Citation

Muthuri SK, Wachira LJM, Onywera VO, Tremblay MS. J. Phys. Act. Health 2015; 13(3): 333-343.

Affiliation

Population Dynamics and Reproductive Health Program, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Human Kinetics Publishers)

DOI

10.1123/jpah.2014-0595

PMID

26285040

Abstract

BACKGROUND: A physical activity transition to declining activity levels, even among children, now poses a serious public health concern due to its contribution to a rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases. Childhood physical activity levels are associated with parental perceptions of the neighborhood; however, these relationships have not been explored in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The objective was to investigate relationships between parental perceptions of the neighbourhood, and physical activity indicators among Kenyan children.

METHODS: Data were collected from children 9-11 years in Nairobi as part of the International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and Environment. Child physical activity was assessed by accelerometry, and information on obtaining sufficient physical activity, active transport, and parental perceptions of the neighborhood collected using questionnaires.

RESULTS: Of 563 participating children, 45.7%, 12.6%, and 11.4% used active school transportation, met physical activity guidelines, and were sufficiently active respectively. Parental perception of positive neighbourhood social cohesion, positive environs and connectivity, and negative child safety concerns, were associated with child physical activity outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS: Aspects of parental perceptions of the neighbourhood were associated with child physical activity outcomes, and should be further explored to appropriately inform policy and practice in curbing declining physical activity levels among children in SSA.

KW: SR2S

Language: en