The association between proximity to sports facilities and participation in sports among 13-year-olds in the city of 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 Saude Publica

Vol. 28 No. 8

Pages: 549-558

ISSN: 0102-311X

Publisher: Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 7 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-002-CJ9

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: Portuguese

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 10