Perceptions of the Built Environment and Support for Policies That Promote Physical Activity

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (11) ◽  
pp. 976-984
Author(s):  
Jeanette Gustat ◽  
Christopher E. Anderson ◽  
Keelia O’Malley ◽  
Tian Hu ◽  
Rachel G. Tabak ◽  
...  

Background: To assess how perceptions of the community built environment influence support for community policies that promote physical activity (PA). Methods: A national cross-sectional survey assessed perceptions of the local built environment and support of community policies, including school and workplace policies, promoting PA. A random digit–dialed telephone survey was conducted in US counties selected on Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data for high or low prevalence of obesity and inactivity. A total of 1208 subjects were interviewed, 642 from high-prevalence counties and 566 from low-prevalence counties. Analyses were stratified by county prevalence of obesity and inactivity (high or low). Linear models adjusted for covariates were constructed to assess the influence of built environment perceptions on policy support. Results: Perception of more destinations near the residence was associated with increased support for community policies that promote PA, including tax increases in low-prevalence (obesity and inactivity) counties (P < .01). Positive perception of the workplace environment was associated (P < .001) with increased support for workplace policies among those in high-, but not low-, prevalence counties. Conclusions: Support for community policies promoting PA varies by perception of the built environment, which has implications for policy change.

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S292-S292
Author(s):  
Rie Suzuki ◽  
Jennifer Blackwood ◽  
Shailee Shah ◽  
Sabah Ganai ◽  
Kimberly Warden

Abstract The built environment is commonly cited as a facilitator to local walking. Although health promotion programs targeting physical activity are available, few studies have investigated the associations of the perceived neighborhoods with the incidence of falls in the minority communities. Hence, the purpose of this preliminary study was to understand whether the perceived built environment influenced the fall experiences in older adults living in the underserved community. The preliminary cross-sectional survey was conducted at the regional health clinic in Flint, MI. Descriptive statistics and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were performed using SAS v8.4. The eligibility criteria included over 65 years old and Flint residents. Of 132 participants, the mean age was 69.75 (SD=5.00). The majority were female (68%), African Americans (80%), single, divorced or widowed (80%), and &gt; GED (84%). The ANOVAs supported that “had fallen in the past year” was associated with “stores are within easy walking distance,” “easy to walk to a transit stop” and “there is a dirt strip that separates the streets from the sidewalks.” The fall experience was more likely to associate with the sedentary lifestyle and the comorbidities such as diabetes, fatigues, muscle spasms, and chronic pain. To summarize, the built environment increased the incidence of falls in the past year. Those who had fallen had poor health conditions. Further studies are needed for older adults to engage in physical activity. It is essential to develop the age-friendly support systems and accommodations to local walking in this community.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco Fuster ◽  
Felipe Peirano ◽  
José Ignacio Vargas ◽  
Francisco Xavier Zamora ◽  
Marcelo López-Lastra ◽  
...  

AbstractChile has become a popular destination for migrants from South America and the Caribbean (low- and middle-income countries migration). Close to 200.000 Haitian migrants have arrived in Chile. Infectious and non-infectious disease burden among the Haitian adult population living in Chile is unknown. This study aimed to acquire the basic health information (selected transmissible and non-transmissible conditions) of the Haitian adult population living in Chile. A cross-sectional survey was performed, inviting Haitian-born residents in Chile older than 18 years old. Common conditions and risk factors for disease were assessed, as well as selected transmissible conditions (HIV, HBV, and HCV). 498 participants (60.4% female) from 10 communities in two regions of Chile were surveyed. Most subjects had never smoked (91.5%), and 80% drank less than one alcohol unit per month. The mean BMI was 25.6, with 45% of participants having a normal BMI (20–25). Hypertension was present in 31.5% (33% in the 25–44 age group). Prevalence of HIV was 2.4% (95 CI 1.3–4.2%), hepatitis B (HBsAg positive) was 3.4% (95 CI 2.1–5.5%), and hepatitis C was 0% (95 CI 0.0–0.9%). Quality of life showed a significant prevalence of depression and anxiety markers, particularly in those arriving in Chile less than 1 year ago. Low prevalence of obesity, diabetes, smoking, and drinking and estimated cardiovascular risk were found. Nonetheless, hypertension at a younger age, disproportionately higher prevalence of HIV and HBV infection and frequent markers of anxiety and depression were also found. Public policies for detecting and treating hypertension, HIV, and HBV screening, offering HBV vaccination, and organizing mental health programs for Haitian immigrants, are urgently needed.


Author(s):  
Pooja S. Tandon ◽  
Emily Kroshus ◽  
Katharine Olsen ◽  
Kimberly Garrett ◽  
Pingping Qu ◽  
...  

Access to opportunities for physical activity and sports, and therefore potential benefits of participation, are distributed inequitably. The aims of this study were to describe and compare youth experiences related to sport and physical activity by socioeconomic factors. A cross-sectional survey was conducted of students in 5–12th grades in King County, Washington, USA. Students were asked about physical activity and sports experiences and about demographic factors including family affluence, which was categorized as low, medium, and high. Participants were 1038 youth (50% girls, 58% non-White, and 32% from homes where languages other than English are spoken). Children from low-affluence families reported fewer days/week of physical activity, fewer sports sampled, and lower rates of ever playing sports. Greater proportions of children from low-affluence families reported these barriers to sports: (1) don’t want to get hurt, (2) don’t feel welcome on teams, (3) too expensive, and (4) transportation. Middle school children from high-affluence families had three times higher odds of meeting physical activity recommendations, and high-affluence high schoolers had three times higher odds of ever participating in sports compared to peers from low-affluence families. Socioeconomic status was inversely associated with outcomes related to youth physical activity and sports participation. The disproportionately reported barriers to sports participation are modifiable, and cross-sector solutions can help promote play equity.


2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 617.1-617
Author(s):  
H. Wohland ◽  
N. Leuchten ◽  
M. Aringer

Background:Fatigue is among the top complaints of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but only in part associated with SLE disease activity. Physical activity can help to reduce fatigue and should therefore be recommended to SLE patients. Vice versa, fatigue may arguably lead to reduced physical activity.Objectives:To investigate the extent of physical activity and the perception of fatigue and sleep quality in patients with SLE.Methods:Starting in February 2019, SLE patients were invited to participate in a cross-sectional survey study of fatigue and physical exercise during their routine outpatient clinic visits. Participants filled out a ten-page paper questionnaire focused on physical activity. To evaluate fatigue, we primarily used a 10 cm visual analogue scale (0-100 mm, with 100 meaning most fatigued), but also the FACIT fatigue score (range 0-52). Sleep quality was estimated using grades from 1 (excellent) to 6 (extremely poor).Results:93 SLE patients took part in the study. All patients fulfilled the European League Against Rheumatism/ American College of Rheumatology (EULAR/ACR) 2019 classification criteria for SLE. 91% of the patients were female. Their mean (SD) age was 45.5 (14.3) years and their mean disease duration 12.1 (9.4) years. The mean BMI was 25.2 (5.6). Of all patients, 7.5% had a diagnosis of (secondary) fibromyalgia. The mean fatigue VAS was 32 (27) mm and the mean FACIT fatigue score 35.7 (10.3). As expected, fatigue by VAS and FACIT was correlated (Spearman r=-0.61, p<0.0001). The mean SLEDAI was 1 (1) with a range of 0 to 6. Median glucocorticoid doses were 2 mg prednisolone equivalent, with a range from 0 to 10 mg.Out of 66 patients in payed jobs, 64 (97%) reported details on their working space. One person (2%) worked in a predominanty standing position, 37 (58%) worked in essentially sedentary jobs and 26 (40%) were in positions where they were mildly physically active in part. The mean fatigue VAS was 31 (24) mm for patients with partly active jobs and 27 (30) mm for those in sedentary jobs. Sleep was graded 2.9 (0.9) by those with active and 3.1 (1.3) by those with sedentary jobs.Half of the patients (51%) reported more than one physical recreational activity. 44 (47%) were walking and for five persons (5%) this was the only form of activity. Cycling was reported by 19 patients (20%), 18 of whom also practiced other activities. For transport, 52 (56%) in part chose active modes, such as walking and cycling. Patients who reported any of the above activities showed a mean fatigue VAS of 28 (25) mm, compared to 36 (28) mm in the patient group without a reported activity. Sleep quality was very similar: 3.1 (1.2) and 3.2 (1.1) for more active and more passive patients, respectively.65 (70%) patients regularly practiced sports. Of these, 39 (60%) practiced one kind of sport, 15 (23%) two, 7 (11%) three, and 2 (3%) each four and five kinds of sports. Fatigue VAS of patients practicing sports was 27 (25) mm versus 43 (28) in those who did not (p=0.0075). Sleep quality was 2.9 (1.1) in the sports cohort and 3.5 (1.1) in the no-sports cohort (p=0.0244).Conclusion:A majority of SLE patients in remission or low to moderate disease activity regularly practiced sports, and those doing so reported lesser fatigue and better sleep quality. The absolute values on the fatigue VAS were in a moderate range that made fatigue as the main cause of not performing sports rather unlikely for most patients.Disclosure of Interests:Helena Wohland: None declared, Nicolai Leuchten Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Janssen, Novartis, Roche, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Janssen, Novartis, Roche, Martin Aringer Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Astra Zeneca, BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chugai, Gilead, GSK, HEXAL, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Astra Zeneca, BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, GSK, Lilly, MSD, Roche, Sanofi, UCB


2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 909-914 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jasper Schipperijn ◽  
Mathias Ried-Larsen ◽  
Merete S. Nielsen ◽  
Anneli F. Holdt ◽  
Anders Grøntved ◽  
...  

Background:This longitudinal study aimed to examine if a Movability Index (MI), based on objectively measured built environment characteristics, was a determinant for objectively measured physical activity (PA) among young adults.Methods:Data collected from 177 persons participating in the Danish part of the European Youth Hearth Study (EYHS) was used to examine the effect of the built environment on PA. A MI was developed using objectively measured built environment characteristics, and included residential density, recreational facilities, daily destinations and street connectivity.Results:Results showed a positive cross-sectional association between MI and PA. PA decreased from baseline to follow-up. MI increased, primarily due to participants relocating to larger cities. An increase in MI from baseline to follow-up was associated with a reduced decrease in PA for females.Conclusions:Our findings suggest that the built environment is a determinant for PA, especially for females. The found gender differences might suggest the need to develop gender specific environmental indices in future studies. The validity of the measures can be further improved by creating domain specific PA measures as well as domain specific environmental indices and this can potentially reveal more specific built environment determinants for PA.


2011 ◽  
Vol 14 (10) ◽  
pp. 1813-1822 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michela Barichella ◽  
Alexis E Malavazos ◽  
Giuseppe Fatati ◽  
Emanuele Cereda

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the awareness and knowledge about weight status and its management.DesignA 1 d cross-sectional survey. Basic anthropometric assessments (weight, height, BMI and waist circumference) and a self-administered questionnaire were considered.SettingNineteen Clinical Nutrition or Endocrinology and Metabolic Disorders Units or Dietetics Services in the Italian region of Lombardy.SubjectsAll adults attending the ‘Obesity Day’ initiative.ResultsA total of 914 participants (605 female and 309 male) were recruited. Although most of the participants (83·5 %) considered obesity to be a disease, 38·5 % were likely to misperceive their weight status. In particular, 38·8 % of normal-weight adults believed themselves to be overweight, whereas 71·1 % and 37·5 % of classes I and II/III obese adults classified themselves as being overweight and mildly obese, respectively. However, most of the overweight (90·2 %), mildly (96·8 %) and moderately/severely obese adults (99·1 %) recognized the need to lose weight. In all, 37·8 % of the sample underestimated the role of physical activity in weight management. Interestingly, only 17·2 % of dieters (previous or current) declared being advised by their doctor to lose weight. Multivariate models revealed that higher age, low education and higher BMI were important determinants of poor weight control and management. In addition, previous dieting appeared not to provide better knowledge, whereas the role of physical activity was recognized mainly by those practising it.ConclusionsThe present study suggests that in Italy knowledge about weight management should be improved not only in the general population but also among health-care professionals. To confirm this finding, there is now the rationale for a nationally representative survey. New educational programmes can be designed on the basis of the information collected.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Yunfei Zhang ◽  
Jiahong Sun ◽  
Min Zhao ◽  
Costan G. Magnussen ◽  
Xi Bo

Abstract Objective: To estimate the prevalence of thinness, overweight and obesity among Tibetan adolescents aged 12-17 years. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Setting: Shigatse city of Tibet municipality, with an average altitude of more than 4000 m. Subjects: Study participants included 2,642 adolescents aged 12-17 years selected from 6 schools using a convenient cluster sampling method. Results: The prevalence of thinness/overweight/obesity among Tibetan adolescents was 9.4%/5.4%/1.4% (China definition), 14.7%/4.4%/0.7% (IOTF definition), and 2.8%/5.7%/0.9% (WHO definition). The prevalence of thinness and overweight was significantly different between both sexes based on each of three BMI classification criteria (P <0.001). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of obesity between both sexes according to each of three BMI criteria. There was no clear trend in the prevalence of thinness across ages according to the China or IOTF definition (both P >0.05), whereas an upward trend was observed for thinness in boys according to the IOTF definition (P for trend <0.05). In contrast, the prevalence of thinness tended to decrease with increasing age in girls according to the IOTF definition, and in total sample according to the WHO definition (P for trend <0.05). Conclusions: Among Tibetan adolescents, the prevalence of overweight and obesity is relatively low, while the prevalence of thinness is high, especially in boys. These data suggest urgent attention is needed to control adolescent thinness in Tibet.


Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 311
Author(s):  
Nora A. Althumiri ◽  
Mada H. Basyouni ◽  
Norah AlMousa ◽  
Mohammed F. AlJuwaysim ◽  
Rasha A. Almubark ◽  
...  

The global prevalence of obesity is increasing. Obesity is associated with many chronic diseases and health conditions. This study aims to estimate the current prevalence of obesity in Saudi Arabia and described the current national-level status of the association between obesity and various health conditions. This study is a nationwide cross-sectional survey conducted over phone-interviews in June 2020. In this study, a proportional quota-sampling technique was used to obtain equal distributions of participants, stratified by age and gender, across the 13 regions of Saudi Arabia. Weight and height were self-reported, and the obesity was determined as BMI ≥ 30. Logistic regression adjusted for age and gender was used for exploring current associations between obesity and health conditions. Of the 6239 participants contacted, 4709 participants responded and completed the interview with a response rate of 75.48%. Of them, 50.1% were female, the mean age was 36.4 ± 13.5 (Range: 18–90), and the median age was 36. The national weighted prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥ 30) was 24.7%, and the prevalence in the sample (unweighted) was 21.7%. Obesity was significantly associated with type 2 diabetes [Odd ratio, (OR) = 1.52], hypercholesterolemia (OR = 1.69), hypertension (OR = 1.61), lung diseases (OR = 1.69), rheumatoid arthritis (OR = 1.57), sleep apnea (OR = 1.82), colon diseases (OR = 1.31), and thyroid disorders (OR = 1.8). This study provides an update on the recent prevalence of obesity in Saudi Arabia. It also shows the variation in prevalence rates between different regions, which might be explored further. Although obesity shows a decreasing trend, almost one-quarter of this study sample were obese. Obesity is currently associated with many health conditions that can affect the individuals’ quality of life, impose stress on the healthcare system and impose an economic burden on the country. This evidence highlights the need for action to focus more on obesity in Saudi Arabia.


Author(s):  
Ayesha Appa ◽  
Saki Takahashi ◽  
Isabel Rodriguez-Barraquer ◽  
Gabriel Chamie ◽  
Aenor Sawyer ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Limited systematic surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 in the early months of the United States epidemic curtailed accurate appraisal of transmission intensity. Our objective was to perform case detection of an entire rural community to quantify SARS-CoV-2 transmission using PCR and antibody testing. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the rural town of Bolinas, California (population 1,620), four weeks following shelter-in-place orders. Participants were tested between April 20 th – 24 th, 2020. Prevalence by PCR and seroprevalence from two forms of antibody testing were performed in parallel (Abbott ARCHITECT IgG and in-house IgG ELISA). Results Of 1,891 participants, 1,312 were confirmed Bolinas residents (&gt;80% community ascertainment). Zero participants were PCR positive. Assuming 80% sensitivity, it would have been unlikely to observe these results (p&lt;0.05) if there were &gt;3 active infections in the community. Based on antibody results, estimated prevalence of prior infection was 0.16% (95% CrI: 0.02%, 0.46%). The positive predictive value (PPV) of a positive result on both tests was 99.11% (95% CrI: 95.75%, 99.94%), compared to PPV 44.19%-63.32% (95% CrI range 3.25%-98.64%) if one test was utilized. Conclusions Four weeks following shelter-in-place, SARS-CoV-2 infection in a rural Northern California community was extremely rare. In this low prevalence setting, use of two antibody tests increased seroprevalence estimate precision. This was one of the first community-wide studies to successfully implement synchronous PCR and antibody testing, particularly in a rural setting. Widespread testing remains an underpinning of effective disease control in conjunction with consistent uptake of public health measures.


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