ORCID
- Husk, Kerryn: 0000-0001-5674-8673
Abstract
Abstract Childhood obesity is one of the 21st century's most serious global health challenges. Research suggests that better access to ‘greenspace’ (e.g. parks) may encourage physical activity and reduce the risk of obesity amongst children. We extend earlier work by considering childhood obesity in relation to proximity to the coast, using data from England's National Child Measurement Programme. Results suggest that although the overall prevalence of childhood obesity is slightly lower at the coast (−0.68% points comparing <1 km to >20 km, p<0.001), the relationship depends on area type. Specifically, although a coastal proximity gradient (lower obesity rates nearer the coast) was found for rural areas and smaller cities and towns, it was not present among large urban conurbations (interaction p-value<0.001). Coastal environments and access to them are changing in many areas, and research to explore potential impacts on child health is warranted.
DOI
10.1016/j.healthplace.2016.05.010
Publication Date
2016-07-01
Publication Title
Health & Place
Volume
40
First Page
129
Last Page
136
ISSN
1353-8292
Embargo Period
2017-12-03
Organisational Unit
Peninsula Medical School
Keywords
Coast, Obesity, Child, Rural, Urban
Recommended Citation
Wood, S. L., Demougin, P., Higgins, S., Husk, K., Wheeler, B., & White, M. (2016) 'Exploring the relationship between childhood obesity and proximity to the coast: A rural/urban perspective', Health & Place, 40, pp. 129-136. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2016.05.010
