Environmental correlates of physical activity among children 10 to 13 years old in Wallonia (Belgium)

Abstract

Background In Belgium, as in many other countries, the juvenile practice of physical activity is insufficient. A growing attention has been paid to environmental factors that may influence physical activity but with inconsistent findings. This study aims to estimate the association between daily life environment characteristics and physical activity among children 10 to 13 years old in Wallonia (Belgium). Methods Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire among 1940 children (HBSC survey). Associations between factors related to the children’s living environment and physical activity (vigorous physical activity (VPA) ≥ twice a week; global physical activity (GPA) defined as VPA ≥ twice a week and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity ≥1 h/day) were estimated using logistic regressions adjusted for potential confounders. Results Nearly three-quarters of the children practiced VPA ≥ twice a week, but only one in five practiced GPA consistent with recommendations. After adjustment, children living in a neighborhood with playgrounds or parks were more likely to achieve a recommended level of GPA (OR: 1.34 [1.04–1.73]), as were children who reported that other youngsters were present in their neighborhood with whom they could play outside (OR: 1.50 [1.12–1.99]). The presence of neighborhood children was also positively associated with VPA (OR: 1.80 [1.42–2.29]); in stratified analyses, the association was significant only among boys (OR: 1.95 [1.34–2.82]). Moreover, and only in girls (OR: 1.66 [1.10–2.49]), a feeling of safety in one’s neighborhood was positively associated with VPA. No association was found between VPA and the existence of a yard or a garden at home to go playing outside. Conclusion Our results argue for developing actions aimed at creating living environments more favorable to children’s daily physical activity. More specifically, they help better understand the environment of Belgian children and thus contribute to better identify their needs.

Levels of Physical Activity and Mental Health in Adolescents in Ireland

“…Response options were 1-none, 2-about half an hour, 3-about 1 h, 4-about 2 to 3 h, 5-about 4 to 6 h, 6-about 7 h or more. To create a single indicator of VPA based on the two single items, we multiplied the two items [29][30][31]…”

How can an agent-based model explore the impact of interventions on children's physical activity in an urban environment?

“…In the model, agents interact in two main ways: a) adapting a portion ( δ ) of their tendency to be active ( A ) to the tendency of their friends when engaging in activity together; and b) agents are more likely to engage in outdoor play when other agents are present in the vicinity of their home. Both interactions are supported by research studies as described in the methods section ( Macdonald-Wallis et al, 2012 ; Maturo and Cunningham, 2013 ; Stearns et al, 2019 ; Floyd et al, 2011 ; Pedroni et al, 2019 ). With that, it is hard to quantify these influences.…”

“…The influence of the social environment is based on findings suggesting that children adapt thier PA behaviour in accordance with the behaviour of friends ( Macdonald-Wallis et al, 2012 ; Maturo and Cunningham, 2013 ; Stearns et al, 2019 ). Moreover, children may be more attracted to participate in activities when and where other children are present ( Floyd et al, 2011 ; Pedroni et al, 2019 ). To implement these influences, social ties are created between agents to represent a friendship network.…”

How can an agent-based model explore the impact of interventions on children’s physical activity in an urban environment?

“…In the model agents interact in two main ways: a) adapting a portion ( ) of their tendency to be active ( ) to the tendency of their friends when engaging in activity together; and b) agents are more likely to engage in outdoor play when other agents are present in the vicinity of their home. Both interactions are supported by research studies as described in the methods section (Macdonald-Wallis et al, 2012;Maturo and Cunningham, 2013;Stearns et al, 2019;Floyd et al, 2011;Pedroni et al, 2019). With that, it is hard to quantify these influences.…”