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Neighborhood-based differences in physical activity: an environment scale evaluation
Brian E Saelens1, James F Sallis, Jennifer B Black
1Division of Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, MLC 3015, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA. brian.saelens@cchmc.org
American Journal of Public Health
|September 2, 2003
Summary
Residents in high-walkability neighborhoods reported higher physical activity and lower obesity prevalence. The neighborhood environment survey demonstrated reliability and validity in assessing these factors.
Area of Science:
- Environmental health
- Public health
- Urban planning
Background:
- Neighborhood design significantly influences resident health behaviors.
- Understanding the relationship between neighborhood walkability and physical activity is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a neighborhood environment survey's reliability and validity.
- To compare physical activity levels and weight status among residents of neighborhoods with varying walkability.
Main Methods:
- 107 adults from high and low walkability neighborhoods completed a neighborhood environment survey on two occasions.
- Physical activity was measured via self-report and accelerometry.
- Height and weight were self-reported.
Main Results:
- The neighborhood environment survey subscales showed moderate to high test-retest reliability.
- Residents of high-walkability neighborhoods reported better environmental characteristics (density, mix, connectivity, aesthetics, safety).
- High-walkability residents engaged in over 70 more minutes of physical activity and had lower obesity prevalence.
Conclusions:
- The self-reported neighborhood environment survey is a reliable and valid tool.
- Neighborhood environment characteristics are significantly associated with physical activity levels and overweight prevalence.