Neighborhood determinants of self-efficacy, physical activity, and body weights among Canadian children.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the presence and pathways of the influence of neighborhood characteristics on self-efficacy, physical activity (PA) and body weight among pre-adolescent children.


METHODS
In 2008, we surveyed grade 5 students on self-efficacy, physical activity, neighborhood perception and measures of height and weight. We applied multilevel logistic regression methods and structural equation modeling to assess the presence and pathways of the influence of neighborhood characteristics on self-efficacy, PA and body weight.


METHODS
Of about 3421 grade 5 students from 148 randomly selected schools from across Alberta, Canada.


RESULTS
We identified neighborhood satisfaction and services as well as neighborhood sidewalks and parks as determinants of self-efficacy. Over and above various independent associations of neighborhood characteristics with self-efficacy, PA and body weight, self-efficacy exhibited a positive effect on PA and a negative effect on body weight.


CONCLUSIONS
Both infrastructural investments such as in recreational facilities, sidewalks and parks, as well as health education to promote self-efficacy may increase PA and prevent overweight among children.
Davidson
Z
Z
School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 650 University Terrace, 8303-112 Street, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
Simen-Kapeu
A
A
Veugelers
P J
PJ
D000416:Alberta / Q000453:epidemiology; D001835:Body Weight; D002648:Child; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D020377:Self Efficacy