Shelby Flanagan1, Michelle L Rogers2, Lynn Carlson3, Elissa Jelalian4, Patrick M Vivier5. 1. School of Public Health, Brown University; Hassenfeld Child Health Innovation Institute, Brown University, Providence, RI. 2. Hassenfeld Child Health Innovation Institute, Brown University; Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI. 3. Hassenfeld Child Health Innovation Institute, Brown University; Institute at Brown for Environment & Society, Brown University, Providence, RI. 4. Hassenfeld Child Health Innovation Institute, Brown University; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI. 5. School of Public Health, Brown University; Hassenfeld Child Health Innovation Institute, Brown University; Department of Health Services, Policy and Practice, School of Public Health, Brown University; Department of Pediatrics, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study seeks to better understand the relationship between the physical activity environment and child overweight/obesity in Rhode Island. METHODS: Using geographic information systems (GIS), this study calculated distances from residences to physical activity resources to assess the relationship distance has with childhood overweight/obesity. RESULTS: Mean distances in high-risk towns ranged from 0.61 to 3.15 miles compared to physical activity resources in low-risk towns, where distances ranged from 1.25 to 7.43 miles. For each additional mile to reach the closest indoor facility, there is a 0.41 (95% CI: -0.78, -0.03) percentage point decrease in the child overweight/obesity rate. Conclusion: High-risk block groups and towns have higher rates of child overweight/obesity and show shorter distances to physical activity resources. This study demonstrates that simply having physical activity structures in place is not enough to reduce child overweight/obesity and further research should examine the quality and usage patterns of these resources.
OBJECTIVE: This study seeks to better understand the relationship between the physical activity environment and child overweight/obesity in Rhode Island. METHODS: Using geographic information systems (GIS), this study calculated distances from residences to physical activity resources to assess the relationship distance has with childhood overweight/obesity. RESULTS: Mean distances in high-risk towns ranged from 0.61 to 3.15 miles compared to physical activity resources in low-risk towns, where distances ranged from 1.25 to 7.43 miles. For each additional mile to reach the closest indoor facility, there is a 0.41 (95% CI: -0.78, -0.03) percentage point decrease in the child overweight/obesity rate. Conclusion: High-risk block groups and towns have higher rates of child overweight/obesity and show shorter distances to physical activity resources. This study demonstrates that simply having physical activity structures in place is not enough to reduce child overweight/obesity and further research should examine the quality and usage patterns of these resources.
Authors: Li Niu; Lindsay T Hoyt; Sarah Pickering; Anne Nucci-Sack; Anthony Salandy; Viswanathan Shankar; Elisa M Rodriguez; Robert D Burk; Nicolas F Schlecht; Angela Diaz Journal: J Adolesc Health Date: 2021-07-24 Impact factor: 5.012