Perceived neighborhood environmental attributes associated with adults' leisure-time physical activity: findings from Belgium, Australia and the USA

Health Place. 2013 Jan:19:59-68. doi: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2012.09.017. Epub 2012 Nov 7.

Abstract

The study purpose was to examine the strength, direction and shape of the associations of environmental perceptions with recreational walking and leisure-time moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, using pooled data from four study sites (Baltimore [USA], Seattle [USA], Adelaide [Australia] and Ghent [Belgium]). Moreover, site- and gender-specificity of the associations were examined. In total, 6014 adults (20-65 years, 55.7% women) completed the Neighborhood Environmental Walkability Scale and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Both a 'recreational walking-friendliness' index and a 'leisure-time activity friendliness' index had a positive linear association with recreational walking and leisure-time moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, respectively. The associations were significant in all study sites except Ghent. Present findings were clearly site-specific, imposing possible challenges for built environment recommendations. In Belgium, interventions to promote leisure-time activity may need to target promotion of existing opportunities rather than built environment improvements.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Distribution
  • Aged
  • Australia
  • Belgium
  • Cross-Cultural Comparison
  • Environment Design*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leisure Activities*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Perception
  • Residence Characteristics / classification*
  • Residence Characteristics / statistics & numerical data
  • Safety
  • Sex Distribution
  • Social Environment*
  • United States
  • Walking / statistics & numerical data*
  • Young Adult