Neighborhood amenities, such as parks, play a role in the physical activity levels of children with special health care needsThis study examined the relationship between residential neighborhood amenities and the physical activity levels of children and adolescents with special health care needs (SHCN). Neighborhood amenities assessed included the presence of indoor and outdoor recreational facilities, detracting conditions, and perceived safety level.
Data was obtained from the National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) 2007– 2008 and 2011–2012. The population studied was a nationally representative sample of 113,767 children aged 6–17 years. Among this sample, approximately 23% of young children (aged 6–11) and adolescents (aged 12–17) had SHCN – which is defined as having or being at increased risk for a chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional condition. Children with SHCN require special services beyond what other children need.
All data was based on parent report. Neighborhood amenities were defined by the presence or absence of sidewalks, parks/playgrounds, and recreation centers. Detracting conditions assessed included the presence or absence of litter, rundown housing, and vandalism. Parent report of neighborhood safety was also assessed. Physical activity levels were based on the number of weekly physically active days, which were defined as days in which the child was physically active for 20 or more minutes.
Results indicated that young children with SHCN were more active in neighborhoods with recreation centers, while adolescents with SHCN were more active in neighborhoods where parks/playgrounds were readily available. Perceived safety also influenced children’s activity levels. In neighborhoods where parents sometimes (but not usually) felt safe, children with SHCN tended to be less active. The number of weekly physically active days for children without SHCN was not associated with the availability of any neighborhood amenity. However, availability of a recreation center was associated with physical activity for adolescents without SHCN.
Previous research showed an association between the availability of neighborhood amenities and increased physical activity levels of both children and adults. This study adds evidence that these amenities could also promote the physical activity of children with SHCN – a population at elevated risk for childhood obesity.
These findings could be helpful to policy makers as they consider ways to promote the physical activity of children with SHCN. These children typically face more barriers to physical activity engagement than other children and are therefore more in need of special considerations in terms of neighborhood amenities promoting their health and well-being.
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