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The Influence of Family Dog Ownership and Parental Perceived Built Environment Measures on Children’s Physical Activity within the Washington, DC Area

Author

Listed:
  • Jennifer D. Roberts

    (Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA)

  • Lindsey Rodkey

    (Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA)

  • Cortney Grisham

    (College of Science and Mathematics, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN 37044, USA)

  • Rashawn Ray

    (Department of Sociology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA)

Abstract

Sedentary behavior and physical inactivity are significant contributors to youth obesity in the United States. Neighborhood dog walking is an outlet for physical activity (PA). Therefore, understanding the relationship between built environment, dog ownership, and youth PA is essential. This study examined the influence of dog ownership and parental built environment perceptions on children’s PA in the Washington, D.C. area. In 2014, questionnaires were mailed to 2000 parents to assess family dog ownership; children’s outdoor dog walking or playing; and parental perceived built environment measures. Chi-square analyses examined differences in parental perceived built environment measures between children with and without family dogs. The sample included 144 children (50% female; average-age 9.7 years; 56.3% White; 23.7% African-American; 10.4% Asian-American; 29.9% owned dog). Only 13% and 5.6% of the children walked or played outdoors with the dog daily, respectively. A significantly greater proportion ( p -value < 0.05) of parents who owned dogs recognized and observed some home built environment measures (e.g., traffic speed on most streets is 30 mph or less) that were PA -promoting for their children. Findings suggest that dog ownership may provide more positive parental perceptions of the neighborhood built environment, which supports children’s outdoor PA through dog walking and playing.

Suggested Citation

  • Jennifer D. Roberts & Lindsey Rodkey & Cortney Grisham & Rashawn Ray, 2017. "The Influence of Family Dog Ownership and Parental Perceived Built Environment Measures on Children’s Physical Activity within the Washington, DC Area," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-11, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:14:y:2017:i:11:p:1398-:d:119173
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Owen, C.G. & Nightingale, C.M. & Rudnicka, A.R. & Ekelund, U. & McMlnn, A.M. & Van Sluijs, E.M.F. & Griffin, S.J. & Cook, D.G. & Whincup, P.H., 2010. "Family dog ownership and levels of physical activity in childhood: Findings from the child heart and health study in England," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 100(9), pages 1669-1671.
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    Cited by:

    1. Zahra Mojtahedi & Shirin Farjadian, 2022. "Awareness of Obesity-Related Cancers: A Complex Issue," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(11), pages 1-3, May.

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