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Abstract
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Introduction
Active commuting to school (ACS) contributes to children's overall physical activity levels, providing multiple health benefits. However, studies analyzing the modes of transport used among children of preschool age (3-5 years), as well as which factors affect ACS, are scant.
Methods
We performed a mixed-method study, initially taking a qualitative approach in collaboration with parents of preschool-aged children (i.e., focus groups), to identify their usual modes of commuting to school with their offspring. Following this, we asked parents, through a questionnaire, about the modes of transport to school they use with their children, as well as the weekly use-frequency of each mode. In addition, they were asked about perceived barriers to ACS and we also measured the distance from their home to school. The final sample consisted of 96 parents of preschool-aged children (51.6% girls) from the city of Valencia and its metropolitan area. Finally, we used mixed linear regression analysis to evaluate the relationship between each independent variable and ACS.
Results
The focus groups identified modes of transport that were not found in other age groups, including: the back of parent's bike, in a buggy, on a strider balance bike, or a bike with training wheels. Young children that live farther away from school showed lower levels of ACS (p = 0.012). Psychosocial and planning barriers negatively affected ACS (p = 0.011).
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that greater involvement of institutions and educational communities will be required to create education programs that provide tools for overcoming psychosocial and planning barriers to ACS in order to leave behind the comfort of motorized transport.
Keywords: SR2S
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