Are neighborhood characteristics associated with physical activity levels among school children?

Year 2023, Volume: 36 Issue: 1, 7 - 13, 31.01.2023

Gulin Kaya Pinar Ay Seyhan Hıdıroglu

https://doi.org/10.5472/marumj.1244381

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of insufficient physical activity (IPA) and neighborhood
characteristics associated with it, among school children. The impact of sociodemographic characteristics and ownership of electronic
devices on physical activity (PA) were also evaluated.
Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out among 5-7th grade students attending schools and their parents.
IPA was defined as having moderate-vigorous activity for <60 minutes per week. Sociodemographic factors, ownership of electronic
devices and characteristics of the neighborhoods were also evaluated.
Results: A total of 334 students participated in the study. The prevalence of IPA was 79.3% (95%CI:75.0-83.7%). IPA was associated
with ownership of mobile phones (OR:1.96, 95%CI:1.01-3.78), not being a member of a sports team (OR:2.83, 95%CI:1.21-6.58) and
having ≤1 day of physical education classes at school (OR:2.10, 95%CI:1.08-4.09). Neighborhood characteristics were not associated
with IPA (p>0.05).
Conclusion: The prevalence of IPA is alarmingly high among school children. The impact of neighborhood characteristics on PA might
be obscured since both variables were measured subjectively. Devices related information/communication technologies increase IPA;
we need to find novel ways to use these devices for PA promotion. There is also a need to increase structured PA opportunities.

Keywords

Physical activity, Inactivity, Students, Neighborhood characteristics

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