title: A new community-based outdoor intervention to increase physical activity in Singapore children: findings from focus groups.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Myopia is a significant public health problem in Singapore with estimates that more than 50% of the population is affected by it by the time of adulthood. Childhood obesity is also increasing and has been linked to long-term health problems. Recent studies have found that Singaporean children in Primary 1 spend less than 3 hours a day outdoors which is less than children in other countries. Physical activity has been shown to be protective against obesity and recently, there has been some evidence to suggest that time spent outdoors may reduce the prevalence and severity of myopia. This study aims to explore the barriers and enablers to children in Singapore participating in outdoor activities.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative data, gathered from focus group discussions was thematically analysed against the PRECEDE component of the PRECEDE-PROCEED model which provided a conceptual framework for examining factors relevant to children participating in an outdoor activity intervention. A total of 31 people participated in 4 focus groups held over a 6-month period.
  
  
  RESULTS
  This feasibility study was exploratory in nature but provided valuable information concerning barriers and enablers to participation. Data informed the development of a larger study.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results indicated that families preferred structured activities such as orienteering and a choice of weekend attendance days and times.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery University, Australia. v.drury@curtin.edu
authors.forename: Vicki B
authors.initials: VB
authors.lastname: Drury
authors.forename: Seang Mei
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Saw
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Finkelstein
authors.forename: Tien Yin
authors.initials: TY
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: Peter Kc
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Tay
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003256:Community Participation; D003376:Counseling; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D017144:Focus Groups; D015438:Health Behavior; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007590:Jogging / Q000502:physiology; D008499:Medical Records; D009042:Motivation; D009043:Motor Activity; D009216:Myopia / Q000517:prevention & control; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D016730:Program Development; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology; D012846:Singapore; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology