Abstract MP025: Unfavorable Perceptions of Neighborhood Environment are Associated With Greater Sedentary Time - Data From the Washington, D.C. Cardiovascular Health and Needs Assessment

Abstract

Background: Sedentary time (ST) and unfavorable perceptions of neighborhood environment (NE) are independently associated with poor cardiovascular (CV) health. However, little is known about ST’s relationship to NE perceptions. Methods: We examined associations between ST and NE perception in the Washington, DC CV Health and Needs Assessment.(NCT01927783) Participants underwent a CV health evaluation designed using community-based participatory research principles and conducted in faith-based organizations in lower socioeconomic (SES) areas in DC. Participants responded, on a 5-point Likert scale, to questions about NE perceptions of sidewalks, recreational areas, crime, etc. Factor analysis was conducted to explore associations with overall NE perception. The factor sums were combined as the Total Perception Score (TPS). For ST, participants reported amount of time (in hours/minutes) “spent sitting or reclining on a typical day”. Linear regression analyses were performed to determine the relationship between TPS (range 15-75, higher score=more favorable perception) and ST for the 1) overall population, 2) Wards 5, 7, and 8 and 3) other DC wards/Maryland (MD) areas. Results: For the study sample (N=99, 99% African American, 78% female), DC Wards 5, 7, and 8 had a significantly higher percentage of households with yearly income of <$60,000 (p<0.05) and lower mean TPS than residents of other areas (p < 0.001).Three factors (neighborhood violence, physical and social environment, and social cohesion) were associated with overall NE perception. Among those living in the lower SES Wards 5, 7, and 8, there was a negative association between TPS and ST that remained after adjusting for age, sex, and income (Table). This relationship was not observed for those in higher SES DC/ MD areas. Conclusions: Poorer NE perception is associated with greater ST for those living in lower SES areas of DC. Targeted interventions to improve perceptions of physical and social environment in these areas may decrease ST and improve CV health.