57 research outputs found
Outdoor fitness equipment in parks: a qualitative study from older adultsâ perceptions
Write, draw, show, and tell: a child-centred dual methodology to explore perceptions of out-of-school physical activity
Background
Research to increase childrenâs physical activity and inform intervention design has, to date, largely underrepresented childrenâs voices. Further, research has been limited to singular qualitative methods that overlook childrenâs varied linguistic ability and interaction preference. The aim of this study was to use a novel combination of qualitative techniques to explore childrenâs current views, experiences and perceptions of out-of-school physical activity as well as offering formative opinion about future intervention design.
Methods
Write, draw, show and tell (WDST) groups were conducted with 35 children aged 10â11 years from 7 primary schools. Data were analysed through a deductive and inductive process, firstly using the Youth Physical Activity Promotion Model as a thematic framework, and then inductively to enable emergent themes to be further explored. Pen profiles were constructed representing key emergent themes.
Results
The WDST combination of qualitative techniques generated complimentary interconnected data which both confirmed and uncovered new insights into factors relevant to childrenâs out-of-school physical activity. Physical activity was most frequently associated with organised sports. Fun, enjoyment, competence, and physical activity provision were all important predictors of childrenâs out-of-school physical activity. Paradoxically, parents served as both significant enablers (i.e. encouragement) and barriers (i.e. restricting participation) to physical activity participation. Some of these key findings would have otherwise remained hidden when compared to more traditional singular methods based approaches.
Conclusions
Parents are in a unique position to promote health promoting behaviours serving as role models, physical activity gatekeepers and choice architects. Given the strong socialising effect parents have on childrenâs physical activity, family-based physical activity intervention may offer a promising alternative compared to traditional school-based approaches. Parents' qualitative input is important to supplement childrenâs voices and inform future family-based intervention design. The WDST method developed here is an inclusive, interactive and child-centred methodology which facilitates the exploration of a wide range of topics and enhances data credibility
The Linked CENTURY Study: linking three decades of clinical and public health data to examine disparities in childhood obesity
Gene activity in primary T cells infected with HIV89.6: intron retention and induction of genomic repeats
Substance use during pregnancy: risk factors and obstetric and perinatal outcomes in South Australia
Objective: To determine the prevalence of self-reported substance use during pregnancy in South Australia, the characteristics of substance users, their obstetric outcomes and the perinatal outcomes of their babies. Methods: Multivariable logistic regression with STATA statistical software was undertaken using the South Australianperinatal data collection 1998â2002. An audit was conducted on every fifth case coded as substance use to identify the actual substances used. Results: Substance use was reported by women in 707 of 89 080 confinements (0.8%). Marijuana (38.9%), methadone (29.9%), amphetamines (14.6%) and heroin (12.5%) were most commonly reported, with polydrug use among 18.8% of the women audited. Substance users were more likely than non-users to be smokers, to have a psychiatric condition, to be single, indigenous, of lower socio-economic status and living in the metropolitan area. The outcome models had poor predictive powers. Substance use was associated with increased risks for placental abruption (OR 2.53) and antepartum haemorrhage from other causes (OR 1.41). The exposed babies had increased risks for preterm birth (OR 2.63), small for gestational age (OR 1.79), congenital abnormalities (1.52), nursery stays longer than 7 days (OR 4.07), stillbirth (OR 2.54) and neonatal death (OR 2.92). Conclusions: Substance use in pregnancy is associated with increased risks for antepartum haemorrhage and poor perinatal outcomes. However, only a small amount of the variance in outcomes can be explained by the substance use alone. Recent initiatives to improve identification and support of women exposed to adverse health, psychosocial and lifestyle factors will need evaluation.Robyn Kennare, Adrian Heard and Annabelle Cha
Exploring the distribution of park availability, features, and quality across Kansas City, Missouri by income and race/ethnicity: an environmental justice investigation
Background: Parks are key community assets for physical activity, but some evidence suggests these resources are not equitably distributed.
Purpose: This study examined disparities by income and race/ethnicity in the availability, features, and quality of parks across Kansas City, Missouri.
Methods: All parks and census tracts (CTs) were mapped using GIS and park features and quality were determined via audits. MANCOVAs analyzed differences in park availability, features, and quality across low, medium and high income and race/ethnicity CT tertiles.
Results: Low income CTs contained significantly more parks, but also had fewer parks with playgrounds and more quality concerns per park. High minority CTs had more parks with basketball courts, but fewer parks with trails. Medium income CTs contained
more aesthetic features per park.
Conclusions: Future research should examine policies that contribute to and that might rectify disparities in park features and quality, especially in low income and high minority areas
- âŠ