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Affiliation
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Cardiovascular Health Unit, NC Division of Public Health, 1915 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1915, USA. Sara.Huston@ncmail.net |
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Abstract
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PURPOSE: To examine associations between perceived
neighborhood characteristics, access to places for activity, and leisure-time
physical activity. DESIGN: Cross-sectional telephone survey. SETTING: Cabarrus,
Henderson, Pitt, Robeson, Surry, and Wake counties in North Carolina. SUBJECTS:
Population-based sample of 1796 adults at least 18 years of age residing in the
six counties. MEASURES: The 133-item questionnaire assessed self-reported
leisure-time physical activity and perceptions of neighborhood characteristics
(sidewalks, trails, heavy traffic, streetlights, unattended dogs, and safety
from crime) and general access to places for physical activity. RESULTS: Trails,
streetlights, and access to places were positively associated with engaging in
any leisure activity: unadjusted odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval [CI]);
1.62 (1.09-2.41), 1.57 (1.14-2.17), and 2.94 (1.91-4.52), respectively. Trails
and access to places were positively associated with engaging in the recommended
amount of leisure activity: 1.49 (1.00-2.22), and 2.28 (1.30-4.00),
respectively). In multivariable logistic regression modeling including
environmental factors and demographics, access to places was associated with any
activity (2.23 [1.44-3.44]) and recommended activity (2.15 [1.23-3.77]), and
trails were associated with recommended activity (1.51 [1.00-2.28]). CONCLUSION:
Certain neighborhood characteristics, particularly trails, and access to places
for physical activity may be associated with leisure activity levels. In this
study, perceived neighborhood environmental factors and access to places for
physical activity were strongly associated with race, education, and
income. |