Correlates of active transport to school in german primary school children

Abstract

Background: Active travel to school is a central source of physical activity for children. However, more and more children use passive modes of transport to commute to school. In order to reverse this trend, it is important to understand correlates of active school transport. Therefore, this study investigated a number of childand family-related correlates affecting children’s active travel to school. Methods: Parents of 1,690 primary school children (7.1±0.6 years; 50.4% male) provided data on children’s physical activity, modes of transport, parental physical activity and health consciousness as well as socio-demographic information. Children’s weight status was assessed objectively. Individual logistic regressions were used to determine odds ratios (OR) for all correlates adjusting for age and gender. Results: Significantly related to active commute to school were children’s weight status (OR 0.67, CI [0.48, 0.95], p≤.03), migration background (OR 1.59, CI [1.28, 1.97], p≤.01), distance to school (OR 4.50, CI [3.59, 5.66], p≤.01), maternal physical activity and health consciousness (OR 1.60, CI [1.30, 1.97], p≤.01; OR 1.44, CI [1.17, 1.77], p≤.01; respectively), family education level (OR 1.29, CI [1.03, 1.61], p≤.03) and household income (OR 0.54, CI [0.40, 0.73], p≤.01). ››Discussion: A multiplicity of independent correlates of active travel to school has been considered. Understanding these factors might support the development of effective health-promoting interventions.