Built environments and physical activities in adolescents aged 13-15

Abstract

This study examined how a built environment influences physical activity among adolescents 13-15 years old. The study sample included 269 junior high school students studying in Nangang District, Taipei, Taiwan. Physical activity data of the sample were obtained by surveying adolescents based on self-administered short version of International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) in 2010-2011; the built environment data came from statistical reports and a geographical information system. The frequency, duration and meeting guidelines of physical activity were analyzed using various econometric methods including ordered logit model, negative binomial regression model and binary logit model. Analytical results indicate that raised building density, road density, block size and accessibility to destinations of daily life activity encouraged active transportation while raised residential density and mixed land uses discouraged active transportation. Furthermore, increased road density encouraged leisure activity while increased land use mix, intersection density and distance to transit system discouraged leisure activity. Results of this study significantly contribute to efforts to examine comprehensive measures of physical activity and built environment among Chinese adolescents.