Physical Activity Resource Attributes by Neighborhood Race/Ethnicity in a Southern US City

Abstract

Racial/ethnic disparities in the level of physical activity may be due to unequal opportunities to be physically active. This study compares the attributes of physical activity resources for adolescents by neighborhood race/ethnicity in a metropolitan area in southern USA. Physical activity resources (n = 89) were assessed using the revised Physical Activity Resource Assessment instrument. Neighborhood ethnic composition for each resource was identified from the US census data. On average, resources in high ethnic minority neighborhoods had more (p = 0.032) physical activity features (mean = 3.24, SD = 1.6) compared to low ethnic minority neighborhoods (mean = 2.36, SD = 1.7). However, the quality of amenities in high ethnic minority neighborhoods was significantly low (p = 0.037). The incivilities that indicated safety concerns (i.e., unattended dogs, evidence of alcohol and substance use, graffiti, sex paraphernalia, and vandalism) were significantly higher (p = 0.009) in the resources in high ethnic minority neighborhoods (mean = 1.07, SD = 1.6) compared to resources in low ethnic minority neighborhoods (mean = 0.36, SD = 0.8). Physical activity resources in high minority neighborhoods were found to have significant quality and safety issues. Further studies are warranted to examine the use of these resources by adolescents and examine its association with physical activity levels and obesity.