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After-school activities in Enschede, district West: a study on experiences of children and determinants of (non-)participation

Meijer, E. (2017) After-school activities in Enschede, district West: a study on experiences of children and determinants of (non-)participation.

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Abstract:Decreases in physical activity and increases in sedentary behaviour in children have become a health problem. Only a small percentage of children in Europe meets the physical activity guidelines. This seems especially a problem in neighbourhoods with a low socioeconomic status. Organized activities after school (after-school activities) can offer an opportunity to increase physical activity. This study focused on gaining information about how children (8-12 years) experience the after-school activities in Enschede, district West. Also, reasons and barriers, and determinants for (non-)participation were researched. A mixed methods design was used, combining qualitative (study 1) and quantitative (study 2) research by performing semi-structured interviews with children and their parents (N = 6) and surveys with children (N = 103). Most children participate in after-school activities, however, the frequency of participation is only once or twice a month or once a week. Most named reasons to participate relate to attitude and subjective norm. No real barriers for non-participation were found that can't be addressed. Overall, children and parents have a positive attitude towards after-school activities. Attitude has the largest influence on the intention to participate. Suggestions to reach more children and keep more children participating focus on creating more awareness for children and their parents. The school can play an important role in this process. Also, more variation and rewarding systems can contribute to reach more children and keep children participating.
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Clients:
Gemeente Enschede, Enschede, Nederland
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:70 social sciences in general, 76 recreation, leisure, 77 psychology
Programme:Psychology MSc (66604)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/74038
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