Citation

McGurk M, Maddock J. J. Phys. Act. Health 2016; 13(10): 1056-1062.

Affiliation

Dept of Public Health Sciences, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Human Kinetics Publishers)

DOI

10.1123/jpah.2015-0681

PMID

27253435

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Obesity and lack of physical activity are major public health problems in the US. Well-designed, active living communities (ALC) can help support physically active lifestyles. This study assessed attitudes of Hawaii decision makers in 2007 and 2013 to determine if priorities towards ALC changed.

METHODS: Elected and appointed state and county officials were mailed surveys both years. Respondents rated the importance of 23 specified problems, which included one obesity variable and five ALC variables.

RESULTS: The survey was completed by 126 (70.4%) respondents in 2007 and 117 (60.9%) in 2013. Among the specific problems, only obesity increased in rank from 14th to 9th place. Three variables fell more than 2 places: increasing traffic (5th to 7th place), poorly planned development and sprawl (7th to 11th place) and pedestrian safety (12th to 17th place). The other two stayed relatively the same: lack of pedestrian walkways, sidewalks and crosswalks (16th to 15th place) and lack of recreational activities (22nd to 23rd place).

CONCLUSION: Across years, obesity concerns have increased but do not appear to be tied to increases in concern for ALC variables. More education for policy makers on the link between obesity, physical activity, and the built environment is necessary.

Language: en