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Factors Associated With Leisure Time Physical Activity Among Schoolchildren in a Predominantly Latino Community
Author(s) -
Escaron Anne L.,
VegaHerrera Celia,
Steers Neil,
Chung Jane,
Martinez Corina,
Hochman Michael,
Lara Marielena
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of school health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.851
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 1746-1561
pISSN - 0022-4391
DOI - 10.1111/josh.12755
Subject(s) - physical activity , leisure time , low income , psychology , gerontology , medicine , environmental health , demography , physical therapy , sociology , socioeconomics
BACKGROUND School initiatives aimed at increasing physical activity (PA) may improve the health of children in low‐income communities. METHODS Assessors completed 5909 observations of students' PA during leisure periods using a validated instrument in 19 schools in low‐income Latino communities. We examined relationships between school environment factors (eg, presence of playground equipment) and levels of moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA). RESULTS Overall, 16.4% of students were engaged in vigorous activity, lower than reported in prior analyses. Consistent with earlier reports, boys were more engaged in vigorous PA than girls (18.6% vs 13.2%). Playground equipment, such as balls and jump ropes, were present in 27.5% of activity areas. Supervision was present in 83.1% of observations; however, staff members were only observed leading organized activity in 1.7%. Playground equipment was associated with higher rates of MVPA, particularly among elementary boys (p < .0001). Staff supervision was not associated with MVPA, possibly because staff members rarely led organized activity. CONCLUSIONS We found low rates of leisure time PA among students in this low‐income Latino community. The presence of playground equipment was favorably associated with activity levels. Increasing the availability of playground equipment might promote activity among children in similar populations.