Abstract
To analyze the association between sociodemographic characteristics of census tracts and the presence/quality of public open spaces and physical activity facilities. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 643 census tracts in Florianópolis, Brazil, the presence and quality of public open spaces and physical activity facilities were objectively analyzed and the data by census tracts using Geographic Information Systems was treated. Outcomes were analyzed considering the census tracts as having: ≥ 1 public open spaces; ≥ 1 public open spaces with high quality; ≥ 2 physical activity facilities and high-quality physical activity facilities. Sociodemographic characteristics were the independent variables. Logistic regression analysis was performed. Census tracts with a medium-income (OR = 1.8; 95%CI 1.1-3.0) and high-income (OR = 2.4; 95%CI 1.4-4.0), in those with medium (OR = 1.7; 95%CI 1.0-2.7) and high residential density (OR = 2.0; 95%CI 1,2-3.3), and with higher proportions of older adults (OR = 3.3; 95%CI 1.9-5.7) had a higher proportion of public open spaces. Census tracts with higher proportions of children/adolescents (OR = 0.3; 95%CI 0.2-0.6) and non-white residents (OR= 0.6; 95%CI 0.3-0.9) were less likely to contain public open spaces. The tracts with medium (OR = 4.0; 95%CI 1.4-11.3) and high-income (OR = 3.6; 95%CI 1.2-10.2) were more likely to contain public open spaces with ≥ 2 structures for physical activity, compared with those with low-income. We observed the inverse in sectors with a high proportion of non-white residents (OR = 0.3; 95%CI 0.1-0.9). Census tracts with higher proportions of children or adolescents, non-white individuals and those in the low-income strata had lower odds of containing public open spaces and physical activity facilities.
Highlights
Interest in the relation between public open spaces and increased time engaged in physical activities[1,2,3] has grown
Census tracts with a medium-income (OR = 1.8; 95%CI 1.1–3.0) and high-income (OR = 2.4; 95%CI 1.4–4.0), in those with medium (OR = 1.7; 95%CI 1.0–2.7) and high residential density (OR = 2.0; 95%CI 1,2–3.3), and with higher proportions of older adults (OR = 3.3; 95%CI 1.9–5.7) had a higher proportion of public open spaces
Census tracts with higher proportions of children or adolescents, non-white individuals and those in the low-income strata had lower odds of containing public open spaces and physical activity facilities
Summary
Interest in the relation between public open spaces and increased time engaged in physical activities[1,2,3] has grown. Data from middle and low-income countries support these findings and show that the presence of public open spaces is positively related with time spent in physical activity during leisure time and transportation[4,5]. Esthetic aspects such as cleanliness and amenities in these places can encourage the engagement in physical activity[6]. Recognizing the importance of public open spaces and facilities for the promotion of physical activity, the results of studies conducted in high-income countries have shown important sociodemographic disparities in these places[3,6]. The presence of public open spaces may be limited in areas with higher concentrations of older adults, children, and adolescents[11]
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