The Relationship Between Transitions in Children's Travel Behaviour and Mental and Physical Health in Japan

Abstract

Background In Japan, car use is increasing steadily, especially in local regions. Car use is known to cause traffic congestion and global environmental problems, and is also related to health problems such as metabolic syndrome. Adult travel behaviour is habitual, and Senda and Kamioka (2009) reported that the formation of travel habits begin in childhood. Therefore, it is important to analyse the travel behaviour of children and the related social effects when planning future urban transport. We investigated the transitions in Japanese children's travel behaviour, and the differences between children and adults, using Japanese Nationwide Person Trip Survey data (PT data) in 1987, 1992, 2005, 2010, and 2015. We also investigated the relationship between children's travel behaviour, children's obesity, and traffic accidents. Finally, we investigated the influence of habitual car use during childhood on adult mental disposition. Methods First, we examined PT data about Japanese children aged 5–17 years from 63 cities in Japan. We then collected data from the Annual Report of School Health Statistics Research (MEXT, 2010) and data about traffic accidents causing injuries and fatalities (ITARDA, 2010). Finally, we conducted an online questionnaire among adults aged 30–70 years (n=1000) regarding their mental disposition and habitual car use during childhood. We explored the relationships in the data using simple linear and multiple regression analyses. Results The proportion of time children spend traveling by car has increased steadily in Japan, while walking has decreased. In 2015, the proportion of trips by car was higher among children than among adults. The results also revealed more travel by car was associated with more children's obesity, but a lower risk of fatality from traffic accidents. The online survey revealed that adults tended to be more arrogant they had a strong habit of car use during childhood. Conclusions In Japan, children are travelling by car more frequently and walking less. This transition in travel behaviour is one explanation for the increase in children's obesity in Japan. Whereas the decreasing frequency of children's walking is associated with fewer fatalities in traffic accidents, because most traffic fatalities involve children as pedestrians, definitely not because of improvements in Japanese traffic safety. The survey also suggested that habitual car use during childhood is associated with arrogance in adulthood. Therefore, it is important to consider the relationship between children's travel behaviour and physical and mental health when planning improvements to urban transport.