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A new community-based outdoor intervention to increase physical activity in Singapore children: findings from focus groups.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Drury, VB; Saw, SM; Finkelstein, E; Wong, TY; Tay, PK
Published in: Ann Acad Med Singap
May 2013

INTRODUCTION: Myopia is a significant public health problem in Singapore with estimates that more than 50% of the population is affected by it by the time of adulthood. Childhood obesity is also increasing and has been linked to long-term health problems. Recent studies have found that Singaporean children in Primary 1 spend less than 3 hours a day outdoors which is less than children in other countries. Physical activity has been shown to be protective against obesity and recently, there has been some evidence to suggest that time spent outdoors may reduce the prevalence and severity of myopia. This study aims to explore the barriers and enablers to children in Singapore participating in outdoor activities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Qualitative data, gathered from focus group discussions was thematically analysed against the PRECEDE component of the PRECEDE-PROCEED model which provided a conceptual framework for examining factors relevant to children participating in an outdoor activity intervention. A total of 31 people participated in 4 focus groups held over a 6-month period. RESULTS: This feasibility study was exploratory in nature but provided valuable information concerning barriers and enablers to participation. Data informed the development of a larger study. CONCLUSION: Results indicated that families preferred structured activities such as orienteering and a choice of weekend attendance days and times.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Ann Acad Med Singap

EISSN

2972-4066

Publication Date

May 2013

Volume

42

Issue

5

Start / End Page

225 / 231

Location

Singapore

Related Subject Headings

  • Walking
  • Singapore
  • Running
  • Reinforcement, Psychology
  • Program Development
  • Parents
  • Myopia
  • Motor Activity
  • Motivation
  • Medical Records
 

Citation

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ICMJE
MLA
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Drury, V. B., Saw, S. M., Finkelstein, E., Wong, T. Y., & Tay, P. K. (2013). A new community-based outdoor intervention to increase physical activity in Singapore children: findings from focus groups. Ann Acad Med Singap, 42(5), 225–231.
Drury, Vicki B., Seang Mei Saw, Eric Finkelstein, Tien Yin Wong, and Peter Kc Tay. “A new community-based outdoor intervention to increase physical activity in Singapore children: findings from focus groups.Ann Acad Med Singap 42, no. 5 (May 2013): 225–31.
Drury VB, Saw SM, Finkelstein E, Wong TY, Tay PK. A new community-based outdoor intervention to increase physical activity in Singapore children: findings from focus groups. Ann Acad Med Singap. 2013 May;42(5):225–31.
Drury, Vicki B., et al. “A new community-based outdoor intervention to increase physical activity in Singapore children: findings from focus groups.Ann Acad Med Singap, vol. 42, no. 5, May 2013, pp. 225–31.
Drury VB, Saw SM, Finkelstein E, Wong TY, Tay PK. A new community-based outdoor intervention to increase physical activity in Singapore children: findings from focus groups. Ann Acad Med Singap. 2013 May;42(5):225–231.

Published In

Ann Acad Med Singap

EISSN

2972-4066

Publication Date

May 2013

Volume

42

Issue

5

Start / End Page

225 / 231

Location

Singapore

Related Subject Headings

  • Walking
  • Singapore
  • Running
  • Reinforcement, Psychology
  • Program Development
  • Parents
  • Myopia
  • Motor Activity
  • Motivation
  • Medical Records