Citation

Olson JL, March S, Brownlow C, Biddle SJH, Ireland M. Health Promot. J. Austr. 2019; 30(2): 153-162.

Affiliation

Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, 37 Sinnathamby Boulevard, Springfield Central, Queensland, 4300, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Australian Health Promotion Association, Publisher CAIRO Publishing)

DOI

10.1002/hpja.199

PMID

30168879

Abstract

ISSUE ADDRESSED: Australians living in peri-urban areas are insufficiently active, sedentary, and experience poorer health than people in major cities. There are health benefits attributable to active lifestyles that could contribute to the improved health and wellbeing of this population. To support the adoption of active lifestyles it is important to understand the unique context in which behaviour occurs.

METHODS: The aim of this study was to identify characteristics of the social and physical peri-urban environment that may impact active lifestyles. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in peri-urban southern Queensland. Data was analysed by thematic analysis.

RESULTS: The natural environment, weather, distance, accessibility and walkability were features of the physical environment relevant to active lifestyles. Social factors included social capital and crime. Activity-supportive characteristics (e.g. community spirit) were identified, in addition to active lifestyle barriers (e.g. lack of public transport).

CONCLUSIONS: Despite activity-supportive social and environmental characteristics, most participants reported inactive lifestyles. The barriers to active lifestyles in peri-urban environments may negate these activity-supportive features. Some barriers are difficult to modify (e.g. distance and accessibility). However, some may be alleviated through the adoption of activity-supportive policy and urban design (e.g. pedestrian mobility infrastructure). SO WHAT?: Strategies to support active lifestyles in peri-urban environments must take into account unmodifiable contextual barriers, whilst encouraging utilisation of existing activity-supportive infrastructure and resources. The enhancement of activity-supportive environments through improved neighbourhood walkability and the usability of public transport may encourage some peri-urban residents to undertake more active forms of transport and recreational physical activity. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

health behaviour; non-metropolitan; physical activity; qualitative methods; sedentary behaviour