Engaging Youth in Physical Activity: Indicators of a Physically Active Friendly Community

Childhood obesity and its related health issues impacts one of every three children in the United States, evoking great concern by professionals who provide youth services. Physical activity plays an essential role in helping prevent youth from becoming overweight or obese. Determining whether or not the community where youth reside is conducive to physical activity is often measured by indicators and criteria typically found within a community. The purpose of this study was to examine the indicators/criteria within a community that support a physically-active-friendly community (PAFC) for youth aged 10–14 years. Implementing multiple data collection methods including content analysis, Delphi, and multi-attribute utility theory (MAUT), this study was conducted via four primary phases. A variety of subjects were employed throughout both the Delphi and MAUT phases of the study. The results revealed parental influence and facilities were most the critical indicators within a community to creating a PAFC for youth. Criteria emerging as important under the parental influence indicator included parents encouraging youth to be physically active, social support of family members, and parents participating with their children. Criteria found to be important under the facilities indicator included playgrounds, sidewalks, and parks/play fields within walking distance. Implications for the indicators and criteria of a physically-active friendly community are discussed.