Developing a Conceptual Model of Activity-Friendly Rural Environments for Children

Background: Rural children are at greater risk for physical inactivity and obesity than their urban counterparts. The study purpose was to identify the perceived environmental factors in the home, school, and community that support physical activity among rural children.

Methods: A concurrent mixed-methods study involving 99 parent-child (ages 6-11 years) dyads and 17 teachers from four rural communities was conducted in 2007. Qualitative methods included focus group (child only) and PhotoVOICE (parents, teachers) sessions. Quantitative methods included a survey (parent), accelerometry (child), and Geographic Information Systems analysis. All data were merged and results compared. Agreement from all three populations (children, parents, and teachers) provided the highest level of evidence followed by agreement among two populations, and then evidence from each population independently.

Results: Within the home, physical activity opportunities include parenting practices (e.g. logistical support), the presence of siblings, and availability of physical activity equipment. At school, opportunities include age-appropriate recreation equipment, adequate recess and physical education time, policies to support physical activity and physical education programming, and school location. In the community, access to destinations (e.g. living close to town center), park and recreation availability (especially indoor opportunities), and resolution of perceived safety issues (e.g. wild or roaming animals) would enhance children's physical activity in rural settings.

Conclusions: Opportunities for increasing rural children's physical activity exist. More research, interventions, and, evaluations on ways to promote physical activity in diverse rural settings is needed.