INFRASTRUCTURE DETERMINANTS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG CHILDREN IN RURAL TERRITORIAL COMMUNITIES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11603/1681-2786.2026.2.16411Keywords:
children; physical activity; health promotion; school; territorial community; rural area; infrastructure; public health; Zakarpattia.Abstract
Purpose: To assess the level of provision and accessibility of sports infrastructure for children in the territorial communities of the Zakarpattia region. Materials and Methods. Bibliographic, sociological, and statistical methods were applied. Data were collected through an online survey of territorial communities of the Zakarpattia region using Google Forms. A total of 19 com- munities participated in the study. Indicators of provision in general secondary education institutions, school sports grounds, sports halls, and community-level sports and playgrounds were assessed per 1,000 children. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics methods. Results. A significant variability in infrastructure provision across territorial communities was identified. The average level of provision in general secondary education institutions was 2.77 per 1,000 children, and 63.16% of communities had low access to physical activity opportunities within the school environment. The average provision of schools with outdoor sports grounds was 2.09, and with sports halls – 1.34, with low levels observed in 78.94% and 89.47% of communities, respectively. Indicators of community-level infrastructure were also insufficient: the average provision of sports grounds was 1.04 per 1,000 children, and playgrounds – 2.17 per 1,000 children, with low levels recorded in 89.47% and 73.68% of communities, respectively. Communities with a complete absence of certain infrastructure elements were identi- fied, significantly limiting opportunities for physical activity during leisure time. Conclusions. An insufficient and uneven level of infrastructure provision across territorial communities was iden- tified, limiting children's access to physical activity in both school and out-of-school settings. The findings highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to infrastructure development as a key factor in increasing physical activity levels and promoting public health.
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