The association between proximity to sports facilities and participation in sports among 13-year-olds in the city of Porto, Portugal [A associação entre a proximidade a equipamentos desportivos e a prática de atividade desportiva em adolescentes de 13 anos de idade do Município do Porto, Portugal]

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2012

Authors

Autran, RG (Author) Other; Ramos E (Author) FMUP; Pina MF (Author) FMUP; santos, mp (Author) FADEUP

Journal

Title: Cadernos de Saúde Pública

Vol. 28 No. 8

Pages: 549-558

ISSN: 0102-311X

Publisher: Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca

Indexing

Scopus - 9 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-008-33E

DOI: 10.1590/s0102-311x2012000300015

Abstract (EN): The built environment can influence sports practice. The objective of this study was to examine the association between proximity (¿ 500m) to sports facilities and participation in sports. We evaluated 1,175 13-year-olds (54% girls) enrolled in public and private schools in Porto, Portugal. Sports activity was assessed using a self-completed questionnaire. The adolescents' residences and sports facilities were georeferenced. A matrix of distances from each residence to the facilities was calculated. For the majority (87%) of the adolescents, there was at least one sports facility close to their place of residence. No statistically significant differences were found in participation in sports based on proximity to facilities (¿ 500m vs. > 500m); the proportions were 44% vs. 38% (p = 0.414) in girls and 72% vs. 61% (p = 0.094) in boys. In conclusion, proximity to sports facilities was not significantly associated with participation in sports.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific