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Kids in the city study: research design and methodology
Melody Oliver1, Karen Witten, Robin A Kearns
1School of Environment, The University of Auckland, Auckland, NZ. r.kearns@auckland.ac.nz
BMC Public Health
|July 26, 2011
Summary
Declining children's independent mobility (unsupervised outdoor activities) is linked to sedentary lifestyles. This study examines how urban design in Auckland neighborhoods impacts children's independent mobility and physical activity levels.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Urban Planning
- Pediatric Health
Background:
- Children's physical activity and independent mobility have declined globally.
- Sedentary lifestyles are linked to safety concerns, car dependency, and urban design.
- Independent mobility is crucial for children's physical activity and overall health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how urban neighborhood environments influence children's independent mobility.
- To understand the relationship between the built environment and children's physical activity.
- To identify urban design attributes that support or restrict children's independent mobility.
Main Methods:
- Study conducted in six diverse Auckland neighborhoods.
- 160 children (9-11 years) and parents participated.
- Objective measures (GPS, accelerometers, GIS) and qualitative methods were used to assess mobility, activity, and perceptions.
Main Results:
- Specific urban design attributes were associated with children's independent mobility.
- Objective measures provided epidemiological data on built environment and health outcomes.
- Qualitative data offered insights into children's and parents' neighborhood experiences.
Conclusions:
- This research is among the first to link specific urban design features to child independent mobility.
- Robust objective measures were employed to establish associations.
- Findings contribute to understanding built environment impacts on pediatric health and activity.
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