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Darkhawaja R, Hänggi J, Bringolf-Isler B, Kayser B, Suggs LS, Kwiatkowski M, Probst-Hensch N. Weekend physical activity profiles and their relationship with quality of life: The SOPHYA cohort of Swiss children and adolescents. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298890. [PMID: 38820541 PMCID: PMC11142694 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Quality of life (QoL) is an important health indicator among children and adolescents. Evidence on the effect of physical activity (PA)-related behaviors on QoL among youth remains inconsistent. Conventional accelerometer-derived PA metrics and guidelines with a focus on whole weeks may not adequately characterize QoL relevant PA behavior. OBJECTIVE This study aims to a) identify clusters of accelerometer-derived PA profiles during weekend days among children and adolescents living in Switzerland, b) assess their cross-sectional and predictive association with overall QoL and its dimensions, and c) investigate whether the associations of QoL with the newly identified clusters persist upon adjustment for the commonly used PA metrics moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and time spent in sedentary behavior (SB). METHODS The population-based Swiss children's Objectively measured PHYsical Activity (SOPHYA) cohort among children and adolescents aged 6 to 16 years was initiated at baseline in 2013. PA and QoL information was obtained twice over a five-year follow-up period. The primary endpoint is the overall QoL score and its six dimension scores obtained by KINDL® questionnaire. The primary predictor is the cluster membership of accelerometer-derived weekend PA profile. Clusters were obtained by applying the k-medoid algorithm to the distance matrix of profiles obtained by pairwise alignments of PA time series using the Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) algorithm. Secondary predictors are accelerometer-derived conventional PA metrics MVPA and SB from two combined weekend days. Linear regression models were applied to assess a) the cross-sectional association between PA cluster membership and QoL at baseline and b) the predictive association between PA cluster membership at baseline and QoL at follow-up, adjusting for baseline QoL. RESULTS The study sample for deriving PA profile clusters consisted of 51.4% girls and had an average age of 10.9 [SD 2.5] years). The elbow and silhouette methods indicated that weekend PA profiles are best classified in two or four clusters. The most differentiating characteristic for the two-clusters classification ("lower activity" and "high activity"), and the four-clusters classification ("inactive", "low activity", "medium activity", and "high activity"), respectively was the participant's mean counts per 15-seconds epoch. Participants assigned to high activity clusters were younger and more often male. Neither the clustered PA profiles nor MVPA or SB were cross-sectionally or predictively associated with overall QoL. The only association of a conventional PA metrics with QoL while adjusting for cluster membership was observed between MVPA during the weekend days and social well-being with a mean score difference of 2.4 (95%CI: 0.3 to 4.5; p = 0.025). CONCLUSION The absence of strong associations of PA metrics for the weekend with QoL, except for the positive association between MVPA during the weekend days and social well-being, is in line with results from two randomized studies not showing efficacy of PA interventions on youth QoL. But because PA decreases with age, its promotion and relevance to QoL remain important research topics. Larger longitudinal study samples with more than two follow-up time points of children and adolescents are needed to derive new novel accelerometer-derived PA profiles and to associate them with QoL dimensions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranin Darkhawaja
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Johanna Hänggi
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Bettina Bringolf-Isler
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Bengt Kayser
- Institute of Sport Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - L. Suzanne Suggs
- Institute for Public Health and Institute of Communication and Public Policy, Università della SvizzeraItaliana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Marek Kwiatkowski
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Probst-Hensch
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Parental Perception of the Social and Physical Environment Contributes to Gender Inequalities in Children's Screen Time. J Phys Act Health 2022; 19:108-117. [PMID: 35045393 DOI: 10.1123/jpah.2021-0436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This cross-sectional study aimed to explore how parental perceptions of the social and physical environment of the neighborhood was associated with 3- to 10-year-old children's use of traditional and modern screen devices. METHODS Participants were recruited under the scope of the project ObesInCrisis, conducted in 2016-2017 in the cities of Porto, Coimbra, and Lisbon (Portugal). Data from 6347 children aged 3-10 years were analyzed (3169 boys [49.9%]). A parental questionnaire was used to collect data on children's screen time (dependent variable) and parents' perceived social and physical environment (from the Environmental Module of the International Physical Activity Prevalence Study questionnaire; independent variable), parental education, and urbanization (used as covariates). RESULTS Neighborhood features were more correlated with girls' screen time, than with boys', particularly among younger children. Also, more social than physical characteristics of the neighborhood were positively associated with children's use of television and mobile devices (ie, tablet and smartphone). CONCLUSIONS Community-based approaches should improve the social environment and implement supervised after-school programs to encourage and support children to be outdoors and spend less time in sedentary pursuits.
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Barnett TA, Contreras G, Ghenadenik AE, Zawaly K, Van Hulst A, Mathieu MÈ, Henderson M. Identifying risk profiles for excess sedentary behaviour in youth using individual, family and neighbourhood characteristics. Prev Med Rep 2021; 24:101535. [PMID: 34987952 PMCID: PMC8693790 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2021.101535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
There are few known determinants of sedentary behaviour (SB) in children. We generated and compared profiles associated with risk of excess SB among children (n = 294) both at 8-10 and 10-12 years of age (Visits 1 and 2, respectively), using data from the QUebec Adipose and Lifestyle InvesTigation in Youth. Excess SB was measured by accelerometry and defined as >50% of total wear time at <100 counts/minutes. Recursive partitioning analyses were performed with candidate individual-, family-, and neighbourhood-level factors assessed at Visit 1, and distinct groups at varying risk of excess SB were identified for both timepoints. From the ages of 8-10 to 10-12 years, the prevalence of excess SB more than doubled (24.5% to 57.1%). At Visit 1, excess SB was greatest (73%) among children simultaneously not meeting physical activity guidelines, reporting >2 h/day of weekday non-academic screen time, living in low-dwelling density neighbourhoods, having poor park access, and living in neighbourhoods with greater disadvantage. At Visit 2, the high-risk group (70%) was described by children simultaneously not meeting physical activity guidelines, reporting >2 h/day of non-academic screen time on weekends, and living in neighbourhoods with low disadvantage. Risk factors related to individual lifestyle behaviours are generally consistent, and neighbourhood factors generally inconsistent, as children age from late childhood to pre-adolescence. Multiple factors from developmental, behavioural and contextual domains increase risk for excess sedentary behaviour; these warrant consideration to devise effective prevention or management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracie A Barnett
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Canada; Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montréal, Canada
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montréal, Canada
| | - Gisèle Contreras
- Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Equity, Public Health Agency of Canada, Montreal, Canada
| | - Adrian E Ghenadenik
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Canada; Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montréal, Canada
| | - Kristina Zawaly
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Canada; Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montréal, Canada
- Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | | | - Mélanie Henderson
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montréal, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- School of Public Health, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
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Measuring the Built Environment in Studies of Child Health-A Meta-Narrative Review of Associations. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182010741. [PMID: 34682484 PMCID: PMC8535212 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Although the built environment (BE) is important for children’s health, there is little consensus about which features are most important due to differences in measurement and outcomes across disciplines. This meta-narrative review was undertaken by a multi-disciplinary team of researchers to summarise ways in which the BE is measured, and how this links to children’s health. A structured search of four databases across the relevant disciplines retrieved 108 relevant references. The most commonly addressed health-related outcomes were active travel, physical activity and play, and obesity. Many studies used objective (GIS and street audits) or standardised subjective (perceived) measurements of the BE. However, there was a wide variety, and sometimes inconsistency, in their definition and use. There were clear associations between the BE and children’s health. Objective physical activity and self-reported active travel, or obesity, were positively associated with higher street connectivity or walkability measures, while self-reported physical activity and play had the strongest association with reduced street connectivity, indicated by quieter, one-way streets. Despite the high heterogeneity found in BE measures and health outcomes, the meta-narrative approach enabled us to identify ten BE categories that are likely to support children’s health and be protective against some non-communicable disease risk factors. Future research should implement consistent BE measures to ensure key features are explored. A systems approach will be particularly relevant for addressing place-based health inequalities, given potential unintended health consequences of making changes to the BE.
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Cottagiri SA, De Groh M, Srugo SA, Jiang Y, Hamilton HA, Ross NA, Villeneuve PJ. Are school-based measures of walkability and greenness associated with modes of commuting to school? Findings from a student survey in Ontario, Canada. Canadian Journal of Public Health 2021; 112:331-341. [PMID: 33502744 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-020-00440-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In Canada, students are increasingly reliant on motorized vehicles to commute to school, and few meet the recommended overall physical activity guidelines. Infrastructure and built environments around schools may promote active commuting to and from school, thereby increasing physical activity. To date, few Canadian studies have examined this research question. METHODS This study is a cross-sectional analysis of 11,006 students, aged 11-20, who participated in the 2016/2017 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey. The remote sensing-derived Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), at a buffer of 500 m from the schools' locations, was used to characterize greenness, while the 2016 Canadian Active Living Environments (Can-ALE) measure was used for walkability. Students were asked about their mode of regular commuting to school, and to provide information on several socio-demographic variables. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to quantify associations between active commuting and greenness and the Can-ALE. The resulting odds ratios, and their 95% confidence intervals, were adjusted for a series of risk factors that were collected from the survey. RESULTS Overall, 21% of students reported active commuting (biking or walking) to school, and this prevalence decreased with increasing age. Students whose schools had higher Can-ALE scores were more likely to be active commuters. Specifically, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) of being an active commuter for schools in the highest quartile of the Can-ALE was 2.11 (95% CI = 1.64, 2.72) when compared with those in the lowest. For children, aged 11-14 years, who attended schools in high dwelling density areas, a higher odds of active commuting was observed among those in the upper quartile of greenness relative to the lowest (OR = 1.41; 95% CI = 0.92, 2.15). In contrast, for lower dwelling density areas, greenness was inversely associated with active commuting across all ages. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that students attending schools with higher Can-ALE scores are more likely to actively commute to school, and that positive impacts of greenness on active commuting are evident only in younger children in more densely populated areas. Future studies should collect more detailed data on residential measures of the built environment, safety, distance between home and school, and mixed modes of commuting behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Margaret De Groh
- Centre for Surveillance and Applied Research, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5H4, Canada
| | - Sebastian A Srugo
- Centre for Surveillance and Applied Research, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5H4, Canada
| | - Ying Jiang
- Centre for Surveillance and Applied Research, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5H4, Canada
| | - Hayley A Hamilton
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, M5S 2S1, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5T 3M7, Canada
| | - Nancy A Ross
- Department of Geography, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 0B9, Canada
| | - Paul J Villeneuve
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada.,Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1A2, Canada
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Júdice PB, Magalhães JP, Rosa GB, Henriques-Neto D, Hetherington-Rauth M, Sardinha LB. Sensor-based physical activity, sedentary time, and reported cell phone screen time: A hierarchy of correlates in youth. JOURNAL OF SPORT AND HEALTH SCIENCE 2021; 10:55-64. [PMID: 32315605 PMCID: PMC7856564 DOI: 10.1016/j.jshs.2020.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence on correlates relies on subjective metrics and fails to include correlates across all levels of the ecologic model. We determined which correlates best predict sensor-based physical activity (PA), sedentary time (ST), and self-reported cell phone screen time (CST) in a large sample of youth, while considering a multiplicity of correlates. METHODS Using sensor-based accelerometry, we assessed the PA and ST of 2179 youths. A χ2 automatic interaction detection algorithm was used to hierarchize the correlates associated with too much ST (> 50th percentile), insufficient moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) (<60 min/day), and prolonged CST (≥2 h/day). RESULTS Among youth 10-14 years old, the correlates for being inactive consisted of being a girl, not having sport facilities in the neighborhood, and not perceiving the neighborhood as a safe place, whereas in the youth 15-18 years old, the correlate for being inactive was not performing sports (9.7% chance of being active). The correlates for predicting high ST in the younger group was not performing sports (55.8% chance for high ST), and in the older group, the correlates were not owning a pet, perceiving the neighborhood as safe, and having inactive parents (63.7% chance for high ST). In the younger group, the greatest chances of having high CST were among those who were in the last elementary school years, who were girls, and who did not have friends in the neighborhood (73.1% chance for high CST), whereas in the older group, the greatest chance for having high CST was among those who were girls and had a TV in the bedroom (74.3% chance for high CST). CONCLUSION To counteract ST and boost MVPA among youths, a specific focus on girls, the promotion of sport participation and facilities, neighborhood safety, and involvement of family must be prioritized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro B Júdice
- Exercise and Health Laboratory, CIPER, Faculty of Human Kinetics, University of Lisbon, Lisbon 1499-002, Portugal; Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Lusofona University, Lisbon 1749-024, Portugal.
| | - João P Magalhães
- Exercise and Health Laboratory, CIPER, Faculty of Human Kinetics, University of Lisbon, Lisbon 1499-002, Portugal
| | - Gil B Rosa
- Exercise and Health Laboratory, CIPER, Faculty of Human Kinetics, University of Lisbon, Lisbon 1499-002, Portugal
| | - Duarte Henriques-Neto
- Exercise and Health Laboratory, CIPER, Faculty of Human Kinetics, University of Lisbon, Lisbon 1499-002, Portugal
| | - Megan Hetherington-Rauth
- Exercise and Health Laboratory, CIPER, Faculty of Human Kinetics, University of Lisbon, Lisbon 1499-002, Portugal
| | - Luís B Sardinha
- Exercise and Health Laboratory, CIPER, Faculty of Human Kinetics, University of Lisbon, Lisbon 1499-002, Portugal
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A systematic review on self‐determination theory in physical education. TRANSLATIONAL SPORTS MEDICINE 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/tsm2.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Ecological correlates of activity-related behavior typologies among adolescents. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:1041. [PMID: 31376838 PMCID: PMC6679435 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7386-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adolescents engage in various combinations (typologies) of physical activity and sedentary behaviors, which impact their health and wellbeing in different ways. As such, there is a need to understand the factors that may inhibit or facilitate engagement in combinations of activity-related behaviors to help inform effective intervention strategies targeting those most in need. The aim of this study was to identify ecological correlates of adolescent physical activity and sedentary behavior typologies. Methods Cross-sectional study of 473 adolescents (15.0 ± 1.6 years, 41.4% boys) from 18 secondary schools in Melbourne, Australia. Intrapersonal, interpersonal and neighborhood-physical environmental factors were assessed via self-report surveys and Geographic Information Systems. Multinomial logistic regression models determined the relative risk ratio of membership of three homogenous activity-related behavior typologies based on the potential correlates. Results Higher levels of self-efficacy for physical activity, parental screen-time restriction rules, parental support for physical activity, sibling screen-time co-participation and perceptions of neighborhood pedestrian/traffic safety were associated with greater likelihood of adolescents being in the typology defined as highly active and low sedentary compared to the physically inactive, highly sedentary typology. Higher frequency of co-participation in screen-time with friends was associated with greater likelihood of adolescents being in the typology defined as moderately active, high screen-time compared to physically inactive, highly sedentary. Conclusions A range of intrapersonal, interpersonal and environmental correlates appear to play a role in adolescent activity-related typology membership. The findings may inform public health interventions targeting unique adolescent subgroups most at risk of poor health outcomes based on their engagement in combinations of activity-related behaviors. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-019-7386-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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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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Objectively measured physical activity in population-representative parent-child pairs: parental modelling matters and is context-specific. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:1024. [PMID: 30119661 PMCID: PMC6098593 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-5949-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Evidence for the context-specific influence of parental modelling on physical activity (PA) in childhood remains inconclusive. This nationwide Swiss study assessed the cross-sectional association between objectively measured PA of parents and their children and whether it varied across different levels of sociodemographic and environmental factors. In a second step a structural equation-model (SEM) was used to assess, whether associations between children’s PA and sociodemographic and environmental factors are mediated by the parental PA behaviour. Methods The population-based sample of the SOPHYA-study consisted of 889 children aged 6 to 16 years living in Switzerland and 1059 parents. PA was measured using accelerometers. Information on sociodemographics, sports behaviour, family characteristics, and perceived environment was obtained by telephone interview and parental questionnaire. Objective environmental data was allocated to each family’s residential address using GIS (geographic information system). A structural equation model tested these factors for both independent associations with children’s PA and associations mediated through the parental PA behaviour. Results Parental moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was associated with MVPA of their children in general (p < 0.001). Correlations between parents’ and children’s MVPA were stronger for children aged 10–12 years and for those living in the Italian speaking part of Switzerland. An increase of 1 min of mother’s and of father’s MVPA was associated with 0.24 and 0.21 min more MVPA in children, respectively. Father’s PA was associated with that of their sons, but not with that of their daughters, whereas the association of mothers’ and children’s PA did not depend on the parent-offspring sex-match. The pathway analysis in our structural equation model showed direct effects on children’s MVPA as well as indirect effects mediated by the parental PA behaviour. Conclusions Parental modelling seems relevant for children’s PA, but not to the same degree in all children. Interventions focusing on strengthening parental PA behaviour for the promotion of PA in the young must consider additional contextual factors related to the socio-cultural and structural environment. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-018-5949-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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