Trends and determinants of active school travel among Australian secondary school students: national cross‐sectional data from 2009 to 2018

Abstract

ObjectiveTo examine active school travel trends and predictors among Australian secondary school students (aged 12–17) between 2009 and 2018. MethodsThree cross‐sectional surveys (2009‐10: N=13,790; 2012‐13: N=10,309; and 2018: N=9,102) using a web‐based self‐report questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to identify differences in active travel (to and/or from school every weekday) between survey years and predictors. ResultsFrom 2009‐10 to 2012‐13 to 2018, active travel decreased from 33.6% to 32.3% to 29.5% among females, and from 37.4% to 36.6% to 32.6% among males. Distance, female sex and regional location were associated with a lower likelihood of active travel. Students with pocket money, those who spoke a language other than English at home, and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students were more likely to actively travel. ConclusionsBetween 2009‐10 and 2018, active school travel among secondary students in Australia declined. Several factors were found to be associated with active travel. Implications for public healthThis is the first national study on active travel trends among secondary students in Australia. The recent decline requires action given the increasing prevalence of overweight and climate change.