Trends and determinants of active school travel among Australian secondary school students: national cross-sectional data from 2009 to 2018

Abstract

Objective: To examine active school travel trends and predictors among Australian secondary school students (aged 12–17) between 2009 and 2018. Methods: Three cross-sectional surveys (2009-10: N=13,790; 2012-13: N=10,309; and 2018: N=9,102) using a web-based self-report questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to identify differences in active travel (to and/or from school every weekday) between survey years and predictors. Results: From 2009-10 to 2012-13 to 2018, active travel decreased from 33.6% to 32.3% to 29.5% among females, and from 37.4% to 36.6% to 32.6% among males. Distance, female sex and regional location were associated with a lower likelihood of active travel. Students with pocket money, those who spoke a language other than English at home, and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students were more likely to actively travel. Conclusions: Between 2009-10 and 2018, active school travel among secondary students in Australia declined. Several factors were found to be associated with active travel. Implications for public health: This is the first national study on active travel trends among secondary students in Australia. The recent decline requires action given the increasing prevalence of overweight and climate change.