Effects of Playground Availability on Participation of Children in Physical Activity: The Role of Socioeconomic Status

Background: A possible influential factor in participation of physical activity can be playground availability. The current study aimed to assess the effects of playground availability on participation of children in physical activity, considering parental socioeconomic status as a mediator. Method: This study employed a cross-sectional method based on structural equation modelling. We recruited 384 children (145 girls, mean age of 11.92±1.72 years) from primary schools in Tehran, Iran in 2021. They completed the questionnaires related to playground availability, physical activity, and parental socioeconomic status. For data analysis, we used structural equation modelling. Results: Generally, the physical activity of our sample was low (2.24±1.35). Both playground availability (T=9.129) and parental socioeconomic status (T=6.564) had significant effects on children participation in physical activity. Moreover, parental socioeconomic status has not significantly mediated the association between playground availability and children participation in physical activity (β=0.221, P=0.684). Conclusions: These findings indicated that playground availability and socioeconomic status of parents affect children participation in physical activity; however, these factors do not necessarily work together to strengthen children participation in physical activity.