Neighborhood and physical activities of Portuguese adolescents

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2010

Authors

Loureiro, N. (Author) Other; Matos, M. G. (Author) Other; Santos, M. M. (Author) FADEUP; Mota, J. (Author) FADEUP; Diniz, J. A. (Author) Other

Journal

Title: International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity

Vol. 7 No. 33

ISSN: 1479-5868

Publisher: Springer Nature

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 15 Citations

Scopus - 19 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Medical and Health sciences > Health sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-003-6SA

DOI: 10.1186/1479-5868-7-33

Abstract (EN): Background: This study examines associations between perceptions of neighbourhood environment and physical activity and sports within Portuguese adolescents. Methods: The sample consisted of 4,877 individuals of both genders, with an average age of 14 years. The instrument used was the Health Behavior School-aged Children questionnaire. Results: Perceptions of the neighbourhood being unsafe for children to play and having no place to spend leisure time were associated with lower levels of exercise among adolescents. The perceptions of the neighbourhood being unsafe for children to play (OR = 1.3, p < .005) and the fact of not having a place to spend leisure time (OR = 1.3, p < .005) p < .005) were associated with lower levels of exercise among adolescents. The perception of these variables is associated to a lower probability of exercising. The neighbourhood characteristics are more important to the practice of outdoor sports than of indoor sports. Conclusion: The perceptions of the neighbourhood may influence adolescent's physical activity and sports, in different ways.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 9