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Journal of Community Health
Published in: Journal of Community Health 1/2021

01-02-2021 | Original Paper

Socio-economic and Regional Differences in Walkability and Greenspace Around Primary Schools: A Census of Australian Primary School Neighbourhoods

Authors: Jane Jacobs, Kathryn Backholer, Claudia Strugnell, Steven Allender, Melanie Nichols

Published in: Journal of Community Health | Issue 1/2021

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Abstract

Socio-economic inequality in the physical activity environment surrounding primary schools may contribute to socio-economic gradients in physical activity and childhood obesity levels. Using a cross-sectional study design, ordinary least squares and logistic regressions were fitted to assess variation in walkability and greenspace within 1 km of primary schools (n = 7133) according to area-level socio-economic position (SEP) and remoteness. Effect modification by school location (major cities or regional/remote) was assessed through stratified analyses. Walkability scores significantly increased from low to high school neighbourhood SEP (p < 0.01) and from remote/very remote to major city locations (p < 0.01). Greenspace area (hectares) in the school neighbourhood was greater in highest compared to lowest SEP areas (β = 18.75, 95%CI 6.63, 30.87) and less in major cities compared to remote/very remote locations (β = − 23.9, 95%CI − 39.7, − 8.1). Schools in highest SEP areas and major cities had higher odds of having any greenspace in their neighbourhood, compared to those in lowest SEP and remote/very remote locations (OR 5.93, (95% CI 4.50, 7.05), OR 20.19, (95% CI 16.05, 25.39) respectively). Stratified results (major cities or regional/remote locations) found the highest SEP school neighbourhoods had higher walkability scores and more greenspace compared to lowest SEP school neighbourhoods in both strata, although overall SEP gradient in walkability and greenspace area only remained in major cities. Walkability and greenspace infrastructure in the school neighbourhood could be improved in areas of lower SEP so that all school children have the opportunity for physical activity.
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Metadata
Title
Socio-economic and Regional Differences in Walkability and Greenspace Around Primary Schools: A Census of Australian Primary School Neighbourhoods
Authors
Jane Jacobs
Kathryn Backholer
Claudia Strugnell
Steven Allender
Melanie Nichols
Publication date
01-02-2021
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Community Health / Issue 1/2021
Print ISSN: 0094-5145
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3610
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-020-00851-7

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