Neighborhood SES and walkability are related to physical activity behavior in Belgian adults

ObjectiveTo investigate whether neighborhood walkability (higher residential density, land use mix, street connectivity) is positively associated with physical activity in Belgian adults and whether this association is moderated by neighborhood SES.MethodsThe Belgian Environmental Physical Activity Study (BEPAS) was conducted in Ghent, Belgium. Data were collected between May 2007 and September 2008. Twenty-four neighborhoods were selected, stratified on GIS-based walkability and neighborhood SES. In total, 1200 adults (aged 20–65 years; 50 per neighborhood) completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and wore an accelerometer for seven days. After omitting participants with missing accelerometer data, the final sample consisted of 1166 adults.ResultsLiving in a high-walkable neighborhood was associated with more accelerometer-based minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (38.6 vs. 31.8 min/day, p < 0.001), transportational walking and cycling, recreational walking, and less motorized transport (all p < 0.05). Low neighborhood SES was related to more cycling for transport and less motorized transport (all p < 0.05). No interactions between walkability and neighborhood SES were found.ConclusionsThe BEPAS results generally confirmed the findings from Australia and the US showing that, in Europe, walkability is also positively related to physical activity. As neighborhood SES was not a significant moderator, walkability appears beneficial for all economic strata.     

Neighborhood walkability,neighborhood social health,and self-selection among U.S. adults

ObjectivesNeighborhood walkability is favorably related to multiple physical health outcomes, but associations with social health are less clear. Present analyses examined how neighborhood walkability was related to neighborhood social health and explored the potential confounding role of neighborhood self-selection.MethodsCross-sectional data were analyzed for 1745 adults, ages 20–66, recruited from two US regions. We created a walkability index around each participant's home (1 km street network buffer) based on residential density, street intersection density, mixed land use, and retail floor area ratio. Neighborhood social health outcomes included reported social interactions with neighbors and sense of community. Two mixed model regressions were conducted for each outcome, with and without adjusting for walkability-related reasons for moving to the neighborhood (self-selection). Covariates included sex, age, socioeconomic status, white/nonwhite race/ethnicity, marital status, and time living in the neighborhood.ResultsNeighborhood walkability was positively related to social interactions with neighbors, both without (b = 0.13, p < .001) and with adjustment for self-selection (b = 0.09, p = .008). Neighborhood walkability was positively associated with sense of community, but only before adjusting for self-selection (b = 0.02, p = .009).ConclusionNeighborhood walkability may promote specific aspects of neighborhood social health, which together are beneficial for physical and mental health. These findings provide additional impetus for enhancing walkability of US communities.     

Differences in weight status and energy-balance related behaviors among schoolchildren in German-speaking Switzerland compared to seven countries in Europe

Background

Neighborhood walkability has been associated with physical activity in several studies. However, as environmental correlates of physical activity may be context specific, walkability parameters need to be investigated separately in various countries and contexts. Furthermore, the mechanisms by which walkability affects physical activity have been less investigated. Based on previous research, we hypothesized that vehicle ownership is a potential mediator. We investigated the associations between walkability parameters and physical activity, and the mediating and moderating effects of vehicle ownership on these associations in a large sample of Swedish adults.

Methods

Residential density, street connectivity and land use mix were assessed within polygon-based network buffers (using Geographic Information Systems) for 2,178 men and women. Time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity was assessed by accelerometers, and walking and cycling for transportation were assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Associations were examined by linear regression and adjusted for socio-demographic characteristics. The product of coefficients approach was used to investigate the mediating effect of vehicle ownership.

Results

Residential density and land use mix, but not street connectivity, were significantly associated with time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity and walking for transportation. Cycling for transportation was not associated with any of the walkability parameters. Vehicle ownership mediated a significant proportion of the association between the walkability parameters and physical activity outcomes. For residential density, vehicle ownership mediated 25% of the association with moderate to vigorous physical activity and 20% of the association with the amount of walking for transportation. For land use mix, the corresponding proportions were 34% and 14%. Vehicle ownership did not moderate any of the associations between the walkability parameters and physical activity outcomes.

Conclusions

Residential density and land use mix were associated with time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity and walking for transportation. Vehicle ownership was a mediator but not a moderator of these associations. The present findings may be useful for policy makers and city planners when designing neighborhoods that promote physical activity.     

Aging in neighborhoods differing in walkability and income: associations with physical activity and obesity in older adults

While there is a growing literature on the relations between neighborhood design and health factors such as physical activity and obesity, less focus has been placed on older adults, who may be particularly vulnerable to environmental influences. This study evaluates the relations among objectively measured neighborhood design, mobility impairment, and physical activity and body weight in two U.S. regional samples of community dwelling older adults living in neighborhoods differing in walkability and income levels. An observational design involving two time points six months apart was employed between 2005 and 2008. U.S. Census block groups in Seattle-King County, Washington and Baltimore, Maryland-Washington DC regions were selected via geographic information systems to maximize variability in walkability and income. Participants were 719 adults ages 66 years and older who were able to complete surveys in English and walk at least 10 feet continuously. Measurements included reported walking or bicycling for errands (i.e., transport activity) and other outdoor aerobic activities measured via the CHAMPS questionnaire: accelerometry-based moderate-to-vigorous physical activity; reported body mass index; and reported lower extremity mobility impairment measured via the Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument. Across regions, time, and neighborhood income, older adults living in more walkable neighborhoods had more transport activity and moderate-to- vigorous physical activity and lower body mass index relative to those living in less walkable neighborhoods. The most mobility-impaired adults living in more walkable neighborhoods reported transport activity levels that were similar to less mobility-impaired adults living in less walkable neighborhoods. The results add to the small literature aimed at understanding how neighborhood design may influence physical activity and related aspects of health linked with day-to-day function and independence as people age.     

Healthy Neighborhoods: Walkability and Air Pollution

Background

The built environment may influence health in part through the promotion of physical activity and exposure to pollution. To date, no studies have explored interactions between neighborhood walkability and air pollution exposure.

Methods

We estimated concentrations of nitric oxide (NO), a marker for direct vehicle emissions), and ozone (O₃) and a neighborhood walkability score, for 49,702 (89% of total) postal codes in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. NO concentrations were estimated from a land-use regression model, O₃ was estimated from ambient monitoring data; walkability was calculated based on geographic attributes such as land-use mix, street connectivity, and residential density.

Results

All three attributes exhibit an urban–rural gradient, with high walkability and NO concentrations, and low O₃ concentrations, near the city center. Lower-income areas tend to have higher NO concentrations and walkability and lower O₃ concentrations. Higher-income areas tend to have lower pollution (NO and O₃). “Sweet-spot” neighborhoods (low pollution, high walkability) are generally located near but not at the city center and are almost exclusively higher income.

Policy implications

Increased concentration of activities in urban settings yields both health costs and benefits. Our research identifies neighborhoods that do especially well (and especially poorly) for walkability and air pollution exposure. Work is needed to ensure that the poor do not bear an undue burden of urban air pollution and that neighborhoods designed for walking, bicycling, or mass transit do not adversely affect resident’s exposure to air pollution. Analyses presented here could be replicated in other cities and tracked over time to better understand interactions among neighborhood walkability, air pollution exposure, and income level.     

Neighborhood walkability and the walking behavior of Australian adults

BACKGROUND: The physical attributes of residential neighborhoods, particularly the connectedness of streets and the proximity of destinations, can influence walking behaviors. To provide the evidence for public health advocacy on activity-friendly environments, large-scale studies in different countries are needed. Associations of neighborhood physical environments with adults' walking for transport and walking for recreation must be better understood. METHOD: Walking for transport and walking for recreation were assessed with a validated survey among 2650 adults recruited from neighborhoods in an Australian city between July 2003 and June 2004, with neighborhoods selected to have either high or low walkability, based on objective measures of connectedness and proximity derived from geographic information systems (GIS) databases. The study design was stratified by area-level socioeconomic status, while analyses controlled for participant age, gender, individual-level socioeconomic status, and reasons for neighborhood self-selection. RESULTS: A strong independent positive association was found between weekly frequency of walking for transport and the objectively derived neighborhood walkability index. Preference for walkable neighborhoods moderated the relationship of walkability with weekly minutes, but not the frequency of walking for transport--walkability was related to higher frequency of transport walking, irrespective of neighborhood self-selection. There were no significant associations between environmental factors and walking for recreation. CONCLUSIONS: Associations of neighborhood walkability attributes with walking for transport were confirmed in Australia. They accounted for a modest but statistically significant proportion of the total variation of the relevant walking behavior. The physical environment attributes that make up the walkability index are potentially important candidate factors for future environmental and policy initiatives designed to increase physical activity.     

Quasi-causal associations of physical activity and neighborhood walkability with body mass index: A twin study

ObjectivePhysical activity, neighborhood walkability, and body mass index (BMI, kg/m²) associations were tested using quasi-experimental twin methods. We hypothesized that physical activity and walkability were independently associated with BMI within twin pairs, controlling for genetic and environmental background shared between them.MethodsData were from 6376 (64% female; 58% identical) same-sex pairs, University of Washington Twin Registry, 2008–2013. Neighborhood walking, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and BMI were self-reported. Residential address was used to calculate walkability. Phenotypic (non-genetically informed) and biometric (genetically informed) regression was employed, controlling for age, sex, and race.ResultsWalking and MVPA were associated with BMI in phenotypic analyses; associations were attenuated but significant in biometric analyses (Ps < 0.05). Walkability was not associated with BMI, however, was associated with walking (but not MVPA) in both phenotypic and biometric analyses (Ps < 0.05), with no attenuation accounting for shared genetic and environmental background.ConclusionsThe association between activity and BMI is largely due to shared genetic and environmental factors, but a significant causal relationship remains accounting for shared background. Although walkability is not associated with BMI, it is associated with neighborhood walking (but not MVPA) accounting for shared background, suggesting a causal relationship between them.     

Do adults like living in high-walkable neighborhoods? Associations of walkability parameters with neighborhood satisfaction and possible mediators

The aims were to examine the associations between objective walkability characteristics and neighborhood satisfaction in adults, and the possible mediating effects of environmental perceptions and physical activity on these associations. In total, 1391 adults completed a questionnaire on neighborhood satisfaction, physical activity, socio-demographics and environmental perceptions. Walkability characteristics were measured objectively using Geographic Information System databases. Overall walkability and residential density were negatively related to neighborhood satisfaction, while connectivity and land use mix showed no significant associations. In total, 56.6% and 39.4%, respectively, of the negative associations of walkability and density with neighborhood satisfaction were mediated by perceptions of more esthetic-related problems, pollution, crime and less overall safety in highly walkable/dense neighborhoods. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was not a significant mediator. Urban planners should not be discouraged to build high-walkable environments, but next to objective walkability, environmental perceptions should also be considered to achieve neighborhood satisfaction.     

Neighborhood walkability, physical activity, and walking behavior: the Swedish Neighborhood and Physical Activity (SNAP) study

More knowledge concerning the association between physical activity and objectively measured attributes of the built environment is needed. Previous studies on the association between objectively measured neighborhood walkability, physical activity, and walking have been conducted in the U.S. or Australia and research findings are available from only one country in Europe – Belgium. The first aim of this Swedish study of 2269 adults was to examine the associations between neighborhood walkability and walking for active transportation or leisure, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and whether these hypothesized associations are moderated by age, gender, income, marital status and neighborhood-level socioeconomic status. The second aim was to determine how much of the total variance of the walking and physical activity outcomes can be attributed to neighborhood-level differences. Neighborhood walkability was objectively measured by GIS methods. An index consisting of residential density, street connectivity, and land use mix was constructed to define 32 highly and less walkable neighborhoods in Stockholm City. MVPA was measured objectively during 7 days with an accelerometer and walking was assessed using the validated International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Multilevel linear as well as logistic models (mixed-effects, mixed-distribution models) were used in the analysis. The statistically significant and “adjusted” results for individuals living in highly walkable neighborhoods, as compared to those living in less walkable neighborhoods, were: (1) 77% and 28% higher odds for walking for active transportation and walking for leisure, respectively, (2) 50 min more walking for active transportation/week, and (3) 3.1 min more MVPA/day. The proportion of the total variance at the neighborhood level was low and ranged between 0.0% and 2.1% in the adjusted models. The findings of the present study stress that future policies concerning the built environment must be based on context-specific evidence, particularly in the light of the fact that neighborhood redevelopments are time-consuming and expensive.     

Correlates of walking among disadvantaged groups: A systematic review

Socioeconomically disadvantaged groups are less likely to be physically active. Walking is important to public health, therefore understanding correlates of walking will inform the development of targeted interventions. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the correlates of walking among socioeconomically disadvantaged adults. PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus were searched up to February 2020 and titles/abstracts and full-texts were screened against eligibility criteria. Methodological quality was assessed. Correlates were synthesized when two or more comparisons were available. 35 studies were selected for synthesis. 21 examined overall walking, 16 examined leisure-time walking and 9 examined walking for transport (8 examined two or more types of walking). Employment status, home ownership, self-rated health, density or number of social ties, perceived neighborhood aesthetics, perceived walkability and perceived individual safety were positively associated with overall walking. Social support for physical activity from friends and family and perceived individual safety were positively associated with leisure-time walking. Objective walkability, perceived walkability and perceived individual safety were positively associated with walking for transport. Most studies were cross-sectional, did not report response rates and used a validated measure of physical activity. Strategies to improve self-rated health, social ties, neighborhood aesthetics, walkability and perceptions of individual safety should be the focus of interventions that aim to improve walking among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. Recommendations for future studies include the need to focus on leisure-time walking and walking for transport; the correlates of walking in males; prospective longitudinal designs; psychological, cognitive and emotional variables; and social, behavioral attributes and skills.     

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     

Bicycle Use for Transport in an Australian and a Belgian City: Associations with Built-Environment Attributes

The walkability attributes of neighborhood environments (residential density, land use mixture, and connectedness of streets) have been found to be associated with higher rates of walking. However, relatively less is known about the associations of walkability attributes with bicycle use for transport. We examined the relationships between adults' bicycle use for transport and measures of neighborhood walkability in two settings: an Australian city (Adelaide) with low rates of bicycle use and a Belgian city (Ghent) with high rates of bicycle use. A total of 2,159 and 382 participants were recruited in Adelaide and Ghent, respectively. A walkability index was derived from objectively measured data in Adelaide, while a similar index was derived from perceived measures in Ghent. Logistic regression models were employed to examine associations of bicycle use with different levels of walkability. There were higher rates of bicycle ownership for Ghent compared to Adelaide participants (96% versus 61%), and there was a higher prevalence of bicycle use for transport for Ghent compared to Adelaide participants (50% vs. 14%). Despite the large differences in bicycle ownership and use, living in a high-walkable neighborhood was associated with significantly higher odds of bicycle use for transport in both cities, after adjusting for relevant confounding factors. Built-environment innovations that are increasingly being advocated by health authorities and transport planners, primarily to promote higher rates of walking for transport, should also impact positively on bicycle use.     

Associations among environmental supports,physical activity,and blood pressure in African-American adults in the PATH trial

High blood pressure disproportionately affects African-American adults and is a leading cause of stroke and heart attack. Engaging in recommended levels of physical activity reduces blood pressure, and social and physical environmental supports for physical activity may increase engagement in physical activity. Based on social cognitive theory within a bioecological framework, the present study tested hypotheses that perceived peer social support for physical activity and neighborhood walkability would be positively associated with physical activity, and that physical activity would mediate their relation with blood pressure. Baseline data were collected with 434 African-American adults in underserved communities (low income, high crime) participating in the Positive Action for Today's Health (PATH) trial. Perceived peer social support for physical activity and neighborhood walkability were measured with validated surveys. Physical activity was assessed with 7-day accelerometry (moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, min/day) and with a 4-week recall of walking. Three blood pressure assessments were taken by trained staff using standard protocols, with values from the second and third assessments averaged. The sample was predominantly female (63%), overweight (mean body mass index = 30.9, SD = 8.4), and had slightly elevated blood pressures with a mean systolic blood pressure of 132.4 (SD = 17.9) and a mean diastolic blood pressure of 81.4 (SD = 11.0). Results demonstrated that peer social support for physical activity (B = 2.43, p = .02) and neighborhood walkability (B = 2.40, p = .046) were significantly related to average daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Neighborhood walkability was also significantly associated with self-reported average daily walking (B = 8.86, p = .02). Physical activity did not mediate their relation with blood pressure and no significant direct effects of these variables on blood pressure were found. The positive influence of social and physical environmental supports on physical activity in underserved African-American communities may guide intervention efforts and contribute to our understanding of physical activity and related health outcomes.     

The relationship between convenience of destinations and walking levels in older women

PURPOSE: To examine the relationship between physical activity and (1) convenience of destinations, measured by whether destinations (such as a park, trail, businesses, and services) are within walking distance of the home, and (2) participants' perception of the quality of their neighborhood surroundings for walking, captured with a global neighborhood "walkability" rating. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis of data obtained in 1999. SETTING: Community in southwest Pennsylvania. SUBJECTS: Older Caucasian women (n = 149, mean age = 74.2 years). Response rate = 79%. MEASURES: Walking levels, leisure-time physical activity, and features of the neighborhood environment were measured with interviewer-administered questionnaires. Physical activity was also measured objectively with a pedometer. RESULTS: Living within walking distance (defined as within a 20-minute walk of home) of a park; biking or walking trail; or department, discount, or hardware store was related to higher pedometer readings (p < .01). In addition, there was a positive trend between the sum of destinations within walking distance of home and activity levels measured by pedometer and questionnaire (p < .01). There was also a positive trend between participants' neighborhood "walkability" rating and activity levels measured by pedometer and questionnaire (p < .01). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the ability to make utilitarian walking trips from home and the perception of having favorable neighborhood surroundings for walking are associated with increased physical activity levels in older women.     

Neighborhood,family and individual characteristics related to adolescent park-based physical activity

BackgroundLocal parks are an important community resource that may influence levels of physical activity among youth. However, few population-based studies have investigated park-based physical activity among youth.PurposeThis study examines sociodemographic, family, and neighborhood characteristics associated with park-based physical activity among adolescents.MethodsData were from the 2007 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), a population-based survey of California households, and were analyzed in 2012–2013 and 2015. This study examined individual (age, gender, race/ethnicity, and nativity), family (household income, parental education, and nativity), and neighborhood characteristics (urbanicity, perceived park availability, perceived park safety, neighborhood income, and racial composition) associated with engaging in park-based physical activity among adolescents.ResultsIn California, 71% of adolescents reported being physically active the last time they visited a park. In adjusted multinomial logistic regression analyses, older adolescents and females were less likely to be physically active in parks. Adolescents with a park within walking distance of home and those with a safe park nearby were more likely to be physically active during a park visit.ConclusionsPark availability and perceptions of park safety are important predictors of engaging in park-based physical activity among adolescents. These findings provide information that can help inform interventions intended to increase physical activity among youth. Strategies that increase availability and safety of parks and other recreation spaces may be particularly effective.     

Do psychosocial factors moderate the association between objective neighborhood walkability and older adults' physical activity?

This study investigated moderating effects of psychosocial factors on the association between walkability and physical activity (PA) in 433 Belgian older adults. Furthermore, main effects of psychosocial factors on PA were determined. No moderating effects were observed for the associations between walkability and transport walking, or moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA). Walkability was positively associated with recreational walking in those with high self-efficacy. Regarding main effects, benefits and social norm were positively associated with recreational walking. Benefits were positively and barriers were negatively associated with MVPA. There were no significant main effects for transport walking. The overall lack of moderation suggests that environmental interventions might enhance all older adults' transport walking and MVPA. Recreational walking might be enhanced by simultaneously targeting self-efficacy and neighborhood environmental factors.     

Environmental and social determinants of leisure-time physical activity in children with autism spectrum disorder

BackgroundIt is increasingly recognized that children's physical activity behaviors are shaped by neighborhood environment factors and their parent's support. However, these factors have been scarcely studied among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a population at risk of inactivity.ObjectiveThis cross-sectional survey study was designed to examine how neighborhood environmental factors and parental support are related to physical activity levels of children with ASD. Also, this study examined if the relationship between the environment and physical activity is modified by demographic factors and COVID-19 related concerns.MethodsAn online survey was completed by parents of children with ASD aged 10–17 years. The questionnaire included items related to environmental factors (i.e., distance to school, distance to park, existence of sidewalks, walkability), parent support for physical activity (i.e., encouraging, watching, and providing transportation), child's physical activity, and demographic characteristics. The instrument also queried parental concerns about COVID-19 and their child's physical activity participation.ResultsThe results indicate that proximity to a local park and to school is positively associated with physical activity. Parent's encouraging behavior correlated with and predicted children's physical activity levels. Also, higher levels of COVID-19 related concerns among parents were related to decreased physical activity supporting behaviors.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that the neighborhood environment, in particular the distance between home and parks and schools, and parent support behavior are influential factors that may shape physical activity behaviors for children with ASD.     

Association of neighborhood design and recreation environment variables with physical activity and body mass index in adolescents

PURPOSE: To examine associations of neighborhood walkability and recreation environment variables with physical activity in adolescents. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted with 98 white or Mexican-American adolescents (mean age = 16.2 years). Physical activity was measured with 7 days of accelerometer monitoring. Height and weight were measured to compute body mass index (BMI). Environmental measures were created using geographic information systems. A neighborhood walkability index was based on land use mix, retail density, street connectivity, and residential density. Proximity to public and private recreation facilities was assessed. RESULTS: In a linear regression, the walkability index within 0.5 mile of homes was related to minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity, explaining approximately 4% of variance. Recreation variables were not related to physical activity, and BMI was not explained by environmental variables. CONCLUSION: Neighborhood walkability was related to adolescents'physical activity, similar to findings for adults.     

To what extent does physical activity explain the associations between neighborhood environment and depressive symptoms in older adults living in an Asian metropolis?

PurposeThis study aimed to examine physical activity (PA) as a mediator of both neighborhood environment-depressive symptoms associations and the moderating effects of living arrangements on these associations.Methods909 Hong Kong Chinese older adults aged 65 + years and living in pre-selected communities stratified by walkability and socio-economic status participated in this cross-sectional observational study. Exposure variables were objectively-quantified neighborhood attributes. The outcome measure was presence of depressive symptoms. Scores on validated Chinese versions of international PA questionnaires were examined as mediators of environment-depressive symptoms associations and of the moderating effects of living arrangements (living alone vs. living with others) on these associations.ResultsNeighborhood connectivity, prevalence of public transport, and pedestrian infrastructure were positively related to depressive symptoms; and frequency of walking for transport was identified as a suppressor of these positive associations. Living arrangements moderated the associations of a considerable number of measures of access to destinations of daily living with depressive symptoms, and most of these moderating effects were partially mediated by frequency of walking for transport.ConclusionsUltra-dense, well-connected, pedestrian-friendly, destination-rich neighborhoods may contribute to lowering the risk of depressive symptoms in Hong Kong older adults by enabling them to frequently walk to local destinations of daily living and, thus, maintain their independence and bond with the community. These potential pathways of influence appear to be particularly important for older adults living alone. Future studies need to identify mechanisms other than PA that contribute to unexplained environment-depression relationships.     

杭州市城区成年居民步行时间与建成环境主观感知的关联分析

目的 了解杭州市城区成年居民步行与建成环境主观感知之间的关系。方法 2012年采用多阶段分层随机抽样方法选取杭州市城区25~59岁居民开展面对面问卷调查。采用国际体力活动量表长版(IPAQ-L)和社区步行环境量表简版(NEWS-A)评价居民过去1周交通出行相关步行时间、休闲性步行时间以及建成环境主观感知。利用多因素logistic回归法分析步行与建成环境主观感知得分的关联性。结果 杭州市城区成年居民过去1周总体力活动得分M=2 766 met·min^-1·week^-1,平均1周休闲相关步行时间为90 min,平均1周交通相关步行时间则为100 min。控制年龄、BMI、婚姻状况、工作状态、文化程度、居住社区类型、总体力活动水平后,男性(OR=0.764,95%CI:0.588~0.992)和女性(OR=0.633,95%CI:0.481~0.833)的休闲性步行时间均与场所设施可及性维度得分呈负相关,女性休闲性步行时间还与住宅密度维度得分呈负相关(OR=0.997,95%CI:0.996~0.999),女性交通出行相关步行时间则与步行道/自行车道维度得分呈正相关(OR=1.537,95%CI:1.138~2.075)。男性交通出行相关步行时间与建成环境主观感知各维度得分的关联均无统计学意义。结论 可通过改善步行道/自行车道等建成环境促进成年居民的交通相关步行时间,开展成年人步行的环境干预时需要考虑性别差异。