Abstract
Aims
This study aimed to investigate the level of physical activity of children and reveal a physical activity map in Northern Cyprus. Relevant factors, facilitators, and inhibitors for physical activity were also investigated.
Methods
Sample size and pilot schools were determined for the cross-sectional population-based study. Region, school, class, age, and gender were recorded. The Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C) was used as a self-report questionnaire. Time spent on screen-based activities and presence of a park were examined.
Results
The data for 2283 (1131 = girls) children were used in the study. The mean PAQ-C score of all children was determined as 3.48 ± 0.71. Gender, age ,and region significantly changed the PAQ-C scores of the children (p < 0.05). The children who stated that their homes had neighbourhood park areas had higher PAQ-C levels than those who stated otherwise (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the levels of PA of the children who spent normal time and excess time for technological devices with screen (p > 0.05).
Conclusion
Physical activity and related sociodemographic comparisons were indicated for the children living in Northern Cyprus. While park availability was found essential to support the physical activity levels as an opportunity, screen-based activities were not found to be have an effect on physical activity as a barrier.
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Acknowledgements
We would like to acknowledge Prof. İlker Etikan for the statistical analysis of the study.
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All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee (Eastern Mediterranean University Scientific Research and Publication Ethics Committee, ETK00–2019-0116) and with the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.
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Topcu, Z.G., Kaygısız, B.B., Çakır, Ö. et al. A population-based study of children in northern Cyprus: physical activity and its comparison in sociodemographic variables and several opportunities/barriers. J Public Health (Berl.) 29, 245–252 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-020-01297-w
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-020-01297-w