Research Study Abstract

Moderating effect of the neighbourhood physical activity environment on the relation between psychosocial factors and physical activity in children: a longitudinal study

  • Published on April 9, 2019

Background
Few studies have examined the moderating role of neighbourhood environments on the relation between psychosocial factors and physical activity, and results of these studies are mixed. This study examined this relationship in 636 fifth to seventh graders from South Carolina, USA.

Methods
From 2010 to 2013, children and their parent/guardian completed annual self-reported surveys assessing psychosocial factors, and children wore accelerometers for 1 week each year. Neighbourhood environments were classified as supportive or non-supportive for physical activity (PA) based on in-person audits of facilities near children’s homes and windshield surveys of children’s streets. Growth curve analyses were completed to assess the moderating effect of the neighbourhood physical activity environment (NPAE) on the relation between psychosocial factors and total physical activity (TPA) over time.

Results
Significant interactions on TPA were found for (1) time, NPAE and parent-reported parent support for PA; (2) time, NPAE and child-reported equipment in the home; (3) child-reported parental support for PA and time; (4) child-reported parental support for PA and NPAE; (5) PA self-schema and time and (6) child-reported parental encouragement and time. Parental support and a supportive NPAE were important for TPA, especially as children transitioned to middle school, whereas home equipment and a supportive NPAE were important for fifth graders’ TPA.

Conclusion
Consistent with the socioecological model, PA behaviour was dependent on interacting effects across levels of influence. Generally, both a supportive NPAE and positive psychosocial factors were needed to support TPA. Factors influencing PA across multiple levels should be addressed in PA interventions.

Author(s)

  • Natalie Colabianchi 1
  • Morgan N Clennin 2
  • Marsha Dowda 2
  • Kerry L McIver 2
  • Rod K Dishman 3
  • Dwayne E Porter 2
  • Russell R Pate 2

Institution(s)

  • 1

    Applied Exercise Science, School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA

  • 2

    Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA

  • 3

    Department of Kinesiology, College of Education, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA


Journal

Epidemiology and Community Health


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