Promoting physical activity in a low socio-economic area: results from an intervention targeting stair climbing

Abstract

Background. Self-report data suggest that individuals from low socio-economic (SE) groups take less physical activity than those from high SE groups. There is no objective data to support this claim. Purpose. This study aimed to compare baseline rates of objectively measured stair climbing in a high and low SE area, and to assess the efficacy of a stair climbing intervention in each respective area. Methods. From March to May 2009, ascending stair/escalator choices (n = 20 315) were observed in two underground train stations, which were respectively located in a high, and low, SE area of Glasgow. At both sites, baseline observations were followed by a 4-week intervention in which posters, promoting stair choice, were installed. Follow-up observations were collected 1 week after poster removal. Ethical approval was obtained from Glasgow Caledonian University, School of Health Research and ethics committee. Results. Overall, pedestrians at the high SE station were around twice as likely to climb the stairs as those at the low SE station (odds ratio [OR] = 1.912, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.704–2.145). Across sites, the rate of stair climbing was significantly higher during the intervention relative to baseline (OR = 1.477, CI = 1.341–1.628), and remained elevated at follow-up (OR = 1.241, CI = 1.110–1.388). The increase in stair climbing was similar at both stations (high SE station, +4.7%; low SE station, +4.5%), indicating that posters had equivalent effects in each area. Conclusion. Pedestrians in lower SE areas were, overall, less likely to climb stairs than pedestrians in high SE areas. Nevertheless, a stair climbing intervention was equally effective in both areas. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.