Park Characteristics Influences to Physical Activity among Overweight Adolescents

Abstract

The link between environmental characteristics of neighbourhood parks and adolescents' physical activity is poorly understood. Therefore, the present study aims to explore the environmental characteristics of the neighbourhood parks that influence physical activity from the perception of overweight adolescents. In-depth semi-structured interviews with 20 overweight adolescents between 13 and 17 years old successfully done. Interviews recorded, transcribed and analyzed based on a thematic content analysis. The results showed that physical and social environment influenced physical activity and neighbourhood parks usage. It is essential to consider these environmental characteristics in developing physical activity intervention that aims to promote physical activity among overweight adolescents. Danis, A. et.al. / Asian Journal of Quality of Life, AjQoL,1(2), Jul / Aug 2016 (p.25-34) 26 IntroductionData suggest that approximately 30% of Malaysians 18 years and older are currently overweight (Malaysia National Health and Morbidity Survey Volume II, 2011). The prevalence is higher than it was in 1996 (Rampal et al., 2007) and continues to be a national public health threat. Also, the Malaysia National Health and Morbidity Survey Volume II (2011) also found that the prevalence of obesity is higher in urban areas than in rural areas. This finding is consistent with the physical activity levels; the urban population had a lower level of physical activity (63.2%) than the rural population (67.2%). Based on this prevalence, it may appear that people in urban areas are more likely to be obese and are less likely to participate in physical activity.Although previous studies have suggested that the lifestyle transition and changes in the dietary patterns of Malaysians may contribute to the development of overweight and obesity (Pon et al., 2004), Hills et al. (2011) revealed that low levels of physical activity may also be one of the factors. Recommended physical activity for young people aged 5-17 years includes play, games, sports, recreation and exercise (World Health Organization, 2010). Performing regular physical activity is a healthy way to decrease the risk of chronic and non-communicable diseases (Aniza and Fairuz, 2009;Sarwer and Dilks, 2012;Shukur et al., 2010; World Health Organization, 2010) and may reduce the risk of obesity (Hills et al., 2011). This possibility highlights the importance of efforts to increase and encourage physical activity among overweight adolescents so that they can reduce their weight and have a better quality of life in return. Literature ReviewOver the last decade, the association between physical activity and environmental characteristics has become a topic of interest in public health research. People would like to engage in physical activity in recreational areas, such as neighbourhood parks, public parks, sports complexes and community parks (Cohen et al., 2006;Floyd et al., 2011). Thus, it is essential to create venues that are conducive to physical activity in resi...

The longitudinal relationship between dietary intake, physical activity and muscle strength among adolescents

“…at school) and a shift in individual preferences related to leisure time activities may cause reduced participation in physical activity in adolescence (67) , (ii) it has been noted that technology usage is associated with a shift in physical activity in several studies globally (68) , (iii) physical activity self-efficacy (69) and peer influence (70) may affect physical activity, (iv) adolescents who are overweight or obese are more likely to be physically inactive (71,72) and (iv) these participants in this study were predominantly from the rural area who may have poor accessibility to recreational park and sports facilities (73,74) . Furthermore, the available recreational park and sports facilities in rural areas may not be adequately equipped with exercise equipment especially for females (75) . Physical activity scores Fig.…”