Associations of perceived social and physical environmental supports with physical activity and walking behavior

We evaluated perceived social and environmental supports for physical activity and walking using multivariable modeling. Perceptions were obtained on a sample of households in a southeastern county. Respondents were classified according to physical activity levels and walking behaviors. Respondents who had good street lighting; trusted their neighbors; and used private recreational facilities, parks, playgrounds, and sports fields were more likely to be regularly active. Perceiving neighbors as being active, having access to sidewalks, and using malls were associated with regular walking.     

Do Relationships Between Environmental Attributes and Recreational Walking Vary According to Area-Level Socioeconomic Status?

Residents of areas with lower socioeconomic status (SES) are known to be less physically active during leisure time. Neighborhood walkability has been shown to be related to recreational walking equally in low and high SES areas. This cross-sectional study tested whether associations of specific environmental attributes, measured objectively and subjectively, with walking for recreation were moderated by area-level SES. The data of the North West Adelaide Health Study collected in 2007 (n = 1500, mean age 57) were used. Self-reported walking frequency was the outcome of the study. Environmental exposure measures included objectively measured walkability components (residential density, intersection density, land use mix, and net retail area ratio) and perceived attributes (access to destinations, neighborhood esthetics, walking infrastructure, traffic/barriers, and crime safety). Participants’ suburbs were categorized into low and high SES areas using an indicator of socioeconomic disadvantage. Low SES areas had lower scores in residential density, neighborhood esthetics, walking infrastructure, traffic/barriers, and crime safety. Recreational walking was associated with residential density, access to destinations, esthetics, traffic/barriers, and crime safety. Effect modification was observed for two attributes (out of nine): residential density was associated with walking only in low SES areas, while walking infrastructure was associated with walking only in high SES areas. The associations of neighborhood environmental attributes with recreational walking were largely consistent across SES groups. However, low SES areas were disadvantaged in most perceived environmental attributes related to recreational walking. Improving such attributes in low SES neighborhoods may help close socioeconomic disparities in leisure time physical activity.Keyword: Physical activity, Neighborhood environment, Walkability, Inequality, Effect modification     

Environmental and lifestyle factors associated with overweight and obesity in Perth,Australia

PURPOSE: To examine associations between environmental and lifestyle factors and overweight or obesity. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey and an environmental scan of recreational facilities. SETTING: Metropolitan Perth, Western Australia. SUBJECTS: Healthy sedentary workers and homemakers aged 18 to 59 years (n = 1803) living in areas within the top and bottom quintiles of social disadvantage. MEASURES: Four lifestyle factors, one social environmental factor, and five physical environment factors (three objectively measured). RESULTS: After adjustment for demographic factors and other variables in the model, overweight was associated with living on a highway (odds ratio [OR], 4.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.62-11.09) or streets with no sidewalks or sidewalks on one side only (OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.03-1.78) and perceiving no paths within walking distance (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.08-1.86). Poor access to four or more recreational facilities (OR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.11-2.55) and sidewalks (OR, 1.62; 95% CI, .98-2.68) and perceiving no shop within walking distance (OR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.01-3.36) were associated with obesity. Conversely, access to a motor vehicle all the time was negatively associated with obesity (OR, .56; 95% CI, .32-.99). Watching 3 or more hours of television daily (ORs, 1.92 and 1.85, respectively) and rating oneself as less active than others (ORs, 1.66 and 4.05, respectively) were associated with both overweight and obesity. After adjustment for individual demographic factors and all other variables in the model, socioeconomic status of area of residence and leisure-time physical activity were not associated with overweight or obesity. CONCLUSION: Factors that influence overweight and obesity appear to differ, but aspects of the physical environment may be important. Objectively measured neighborhood environment factors warrant further investigation.     

People living in disadvantaged areas faced greater challenges in staying active and using recreational facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic

This study aimed to understand the perceived effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity, recreation walking, and use of recreational facilities; and if the COVID-19 pandemic amplified disparities in physical activity, recreational walking, and use of recreational facilities related to the levels of neighborhood disadvantage. Recreational walking and the use of neighborhood streets and green spaces significantly decreased in high deprivation areas but not in low deprivation areas during the pandemic. While COVID-19 has negatively affected overall recreational activities, the inequitable impact on recreational walking and use of outdoor recreational facilities has been more evident in disadvantaged neighborhoods with greater deprivation.     

Associations of location and perceived environmental attributes with walking in neighborhoods

PURPOSE: Ecological models highlight the importance of environmental influences. We examined associations of coastal versus noncoastal location and perceived environmental attributes with neighborhood walking, total walking, and total activity. METHODS: Telephone interviews with 800 faculty and general staff of an Australian university. RESULTS: Men were significantly more likely to walk in their neighborhood if they lived in a coastal location (odds ratio [OR] = 1.66), and they highly rated environmental "aesthetics" (OR = 1.91), "convenience" of facilities (OR = 2.20), and "access" to facilities (OR = 1.98). For women, neighborhood walking was associated with high ratings of "convenience" (OR = 3.78) but was significantly less likely if they had high ratings for "access" (OR = 0.48). For total walking and total physical activity, few significant associations emerged. CONCLUSIONS: Environmental attributes were related to walking in the neighborhood but not to more general activity indices. Understanding gender-specific environmental correlates of physical activity should be a priority.     

How socio-economic status contributes to participation in leisure-time physical activity

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to identify individual, social, and environmental contributors (mediators) to individual- and area-level differences in leisure-time physical activity across socio-economic groups. A two-stage stratified sampling design was used to recruit 20-65 year old adults (N=2194) living in 154 census collection districts of Adelaide, Australia (overall response rate: 12%). Participants completed two surveys six months apart (response rate on the second survey: 83%). Individual-level socio-economic status (SES) was assessed using self-report measures on educational attainment, household income, and household size. Area-level SES was assessed using census data on median household income and household size for each selected census district. Bootstrap generalized linear models were used to examine associations between SES, potential mediators, and leisure-time physical activity. The product-of-coefficient test was used to estimate mediating effects. All SES measures were independently associated with potential individual and social mediators of the SES-activity relationships. Individual- and area-level income was also associated with perceived neighborhood attributes. Self-efficacy and social support for physical activity explained virtually all of the differences in physical activity across educational attainment groups. Physical barriers to walking and access to public open space contributed in part to the explanation of differences in recreational walking across income groups. Yet, self-efficacy and social support were the key mediators of the observed relationships between individual- and area-level income and physical activity. This study suggests that in order to increase physical activity participation in the more disadvantaged segments of the population, comprehensive, multilevel interventions targeting activity-related attitudes and skills as well as social and physical environments are needed.     

Environmental correlates of physical activity in a sample of Belgian adults

PURPOSE: This study investigated the variance in sitting, walking, and moderate and vigorous physical activity explained by neighborhood design and recreational environmental variables above and beyond the variance accounted for by individual demographic variables. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analyses of self-reported survey data. SETTING: A random sample of inhabitants of Ghent, Belgium, aged 18-65 years, was drawn. SUBJECTS: Five hundred twenty-one adults completed questionnaires (52.1% response rate). The average age of the sample was 41 years, and 48.2% were female. MEASURES: A questionnaire developed to assess neighborhood design and recreational environmental variables with a total of 81 items was administered. The environmental questionnaire showed acceptable to good reliability and acceptable validity. The previously validated International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to quantify physical activity in the past 7 days. Additional demographic information was also obtained. RESULTS: Regression analyses showed that environmental variables were related to all types of physical activity in both sexes. However, the range of variance explained by the models including demographic and environmental variables was low, only 5% to 13%. Minutes of walking and of moderate-intensity activity were related to quality of sidewalks and accessibility of shopping and public transportation. Vigorous physical activity was related to presence of activity supplies in the home and number of convenient activity facilities outside the home. CONCLUSIONS: Both neighborhood design and recreational environment variables had small but significant associations with multiple types of physical activity in a sample of Belgian adults.     

Association of environmental factors to meeting physical activity recommendations in two South Carolina counties

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to examine associations between environment and policy factors and physical activity. DESIGN: A random-digit-dialed, cross-sectional telephone survey was administered. SETTING: The setting was a two-county area of eastern South Carolina. SUBJECTS: Before weighting, the sample included 1936 adults; 36.9% African-American, 63.1% white, and 60.1% women. The age group distribution was 28.8% 55+ years, 39.3% 35-54 years, and 31.9% 18-34 years of age. The response rate was 62.9%. MEASURES: Six physical activity questions (2001 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey [BRFSS]) were used to create a dischotomous variable, "meets/does not meet recommendation for moderate or vigorous physical activity." Self-report items assessed knowledge, presence, and use of recreational facilities; presence of environmental and worksite supports; perceived safety; condition of sidewalks; and quality of street lighting. RESULTS: Linear and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Unadjusted odds for meeting the recommendation were significantly greater for well-maintained sidewalks (OR = 1.90); safe areas for walking/jogging (OR = 1.39); knowledge of routes for bicycling (OR = 1.38) and walking/jogging (OR = 1.32); and worksites with sports teams (OR = 1.53), exercise facilities (OR = 1.33), flexible time for exercise (OR = 1.33), and preventive checkups (OR = 1.26). Among persons who met the recommendation, means were greater for number of known walking/jogging routes (p = .04); number of known bicycling routes (p < .01); number of days per month uses tracks, trails, routes, pathways (p < .01); and number of days per month uses outdoor recreation areas (p < .01). CONCLUSION: The results support an association between level of physical activity and environmental and policy factors in two southeastern counties in South Carolina. Limitations of the study include self-reported data and cross-sectional design.     

Residential context, walking and obesity: two African-American neighborhoods compared

We compare walking and obesity rates in two African-American neighborhoods that are similar in urban form but different in level of neighborhood disadvantage. We find higher rates of utilitarian walking in the neighborhood with higher density and disadvantage and more destinations within walking distance. However levels of leisure walking and physical activity were not higher, and rates of obesity were not lower in the non-poor neighborhood with better maintenance, more sidewalks and recreational facilities. Different types of barriers to physical activity reported in the two neighborhoods and the high rates of overweight and obesity in both may explain the findings.     

Recreational physical activity facilities within walking and cycling distance: sociospatial patterning of access in Scotland

To examine the sociospatial patterning of access to recreational physical activity facilities in Scotland, we used negative binomial multilevel models to investigate associations between income deprivation at datazone level and the number of facilities available within 10, 20 and 30 min walking and cycling thresholds, adjusting for datazone population size and local authority. Accessibility was significantly (p<0.01) lower in the most affluent quintile for most thresholds tested in urban areas and for some thresholds tested in small towns. In general, more affluent areas had less good access to recreational physical activity facilities within walking or cycling distance.     

The relative influence of individual,social and physical environment determinants of physical activity

Environmental determinants of health are receiving growing attention in the literature, although there is little empirical research in this area. The Study on Environmental and Individual Determinants of Physical Activity (known as the SEID project) was a social ecological project that examined the relative influence of individual, social environmental and physical environmental determinants of recreational physical activity. It involved a community survey of 1803 healthy workers and home-makers aged 18-59 years living in a 408 km2 area of metropolitan Perth, Western Australia. Physical environmental determinants were mainly conceptualised as spatial access to popular recreational facilities. Overall, 59% of respondents exercised as recommended. Recreational facilities located near home were used by more respondents than facilities located elsewhere. The most frequently used facilities were informal: the streets (45.6%); public open space (28.8%) and the beach (22.7%). The physical environment's directs the influence on exercising as recommended was found to be secondary to individual and social environmental determinants. Nevertheless, accessible facilities determined whether or not they were used and in this way, support and enhance the achievement of recommended levels of physical activity behaviour by providing opportunities. The results suggest that access to a supportive physical environment is necessary, but may be insufficient to increase recommended levels of physical activity in the community. Complementary strategies are required that aim to influence individual and social environmental factors. Given the popularity of walking in the community, it is recommended that greater emphasis be placed on creating streetscapes that enhance walking for recreation and transport.     

Gender differences in the associations between perceived environment and walking for recreation in Taiwanese adults

This study examined gender differences in the associations between perceived environmental factors and walking for recreation in Taiwanese adults. In 2014, a telephone-based, cross-sectional survey targeting Taiwanese adults (20–64 years) was conducted. Data on nine items about environmental perception, time spent in walking for recreation, and socio-demographic variables were obtained from 1,065 adults using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-long version and its environmental module. Adults who perceived good aesthetics (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.74; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.36–2.23) and reported seeing people being active (AOR = 1.58; 95% CI: 1.21–2.06) were more likely to perform 150 minutes of recreational walking per week. Furthermore, significant interactions regarding walking for recreation were observed between gender and five environmental correlates: access to shops (p = .046), the presence of sidewalks (p < .001), access to recreational facilities (p = .02), seeing people being active (p = .001), and aesthetics (p < .001). These five perceived environmental factors were positively associated with recreational walking in women but not in men. Gender is a potential modifier between perceived environment and walking for recreation in adults. Perceived environmental factors appear to be more critical for women in performing health-enhancing levels of recreational walking than they are for men.     

Objective measures of neighborhood environment and physical activity in older women

BACKGROUND: Regular physical activity is known to help prevent chronic disease and promote healthy aging. Yet, most older women are not regularly active. This study attempts to identify objectively measured attributes of the neighborhood environment that may be associated with physical activity levels in older women. METHODS: Sociodemographics and physical activity level, as measured by pedometer, were assessed in 158 overweight Caucasian and African-American postmenopausal women from southwestern Pennsylvania at the baseline evaluation of a randomized clinical trial in 2002-2003. Geographic information systems technology was used to obtain neighborhood-level data, including neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES) indicators, the median year that homes were built (as a proxy measure for urban form), and proximity to businesses and facilities. Multiple linear regression was used to test associations between individuals' physical activity level and neighborhood characteristics. RESULTS: After controlling for individual age, race/ethnicity, education, smoking status, and body mass index, indicators of low neighborhood SES, living in a neighborhood with homes built between 1950 and 1969 (representing an urban form that is more pedestrian-friendly than after 1969), and living within walking distance (1500 m) of specific types of businesses and facilities were positively associated with individuals' physical activity level measured by pedometer (p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that certain aspects of the neighborhood environment may have an important influence on the physical activity levels of postmenopausal women. Results warrant future research to clarify the role of these environmental attributes in other populations.     

Peer Reviewed: Effects of Perceived Neighborhood Characteristics and Use of Community Facilities on Physical Activity of Adults With and Without Disabilities

Introduction

Using data from the 2004 Texas Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, we investigated whether the physical activity behaviors of people with disabilities are related to their perceptions of the characteristics of the built environment and whether this relationship differs from that of people without disabilities.

Methods

The research questions were, "Are perceived neighborhood characteristics and reported use of community facilities associated with reported leisure-time physical activity for adults aged 18 to 64 years with disabilities?"; "Are perceived neighborhood characteristics and reported use of community facilities associated with reported moderate to vigorous physical activity for adults with disabilities?"; and "To what extent do perceived neighborhood characteristics, reported use of community facilities, reported leisure-time physical activity, and reported moderate to vigorous physical activity differ between adults with disabilities and without disabilities?" We used logistic regression to analyze the responses.

Results

People with disabilities were less likely to engage in leisure-time physical activity and meet recommendations for physical activity than people without disabilities. Participation of people with disabilities in leisure-time physical activity had significant correlations with positive perceptions of neighbors, physical activity, trails, parks, playgrounds, or sports fields, and with their use of private or membership-only recreation facilities. The presence of sidewalks was significantly related to whether people with disabilities met recommended levels of physical activity.

Conclusion

Although people with disabilities engaged in less leisure-time physical activity and physical activity than people without disabilities, perceptions of the built environment and use of community facilities similarly affected people with and without disabilities.     

Associations of physical activity with neighborhood environments and transportation modes in older Japanese adults

Objective

We investigated associations of walking and other leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) with environmental characteristics and transportation modes in older Japanese adults.

Methods

This cross-sectional study in 2010-2011 used data from 421 community-dwelling older adults aged 65-85 years living in Kasama City, rural Japan. We used the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly to assess walking and other LTPAs, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Environment Module for neighborhood environments.

Results

After adjusting for confounders, we found that good traffic safety and aesthetics were positively associated with high levels of walking (ORs = 1.64-2.12); whereas, good access to public transportation was negatively associated with walking (OR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.42-0.98). Good access to recreational facilities, presence of sidewalks, absence of hills, seeing people exercise, and aesthetically pleasing surroundings were positively associated with high levels of LTPA except walking (ORs = 1.61-2.13). Individuals who rode bicycles more than once per week were more likely to engage in a LTPA except walking (1-3 days: OR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.03-2.87; ≥ 4 days: OR = 2.90, 95% CI = 1.71-4.93).

Conclusion

This study adds information on correlates of physical activity among older Japanese adults; the positive association between LTPA except walking and the frequency of bicycle travel is an especially new and intriguing finding.     

Perceived social and physical environmental correlates of physical activity in older adolescents and the moderating effect of self-efficacy

ObjectiveTo determine if perceptions of the social and physical environment are associated with active transport and leisure-time sports among Belgian youth and to investigate if this relationship is moderated by self-efficacy.MethodsIn February–May 2008, 1445 adolescents (17.4 ± 0.6 yrs) were recruited in 20 randomly selected Belgian schools. Physical activity, psychosocial, and environmental factors were assessed using validated questionnaires. Moderated multilevel regression analysis was used to examine the association between physical activity and possible correlates.ResultsSocial environmental variables (modeling and social support) were positively associated with active transportation and leisure-time sports (p < 0.05). Higher land use mix diversity, higher street connectivity, more attractive environments, better access to recreational facilities, and higher emotional satisfaction with the neighborhood were associated with more active transportation (p < 0.05). Higher perceived safety from traffic, better access to recreational facilities, more physical activity equipment at home, and fewer electronic devices in the bedroom were associated with more leisure-time sports (p < 0.05). Lower perceived safety and poorer access to (recreational) facilities were only associated with lower active transport among youth with lower self-efficacy (p < 0.05).ConclusionCreating more supportive environments could have the potential to affect the physical activity levels of Belgian adolescents with both high and low self-efficacy.     

Availability of recreational resources in minority and low socioeconomic status areas

BACKGROUND: Differences in availability of recreational resources may contribute to racial and socioeconomic status (SES) disparities in physical activity. Variations in the location and density of recreational resources were examined by SES and racial composition of neighborhoods. METHODS: Densities of resources available in recreational facilities and parks were estimated for census tracts between April 2003 and June 2004 in North Carolina, New York, and Maryland using kernel estimation. The probability of not having a facility or park was modeled by tract racial composition and SES, adjusting for population and area, using binomial regression in 2006. Mean densities of tract resources were modeled by SES and racial composition using linear regression. RESULTS: Minority neighborhoods were significantly more likely than white neighborhoods not to have recreational facilities (relative probability [RP]=3.27 [95% CI=2.11-5.07] and 8.60 [95% CI=4.48-16.51], for black and Hispanic neighborhoods, respectively). Low-income neighborhoods were 4.5 times more likely to not have facilities than high-income areas (95% CI=2.87-7.12). Parks were more equitably distributed. Most resources located in recreational facilities required a fee and were less dense in minority and low-income areas. Those located inside parks were usually free to use, sports-related, and denser in poor and minority neighborhoods. CONCLUSIONS: Recreational facilities and the resources they offer are not equitably distributed. The presence of parks in poor and minority areas suggest that improving the types and quality of resources in parks could be an important strategy to increase physical activity and reduce racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities.     

The association of neighborhood design and recreational environments with physical activity

PURPOSE: To determine the association of neighborhood design factors and recreational environments with physical activity. METHODS: Randomly selected adults (n = 102, 52% female, 81% white, mean age = 48 years) completed a survey of eight neighborhood design variables, convenient recreational facilities, and availability of home equipment. Physical activity was measured by self-report and 7 days of accelerometer monitoring. RESULTS: Residential density and an overall environment index were significantly related to both vigorous-intensity self-reported (r = .35 and .28, respectively) and objectively measured physical activity (r = .39 and .23, respectively). Home equipment was correlated with self-reported total (r = .34) and vigorous leisure-time physical activity (r = .27). The vigorous and total activity accelerometer measures were correlated with street connectivity (r = .25 and .21, respectively). DISCUSSION: Few self-reported neighborhood design factors and recreational environment variables were correlated with physical activity, and some findings were unexpected.     

Perceived environments as physical activity correlates and moderators of intervention in five studies

PURPOSE: Few studies have explored how relationships of perceived environment and physical activity vary across different activity domains and populations. This question was explored in five physical activity intervention trials funded by the National Institutes of Health Behavior Change Consortium. DESIGN: Observational. SETTINGS: San Francisco peninsula, California (N = 94); Eugene, Oregon (N = 122); Atlanta, Georgia (N = 256); Kingston, Rhode Island (N = 109); Memphis, Tennessee (N = 64). SUBJECTS: Ethnically diverse community adults ages 18 to 85 years. MEASURES: The Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale and CHAMPS physical activity questionnaire. Response rate among those invited to complete these measures was 90%. RESULTS: Cross-sectional pooled signal detection analysis indicated that people who reported living in neighborhoods with more attractive scenery and ease of walking were more likely to meet national physical activity recommendations (67%) compared with those without these neighborhood attributes (36%; chi2 = 13.04, p = .0003). Within-site multiple regression identified two additional variables--seeing others when walking and encountering loose dogs that make it difficult to walk--as correlates across multiple sites and activity domains (i.e., minutes of weekly moderate or more vigorous activity, walking for errands, walking leisurely) (incremental R2 = 2.0-7.5; p < .05). Analyses of covariance suggested that traffic safety might be particularly important in facilitating or impeding physical activity in response to a formal intervention (for traffic-arm assignment interactions, F = 3.8-7.0, p < or = .05). CONCLUSIONS: Relationships between perceived environments and physical activity may differ depending upon population groups and activity domains and merit investigation by using stronger prospective designs.     

Walking for Recreation and Perceptions of the Neighborhood Environment in Older Chinese Urban Dwellers

Engagement in walking for recreation can contribute to healthy aging. Although there is growing evidence that the neighborhood environment can influence walking for recreation, the amount of such evidence in relation to older adults is scarce and limited to Western low-density urban locations. Asian urban environments are typified by distinctive environmental and cultural characteristics that may yield different patterns to those observed in Western countries. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to examine associations of perceived environmental attributes with overall and within-neighborhood walking for recreation in Chinese elders (65+ years) residing in Hong Kong, an ultradense Asian metropolis. A sample of 484 elders was recruited from 32 neighborhoods stratified by socio-economic status and walkability (dwelling and intersection densities). Validated questionnaires measuring perceived neighborhood environment and weekly minutes of overall and within-neighborhood walking for recreation were interviewer administered. Results showed that the level of recreational walking was twice to four times higher than that reported in Western adults and elders. While overall walking for recreation showed a general lack of associations with perceived environmental attributes, within-neighborhood recreational walking was positively related with proximity of recreational facilities, infrastructure for walking, indoor places for walking, and presence of bridge/overpasses connecting to services. Age and educational attainment moderated the associations with several perceived environmental attributes with older and less-educated participants showing stronger associations. Traditional cultural views on the benefits of physical activity and the high accessibility of facilities and pedestrian infrastructure of Hong Kong may explain the high levels of walking. Although specific neighborhood attributes, or their perception, may influence recreational walking within the neighborhood, the compactness and public transport affordability of ultradense metropolises such as Hong Kong may make it easy for elders to compensate for the lack of favorable neighborhood attributes by walking outside the neighborhood.