Gaining children's perspectives: a multiple method approach to explore environmental influences on healthy eating and physical activity.

In order to inform local action for health improvement, this pilot study used multiple methods to explore children's perspectives of environmental influences on their eating and physical activity. Thirty-nine children aged 9-11 years from a North London local authority took photos, drew maps, and attended focus groups. We found that the approach engaged children and that each of the methods returned useful, complementary information. The results highlighted a number of areas for local policymakers and practitioners to consider when developing work to prevent childhood obesity. We conclude that these methods of gaining children's views should be further developed and tested.