Neighborhood built environment and socioeconomic status in relation to physical activity, sedentary behavior, and weight status of adolescents

The role of neighborhood characteristics in promoting physical activity and sedentary behaviors (SB) has not been extensively studied in university students. The study purpose was to analyze the associations of neighborhood built environment and neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES) with active commuting, leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), and SB among university students. This is a cross-sectional study of 308 undergraduate students from two urban universities in Valencia, Spain. Participants’ residential neighborhoods were classified according to walkability and SES levels. Walkability was defined as an index of three built environment attributes (i.e., residential density, land-use mix, and street connectivity) based on geographical information system data. Active commuting to and from university (ACU), active commuting in the neighborhood, LTPA, and SB were evaluated through a questionnaire. Mixed model regression analyses were performed. There were no significant SES–walkability interactions for any of the outcomes analyzed. However, university students living in more walkable areas reported two more ACU trips per week compared to those living in less walkable neighborhoods (p < 0.01). University students living in lower-SES neighborhoods reported more ACU trips per week than those living in higher-SES neighborhoods (p < 0.05). Regarding LTPA, there were no significant SES or walkability main effects. Neighborhood SES was negatively related to active commuting in the neighborhood and to time spent in SB (all p < 0.05). Participants living in lower-SES neighborhoods reported more active commuting per week and had the highest average minutes spent in SB. This study highlights the relevance of assessing university’s residential environment when active transportation and SB are analyzed.

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Effect of Children’s Weight Status on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior during Physical Education, Recess, and After School

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm9082651 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (8) ◽

pp. 2651

Author(s):

Zachary C. Pope ◽

Charles Huang ◽

David Stodden ◽

Daniel J. McDonough ◽

Zan Gao

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Body Mass Index ◽

Elementary School ◽

Physical Education ◽

Sedentary Behavior ◽

Body Mass ◽

Weight Status ◽

After School ◽

Healthy Weight

Children’s body mass index may affect physical activity (PA) participation. Therefore, this study examined the effect of children’s weight status on underserved elementary school children’s PA and sedentary behavior (SB) throughout the segmented day. Participants were 138 children (X¯age = 8.14 years). Children’s height and weight were measured with subsequent classification of children as healthy weight or overweight/obese. Durations of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), light PA (LPA), and SB during physical education (PE), morning recess, lunch recess, after school, and overall were assessed via accelerometry over three days. Independent t-tests evaluated differences in children’s MVPA, LPA, and SB during each daily segment by weight status. Significantly higher MVPA was observed for children of healthy weight status versus children with overweight/obesity during morning recess, t(136) = 2.15, p = 0.03, after school, t(136) = 2.68, p < 0.01, and overall, t(136) = 2.65, p < 0.01. Interestingly, comparisons of children of healthy weight status and children with overweight/obesity’s LPA and SB during the after-school segment revealed a trend wherein children with overweight/obesity participated in slightly greater LPA/less SB than children of healthy weight status. Higher MVPA was observed among children of healthy weight versus children with overweight/obesity during most daily segments. Concerted efforts should focus on increasing MVPA among children with overweight/obesity.

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Associations of the Neighborhood Built Environment With Physical Activity Across Pregnancy

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.2020-0510 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Kiarri N. Kershaw ◽

Derek J. Marsh ◽

Emma G. Crenshaw ◽

Rebecca B. McNeil ◽

Victoria L. Pemberton ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Built Environment ◽

Confidence Interval ◽

Leisure Time ◽

Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Relative Risks ◽

Recreation Areas ◽

General Populations ◽

Neighborhood Built Environment

Background: Several features of the neighborhood built environment have been shown to promote leisure-time physical activity (PA) in the general population, but few studies have examined its impact on PA during pregnancy. Methods: Data were extracted from 8362 Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: Monitoring Mothers-to-Be cohort participants (2010–2013). Residential address information was linked to 3 built environment characteristics: number of gyms and recreation areas within a 3-km radius of residence and census block level walkability. Self-reported leisure-time PA was measured in each trimester and dichotomized as meeting PA guidelines or not. Relative risks for cross-sectional associations between neighborhood characteristics and meeting PA guidelines were estimated using Poisson regression. Results: More gyms and recreation areas were each associated with a greater chance of meeting PA guidelines in models adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics and preexisting conditions. Associations were strongest in the third trimester where each doubling in counts of gyms and recreation areas was associated with 10% (95% confidence interval, 1.07–1.13) and 8% (95% confidence interval, 1.03–1.12), respectively, greater likelihood of meeting PA guidelines. Associations were similar though weaker for walkability. Conclusions: Results from a large, multisite cohort suggest that these built environment characteristics have similar PA-promoting benefits in pregnant women as seen in more general populations.

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Leisure-time physical activity, objective urban neighborhood built environment, and overweight and obesity of Chinese school-age children

Journal of Transport & Health ◽

10.1016/j.jth.2018.05.001 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 10 ◽

pp. 322-333 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Lin Lin

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Built Environment ◽

Leisure Time ◽

Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

School Age Children ◽

School Age ◽

Urban Neighborhood ◽

Chinese School ◽

Neighborhood Built Environment

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Effect of Changes to the Neighborhood Built Environment on Physical Activity in a Low-Income African American Neighborhood

Preventing Chronic Disease ◽

10.5888/pcd9.110165 ◽

2012 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

J Gustat ◽

J Rice ◽

KM Parker ◽

AB Becker ◽

TA Farley

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

African American ◽

Built Environment ◽

Low Income ◽

Neighborhood Built Environment

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Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior’s Association With Body Weight in Korean Adolescents

International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism ◽

10.1123/ijsnem.23.1.1 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 23 (1) ◽

pp. 1-10 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Wi-Young So

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Body Mass Index ◽

Body Weight ◽

Muscle Strength ◽

Sedentary Behavior ◽

Weight Status ◽

The Other ◽

Web Based ◽

Korean Adolescents ◽

Study Results

The purpose of this study was to examine whether physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior were related to weight status in Korean adolescents. A total of 72,399 students in Grades 7–12 participated in the 5th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey (KYRBWS-V) project in 2009. Body mass index, PA, and sedentary behavior were assessed by the KYRBWS-V. The study results show that boys had higher PA and less sedentary behavior than did girls (p < .01). The amounts of vigorous PA (p < .001), moderate PA (p < .001), moderate PA for at least 60 min (p < .001), exercise for muscle strength (p < .001), walking on a weekday (p < .001), and walking on a weekend (p = .012) were less in boys who were more obese than the other boys. The time spent sitting on a weekday (p < .001) and weekend (p < .001) was higher in more obese individuals in boys. Exercise for muscle strength (p = .011) was less in girls who were more obese. Time spent sitting on a weekday (p = .005) and weekend (p < .001) was higher in more obese individuals in girls. However, vigorous PA (p < .001), moderate PA (p < .001), moderate PA for at least 60 min (p = .003), and walking on a weekday (p < .001) were higher for the more obese girls. PA and sedentary behavior could be independent factors that reduce or prevent obesity in Korean adolescents.

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Is the perceived neighborhood built environment associated with domain-specific physical activity in Latin American adults? An eight-country observational study

International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity ◽

10.1186/s12966-020-01030-6 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Gerson Ferrari ◽

◽

André Oliveira Werneck ◽

Danilo Rodrigues da Silva ◽

Irina Kovalskys ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Land Use ◽

Built Environment ◽

Latin American ◽

Leisure Time ◽

Shopping Centers ◽

Domain Specific ◽

Land Use Mix ◽

Neighborhood Built Environment ◽

Latin American Countries

Abstract Background Characteristics of the neighborhood built environment are associated with physical activity (PA). However, few studies with representative samples have examined environmental correlates of domain-specific PA in Latin America. We examined the associations of the perceived neighborhood built environment with domain-specific PA in a large sample of adults from eight Latin American countries. Methods This study examined data from 8185 adults (aged 18–65 years) from eight Latin American countries. The Neighbourhood Environment Walkability Survey - Abbreviated (NEWS-A) scale was used to assess perceptions of land use mix–diversity, land use mix-access, street connectivity, walking/cycling facilities, aesthetics, safety from traffic, and safety from crime. Perceived proximity from home to public open spaces (metropolitan parks, playgrounds, public squares) and to shopping centers was also measured. Transport-related and leisure-time PA were assessed using the long form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Both logistic and linear regression models were estimated on pooled data. Results Perceptions of higher land use mix-access (OR: 1.40; 95% CI: 1.22,1.61), the existence of many alternative routes in the neighbourhood (1.12; 1.04,1.20), slow speed of traffic (1.19; 1.03,1.35) and few drivers exceeding the speed limits (1.09; 1.03,1.15) were associated with greater odds of reporting at least 10 min/week of transport-related PA. Perceptions of higher levels of land use mix-diversity, better aesthetics and greater safety from crime, the presence of crosswalks and pedestrian signals, and greater proximity of shopping centers were associated with more min/week of transport-related PA. Perceptions of higher land use mix-diversity (1.12; 1.05,1.20), higher land use mix-access (1.27; 1.13,1.43), more walking/cycling facilities (1.18; 1.09,1.28), and better aesthetics (1.10; 1.02,1.18) were associated with greater odds of engaging in at least 10 min/week of leisure-time PA versus none. Perceptions of higher land use mix-diversity were associated with more min/week of leisure PA. Conclusions Different perceived neighborhood built environment characteristics were associated with domain-specific PA among adults from Latin America countries. Interventions designed to modify perceptions of the neighbourhood built environment might influence initiation or maintenance of domain-specific PA. Trial registration ClinicalTrials. Gov NCT02226627. Retrospectively registered on August 27, 2014.

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Everyday Walking Among Older Adults and the Neighborhood Built Environment: A Comparison Between Two Cities in North America

Frontiers in Public Health ◽

10.3389/fpubh.2020.564533 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Florian Herbolsheimer ◽

Atiya Mahmood ◽

Yvonne L. Michael ◽

Habib Chaudhury

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Population Density ◽

Built Environment ◽

Healthy Aging ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Walking Behavior ◽

Metro Vancouver ◽

Walkable Neighborhood ◽

Neighborhood Built Environment

A walkable neighborhood becomes particularly important for older adults for whom physical activity and active transportation are critical for healthy aging-in-place. For many older adults, regular walking takes place in the neighborhood and is the primary mode of mobility. This study took place in eight neighborhoods in Metro Portland (USA) and Metro Vancouver (Canada), examining older adults' walking behavior and neighborhood built environmental features. Older adults reported walking for recreation and transport in a cross-sectional telephone survey. Information on physical activity was combined with audits of 355 street segments using the Senior Walking Environmental Audit Tool-Revised (SWEAT-R). Multi-level regression models examined the relationship between built environmental characteristics and walking for transport or recreation. Older adults [N = 434, mean age: 71.6 (SD = 8.1)] walked more for transport in high-density neighborhoods and in Metro Vancouver compared to Metro Portland (M = 12.8 vs. M = 2.2 min/day; p < 0.001). No relationship was found between population density and walking for recreation. Older adults spent more time walking for transport if pedestrian crossing were present (p = 0.037) and if parks or outdoor fitness amenities were available (p = 0.022). The immediate neighborhood built environment supports walking for transport in older adults. Comparing two similar metropolitan areas highlighted that high population density is necessary, yet not a sufficient condition for walking in the neighborhood.

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Adults’ leisure-time physical activity and the neighborhood built environment: a contextual perspective

International Journal of Health Geographics ◽

10.1186/s12942-020-00227-z ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Anna Kajosaari ◽

Tiina E. Laatikainen

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Built Environment ◽

Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽

Personal Level ◽

Neighborhood Built Environment ◽

Objectively Measured ◽

Sport Facilities ◽

Context Free ◽

Neighborhood Level ◽

Indoor And Outdoor

Abstract Background Context-free outcome measures, such as overall leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), are habitually applied to study the neighborhood built environment correlates of physical activity. This cross sectional study identifies and empirically tests potential methodological limitations related to the use of context-free measures and discusses how these may help in the interpretation of inconsistent associations between participation in moderate-to-vigorous LTPA and objectively measured neighborhood-level built environment attributes. Methods We employ a public participation geographic information system (PPGIS), an advanced participatory mapping method, to study the spatial distribution of moderate-to-vigorous LTPA among adult urban Finnish residents (n 1322). Secondary sources of GIS land-use and sport facility data were used to disaggregate respondent-mapped LTPA by the behavioral context, such as indoor and outdoor sport facilities, green spaces, and other public open spaces. Associations between the use of the identified LTPA settings and a range of objectively measured neighborhood built environment attributes were studied with multilevel logistic regression models. Results Disaggregated by behavioral context, we observed varied and partly opposite built environment correlates for LTPA. The use of indoor and outdoor sport facilities showed no significant associations with their neighborhood availability, but were significantly associated with personal-level attributes. By contrast, participation in LTPA in green and built public open space shared significant associations with access to and availability of neighborhood green space that persisted after controlling for personal-level covariates. Moreover, neighborhood distances up to 1600 m poorly captured participation in moderate-to-vigorous LTPA, as, on average, 40% of visits were located further from home. However, we found the immediate home environment to be an important LTPA setting for the least active participants. Conclusions This study demonstrates that LTPA can be a highly heterogeneous measure regarding both the spatial distribution and the environmental correlates of behavioral contexts. The results show that context-free LTPA outcome measures yield inconsistent associations with built environment exposure variables, challenging the applicability of such measures in designing neighborhood-level built environment interventions.

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