Perceptions Of Neighborhood Features And Their Level Of Influence On Different Types Of Physical Activity

Abstract

Researchers assume that how an environmental feature is perceived is related to the degree of influence the feature has on physical activity. This assumption has never been examined. PURPOSE This investigation studied the relationship between perceptions of environmental features and physical activity and the relationship between self-rated influence level of environmental features and physical activity. METHODS A random sample of 324 women and 232 women between 18 and 82 years of age were interviewed at their place of residence. The interview format was used to administer a questionnaire (with visuals) asking about participant demographics, physical activity behavior (7-day recall), perceptions about nine neighborhood features (1 -poor condition, e.g., high crime and 10-good condition, e.g., low crime), and if the neighborhood feature influenced their physical activity in their neighborhood (1 - low influence; 10-high influence). Chi square analyses were used to examine the relationships between perceptions, influence and three different physical activities (walking for exercise, jogging, and biking). RESULTS While women were more likely to walk for exercise than men, they were less likely to jog and bike (p < 0.05). For each of the nine environmental features examined, women were more likely than men to view the feature as influential (p < 0.05). Few significant relationships were found between perceptions of the environmental features and walking, jogging, or biking. Self-rated influence levels of several neighborhood environmental features were associated with greater odds of being physically active in the neighborhood. Walking for exercise in the neighborhood was influenced by more environmental features than jogging and biking in the neighborhood. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study show that the relationship between environmental features and physical activity is complex. Individual characteristics (gender), aspects of physical activity (mode), and how environmental features are explored (perception vs. influence) require attention in future studies.