Journal article
Maximising students' use of purpose-built shade in secondary schools: Quantitative and qualitative results of a built-environment intervention
S Dobbinson, K Jamsen, K McLeod, V White, M Wakefield, V White, P Livingston, JA Simpson
Health and Place | ELSEVIER SCI LTD | Published : 2014
Abstract
A trial installing shade sails at secondary schools found increased students' use of newly shaded areas, but relatively low use overall. We examined site features and weather related to use of these shaded areas. Tables with seats and temperatures ≥27. °C increased student use of shaded areas, presence of grass decreased use. Focus groups at eight schools suggest students were unaware of changes to their habitual use of favoured locations. Results infer careful selection of locations for built-shade and provision of tables with seats will assist in maximising student use and investments in shade sails. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd.
Grants
Funding Acknowledgements
We acknowledge the funding support of the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (Research Project Grant id: 265902). We acknowledge the work of Professor Dallas English for his contributions to study development. We also thank the participating schools and their staff and students, the shade-sail manufacturer, and the research assistants for their contributions to this study.