The Influence of the built environment on youth’s physical activity

Rekers, Patrick (2021) The Influence of the built environment on youth’s physical activity. Pre-master thesis.

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Abstract

The time spent on physical activity by youth is decreasing for several decades now. Research has revealed that youth (12-17 years old) from families with a low socioeconomic status have the highest risk of being overweight. Evidence shows that the influence of the built environment has a degree of influence on the physical behaviour of people. The objective of this research is to determine if the three selected disadvantaged neighbourhoods have the necessary elements to be sufficient physically active. The question that arises is: ‘Which built environmental characteristics in disadvantaged neighbourhoods in the municipality of Almelo influence physical activity of youth in the age group 12-17?’ In the context of this research question, the characteristics of the built environment are the places and facilities in the neighbourhoods that youth to be physically active. Based on the literature review, a mixed-method approach was used for this research. The mixed method approach included a literature review and a GIS analysis. The literature review focused on the physical activity of youth with low-socioeconomic backgrounds, the preferred physical activities are and their location. The results from the literature review were used for input for the GIS analysis. The GIS analysis was conducted to study the available facilities and spaces in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. These spaces and facilities are designed for youth to be physically active. The results of the analysis show that there are an insufficient amount of sports facilities and green spaces for youth to make use of. These results mean that the physical environment of the homes of youth lack possibilities for youth to be physically active outdoors. Based on the conclusions, policy-makers should consider placing more sports facilities in the three selected disadvantaged neighbourhoods and adding green spaces in the neighbourhoods to fulfil the needs of the youth. It is recommended when there is not enough space to implement these solutions in the neighbourhood that safe and short routes are constructed towards the sports facilities and green spaces in other parts of the municipality.

Item Type:	Thesis (Pre-master)
Degree programme:	Society, Sustainability and Planning (MSc Socio-spatial Planning)
Supervisor:	Niekerk, F.
Date Deposited:	30 Sep 2021 12:39
Last Modified:	30 Sep 2021 12:39
URI:	https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/3681

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