Distractive Infrastructure from Locations and Commuting Settings: Revealing Potential Risks to Children's and Adolescents' Physical Health

Keywords: children and adolescents, urban infrastructure, physical health, commuting environment
Abstract Type: Poster Abstract

Abstract

Children and adolescents’ lifetyle significantly influence their daily exposure to the environment, particularly based on the locations of their homes and schools. Previous research has revealed urban environment impacts on children's health outcomes in these fixed locations, however, there has been limited exploration of the commuting environment between home and school. This gap raises questions about whether commuting contributes to health outcomes and whether there are different exposure levels across socioeconomic groups.
This study examined the effects of infrastructure in home, school, and commuting contexts on children’s and adolescents' physical health. By analyzing the commuting environment, we sought to understand how food accessibility, green spaces, and recreational infrastructure influence childhood obesity and sleep quality. The sample included 20,000 children and adolescents from six cities in China: Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhongshan, Zhuhai, Foshan, and Maoming. We calculated commuting routes using the urban road network and popular mapping platforms to assess infrastructure exposure risks.
The study suggests that infrastructure around commuting routes between home and school may increase physical health risks for children and adolescents. It notes that the availability of infrastructures and health outcomes are affected by commuting distance, with families from various socioeconomic backgrounds showing different mobility patterns and exposure levels. Thus, it is crucial to address the risks and inequalities children face in their environments. Urban planning should prioritize developing child-friendly facilities to protect vulnerable youth.