Determinants of Outdoor Time in Children and Youth: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal and Intervention Studies

Richard Larouche (), Madeline Kleinfeld, Ulises Charles Rodriguez, Cheryl Hatten, Victoria Hecker, David R. Scott, Leanna Marie Brown, Ogochukwu K. Onyeso, Farzana Sadia and Hanako Shimamura
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Richard Larouche: Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
Madeline Kleinfeld: Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
Ulises Charles Rodriguez: Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
Cheryl Hatten: School of Human Services, Lethbridge College, Lethbridge, AB T1K 1L6, Canada
Victoria Hecker: Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
David R. Scott: Library, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
Leanna Marie Brown: Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
Ogochukwu K. Onyeso: Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
Farzana Sadia: Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
Hanako Shimamura: Faculty of Applied Community Studies, Douglas College, Coquitlam, BC V3B 7X3, Canada

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 2, 1-33

Abstract: Spending more time outdoors can improve children’s social and cognitive development, physical activity, and vision. Our systematic review summarized the determinants of outdoor time (OT) based on the social-ecological model. We searched nine databases: MEDLINE, APA PsycINFO, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, ERIC, SocINDEX, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. To be included, studies needed to be quantitative and longitudinal, include ≥1 potential determinant of OT among 0- to 17-year-olds, and be published in English, French, Japanese, or Spanish. We extracted the authors, publication year, country, design, sample size, OT measures, follow-up period, potential determinants, main results, and potential moderators or mediators. Fifty-five studies examining 119 potential determinants met the inclusion criteria. OT was consistently higher in warmer seasons and among participants reporting more OT at baseline. All three interventions that included both parent sessions and additional resources to promote OT (e.g., specific advice and community guides) were effective. COVID-19 restrictions and sun safety interventions discouraging midday outdoor activities led to less OT. The quality of evidence was rated as weak for 46 studies. Most potential determinants were examined in ≤3 studies; thus, more longitudinal studies are needed to enable stronger conclusions about the consistency of evidence and meta-analyses.

Keywords: outdoor play; social-ecological model; adolescents; physical activity; nature (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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