Abstract |
This study examined the relationship between parent’s perception of neighbourhood environment and safety with physical activity and weight status in Balinese and Maldivian children. A cross-sectional comparative study involving primary school children in Bali and Maldives was undertaken in 2011. A total of 186 children from Bali and Maldives respectively participated in this study. Data on socio-demographic characteristics were collected using a self-administered questionnaire while parent’s perception of neighbourhood environment and safety and physical activity were measured using the Neighourhood Environment Walkability Scale Questionnaire (NEWS) and Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C). Height and weight were taken and Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated. A total of 18.8% of Bali children were overweight and 14.5% were obese whereas 31.7% of Maldivian children were overweight and 8.1% were obese. Majority of the children were moderate in physical activity level and only 4.8% and 2.7% were high in physical activity level. Parent’s perception of neighbourhood environment and safety between Bali and Maldives were significantly different in access to services (t=-4.217; p=0.001), streets in the neighbourhood (t=3.446; p=0.001), neighbourhood surroundings (t=9.230; p=0.001) and safety from traffic (t=-0.872; p=0.384). This study gives an overview of the parent’s perception of neighbourhood environment and safety and also the physical activity level of the children in Bali and Maldives. Despite the differences reported between Bali and Maldives, parent’s perception of neighbourhood environment and safety did not show a significant impact on children’s physical activity and weight status. |