RELATIONSHIP OF PERCEIVED ENVIRONMENT WITH PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND STAGE OF CHANGE IN A STATEWIDE SAMPLE.

Abstract

The perceived environment has been documented as a determinant of physical activity. However, it is unclear in the process of adoption of regular PA when the perceived environment construct should be addressed. PURPOSE To assess the relationship between perceived environment for physical activity and self reported physical activity and stage of change. METHODS A statewide, random digit dial telephone survey was conducted in Hawaii during the Spring of 2002 to measure physical activity and related psychosocial variables. The survey was completed by 4,706 adults aged 18+. Results were weighted by island and gender to match state census estimates. The survey measured physical activity using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and stages of change. Also included was a three item index on perceived physical environment assessing safety, opportunities for physical activity and pleasant scenery (alpha = .64). RESULTS The perceived environment index was significantly, modestly correlated to overall physical activity (r = .07, p < .01), vigorous activity (r = .09, p < .01) and moderate activity (r = .07, p < .01). No relationship was found for walking (r = .02), income (r = .02) education (r = .00) or age (r = .01). People meeting CDC/ACSM activity guidelines rated the environment as more supportive than those not meeting recommendations [t(4418) = 7.6, p < .001]. ANOVA results indicated significant differences between stages of change for perceived environment [F(4,4024) = 28.0, p < .001]. Follow-up Bonferroni post-hoc tests revealed that individuals in precontemplation reported a less supportive environment than individuals in all other stages. CONCLUSIONS While the perceived environment is only modestly correlated with physical activity, important differences exist between precontemplation and the other stages of change. Results indicate that perceived environment may be a salient variable to target in the precontemplation to contemplation transition.