OTREC-RR-09-06

OTREC-RR-09-06Since the mid 1980s, the prevalence of obesity among children in the United States increased dramatically. Researchers have recently started examining the degree to which community level factors influence childrens physical activity, and in particular, active transportation to and from school. Walkability factors such as the density of intersections, lack of dead ends, and tree cover near schools have been found to be positive predictors of children

Since the mid 1980s, the prevalence of obesity among children in the United States increased dramatically. Researchers have recently started examining the degree to which community-level factors influence childrenÕs physical activity, and in particular, active transportation to and from school. ÒWalkabilityÓ factors such as the density of intersections, lack of dead ends, and tree cover near schools have been found to be positive predictors of children walking to school. The study examined two key research questions. First, we examinee the contributions of walkability measures and perceived neighborhood safety on active transportation among an ethnically diverse group of low income children. Second, we investigatee the relationship between childrenÕs active transportation and overall physical activity and obesity. The data set used for this research is a cross sectional survey of 765 parents and guardians of children in Florida aged 5-18 who receive Medicaid, the health coverage program for the low income.