title: Low socio-economic environmental determinants of children's physical activity in Coventry, UK: A Qualitative study in parents.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Children's physical activity (PA) is affected by socio-economic status (SES) and the environment. Children are not fully autonomous in their decision making; parental decisions thus affect how children utilise their surrounding environments for PA. The aim was to examine environmental influences on children's PA from a qualitative perspective in parents from low SES wards in Coventry, UK.
  
  
  METHODS
  59 parents of children in year 4 (aged 8-9years) completed the ALPHA environmental questionnaire. 16 of these parents took part in focus group discussions examining environmental facilitators and barriers to their child's PA (March-April, 2013).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Emerging themes related to physical (i.e. poor access, safety and quality of the neighbourhood) and social environment (i.e. 'rough' neighbourhood due to crime and anti-social behaviour) influences on the PA behaviour of children. The parents believed these environmental factors resulted in the children engaging in greater sedentary activity (watching TV) indoors. The school environment was perceived as a supportive physical environment for children's PA behaviour.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Parent's perceptions of an unsupportive physical and social environment restrict children's opportunities to play outside and be physically active and may lead to increased body fat (BF). Schools provide a supportive environment for children from low SES to be physically active in.
authors: Department of Applied Science and Health, Coventry University, James Starley Building, Priory Street, Coventry, CV1 5FB, UK.
authors: E L J
authors: EL
authors: Eyre
authors: Department of Applied Science and Health, Coventry University, James Starley Building, Priory Street, Coventry, CV1 5FB, UK.
authors: M J
authors: MJ
authors: Duncan
authors: Department of Applied Science and Health, Coventry University, James Starley Building, Priory Street, Coventry, CV1 5FB, UK.
authors: S L
authors: SL
authors: Birch
authors: Department of Applied Science and Health, Coventry University, James Starley Building, Priory Street, Coventry, CV1 5FB, UK.
authors: V M
authors: VM
authors: Cox
keywords: Attitude; Deprived; Habitual physical activity; Neighbourhood; Play; Youth