Children's indoor and outdoor play patterns in Ahwaz city: implications for injury prevention

Abstract

A cross-sectional study in Ahwaz city, Islamic Republic of Iran, described children's indoor and outdoor play patterns. A total of 952 pupils aged 7 and 9 years and 942 parents completed questionnaires. Children's favourite activities were: playing football [‎22.3%]‎, cycling [‎13.2%]‎ and watching television [‎12.3%]‎. This differed from those perceived by the parents who reported watching television [‎20.3%]‎, playing football [‎13.3%]‎ and playing in street [‎11.4%]‎. Children reported their favourite places to play were: street [‎27.4%]‎, park/playground [‎18.3%]‎ and home [‎17.8%]‎. There were significant differences in play patterns by age and sex. The play patterns of older children and boys exposed them to more hazardous situations than younger children and girls