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Journal of Public Health

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Open Access 20-09-2022 | Original Article

Psychosocial and environmental determinants of active transport to school in Austrian rural communities: a cross-sectional study among schoolchildren and their parents

Authors: Kathrin Hofer-Fischanger, Gerlinde Grasser, Mireille N. M. van Poppel

Published in: Journal of Public Health | Issue 11/2023

Abstract

Background

Active transport to school (ATS) is an effective health-promoting intervention to integrate physical activity into children’s everyday lives. While previous studies have examined environmental and behavioural determinants on ATS in urban areas, evidence on rural areas is rare.

Method

This study examined whether environmental and psychosocial characteristics are associated with ATS in two rural communities in Austria. Participants from four schools (two primary / two secondary schools) returned a self-reported questionnaire on individual and environmental determinants of ATS consisting of one section for parents and one for children, with 382 of the 467 total responses being included in the analysis.

Results

Bivariate analyses showed a significant association of psychosocial characteristics of parents and children (intention, attitude, social norm, perceived behavioural control: p < 0.001), one environmental item (walking and cycling network: p ≤ 0.001) as well as distance and duration for walking to/from school between ATS. In a multiple regression model, the chances of participating in ATS were higher among children who have higher perceived behavioural control, walk between 5 to 10 minutes to school, and whose parents have a higher commitment to ATS.

Conclusions

Future initiatives to enhance ATS in rural areas should focus on the control beliefs of parents and children, and should involve parents in order to increase parents’ commitment to ATS. Additionally, measures should explore the effects of active transport promotion in the context of public transport and school buses. Above all, further opportunities for ATS should be considered in spatial and community planning.

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Title: Psychosocial and environmental determinants of active transport to school in Austrian rural communities: a cross-sectional study among schoolchildren and their parents
Authors: Kathrin Hofer-Fischanger
Gerlinde Grasser
Mireille N. M. van Poppel
Publication date: 20-09-2022
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Journal of Public Health / Issue 11/2023
Print ISSN: 2198-1833
Electronic ISSN: 1613-2238
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-022-01754-8

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Psychosocial and environmental determinants of active transport to school in Austrian rural communities: a cross-sectional study among schoolchildren and their parents

Abstract

Background

Method

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

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Abstract

Background

Method

Results

Conclusions

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