Air Pollution and Health Behaviours (India)
In collaboration with the DEPtH Lab (Western University) and HCJMRI (Pune, India), our teams have been working to understand how air pollution impacts the active living behaviours of children and youth in India. Through four studies, we’ve explored key challenges and barriers, helping to address critical gaps identified in previous India Report Cards on Physical Activity for Children and Adolescents.
Key Findings:
- Perceptions of Air Pollution & Active School Transport – Children and youth who perceive air pollution as a problem are less likely to walk or bike to school.- The Air Pollution-Sedentary Behaviour Paradox – Precautionary measures taken to avoid air pollution (e.g., staying indoors) were linked to higher sedentary behaviour among youth.
- Environmental Barriers to Physical Activity – Higher air pollution levels, crime, and lack of safe infrastructure all contribute to reduced physical activity among youth.
- The Role of Active School Transport (AST) – Air pollution concerns deter youth from biking or walking to school, despite it being associated with higher physical activity, particularly in rural areas.
The 2022 India Report Card has highlighted the need for targeted policies to promote active living while mitigating climate change impacts. Our work underscores the urgent need for urban planning and public health strategies that prioritize safe, accessible active transport while addressing environmental health concerns.
Associated Publications
Air Pollution Driven Parental Restrictions: Associations with Children's Active School Transport in Urban and Rural India. Youth; 5(3):91. https://doi.org/10.3390/youth5030091
A potential environmental paradox in India: Associations between air pollution precautions and sedentary behaviour among child and youth. Health and Place. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40174461/
The interplay between air pollution, built environment, and physical activity: Perceptions of children and youth in rural and urban India. Health & Place, 85:103167. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2023.103167
Exploring the association between air pollution and active school transportation: Perceptions of children and youth in India. Youth, 3(4):1406-20. https://doi.org/10.3390/youth3040088
This project contributes to the following Sustainable Development Goals:
SDG 3 (Good health & wellbeing)
SDG 4 (Quality education)
SDG 10 (Reduced inequalities)
