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1.
J Phys Act Health ; 21(3): 238-246, 2024 Mar 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38141604

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: We aimed to identify long-term patterns of sport participation (overall, team, and individual sport) from childhood into adolescence, and to examine the association between these patterns and academic outcomes. METHODS: This cohort study used data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children in wave 3 (4-5 y) to wave 9 (20-21 y). The participants were a nationally representative sample of 4241 children. We conducted latent class analyses to identify sport participation trajectories and assessed the association between these trajectories and academic outcomes. RESULTS: Continued sport participation was associated with lower odds of being absent from school (OR = 0.44; 95% confidence intervals [CIs], 0.26 to 0.74), better performance on attention (B = -0.010; 95% CIs, -0.019 to -0.002) and working memory (B = -0.013; 95% CIs, -0.023 to -0.003), higher numeracy (B = 20.21; 95% CIs, 14.56 to 25.86) and literacy scores (B = 9.42; 95% CIs, 2.82 to 16.02), higher end of school academic performance (B = 3.28; 95% CIs, 1.47 to 5.09), and higher odds of studying at university (OR = 1.78; 95% CIs, 1.32 to 2.40). Team sport participation was associated with reduced absenteeism, better performance on attention and working memory, and being awarded the Higher School Certificate. Whereas individual sport participation was associated with higher literacy scores and end of school academic performance. CONCLUSIONS: Team and individual sport participation both benefit academic outcomes, but differently. Given the decline in sport participation during adolescence, these findings highlight the need to develop educational policies to establish an environment that promotes sport participation, which in turn could improve academic outcomes.


Subject(s)
Academic Success , Adolescent , Child , Humans , Longitudinal Studies , Cohort Studies , Australia , Exercise
2.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37771130

ABSTRACT

ISSUE ADDRESSED: Regular physical activity is important for children's health. Parkrun supports communities to deliver free, weekly, 5 km events in 22 countries around the world and is the largest physical activity model delivered at scale in the world. Junior parkrun aims to encourage children aged 4-14 years to be active outdoors through providing safe, cost-free and non-competitive weekly timed walk, run or jog over a 2-km distance. The aim of this study is to evaluate the junior parkrun pilot in Australia. METHODS: A process evaluation was conducted using routinely collected data of junior parkrun participants, as well as a self-completed questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 1827 children had registered and participated in at least one junior parkrun over the course of the pilot period. Participants had, on average, attended 10% of the junior parkrun events including and subsequent to their first participation by the end of the study period. Majority of parents (61%) said that junior parkrun had increased their child's physical activity either a little or a lot, and most agreed or strongly agreed that junior parkrun was fun (90%), enjoyable (91%), energising (85%) and challenging (70%). CONCLUSION: The junior parkrun pilot appears to show promise in Australia for enabling children to engage in physical activity, in their local communities in a fun and inclusive way. SO WHAT: Parkrun junior can co-exist with other organised sports programs; however, it can also specifically target those not participating in any sports, given the high levels of enjoyment in a non-competitive, non-team environment.

3.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36901093

ABSTRACT

Vouchers that reduce the cost of sport and active recreation participation have been shown to increase children's and adolescent's physical activity levels. Yet, the influence of government-led voucher programs on the capacity of sport and active recreation organisations is unclear. This qualitative study explored the experiences of stakeholders in the sport and recreation sector that were engaged in implementing the New South Wales (NSW) Government's Active Kids voucher program in Australia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 29 sport and active recreation providers. Interview transcriptions were analysed by a multidisciplinary team using the Framework method. Overall, participants reported that the Active Kids voucher program was an acceptable intervention to address the cost barrier to participation for children and adolescents. Three main steps influenced the capacity of organisations to deliver their sport and recreation programs and the voucher program: (1) Implementation priming-alignment of the intervention aims with stakeholder priorities and early information sharing, (2) Administrative ease-enhanced technology use and establishment of simple procedures, and (3) Innovation impacts-enablement of staff and volunteers to address barriers to participation for their participants. Future voucher programs should include strategies to enhance the capacity of sport and active recreation organisations to meet program guidelines and increase innovation.


Subject(s)
Sports , Child , Adolescent , Humans , Recreation , Health Behavior , Australia , New South Wales
4.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35805601

ABSTRACT

National strategies are needed to continue to promote the broader benefits of participating in sport and organised physical activity to reduce physical inactivity and related disease burden. This paper employs the RE-AIM framework to evaluate the impact of the federally funded $150 million Move it AUS program in engaging inactive people in sport and physical activity through the Participation (all ages) and Better Ageing (over 65 years) funding streams. A pragmatic, mixed-methods evaluation was conducted to understand the impact of the grant on both the participants, and the funded organisations. This included participant surveys, case studies, and qualitative interviews with funded program leaders. A total of 75% of participants in the Participation stream, and 65% in the Better Ageing stream, were classified as inactive. The largest changes in overall physical activity behaviour were seen among socioeconomically disadvantaged participants and culturally and linguistically diverse participants. Seven key insights were gained from the qualitative interviews: Clarity of who, Partnerships, Communication, Program delivery, Environmental impacts, Governance, and that Physical inactivity must be a priority. The Move It AUS program successfully engaged physically inactive participants. Additional work is needed to better engage inactive people that identify as culturally and linguistically diverse, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and those that live in disadvantaged communities in sport and physical activities. Tangible actions from the seven key insights should be adopted into workforce capability planning for the sport sector to effectively engage physically inactive communities.


Subject(s)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander , Sports , Exercise , Humans , Sedentary Behavior , Workforce
5.
BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil ; 14(1): 103, 2022 Jun 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35676741

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Sports have a focus on increasing participation, which contributes to increasing population levels of physical activity, social cohesion and longevity of the sport. The primary aim of this study was to examine reasons for drop-out of a popular team sport in Australia, Field Hockey and identify opportunities to increase participation. METHODS: This longitudinal study obtained routinely collected registered player data from Hockey New South Wales over two consecutive years, and survey data from registered players who dropped out. Logistic regression models identified demographic subgroups who were more likely to drop out of sport, and the reasons for dropping out. RESULTS: In 2018, 8463 (31%) of hockey players did not return to play hockey after the previous season and 805 (10%) of these completed a survey. Specific groups who were more likely to stop playing included 5-6 years (OR: 2.1, 95% CI 1.8-2.6; reference: 12-17 years), females (OR: 1.1, 95% CI 1.0-1.2; reference: males), Indigenous (OR: 1.2, 95% CI 1.1-1.4; reference: non-Indigenous), most disadvantaged (OR: 1.1, 95% CI 1.0-1.2; reference: least disadvantaged) or regional and remote (1.1, 95% CI 1.0-1.2; reference: major cities). Top reasons for drop out were medical/age (17%), change in circumstances (16%) and high cost (13%), lack of time (13%) and lack of enjoyment (7%). CONCLUSIONS: Although Hockey successfully reaches a large proportion of underrepresented groups in sport, these groups are more likely to drop out. Sports should consult these groups to develop enjoyable, flexible, and modifiable versions of the game that are appropriate to their needs.

6.
Pediatrics ; 149(3)2022 03 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35156121

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT: Racial/ethnic inequities are well documented in both maternal-infant health and substance use disorder treatment outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review research on maternal-infant dyads affected by opioid use disorder (OUD) to evaluate for racial/ethnic disparities in health utilization or outcomes and critically assess the reporting and inclusion of race/ethnicity data. DATA SOURCES: Peer-reviewed literature in MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science from 2000 to 2020. STUDY SELECTION: Research reporting health utilization and outcomes data on dyads affected by OUD during pregnancy through the infant's first birthday. DATA EXTRACTION: We extracted data on race/ethnicity, study exposures/outcomes, how race/ethnicity data were analyzed, how authors discussed findings associated with race/ethnicity, and whether racism was mentioned as an explanation for findings. RESULTS: Of 2023 articles reviewed, 152 quantitative and 17 qualitative studies were included. Among quantitative studies, 66% examined infant outcomes (n = 101). Three articles explicitly focused on evaluating racial/ethnic differences among dyads. Among quantitative studies, 112 mentioned race/ethnicity, 63 performed analyses assessing for differences between exposure groups, 27 identified racial/ethnic differences, 22 adjusted outcomes for race/ethnicity in multivariable analyses, and 11 presented adjusted models stratified by race/ethnicity. None of the qualitative studies addressed the role that race, ethnicity, or racism may have had on the presented themes. CONCLUSIONS: Few studies were designed to evaluate racial/ethnic inequities among maternal-infant dyads affected by OUD. Data on race/ethnicity have been poorly reported in this literature. To achieve health equity across perinatal OUD, researchers should prioritize the inclusion of marginalized groups to better address the role that structural racism plays.


Subject(s)
Health Equity , Opioid-Related Disorders , Racism , Ethnicity , Female , Humans , Infant , Pregnancy , United States
7.
Health Promot J Austr ; 33(1): 7-18, 2022 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33570224

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The Active Kids voucher is a universal, state-wide voucher program, provided by the New South Wales (NSW) Government, Office of Sport. All school-aged children in NSW are eligible to receive a voucher to reduce registration costs of structured physical activity programs. This study explores reasons behind lower uptake among children who are overweight or obese, from cultural and linguistically diverse families and those living in low socio-economic areas. METHODS: Participants were recruited through a convenience sample of parent/carers who participated in the NSW Health Go4Fun program. Qualitative data were collected using focus groups. The Framework method was adapted for the analysis, taking an interpretive phenomenological approach. RESULTS: Study participants (n = 54) were all parents of children who were overweight or obese from both low and high socio-economic status (SES). Most reported speaking a primary language other than English at home (65%). Parents were mostly aware of the Active Kids program (91%) and reported that the voucher had a positive impact on their children's participation in structured physical activity. A range of socio-ecological factors, in addition to activity cost, influenced whether parents were able to use an Active Kids voucher and participate in structured physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: The Active Kids voucher does not alleviate all barriers, particularly for families living in low socio-economic areas. Engagement of this population in structured physical activities using the Active Kids vouchers could be strengthened through the implementation of effective interventions which comprehensively address the remaining barriers, such as access and flexibility of programs with local stakeholders and activity providers.


Subject(s)
Exercise , Sports , Child , Health Promotion , Humans , New South Wales , Qualitative Research
8.
Int J Occup Saf Ergon ; 28(1): 536-543, 2022 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32662327

ABSTRACT

Purpose. This study investigated the effect of different sit-stand workstations on lumbar spine kinematics, lumbar muscle activity and musculoskeletal pain. Methods. Thirty-two office workers were randomized to one of three sit-stand workstations (Group 1, ratio of minutes spent sitting to standing each hour at work 40:20, n = 8; Group 2, 30:30, n = 6; Group 3, 20:40, n = 7) and a control group (usual sitting, n = 11). Intervention groups (Groups 1, 2 and 3) were collapsed into one group for analysis (n = 21). Data on lumbar kinematics and muscle activity were only collected for 25 participants due to equipment availability. Results. Participants in the intervention group had lower overall lumbar spine flexion angles during the workday compared to the control group (mean difference 10.6°; 95% confidence interval [-18.1, -3.2]; p = 0.008; Cohen's d = 1.5). There were no between-group differences for the remaining kinematic measures (i.e., mean flexion angle in standing and sitting, mean side flexion angle in standing and sitting, and percentage of time in upright sitting), muscle activity or presence of musculoskeletal pain. Conclusions. Sit-stand workstations reduced overall lumbar spine flexion angles over the course of a workday but had no effect on other kinematic measures, lumbar spine muscle activity or musculoskeletal pain.Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry identifier: ACTRN12615001018505..


Subject(s)
Musculoskeletal Pain , Australia , Biomechanical Phenomena , Humans , Muscles , Posture , Workplace
9.
Med Sci Sports Exerc ; 54(2): 299-306, 2022 02 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34559728

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Physical activity can improve academic performance; however, much less is known about the specific association between sport participation and academic performance, and this evidence has not been synthesized. Our aim was to systematically review and combine via meta-analyses evidence of the association between sport participation and academic performance in children and adolescents. METHODS: We conducted searches of five electronic databases using sport and academic performance related terms. We combined evidence from eligible studies using a structural equation modeling approach to multilevel meta-analysis. RESULTS: From 115 eligible studies, most of which had a high risk of bias (k = 87), we meta-analyzed 298 effect sizes. Overall, sport participation had a small positive effect on academic performance (d = 0.26, 95% confidence interval = 0.09, 0.42). Moderator analyses indicated that sports participation was most beneficial for academic performance when it was at a moderate dose (i.e., 1-2 h·wk-1), compared with no sport or a high dose of sport (3+ h·wk-1). CONCLUSIONS: Sports participation during school hours was more beneficial for academic performance compared with sport participation outside school hours. Based on mostly low-quality studies, we found some evidence that sport could positively affect academic performance in children and adolescents. It appears that sport participation of a moderate dose and at school could be used to promote academic performance. However, if this field were to inform policy, high-quality studies are needed that provide insight into the effect of dose and sport characteristics on academic performance.


Subject(s)
Academic Performance , Exercise/psychology , Youth Sports/psychology , Adolescent , Child , Humans
10.
J Phys Act Health ; 18(11): 1321-1324, 2021 09 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34548424

ABSTRACT

The Australasian Society for Physical Activity aims to advance the science and practice of physical activity in Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania. Fun, enjoyment, and cross-disciplinary discourse are important to ensure the network of physical activity professionals and our collective voice continues to grow. In May 2021, Australasian Society for Physical Activity's Early Career Network curated an engaging online Physical Activity Debate attended by 206 professionals. This commentary provides a synopsis of the debate and the central arguments presented by the affirmative and negatives teams. The authors describe the debate format and interactive design of the online Physical Activity Debate to provide insights for future online events that aim to boost interaction among physical activity professionals from various disciplines.


Subject(s)
Exercise , Sedentary Behavior , Australasia , Australia , Humans , Oceania
12.
Prev Med Rep ; 22: 101349, 2021 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34141526

ABSTRACT

There has been limited population-level success in tackling overweight and obesity. The Active Kids program is a universal intervention that aims to increase participation in structured physical activity and sport among children and adolescents in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. This study examined the prevalence of overweight and obesity across subgroups and by social disadvantage in this large broadly representative sample. A cross-sectional study was conducted including all children (n = 671,375) who registered for an Active Kids Program voucher in 2018. The child's height and weight were obtained from an online registration form. Among children and adolescents who registered in the Active Kids Program, the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 17.2% and 7.6%, respectively. A large number of children and adolescents who lived in the most disadvantaged areas (n = 99,583; 14.8%) registered for the program. There was a clear socio-economic gradient for obesity prevalence across areas of increasing disadvantage, with children and adolescents living in the most disadvantaged area being 1.87 (95% CIs 1.82, 1.93) times more likely to be overweight or obese. The Active Kids program successfully reached a substantial proportion of children who are overweight and obese from socio-economically disadvantaged areas, providing financial support and opportunities for these children to participate in structured sport and physical activity. However, the program did not reach all children, and additional physical activity promotion strategies may be needed in a comprehensive approach. Nonetheless, these findings support government investment in reaching children who are overweight or obese with large-scale programs.

13.
Public Health Res Pract ; 31(2)2021 Jun 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34104931

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Background: Regular participation in physical activity during childhood and adolescence is important for good health. There is strong evidence of the physical and psychosocial benefits associated with recreational physical activity in these age groups, specifically in the context of organised sport. Most children in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, do not meet the recommended guidelines for physical activity, with financial cost commonly cited as a barrier to the initiation and maintenance of sport. The Active Kids program is a major policy initiative introduced in 2018 that aimed to overcome this barrier by implementing a statewide sport voucher scheme, allowing all NSW school-enrolled children (1.2 million) initial access to a $100 annual contribution towards organised sport and physical activity, with concurrent evaluation over the initial 4-year phase of the program. STUDY TYPE: This paper presents the protocol for evaluation of the Active Kids program, including an assessment of program impact on children's organised sport participation and recreational physical activity level, and analysis of the correlates of participation at individual, state and national levels. METHODS: A quasi-experimental and mixed-method evaluation will be used to examine the patterns of organised sport and recreational physical activity behaviour and the correlates associated with sports participation, voucher uptake and program reach. Sociodemographic information will be collected for each child who registers for a voucher. The effects of this program on children's health-enhancing physical activity, engagement with the sport sector, self-efficacy and social influences on participation will be monitored through a cohort study. Acceptability, engagement and experience of the voucher program will be assessed from both user and provider perspectives. Additionally, effects of the program on families' annual sport-related expenditure will be assessed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: It is anticipated that the implementation of the NSW Government's Active Kids program will increase participation in recreational physical activity among NSW children. The results of this evaluation will contribute to the evidence base and policy directions for sport voucher programs in Australia and internationally.


Subject(s)
Exercise/psychology , Health Promotion/methods , Sports/psychology , Adolescent , Australia , Child , Child, Preschool , Cohort Studies , Government , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Health Promotion/economics , Humans , New South Wales , Parents/psychology , Public Health , Sports/economics
14.
BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil ; 13(1): 59, 2021 Jun 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34103084

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Sports should endeavour to provide inclusive opportunities for all people to participate. More evidence is required to understand who joins sports clubs and what keeps participants engaged throughout their lifetime. Little is known about who plays netball or what drives participation and retention of players in netball. This study aimed to identify the sociodemographic characteristics of Netball New South Wales (NSW) members, their odds of re-registering in the sport, and explore their motivations to play, experiences during participation and the perceived benefits of playing netball. METHODS: We used longitudinal sport registration data from all Netball NSW members in 2018 and 2019. A cross-sectional online survey was sent to all players registered during the two-year study period (n = 157,152). We used logistic regression to determine the odds of individuals returning to netball in 2019 after playing in 2018 and linked the sports registration data with the survey responses, calculating frequencies and proportions. RESULTS: Netball NSW members were mostly female (98 %) and aged less than 18 years old (69 %). Netball NSW retained 68 % of members in 2019 who played the previous year. Members who were male, aged 18-44 years old, lived in low SES areas, lived in regional/remote locations, identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, spoke a language other than English at home or were born outside Australia had lower odds of returning to play from 2018 to 2019. Survey participants (n = 10,795) rated their experience playing netball highly and reported that playing netball improved their health and wellbeing. The main reason to play netball reported was 'fun and enjoyment' while the main reason to consider quitting was the 'skill/experience of umpires and officials'. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the strengths of netball in engaging and retaining females, who often participate in less sport than males. The positive experiences reported by netball participants should be fostered to retain current participants throughout the lifecourse. The data provided by members should be inform strategic actions to enhance netball participation for sociodemographic groups who had greatest odds of dropout. Routine surveillance using linked registration and player feedback should be utilised by sports to enhance sport delivery and increase participation.

15.
BMC Public Health ; 21(1): 22, 2021 01 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33423663

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: There is an urgent need for scaled-up effective interventions which overcome barriers to health-enhancing physical activity for children and adolescents. In New South Wales (NSW), Australia, the state government implemented a universal voucher program, 'Active Kids' to support the cost of structured physical activity registration for school-enrolled children aged 4.5-18 years old. The objective of this study was to understand the effects a financial incentive intervention delivered in a real-world setting has on children and adolescent's physical activity participation. METHOD: In 2018, all children and adolescents registered for an Active Kids voucher provided sociodemographic characteristics, physical activity and research consent. This prospective cohort study used an online survey with validated items to measure physical activity and other personal and social factors in children and adolescents who used an Active Kids voucher. Generalized linear mixed models were used to examine changes from registration to after voucher use at ≤8 weeks, 9-26 weeks and ≥ 6 months. RESULTS: Study participants reported increasing their days achieving physical activity guidelines from 4.0 days per week (95%CI 3.8, 4.2) at registration (n = 37,626 children) to 4.9 days per week (95%CI 4.7, 5.1) after 6 months (n = 14,118 children). Increased physical activity was observed for all sociodemographic population groups. The voucher-specific activity contributed 42.4% (95%CI 39.3, 45.5) to the total time children participated in structured physical activities outside of school. Children and adolescents who increased to, or maintained, high levels of activity were socially supported to be active, had active parent/caregivers, had better concentration and were overall happier than their low-active counterparts. CONCLUSION: The Active Kids program significantly increased children's physical activity levels and these increases continued over a six-month period. The Active Kids voucher program shows promise as a scaled-up intervention to increase children and adolescents' physical activity participation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry ACTRN12618000897268 , approved May 29th, 2018 - Retrospectively registered.


Subject(s)
Exercise , Motivation , Adolescent , Australia , Child , Child, Preschool , Humans , New South Wales , Prospective Studies
17.
Biotechnol Appl Biochem ; 67(4): 536-540, 2020.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33376255

ABSTRACT

Protein dimerization often occurs in many biological systems as to provide structural and functional advantages. A tris(5-iodoacetamido-1,10-phenanthroline)Ruthenium(II) complex was shown to promote the covalent dimerization of a P450 BM3 heme domain mutant containing a surface exposed non-native single cysteine residue. The formation of homodimeric species was confirmed by protein gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The dimeric species could be separated from the monomer and aggregates by size-exclusion chromatography. Docking simulation reveals a plausible structure with two proteins covalently conjugated to the inorganic compound.


Subject(s)
Coordination Complexes/chemistry , Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System/chemistry , Heme/chemistry , Phenanthrolines/chemistry , Protein Multimerization , Ruthenium/chemistry , Amino Acid Substitution , Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System/genetics , Mutation, Missense , Protein Domains
18.
J Phys Act Health ; 17(11): 1125-1133, 2020 09 29.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32994379

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: A combination of walking, other moderate physical activity, and vigorous physical activity is recommended for achieving good health. Vigorous activity has unique health benefits but may be less accessible to disadvantaged people. To reduce health inequity, we need to understand the differences in physical activity participation among socioeconomic subgroups and whether this is changing over time. METHODS: Data from the 2002 to 2015 Adult New South Wales Population Health Surveys (164,652 responses) were analyzed to investigate trends in walking, moderate and vigorous physical activity participation by socioeconomic status as measured by educational attainment. Analysis used age- and sex-adjusted multivariable linear models that accounted for complex survey design. RESULTS: In 2002, the highest socioeconomic group spent 18.5 (95% confidence interval, 8.2-28.8) minutes per week more than the lowest socioeconomic group being vigorously active. By 2015, this gap had steadily increased to 41.4 (95% confidence interval, 27.6-55.1) minutes per week. Inequity between groups was also found for duration of moderate activity but not for time spent walking. CONCLUSIONS: Low participation in vigorous activity in the lowest socioeconomic group is likely driving increasing inequities in physical activity and widening participation gaps over time. Barriers preventing the most disadvantaged people in New South Wales from engaging in vigorous activity should be addressed urgently.


Subject(s)
Exercise , Walking , Adult , Australia , Humans , New South Wales , Social Class
19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32781753

ABSTRACT

Active Kids is a government-led, universal voucher program that aims to reduce the cost of participation in structured physical activity for all school-enrolled children in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. As part of the Active Kids program evaluation, this cross-sectional study examined the Active Kids' program's reach to children in NSW and their physical activity behaviors, before voucher use. Demographic registration data from all children (4.5-18 years old) who registered for an Active Kids voucher in 2018 (n = 671,375) were compared with Census data. Binary and multinomial regression models assessed which correlates were associated with meeting physical activity guidelines and participation in the sessions of structured physical activity. The Active Kids program attracted more than half (53%) of all eligible children in NSW. Children who spoke a primary language other than English at home, were aged 15-18 years old, lived in the most disadvantaged areas, and girls, were less likely to register. Of the registered children, 70% had attended structured physical activity sessions at least once a week during the previous 12 months, whilst 19% achieved physical activity guidelines. Active Kids achieved substantial population reach and has the potential to improve children's physical activity behaviors.


Subject(s)
Exercise , Financial Support , Health Behavior , Adolescent , Australia , Child , Child, Preschool , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Male , New South Wales , Program Evaluation
20.
J Sci Med Sport ; 23(12): 1178-1184, 2020 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32653250

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Investigate sociodemographic factors associated with physical activity and sport participation among Indigenous children registered in the New South Wales (NSW) government-funded Active Kids voucher program in 2018, including comparison with non-Indigenous children. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: The Active Kids voucher program aims to support the cost of children's sport and physical activities. All children aged 5-18 years in NSW are eligible for a voucher. To register, parent/carers report child sociodemographic characteristics, physical activity, sport participation and optional height and weight. Regression models were used to determine which sociodemographic characteristics were associated with meeting physical activity guidelines and sport participation for Indigenous and non-Indigenous children. RESULTS: Of the 671,375 children aged 5-18 years, 36,129 (5.4%) were Indigenous. More Indigenous children than non-Indigenous children met the physical activity guidelines before registering in the Active Kids program. Indigenous children had greater odds of meeting physical activity guidelines across all socio-economic quartiles. Among non-Indigenous children, odds reduced with social disadvantage. Indigenous children (38%) were less likely to participate in organised physical activity and sport sessions at least twice a week compared to non-Indigenous children (43%). Indigenous children living in major cities had higher sport participation levels compared with those living in outer regional and remote areas. CONCLUSIONS: The Active Kids voucher program achieved population representative reach among Indigenous children, whose physical activity levels were higher than non-Indigenous children across all socioeconomic quartiles. The program has potential to supplement Indigenous children's physical activity levels using organised sessions and reduce sport drop-out among older children.


Subject(s)
Exercise , Health Promotion/methods , Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander , Sports , Adolescent , Child , Child, Preschool , Costs and Cost Analysis , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Financing, Government , Health Promotion/economics , Humans , Male , New South Wales , Program Evaluation , Socioeconomic Factors , Sports/economics
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