The environment and physical activity: The influence of psychosocial, perceived and built environmental factors

Ralph Maddison,Maria Turley,Steven Hoorn,Yannan Jiang,Daniel Exeter,Cliona Mhurchu,David Schaaf,Chris Bullen,Enid Dorey,Jennifer Utter

doi:10.1186/1479-5868-6-19

Abstract

This study sought to integrate perceived and built environmental and individual factors into the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) model to better understand adolescents' physical activity.Participants (n = 110) aged 12 to 17 years (M = 14.6 ± 1.55) were recruited from two large metropolitan high schools in Auckland, New Zealand, were included in the analysis. Participants completed measures of the revised TPB and the perceived environment. Individual factors such as ethnicity and level of deprivation were also collected. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) software was used to measure the physical environment (walkability, access to physical activity facilities). Physical activity was assessed using the ActiGraph accelerometer and the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A). Data from the various sources were combined to develop an integrated model integrated for statistical analysis using structural equation modeling.The TPB model variables (intention and perceived behavioral control) explained 43% of the variance of PAQ-A. Unique and individual contributions were made by intention and PBC and home ownership of home equipment. The model explained 13% of time spent in moderate and vigorous physical activity (Actigraph). Unique and individual contribution was made by intention.Social cognitive variables were better predictors of both subjective and objective physical activity compared to perceived environmental and built environment factors. Implications of these findings are discussed.

Highlights

Environmental influences on children's activity Recent increase in global obesity rates has been proposed to be related to changes in our physical and social environments, which increasingly promote a high energy intake and sedentary behaviors [1]
Bivariate correlations of perceived environment, individual, and built environment variables with measures of physical activity (PAQ-A, and time spent in moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA)) were evaluated
A second model (Figure 2) was tested with objective physical activity as the dependant variable

Summary

Introduction

Environmental influences on children's activity Recent increase in global obesity rates has been proposed to be related to changes in our physical and social environments, which increasingly promote a high energy intake and sedentary behaviors [1]. The importance of supportive environments that promote healthy choices is enshrined within the Ottawa charter [2], and more recently, sophisticated environmental models have been developed that describe the interdependent influences of biological, social, behavioral and environmental factors on diet [3] and physical activity [4], which are key mediators for obesity [5]. Despite these proposed models, few studies have investigated the interrelationship between these factors. Personal safety concerns [21,22], and transport infrastructure (number of roads to cross and traffic density/speed) [21] have been found to be related to decreased levels of physical activity

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion