Shade in urban playgrounds in Sydney and inequities in availability for those living in lower socioeconomic areas.

Conclusions: This study highlights inequities in available shade for those living in lower SES urban areas. Furthermore, the results of this study are concerning from a skin cancer prevention perspective as the playground areas where children spend the majority of their time (the main play equipment and stand-alone equipment) were considerably less shaded than the eating areas. Implications: Local government should ensure that the issue of playground shade is comprehensively addressed in all relevant planning and policy documents so that it becomes an increased priority when developing and upgrading parks and playgrounds. PMID: 24494946 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health - Category: Global & Universal Authors: Tags: Aust N Z J Public Health Source Type: research