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Research
Cohort Profile: HABITAT-a longitudinal multilevel study of physical activity, sedentary behaviour and health and functioning in mid-to-late adulthoodThe benefits of physical activity in reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases are well documented. Physical inactivity contributes to 6–10% of the burden of coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and breast and colon cancers.
Our Child Physical Activity, Health and Development team focuses on improving children’s physical activity levels, health and development. We work to uncover the best environments, policies and programs to facilitate physically active lifestyles for lifelong health and wellbeing.
Research
Neighbourhood walkability and body mass index in children: Evidence from the Millennium Cohort Study in WalesOverweight and obesity in children continues to increase. Yet, the role of active transport, namely walking, in mitigating these trends remains unclear. This study examined the cross-sectional association between walkability and children's Body Mass Index (BMI) and how this varies by socio-economic and lifestyle characteristics.
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Where are the alcohol advertising hotspots near schools?Physically locating liquor stores near schools can strongly influence the chances of youth accessing and consuming alcohol, and may also increase children's exposure to alcohol advertising. Investigating the association between the presence of a liquor store near a school and the prevalence of outdoor alcohol advertising is crucial from a policy perspective, as it can inform future regulations on the placement of liquor stores and outdoor advertising near educational institutions.
Research
Activated Outside School Hours Care (OSHC)Hayley Karen Christian Lombardi BSc (1st Class Hons), PhD W.Aust. BHSc (Hons), PhD Head, Child Physical Activity, Health and Development; National
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BEACHES: Built Environments and Child Health in WalEs and AuStraliaThe BEACHES project aims to provide high quality evidence of aspects of the built environment which can be modified to reduce the negative impact on children’s physical activity, eating behaviours and weight status.
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Family Friendly EnvironmentsHayley Christian BSc (1st Class Hons), PhD W.Aust. Head, Child Physical Activity, Health and Development; National Heart Foundation Future Leader
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Association between preschooler movement behaviours, family dog ownership, dog play and dog walking: Findings from the PLAYCE studyPhysical inactivity in childhood is a major public health issue. Dog ownership has been widely reported to lead to greater physical activity in adults and school-aged children. We examined if dog ownership and dog-facilitated physical activity were associated with higher physical activity in preschoolers. Secondary analysis of the 'Play Spaces & Environments for Children's Physical Activity' (PLAYCE, 2015-2018) study involving 1366, 2-5-year-olds from 122 long day-care centres in Perth, Australia was conducted.
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“It just Sends the Message that you’re Nothing but your body” a Qualitative Exploration of Adolescent Girls’ Perceptions of Sexualized Images on Social MediaThis qualitative study used in-depth interviews to explore adolescent girls’ perceptions of sexualized images they typically find when using social media. Twenty-four participants aged 14–17 years described sexualized images of females as normalized on social media. The interplay between gendered and social norms that endorsed and rewarded girls for posting sexualized images was seen to influence an expectation for girls to conform with their peers and post such images of themselves.
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Living liveable? RESIDE's evaluation of the “Liveable Neighborhoods” planning policy on the health supportive behaviors and wellbeing of residents in PerthNew suburban communities built in accordance with the “Liveable Neighbourhoods” policy have the potential to encourage health supportive behaviors