| Popis: |
Introduction: Children in the UK from South Asian backgrounds have increased risk of metabolic disease, increased body fat and engage in reduced physical activity (PA) compared to White children (Ehtisthan et al., 2000, 2004; Whincup et al., 2002). The mechanisms underlying the lower physical activity patterns are not fully understood in South Asian children. Ethnic groups cluster in deprived areas within the UK (Jayaweera et al., 2007; Williams et al., 2009) and thus the role of the physical environment and how children use this environment for PA, needs exploring in order to increase PA through interventions. The overall aim of the thesis was to assess the association between environmental factors and PA behaviour in deprived South Asian primary school children. Methods: Following institutional ethical approval, children and their parents from two primary schools within deprived wards in Coventry were recruited. Objective assessments of PA (heart rate or pedometer, the physical environment (global positioning system)) and body adiposity (body mass index, waist circumference and body fat %) were obtained from children. Perceptions about the physical and social environment were obtained from focus group discussions with children and parents. The findings obtained from quantitative and qualitative evidence were combined to apply a multi-dimensional intervention increase PA in SA children from low SES environments. Results: Quantitative results identified that children are more active in outdoors environments (non-greenspace) (P |
