Transport to School and Mental Well-Being of Schoolchildren in Ireland

Abstract

Objectives: We explored whether modes of transport (cycling, walking, public transport or private vehicle) between home and school are associated with mental well-being in children aged 10–17 years, participating in the Irish Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study.Methods: Scores on the World Health Organization Well-being Index and the Mental Health Inventory five-item versions, self-reported life satisfaction, happiness with self, body satisfaction, excellent self-rated health, and multiple health complaints of 9,077 schoolchildren (mean age: 13.99 ± 1.91 years, percentage girls: 52.2%) were compared across modes of transport, unadjusted and adjusted for gender, age, family affluence and area of residence.Results: Those who reported using public transport reported poorer mental well-being than those using other means of transport, but adjusting for sociodemographic variables obscured these differences. The only exception was excellent health, where children who cycled outperformed the other three groups, even after adjustment for sociodemographic variables.Conclusions: Cycling can improve well-being in children. However, in promotion of cycling, social and environmental determinants and inequalities which influence adolescents’ and their parents’ decisions on modes of transport, need to be considered.

Education for sustainable development in rural communities: Parents' perceptions of children's willingness‐to‐study and learning difficulties associated with school transport in Ukerewe Island, Tanzania

“…The willingness or interest to study affects children's performance and cognitive ability in school (Golle et al, 2022; Ouyang et al, 2021). In Ireland, it was found that the mode of transport to school was associated with the mental well‐being of schoolchildren, which can have consequences on their WTS or go to school (Költő et al, 2021). WTS also helps to build self‐esteem, mental soundness, and emotional understanding of children.…”

Associations of leisure‐time physical activity and active school transport with mental health outcomes: A population‐based study

“…A study comprising nine upper‐middle‐ or high‐income countries found that adolescents who cycled to school were less likely to report mental health complaints than passive commuters 21 . In contrast, similar findings of an Irish study attenuated to null after adjusting for sociodemographic confounders 22 . In low‐ and middle‐income countries, AST has been associated with lower odds of depression symptoms 23,24 and fewer suicide attempts 25 .…”

“…26 Additionally, none of the European studies have used a cohort that comprises a substantial population proportion of their countries. 21,22 To strengthen the previous PA and mental health literature, we examine associations of weekly leisure-time moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and AST with mental health outcomes using data from the nationwide School Health Promotion (SHP) study in Finland. We hypothesize, based on existing evidence, that both higher levels of leisure-time MVPA and AST are positively associated with mental health among 15-to 16-year-old adolescents.…”

“…Nevertheless, all previous studies have lacked essential covariate adjustments, such as leisure‐time PA or socioeconomic status, the latter being a major determinant of mental health 26 . Additionally, none of the European studies have used a cohort that comprises a substantial population proportion of their countries 21,22 …”

“…21 In contrast, similar findings of an Irish study attenuated to null after adjusting for sociodemographic confounders. 22 In low-and middle-income countries, AST has been associated with lower odds of depression symptoms 23,24 and fewer suicide attempts. 25 Nevertheless, all previous studies have lacked essential covariate adjustments, such as leisure-time PA or socioeconomic status, the latter being a major determinant of mental health.…”