title: Perceptions of the built environment in relation to physical activity in Portuguese adolescents.
abstract: In this study, we investigated the association between perceptions of the built environment and physical activity among Portuguese boys and girls. Participants were 1124 adolescents (592 girls and 532 boys) 12- to 18-years-old. Physical activity and perceptions of environmental characteristics were assessed by self-report questionnaires. Significantly more girls (p<0.01) were classified as low-active (61.5%) compared to boys (22.9%). Logistic regression analyses (adjusted for age) showed a significant association between girl's physical activity and availability of free- or low-cost recreational facilities in the neighbourhood (OR=1.44; 95% CI 0.99-2.11). Among boys, the presence of people being active in the neighbourhood was associated with higher levels of physical activity (OR=1.59; 95% CI 1.05-2.40). Perceptions of some aspects of neighbourhood environment may relate differently to participation in physical activity for boys compared to girls.
authors.affiliation: Research Centre in Physical Activity Health and Leisure, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Plácido Costa, 91 4200-450 Porto, Portugal; Department of Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences, University of Bristol, UK. Electronic address: msantos@fade.up.pt.
authors.forename: Maria Paula
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Santos
authors.affiliation: Department of Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences, University of Bristol, UK.
authors.forename: Angie S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Page
authors.affiliation: Department of Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences, University of Bristol, UK.
authors.forename: Ashley R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Cooper
authors.affiliation: Research Centre in Physical Activity Health and Leisure, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Plácido Costa, 91 4200-450 Porto, Portugal.
authors.forename: José Carlos
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Ribeiro
authors.affiliation: Research Centre in Physical Activity Health and Leisure, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Plácido Costa, 91 4200-450 Porto, Portugal.
authors.forename: Jorge
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mota
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D002648:Child; D004779:Environment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D010465:Perception; D011174:Portugal; D012111:Residence Characteristics