Murtagh, EM,Dempster, M,Murphy, MH

2016

July

Health & Place

Determinants of uptake and maintenance of active commuting to school

Published

()

Physical activity Active travel School Commute Child Determinant PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY LEVELS FUTURE-RESEARCH URBAN FORM CHILDREN TRANSPORTATION WALKING TRAVEL YOUTH ASSOCIATIONS ADOLESCENCE

40

9

14

The objective was to identify determinants of uptake and maintenance of active school travel (AST) over 4 years in children aged 9 at baseline. Data from wave 1 (n=8502) and 2 (n=7479) of the Growing Up in Ireland study were analysed. At 9- and 13-years 25% and 20% engaged in AST. Children were more likely to maintain or take-up AST if they lived in an urban area. Change in distance to school influenced both maintenance and adoption of AST, with a negative impact seen for increased distance between 9 and 13 years and a positive impact seen for decreased distance. Some factors which predict uptake and maintenance of AST are modifiable and can inform intervention development. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

10.1016/j.healthplace.2016.04.009