Perceptions of the built environment in relation to physical activity in Portuguese adolescents

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2009

Authors

Santos, M. P. (Author) FADEUP; Page, A. S. (Author) Other; Cooper, A. R. (Author) Other; Ribeiro, J. C. (Author) FADEUP; Mota, J. (Author) FADEUP

Journal

Title: Health & Place

Vol. 15 No. 2

Pages: 548-552

ISSN: 1353-8292

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 32 Citations

Scopus - 43 Citations

Pubmed / Medline

Scientific classification

FOS: Social sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-003-JKS

DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2008.08.006

Abstract (EN): In this study, we investigated the association between perceptions of the built environment and physical activity among Portuguese boys and girls. Participants were 1124 adolescents (592 girls and 532 boys) 12- to 18-years-old. Physical activity and perceptions of environmental characteristics were assessed by self-report questionnaires. Significantly more girls (p<0.01) were classified as low-active (61.5%) compared to boys (22.9%). Logistic regression analyses (adjusted for age) showed a significant association between girl's physical activity and availability of free- or low-cost recreational facilities in the neighbourhood (OR = 1.44: 95% CI 0.99-2.11). Among boys, the presence of people being active in the neighbourhood was associated with higher levels of physical activity (OR = 1.59; 95% Cl 1.05-2.40). Perceptions of some aspects of neighbourhood environment may relate differently to participation in physical activity for boys compared to girls. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 5