Kathryn Reilly1,2,3, Adrian Bauman4, Lindsey Reece5, Christophe Lecathelinais6, Rachel Sutherland4,6,7, Luke Wolfenden4,6,7. 1. School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia. Kathryn.reilly@health.nsw.gov.au. 2. Hunter New England Population Health, Wallsend, NSW, 2287, Australia. Kathryn.reilly@health.nsw.gov.au. 3. Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, NSW, 2305, Australia. Kathryn.reilly@health.nsw.gov.au. 4. School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia. 5. SPRINTER research group, Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia. 6. Hunter New England Population Health, Wallsend, NSW, 2287, Australia. 7. Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, NSW, 2305, Australia.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Global population data suggest that physical activity levels in children remain unacceptably low. Improved participation in organised sport has been recommended by the WHO as one strategy to improve population levels of physical activity. In 2018, in the state of New South Wales, Australia, the government introduced the Active Kids scheme, to help families meet the cost of getting children into organized sport. The aim of this study is to describe the uptake of Active Kids and assess the impact of the scheme on organized sport participation and child physical activity in a region of New South Wales. METHODS: A pragmatic longitudinal study was undertaken of parents/carers from primary school aged children (5-12 years) in the Hunter region of NSW, Australia. Baseline data were collected between Oct-Dec 2017, with follow-up 12 months later. A telephone survey occurred at both time points, asking questions regarding registration and redemption of an Active Kids voucher for their child, child participation in organised sports and child physical activity levels. RESULTS: Of the 974 parents/carers who consented to participate, 511 (52.5%) completed the telephone surveys at both time points. A very large proportion of children (n = 454, 89.0%) were reported by their parents/carers at baseline as meeting the minimum physical activity guideline of 60 min per day. Of participating parents/carers in this study, 407 (96.0%) reported redeeming an Active Kids voucher. Children who redeemed a voucher had three times the odds to participate in organized team sports from baseline to follow-up (p = 0.009). Sub group analyses identified that females who redeemed a voucher had four times the odds to participate in organized team sports (p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Given the already active nature of this sample, no significant improvements in physical activity levels were noted, but the positive contribution community sport can have on health and wellbeing amongst children is reinforced. Whilst voucher schemes can address financial burdens across all socio-economic groups, more population targeting is needed to deliver voucher schemes to the most disadvantaged and inactive segments of the population in order to increase physical activity.
BACKGROUND: Global population data suggest that physical activity levels in children remain unacceptably low. Improved participation in organised sport has been recommended by the WHO as one strategy to improve population levels of physical activity. In 2018, in the state of New South Wales, Australia, the government introduced the Active Kids scheme, to help families meet the cost of getting children into organized sport. The aim of this study is to describe the uptake of Active Kids and assess the impact of the scheme on organized sport participation and child physical activity in a region of New South Wales. METHODS: A pragmatic longitudinal study was undertaken of parents/carers from primary school aged children (5-12 years) in the Hunter region of NSW, Australia. Baseline data were collected between Oct-Dec 2017, with follow-up 12 months later. A telephone survey occurred at both time points, asking questions regarding registration and redemption of an Active Kids voucher for their child, child participation in organised sports and child physical activity levels. RESULTS: Of the 974 parents/carers who consented to participate, 511 (52.5%) completed the telephone surveys at both time points. A very large proportion of children (n = 454, 89.0%) were reported by their parents/carers at baseline as meeting the minimum physical activity guideline of 60 min per day. Of participating parents/carers in this study, 407 (96.0%) reported redeeming an Active Kids voucher. Children who redeemed a voucher had three times the odds to participate in organized team sports from baseline to follow-up (p = 0.009). Sub group analyses identified that females who redeemed a voucher had four times the odds to participate in organized team sports (p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Given the already active nature of this sample, no significant improvements in physical activity levels were noted, but the positive contribution community sport can have on health and wellbeing amongst children is reinforced. Whilst voucher schemes can address financial burdens across all socio-economic groups, more population targeting is needed to deliver voucher schemes to the most disadvantaged and inactive segments of the population in order to increase physical activity.
Entities:
Keywords:
Children; Financial incentive; Organised sport; Physical activity; Public policy
Authors: Ana Seabra; Denisa Mendonça; José Maia; Gregory Welk; Robert Brustad; António M Fonseca; André F Seabra Journal: J Sci Med Sport Date: 2012-10-22 Impact factor: 4.319