Association between perceived environmental attributes and physical activity among adults in Recife, Brazil

• Published in: Journal of physical activity & health Vol. 7 Suppl 2; p. S213
• Main Authors: Hallal, Pedro C, Reis, Rodrigo S, Parra, Diana C, Hoehner, Christine, Brownson, Ross C, Simões, Eduardo J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.07.2010
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Brazil; Crime; Cross-Sectional Studies; Environment Design; Female; Humans; Leisure Activities; Male; Middle Aged; Motor Activity; Perception; Public Facilities; Residence Characteristics; Safety; Transportation - methods; Urban Health; Walking; Young Adult; Brazil
• ISSN: 1543-3080
• DOI: 10.1123/jpah.7.s2.s213

To evaluate the association between perceived environmental factors and leisure-time and transport-related physical activity. A random-digit-dialing telephone cross-sectional survey in Recife, Brazil, was conducted among individuals aged 16 years or older (n = 2046). Leisure-time and transport-related physical activity were measured using the long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Three outcome variables were used: leisure-time physical activity (min/wk), transport-related physical activity (min/wk), and walking for leisure (min/wk). A cutoff of 150 min/wk was used for all outcome variables. The environmental module of the questionnaire was based on the short version of the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale (A-NEWS), and included 12 environmental items. The proportions of subjects reaching the 150-minutes per week threshold were 30.6% for leisure-time physical activity, 26.6% for transport-related physical activity and 18.2% for walking for leisure. Lack of sidewalks and low access to recreational facilities were associated with a lower likelihood of performing 150 minutes per week or more of leisure-time physical activity. Lack of sidewalks was associated with low levels of walking for leisure. Neighborhood aesthetics was inversely associated with transport-related physical activity. Lack of sidewalks and low access to recreational facilities were predictors of low levels of leisure-time physical activity, suggesting that policy strategies aimed at improving these environmental features may be warranted.