Understanding environmental correlates of physical activity can inform policy changes.
Surveys were conducted in 11 countries using the same self-report environmental variables
and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, allowing analyses with pooled
data.
The participating countries were Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, China (Hong Kong),
Japan, Lithuania, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, and the U.S., with a combined sample
of 11,541 adults living in cities. Samples were reasonably representative, and seasons
of data collection were comparable. Participants indicated whether seven environmental
attributes were present in their neighborhood. Outcomes were measures of whether health-related
guidelines for physical activity were met. Data were collected in 2002-2003 and analyzed
in 2007. Logistic regression analyses evaluated associations of physical activity
with environmental attributes, adjusted for age, gender, and clustering within country.
Five of seven environmental variables were significantly related to meeting physical
activity guidelines, ranging from access to low-cost recreation facilities (OR=1.16)
to sidewalks on most streets (OR=1.47). A graded association was observed, with the
most activity-supportive neighborhoods having 100% higher rates of sufficient physical
activity compared to those with no supportive attributes.
Results suggest neighborhoods built to support physical activity have a strong potential
to contribute to increased physical activity. Designing neighborhoods to support physical
activity can now be defined as an international public health issue.