The built environment can impact health outcomes, and for children in particular, their wellbeing may be affected by the quality and quantity of physical activity they can access within their communities. In a recently published study in Childhood Obesity, researchers sought to examine how elements of the built environment impact activity and excess weight in preschool-aged children.
The study utilized existing data on over 140,000 children ages 4 to 6, who were born between 2005 and 2015 in Alberta, Canada and visited a public health unit between 2009 and 2021 in the cities of Edmonton or Calgary to receive pre-kindergarten immunizations. Weight status was calculated based on the Word Health Organization body mass index growth charts, and children were categorized as either normal weight or excess weight. Those who were underweight or had other extreme outliers were excluded from the study.
The researchers analyzed the following components of the built environment in Edmonton and Calgary based on potential correlations to childhood obesity: distances to the nearest playground, major park, and school; street intersection density; and number of playgrounds and major parks within an 800 meter buffer zone. Statistical models that predict probability were utilized to estimate associations between the selected variables and excess weight in children.
The researchers observed differences between the two cities for multiple physical activity-related built environment variables, including proximity to and the number of parks and playgrounds as well as intersection density. While there was a correlation between certain variables and excess weight, the trajectory of these relationships differed by variable and location. The researchers suggest this variance is likely due to the unique sociodemographic and geographic profiles of each city, and as such, they recommend tailored strategies that address the distinct characteristics of individual communities as a way to improve children’s access to physical activity.
This publication was co-authored by the CVC’s Jessica Wijesundera, MSc (trainee), Anamaria Savu, PhD, Douglas Dover, PhD, and Padma Kaul, PhD, along with Geoff Ball, PhD, RD and Andrea Haqq, MD, MHS (University of Alberta) and Alexander Wray, MA and Jason Gilliland, PhD (Western University).
