Influence of parental perception of school safety and gender on children’s physical activity in Mexico: A cross sectional study

• Main Authors: Amy Hutchens, Erica G Soltero, Simón Barquera, Lucie Lévesque, Edtna Jauregui, Juan Lopez y Taylor, Rebecca E Lee
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública 2016-01-01
• Series: Salud Pública de México
• Subjects: physical activity; parenteral perception; children; gender; safety; environment; schools; health behavior
• Online Access: http://www.saludpublica.mx/index.php/spm/article/view/7662

Objective. This cross sectional study aims to determine the effects of gender and parental perception of safety at school on children’s physical activity (PA) levels. Materials and methods. Parents of school aged Mexican children residing in Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Puerto Vallarta, completed surveys about their children’s PA measures. The physical activity indicators were evaluated using linear and logistical regression models. Results. Analysis did not indicate that gender moderated the relationship between parental perception of safety and PA measures, but significant gender issues exist with girls participating less than boys in the three measures of PA in this study (p<0.001). Conclusion. Results suggest the need for additional interventions promoting physical activity in girls in Mexico.