eCite Digital Repository
Predictors of time spent outdoors among children: 5-year longitudinal findings
Citation
Cleland, V and Timperio, A and Salmon, J and Hume, C and Baur, LA and Crawford, D, Predictors of time spent outdoors among children: 5-year longitudinal findings, Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 64, (5) pp. 400-406. ISSN 0143-005X (2010) [Refereed Article]
DOI: doi:10.1136/jech.2009.087460
Abstract
Background Given the importance of physical activity for
health and age-related declines in physical activity,
understanding influences on related behaviours, such as
time outdoors, is crucial. This study aimed to understand
individual, social and physical environmental influences
on longitudinal changes in urban children’s time
outdoors.
Methods The time children spent outdoors in 2001,
2004 and 2006 (aged 5e6 and 10e12 years at
baseline) was reported by their parents (n¼421). In
2001, individual, social and physical environmental
factors were self-reported by parents. Generalized
estimating equations examined longitudinal relationships
between baseline predictors and average change in time
outdoors over 5 years.
Results Children’s time outdoors significantly declined
over time. "Indoor tendencies" inversely predicted time
outdoors among younger and older boys, and younger
girls. Social opportunities positively predicted time
outdoors among younger boys, while "outdoor
tendencies" positively predicted time outdoors among
older boys. Parental encouragement for activity positively
predicted time outdoors among younger and older girls,
while lack of adult supervision for active play outdoors
after school inversely predicted time outdoors among
older girls and older boys.
Conclusion Individual (indoor and outdoor tendencies)
and social factors (social opportunities, parental
encouragement and parental supervision) predicted
children’s time outdoors over 5 years. Interventions
targeting reduced indoor tendencies, increased outdoor
play with others, and increased parental encouragement
and supervision are warranted.
Item Details
| Item Type: | Refereed Article |
|---|---|
| Research Division: | Medical and Health Sciences |
| Research Group: | Public Health and Health Services |
| Research Field: | Epidemiology |
| Objective Division: | Health |
| Objective Group: | Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) |
| Objective Field: | Behaviour and Health |
| Author: | Cleland, V (Dr Verity Cleland) |
| ID Code: | 72317 |
| Year Published: | 2010 |
| Web of Science® Times Cited: | 41 |
| Deposited By: | Menzies Institute for Medical Research |
| Deposited On: | 2011-08-25 |
| Last Modified: | 2011-08-25 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
Repository Staff Only: item control page