Lisa Bell1, Anna Timperio1, Jenny Veitch1, Alison Carver2. 1. Deakin University, Institute for Physical Activity & Nutrition Research (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Australia. 2. Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Australia. Electronic address: alison.carver@acu.edu.au.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To describe cycling behaviours and examine individual, social and neighbourhood correlates of cycling among children living in socio-economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. METHODS: Mothers of 289 children (46% boys) aged 8-15 (mean 12±2.2) years living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Victoria, Australia were surveyed about their child's cycling frequency and duration in a typical week. Perceptions of cycling, cycling ability, cycling behaviours and road safety were proxy- and self-reported by mothers. Shortest road distance from home to school was determined using a Geographic Information System. Multivariable logistic regression analyses examined associations between individual, social and neighbourhood variables and cycling frequency (>once/week) and duration (>60min/week). RESULTS: Overall, 70% of boys and 49% of girls cycled>once/week; rates of cycling for >60min/week were 60% and 32%, respectively. Children had greater odds of cycling>once/week if they enjoyed cycling for fun (OR=13.3, 95%CI=2.0, 86.9). Children had greater odds of cycling for >60min/week if they enjoyed cycling for fun (OR=17.1, 95%CI=1.7, 167.7) or if they were allowed to cycle on main roads (OR=3.2, 95%CI=1.1, 9.1). Children who had to cross several roads to access play areas had lower odds of cycling for >60min/week (OR=0.3, 95%CI=0.1, 0.7). CONCLUSIONS: Future research should investigate strategies to increase children's enjoyment of cycling, independent mobility and safe access by cycling to key destinations such as play areas.
OBJECTIVES: To describe cycling behaviours and examine individual, social and neighbourhood correlates of cycling among children living in socio-economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. METHODS: Mothers of 289 children (46% boys) aged 8-15 (mean 12±2.2) years living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Victoria, Australia were surveyed about their child's cycling frequency and duration in a typical week. Perceptions of cycling, cycling ability, cycling behaviours and road safety were proxy- and self-reported by mothers. Shortest road distance from home to school was determined using a Geographic Information System. Multivariable logistic regression analyses examined associations between individual, social and neighbourhood variables and cycling frequency (>once/week) and duration (>60min/week). RESULTS: Overall, 70% of boys and 49% of girls cycled>once/week; rates of cycling for >60min/week were 60% and 32%, respectively. Children had greater odds of cycling>once/week if they enjoyed cycling for fun (OR=13.3, 95%CI=2.0, 86.9). Children had greater odds of cycling for >60min/week if they enjoyed cycling for fun (OR=17.1, 95%CI=1.7, 167.7) or if they were allowed to cycle on main roads (OR=3.2, 95%CI=1.1, 9.1). Children who had to cross several roads to access play areas had lower odds of cycling for >60min/week (OR=0.3, 95%CI=0.1, 0.7). CONCLUSIONS: Future research should investigate strategies to increase children's enjoyment of cycling, independent mobility and safe access by cycling to key destinations such as play areas.
Authors: Alison Carver; Muhammad Akram; Anthony Barnett; Wendy Yajun Huang; Gemma Yang Gao; Robin R Mellecker; Ester Cerin Journal: Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act Date: 2021-01-19 Impact factor: 6.457