Supporting adolescent physical activity through walkable neighbourhoods

Abstract

Introduction Physical inactivity among adolescents remains a critical global health concern that was further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In low- and middle-income countries such as India, the potential influence of neighbourhood environments on adolescents' physical activity (PA) and overall well-being has long been overlooked in empirical research and policy development. This study investigates the relationship between perceived neighbourhood walkability and adolescents' out-of-school PA in India, both pre-pandemic and during the pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional survey design was employed, collecting data from 500 adolescent-parent dyads in 2021 across four major Indian cities. Adolescents self-reported their out-of-school PA, while perceived neighbourhood walkability variables were obtained from parents by employing the Neighbourhood Environment Walkability Scale for India (NEWS-India). Binary logistic regression was employed to analyse the association of PA with perceived neighbourhood walkability. Results Findings revealed that before the pandemic, higher ‘household vehicular ownership’ and perceived ‘traffic safety’ were found to increase the likelihood of adolescents being physically active, with latter resulting in 1.7-fold increase in PA. While during the pandemic, ensuring safe and continuous operation of local recreational facilities were recognised as extremely vital for supporting adolescent PA beyond school. Conclusion These results highlight the importance of neighbourhood-level mobility planning in creating safe and accessible environments for adolescents’ health and well-being both in everyday life and during future public health crises.