Differences in physical activity levels between urban and rural school children in Cyprus

Abstract

This study attempted to examine differences in physical activity levels between urban and rural primary school children. The sample consisted of 256 Greek-Cypriot children and their parents from two schools representing urban areas and three schools representing rural areas. Children's activity levels were assessed for 4 weekdays in the winter and for 4 weekdays in the summer using a pedometer (DW-200; Yamax, Tokyo, Japan). Daily step counts were used to describe children's activity levels. Parents completed a questionnaire assessing environmental variables in both seasons. Two-way ANOVAs indicated that urban school children were significantly more active in winter than rural school children (means = 13,583 +/- 4,313 versus 12 436 +/- 3610, P < 0.001) and that rural school children were significantly more active in the summer (means = 16,450 +/- 5134 versus 14,531 +/- 4,901, P < 0.001). Parents of children in rural schools reported more space available in the garden and in the neighbourhoods, and safer neighbourhoods than parents of children in urban schools, whereas children in urban schools had more exercise equipment available at home and were transported more frequently to places where they could be physically active. Results of this study suggest that intervention programmes to promote physical activity need to consider seasonal and geographical location differences in physical activity levels.

An international comparison of patterns of participation in leisure activities for children with and without disabilities in Sweden, Norway and the Netherlands

“…Another environmental factor of importance is population density of the child's living area, children and adolescents from rural districts tend to spend more time doing outdoor games, sports and domestic chores, whereas children in urban areas spend more time in organized sports, in designated play areas or specialized institutions where they are transported by an adult to play and be physically active [29,41,42]. The Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment (CAPE) is a selfreported measure of participation assessing the number of leisure activities done and the intensity of the involvement [28,43].…”

Türkiye’deki 11, 13, 15 yaşındaki okul çocuklarının fiziksel etkinlik düzeylerinin demografik özellikler, beslenme alışkanlıkları ve hareketsiz yaşam davranışlarıyla ilişkisi

“…In a study performed in children attending the elementary school in Cyprus, it was found that children living in rural areas were more active in summer months and children living in urban areas were more active in winter months (41). Since our study was performed in May, it may be predicted that seasonal effect would be minimal.…”

“…There are also studies showing that physical activity level shows seasonal variability (41). In a study performed in children attending the elementary school in Cyprus, it was found that children living in rural areas were more active in summer months and children living in urban areas were more active in winter months (41).…”

Effects of Playing with Gadgets on Elementary School Children in Urban and Rural Environment

“…Children who lives in rural area experienced more actvities than those who lives in urban areas. Children who lives in positive environment have tendencies to behave negative behaviour (Loucaides et al, 2004;David-Ferdon, & Hertz. 2007)).…”