Abstract
BackgroundIn 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).MethodsData 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.ResultsNearly 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.ConclusionOur 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.
Highlights
In Belgium, as in many other countries, the juvenile practice of physical activity is insufficient
Most children lived in a house with a garden or yard for playing outside, and 57.2% lived in a neighborhood where there were other children with whom they could play outdoors
Regarding the presence of a playground or park in the neighborhood, our analysis showed that children living in a neighborhood with a playground or a park were more likely than others to reach the recommended threshold of global physical activity (GPA)
Summary
In Belgium, as in many other countries, the juvenile practice of physical activity is insufficient. For youngsters 5 to 17 years of age, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends practicing daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) for at least 60 min, and vigorous physical activity (VPA) at least three times a week [1]. A longitudinal study found that children who often practiced physical activity were significantly more likely to regularly engage in sports and physical activities during adulthood [7]. These results highlight the need for sensitizing children at an early age about the importance of a regular physical activity and for encouraging them to be physically active. More studies looking at ways to increase physical activity among children are needed
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