Journal of Community Medicine & Health Education
Open Access

Abstract

This study explored the benefits of urban green spaces (UGS) for children. In this study, â�?�?childrenâ�?�? includes both younger children and adolescents, ages 1-18. UGS benefits to children in terms of screen time (TV viewing and computer use), frequency and duration of physical activity (PA), overweight, inattentiveness, and general health were measured. Parent-reported data (n= 422) collected though face-to-face personal interviews in Ayd�?±n, Turkey was used. Bivariate correlations showed UGS closeness to home was positively associated with higher frequency of childrenâ�?�?s PA and less screen time. Childrenâ�?�?s frequency of PA and duration of PA were positively correlated as well. Multivariate regression analyses revealed that frequency of childrenâ�?�?s PA was positively associated with childrenâ�?�?s general health, whereas screen time was negatively associated. Frequency of PA was also negatively correlated with childrenâ�?�?s inattentiveness. Providing UGS close to children could improve their PA, health, and cognitive functions as well as reducing screen time.

Biography

Email: abdullah.akpinar@wsu.edu