, Barnett TA. Neighbourhoods and obesity: A prospective study of characteristics of the built environment and their association with adiposity outcomes in children in Montreal, Canada. Prev Med 2018; 111:35-40. [PMID: 29462654 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2018.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Revised: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
This paper examined prospective associations between built environment features assessed at baseline using direct audits and adiposity outcomes two years later in Montreal, Canada. Data stem from the Quebec Adipose and Lifestyle Investigation in Youth study of 630 children aged 8-10 years with a parental history of obesity. Baseline measurements took place between 2005 and 2008. Follow-up took place between 2008 and 2011. Built environment features were assessed at baseline in up to 10 contiguous street segments around participants' residential addresses using on-site audits. Analyses were restricted to participants who reported the same address both at baseline and follow-up. Prospective associations between adiposity outcomes at follow-up (BMI z-score and waist-height ratio) and built environment features at baseline (traffic-calming features, pedestrian aids, disorder, physical activity facilities, convenience stores, and fast-food restaurants) were examined using multivariable regression models. 391 children were included in the analyses. In fully-adjusted models, children living in residential areas with presence of pedestrian aids had lower BMI z-score, and lower waist-height ratio. Also, children residing in residential areas with at least one convenience store had lower BMI z-score, and lower waist-height ratio at follow-up. Findings provide evidence of the potential role of street-level urban design features in shaping childhood adiposity. To better inform policy and intervention, future research should explore the possibility of reducing obesogenic neighbourhoods by enhancing street-level design features.
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Affiliation(s)
- A E Ghenadenik
- Département de médecine sociale et préventive, École de santé publique (ESPUM), Université de Montréal. 7101, avenue du Parc 3(e) étage, Montréal, Quebec H3N 1X9, Canada; Institut de recherche en santé publique de l'Université de Montréal (IRSPUM), 7101, avenue du Parc 3(e) étage, Montréal, Quebec H3N 1X9, Canada; Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM). 900, rue Saint Denis, Montreal, Quebec H2X 0A9, Canada.
| | - L Kakinami
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Concordia University. 1455, boulevard de Maisonneuve O., Montreal, Quebec H3G 1M8, Canada; PERFORM Centre, Concordia University. 7141, rue Sherbrooke O., Montreal, Quebec H4B 1R6, Canada.
| | - A Van Hulst
- Research Centre of the Sainte-Justine University Hospital, 3175, chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1C5, Canada; Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, 1020, avenue des Pins O., Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A2, Canada
| | - M Henderson
- Research Centre of the Sainte-Justine University Hospital, 3175, chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1C5, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, Université de Montréal, 3175, chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - T A Barnett
- Department of Pediatrics, Université de Montréal, 3175, chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1C5, Canada; Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS) - Institut Armand Frappier, 531, boulevard des Prairies, Laval, Québec H7V 1B7, Canada.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW While many levels of government recognize that walking and cycling (active travel) are critical to healthy cities, a continued challenge is to identify and prioritize strategies that will increase walking and cycling for transportation. We review evidence on policies that can increase active travel. RECENT FINDINGS The reviews included here conclude that policies related to active travel may operate at various levels of the socio-ecological framework, including society, cities, routes or individuals. The provision of convenient, safe and connected walking and cycling infrastructure is at the core of promoting active travel, but policies may work best when implemented in comprehensive packages. There is strong evidence that active travel can result in substantial health benefits. However, there remains considerable uncertainty about the exact effects of specific policies on walking or cycling rates or safety. Further research is needed to quantify the impact of specific policies or packages of policies, especially across different settings or for different population segments.
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