Neighborhood Environment Scale Research Articles

The Role of Perceived Neighborhood Factors and the Built Environment on Depression and Stress Among Latinas on US-Mexico Border.

Neighborhood factors and the built environment (e.g., sidewalks, bike lanes and public transportation) are important social determinants of mental health. Yet scarce research explores their impact on Latinx mental health in Colonias (unincorporated, rural communities with limited access to basic utilities like water and electricity) along the U.S.-Mexico border. Secondary analysis of baseline data from a promotora-led, physical activity intervention in Colonias examined relationships between neighborhood environment and mental health among Spanish-speaking Latinas (N = 620) mostly born in Mexico (86%). The Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale (PANES) assesses the perceived neighborhood environment such as neighborhood safety, infrastructure, and access to destinations. Multivariate linear regressions assessed associations between the PANES, the Built Environment Index (BEI), stress (PSS-10) and depression (CESD-10), controlling for age, marital status, education, income, and nativity. Most participants (90%) reported moderate to high stress (PSS ≥ 14), and approximately 30% were at risk for clinical depression (CESD ≥ 10). Analyses indicated that higher PANES total scores were significantly associated with lower depression (β = -0.88, p < 0.05) and stress (β = -1.67, p < 0.001). Similarly, higher BEI total scores were significantly associated with lower stress (β = -0.53, p < 0.001). Individual BEI items, including greater housing density (β = -1.26) and neighborhood access to recreation facilities (β = -0.97), were significantly associated with lower depression scores (p < 0.05). The built environment had a significant impact on mental health among Latinas residing in Colonias. Neighborhood density and access to recreation facilities were particularly important, potentially serving as protective factors for mental health. Investment in the built environment in Colonias could improve mental health.

Predictor Scales of Cognitive Factors Affecting Physical Activity in Individuals Surviving Cancer: Psychometric Properties of Turkish Versions

Background: Increasing physical activity in individuals surviving cancer is crucial in reducing treatment-related side effects and recurrence. Valid and reliable measurement tools are needed that will enable the factors affecting exercise to be addressed holistically and theoretically. This study aimed to adapt the Exercise Goal-Setting Scale, Exercise Planning and Scheduling Scale, Multidimensional Outcome Expectations for Exercise Scale, and Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale into Turkish language and to explore psychometric properties of the Turkish versions of these scales in individuals surviving cancer. Methods: This methodologically designed research collected data from 153 participants at a hospital in Istanbul, Türkiye. The scales used in the study were adapted to the Turkish language through forward and backward translation and expert opinion. Content validity was assessed with a 2-week test-retest reliability, Cronbach’s α reliability coefficient for stability, item-total correlation, and confirmatory factor analysis. Results: The scales showed good content validity (CVI = 0.95-0.99). Internal consistencies were acceptable to excellent (Cronbach’s α = .79-.94), and moderate to good reproducibility estimates were observed (r = .67-.84). The MOEES factor structure also showed excellent fit. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the adapted scales evaluated are valid and reliable for examining physical activity based on social cognitive processes in individuals surviving cancer in Türkiye. The scales examined in the study can be used to determine the cognitive factors affecting activity and to plan effective programs when providing physical activity counseling to individuals surviving cancer in Türkiye.

Association between the perceived built environment and health behaviors in older adults: a cross-sectional study from Beijing, China

BackgroundUnder the background of the increasing trend of population aging, the health and quality of life of older adults have become the focus of social concern. As an important part of older adults’ daily life, the design and configuration of the built environment may positively or negatively affect older adults’ health behaviors. Therefore, this study aims to explore the relationship between older adults’ perceived built environments and health behaviors, which is the association between perceived built environments and older adults’ physical activity (PA) and social interactions. This is important for optimizing the community built environment and improving the quality of life of older adults.MethodsIn this study, a questionnaire was surveyed on 916 Chinese older adults aged 60 and above. The questionnaire was used to collect demographic information and social interaction from the participants, and the Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale (PANES) and the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) were used to assess older adults’ subjective perceptions of the built environment in their neighborhoods and their levels of PA, respectively. In data analysis, ANOVA and chi-square tests were used to compare the significance of differences between groups, and multiple linear regression model were used to estimate the association between older adults’ perceived characteristics of the built environment and their PA and social interaction.ResultsAfter controlling for confounders such as gender, age, BMI, and education level, the multiple linear regression model showed that perceived destination accessibility, neighborhood infrastructure, aesthetic qualities, and neighborhood environment indices were significantly correlated with PA (β = 0.083 ~ 0.095, P < 0.05) and social interaction (β = 0.087 ~ 0.144, P < 0.05) among older adults. In addition, neighborhood safety (β = -0.084, P < 0.05), social environment (β = 0.091, P < 0.01), and street connectivity (β = 0.112, P < 0.001) were also strongly associated with older adults’ social interaction.ConclusionsDifferent perceived built environment attributes are correlated with the health behaviors of Chinese older adults to different degrees. This finding helps to guide community planning and construction, provides an empirical basis for improving health behaviors of older adults, and provides an important reference for building healthy communities for older adults and realizing comprehensive healthy development of older adults.Trial registrationThere was no trial registration for this study, but the study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Tsinghua University (No. THU0120230196).

Balancing efficacy and computational burden: weighted mean, multiple imputation, and inverse probability weighting methods for item non-response in reliable scales.

Scales often arise from multi-item questionnaires, yet commonly face item non-response. Traditional solutions use weighted mean (WMean) from available responses, but potentially overlook missing data intricacies. Advanced methods like multiple imputation (MI) address broader missing data, but demand increased computational resources. Researchers frequently use survey data in the All of Us Research Program (All of Us), and it is imperative to determine if the increased computational burden of employing MI to handle non-response is justifiable. Using the 5-item Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale (PANES) in All of Us, this study assessed the tradeoff between efficacy and computational demands of WMean, MI, and inverse probability weighting (IPW) when dealing with item non-response. Synthetic missingness, allowing 1 or more item non-response, was introduced into PANES across 3 missing mechanisms and various missing percentages (10%-50%). Each scenario compared WMean of complete questions, MI, and IPW on bias, variability, coverage probability, and computation time. All methods showed minimal biases (all <5.5%) for good internal consistency, with WMean suffered most with poor consistency. IPW showed considerable variability with increasing missing percentage. MI required significantly more computational resources, taking >8000 and >100 times longer than WMean and IPW in full data analysis, respectively. The marginal performance advantages of MI for item non-response in highly reliable scales do not warrant its escalated cloud computational burden in All of Us, particularly when coupled with computationally demanding post-imputation analyses. Researchers using survey scales with low missingness could utilize WMean to reduce computing burden.

Validation of the physical activity neighborhood environment scale using geographic information systems among urban men and women in regional China

AimsTo examine the concurrent validity of the Chinese version of Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale (PANES-CHN) among urban adults in regional China. MethodsWith multistage sampling approaches, 801 eligible urban adults aged 35–74 years were recruited from Nanjing municipality of China between July and September of 2019. The neighbourhood built environment features were measured subjectively with PANES-CHN and objectively with geographic information system. The concurrent validity of PANES was assessed using Spearman’s correlations (rs). ResultsAmong the total 801 participants, the mean age was 54.4 (standard deviation = 11.5), while 48.7 % were men. Overall, of all the five objectively-measurable built environment characteristics, the Spearman correlations were examined significant between subjective and objective measurements for commercial facilities (item 2) (rs = 0.19, 95CI%=0.12, 0.25), recreational facilities (item 6) (rs = 0.10, 95CI%=0.02, 0.16), traffic junctions (item 12) (rs = 0.15, 95CI%=0.07, 0.22), medical/education facilities (item 17) (rs = 0.22, 95CI%=0.15, 0.29), but not for public transport stops. Similar scenarios were observed for participants aged 35–60 years, with sufficient physical activity, men or women. The rs value for medical/education facilities (item 17) was significantly higher in participants aged 35–59 years (0.28 vs. 0.13; p = 0.04) than those aged 60 + years. ConclusionsPANES-CHN generally has an acceptable validity for assessing built environment characteristics among urban adults in China, which implies that PANES-CHN can be used to measure built environment attributes in health-related population studies.

Neighborhood Perceptions Are Associated With Intrinsic Amygdala Activity and Resting-State Connectivity With Salience Network Nodes Among Older Adults.

Neighborhood perceptions are associated with physical and mental health outcomes; however, the biological associates of this relationship remain to be fully understood. Here, we evaluate the relationship between neighborhood perceptions and amygdala activity and connectivity with salience network (i.e., insula, anterior cingulate, thalamus) nodes. Forty-eight older adults (mean age = 68 [7] years, 52% female, 47% non-Hispanic Black, 2% Hispanic) without dementia or depression completed the Perceptions of Neighborhood Environment Scale. Lower scores indicated less favorable perceptions of aesthetic quality, walking environment, availability of healthy food, safety, violence (i.e., more perceived violence), social cohesion, and participation in activities with neighbors. Participants separately underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Less favorable perceived safety ( β = -0.33, pFDR = .04) and participation in activities with neighbors ( β = -0.35, pFDR = .02) were associated with higher left amygdala activity, independent of covariates including psychosocial factors. Less favorable safety perceptions were also associated with enhanced left amygdala functional connectivity with the bilateral insular cortices and the left anterior insula ( β = -0.34, pFDR = .04). Less favorable perceived social cohesion was associated with enhanced left amygdala functional connectivity with the right thalamus ( β = -0.42, pFDR = .04), and less favorable perceptions about healthy food availability were associated with enhanced left amygdala functional connectivity with the bilateral anterior insula (right: β = -0.39, pFDR = .04; left: β = -0.42, pFDR = .02) and anterior cingulate gyrus ( β = -0.37, pFDR = .04). Taken together, our findings document relationships between select neighborhood perceptions and amygdala activity as well as connectivity with salience network nodes; if confirmed, targeted community-level interventions and existing community strengths may promote brain-behavior relationships.

Examining the impact of neighborhood environment factors on residents’ emotions during COVID-19 lockdown and reopening: A Wuhan study on mediation and moderation

Due to COVID-19, the urban lockdown has caused a significant impact on the mental health of residents. However, limited research investigates the role of neighborhood factors on residents’ mental health during and after the lockdown. This study examines Wuhan, the first city to experience the COVID-19 outbreak, employing multiple linear regression and XGBoost algorithms to analyze the emotional status and distribution of Wuhan residents. The goal of this study is to identify the moderating effect of the neighborhood environment scale on emotional positivity and the marginal effect of the neighborhood environment on residents’ emotions. The results of the study indicate that specific neighborhood environmental characteristics have varying effects on residents’ positive emotions, both before and after the COVID-19 lockdown. The green space ratio, attraction density, waterfront space density, and service facility density all positively affected mood within different distance ranges. Shopping facilities, on the other hand, had mainly positive effects during the open period, with negative effects during the closed period. Furthermore, this study determined scale thresholds where neighborhood environments had a positive effect on mood. For instance, attractions and waterfront areas improved the mood of residents in residential areas, up to at least 3 km away. Medical facilities had a positive effect on residents’ mood beyond 2.2 km. This study highlights crucial implications for planning and managing neighborhoods to promote resilience during future public health crises.

Association of Perceived Neighborhood Environments With Cognitive Function in Older Adults.

The current study examined the associations between perceptions of the social and physical neighborhood environments and cognitive function in older adults. This cross-sectional study analyzed 821 adults aged ≥65 years from the Adult Changes in Thought study. Perceived neighborhood attributes were measured by the Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale. Cognitive function was assessed using the Cognitive Ability Screening Instrument. The associations were tested using multivariate linear regression. One point greater perceived access to public transit was associated with 0.56 points greater cognitive function score (95% confidence interval [CI] [0.25, 0.88]), and an additional one point of perceived sidewalk coverage was related to 0.22 points higher cognitive function score (95% CI [0.00, 0.45]) after controlling for sociodemographic factors. The perception of neighborhood attributes alongside physical infrastructure may play an important role in supporting older adults' cognitive function. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 49(8), 35-41.].

Neighborhood safety, fall indices, physical activity level and social participation restrictions from a population of community-dwelling older adults in Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria

BackgroundRestriction in physical activity (PA) and social participation restriction (PR) can be heightened in the presence of fear of fall (FOF), fall experience, and perceived unsafe neighborhood, particularly among older adults. Despite the enormous benefits of social participation and physical activity, many older adults remain vulnerable to participation restriction and this probably accounts for a significant proportion of health challenges for older adults.ObjectiveThis study investigated the relationship between neighborhood safety (NS), fall indices, physical activity, and social participation restriction among older adults from selected communities in Nsukka, Enugu state, Nigeria.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional survey of 170 recruited via consecutive non-probability sampling techniques. Socio-demographic variables, co-morbidities, and fall prevalence were obtained using a self-administered questionnaire. The study instruments include the PA neighborhood environment scale – Nigeria (PANES-N), PA scale for elderly (PASE), Participation scale (PS), Modified fall efficacy scale (MFES), and Fall risk assessment tool (FRAT) and fall indices.Statistical analysisDescriptive statistics of mean and standard deviations, frequency counts, and percentages were used to analyze the socio-demographic variables, and Inferential statistics of Spearman rank order correlation were used to determine the relationship among the neighborhood safety, fall indices, physical activity level, and participation restrictions.ResultsPR has a negative relationship with NS (r = -0.19, p- 0.01), and fall efficacy (r = -0.52, p- 0.001). However, PR has a positive relationship with fall risk (r = 0.36, p = 0.001).ConclusionParticipation restriction is negatively correlated with neighborhood safety, fall efficacy, and PA. The PR has a positive relationship with fall risk (FR).

Physical Activity, Physical Function and Neighborhood Environment Adaptation Among Older Adults Dwelling in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria

Background: Consequent upon the increasing pressure on health system created by growing population of older adults, attention has been channeled to ways to smoothen the aging process among older adults including studying on their physical activity (PA), physical function (PF) and neighborhood environment adaptation (NEA). This study aimed to determine the level and interrelationships between PA, PF and NEA among older adults dwelling in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria. Methodology: This is a cross sectional study involving 150 older adults (56% females; mean age = 72.57±6.32 years) consecutively recruited from communities in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Physical Function Activity Scale (SF-36) and Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment scale in Nigeria (PANES-N) were used to assess physical activity, physical function and neighborhood environment adaptation among the participants respectively. Data was analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, mean, standard deviation and spearman’s correlation test at alpha level of 0.05. Results: The mean total of PA, PF, and NEA scores were 1324±1124.35MET-min/week (adequate), 60.58±17.44 (dependent), 2.32±0.27 (moderate) respectively. PF had direct correlation with PA (rho=0.69; p=<0.001) and general health (rho=0.51; p=<0.01). There was no significant correlation between PF and NEA (rho=0.15; p=0.07). PA had direct correlation with NEA (rho=0.34; p=<0.01) and general health (rho=0.65; p=<0.01) also having inverse correlation with each of age (rho=-0.58; p=<0.01) and education attainment (rho=-0.17; p=0.04) of the participants. There was inverse correlation between age and PF (rho=-0.63; p=<0.01) and each of NEA (rho=-0.19; p=0.02) and general health (rho=-0.57; p=<0.01) of the participants. Conclusion: Older adults dwelling in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria had adequate PA, dependent in PF and moderate NEA. Their PA correlated with each of their PF and NEA. This suggests that improvement of PA among older adults ameliorate their problem with PF and NEA.

Influence of neighborhood environment and social support on physical activity among patients with diabetes mellitus

This study was aimed to determine the relationship of physical activity (PA) with the neighborhood environment and social support for PA among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM).&lt;b&gt; &lt;/b&gt;A total of 193 consenting individuals with DM attending endocrinology clinic in a Nigerian tertiary hospital participated in this cross-sectional study. The&lt;b&gt; &lt;/b&gt;international physical activity questionnaire short form, physical activity neighborhood environment scale (PANES), and physical activity and social support scale (PASSS) were used to assess the PA level (low, moderate, and high), neighborhood environment and social support for PA, respectively. The results of bivariate analyses showed that all elements of built environment and social support were significantly associated with PA. Regression model analyses indicate that PANES score was associated with moderate (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 10.76; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.82-30.32) to high (aOR: 45.73; 95% CI: 12.14-172.27) PA. In addition, easy access to quality walking facilities (aOR: 46.53; 95% CI: 3.89-557.32; aOR: 46.13; 95% CI: 2.65-802.40) and easy access to recreation infrastructure (aOR: 46.89; 95% CI: 3.95-487.83; aOR: 17.99; 95% CI: 1.28-252.98) were associated with moderate to high PA, respectively, while safety from crime (aOR: 0.21; 95% CI: 0.07-0.64) and easy access to services and shops (aOR: 21.90; 95% CI: 1.83-262.59) were associated with moderate and high PA. Informational social support was associated with moderate PA (aOR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.04-2.00). In conclusion, the neighborhood environmental and social support factors were associated with the PA activity level among Nigerian patients with DM.

Associations Between Perceived Neighborhood Walkability and Device-Based Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Patterns in Older Adults.

Neighborhood walkability has been associated with self-reported sedentary behavior (SB) and self-reported and objective physical activity. However, self-reported measures of SB are inaccurate and can lead to biased estimates, and few studies have examined how associations differ by gender and age. The authors examined the relationships between perceived neighborhood walkability measured with the Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale (scored 1.0-4.0) and device-based SB and physical activity in a cohort of community-dwelling older adults (N = 1,077). The authors fit linear regression models adjusting for device wear time, demographics, self-rated health, and accounting for probability of participation. The Higher Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale was associated with higher steps (+676 steps/point on the Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale, p = .001) and sit-to-stand transitions (+2.4 transitions/point, p = .018). Though not statistically significant, stratified analyses suggest an attenuation of effect for those aged 85 years and older and for women. Consistent with previous literature, neighborhood walkability was associated with more steps, though not with physical activity time. The neighborhood environment may also influence SB.

Adaptation of the Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale in Oman.

ObjectivesThis study aimed to adapt the Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale (PANES), which is a 17-item tool for assessing environmental factors relevant for walking and bicycling in the community, to the Omani context.MethodsThe adaptation process was conducted in three steps: (1) revision by local experts, (2) Arabic translation and cognitive testing and (3) test-retest reliability testing with a sample of 33 Omani women and men, between September 2016 and August 2017.ResultsFour of the 17 items of the PANES were modified and one was removed, resulting in a 16-item PANES, Oman (PANES-O) questionnaire. The test-retest reliability scores ranged from 0.436–1.000; scores for more than half (n = 9) were almost perfect (0.8–1.0), demonstrating a good level of consistency and good psychometric performance similar to other studies.ConclusionThe PANES-O demonstrated good test-retest reliability and appears to be a promising tool for assessing environmental perceptions related to physical activity in Oman. However, construct validity should be confirmed before wider use.

Perceived neighborhood disorder and frequency of marijuana use among emerging adult African American females

Emerging adult African American females are at increased risk for cannabis use disorders. Ecological models suggest that African Americans’ increased risk for substance use disorders and associated adverse outcomes may result from chronic exposure to contextual disadvantages, such as living in economically deprived and disorganized communities. However levels of vulnerability for developing cannabis use disorders vary, even among residents of disadvantaged neighborhoods. Therefore, studies focused on within group differences are necessary. This study examined the relationship between frequency of marijuana use and perceived neighborhood disorder. The sample included 117 African American emerging adult females (Mage = 23.6 ± 3.4). After providing informed consent, participants completed a semi-structured interview that included the Neighborhood Environment Scale and a self-report measure of marijuana use. Additionally, participants provided a urine sample that was tested for the presence of psychoactive drugs. 46% tested positive for marijuana and 45% reported using marijuana in the past 30 days. 27% reported frequent/heavy use. Results from multinomial logistic regression analysis indicated a significant relationship between perceived neighborhood disorder and heavy marijuana use (AOR = 3.3; 95% CI = 1.06 − 10.29). Findings suggest African American emerging adult female residents of economically disadvantaged neighborhoods who appraise their environments as disorganized may be at heighten risk for problematic marijuana use and should be targeted for intervention. Moreover, the findings support the need for multi-systems interventions. As policy makers consider the legalization of marijuana, it is important that differences in marijuana use behaviors and negative outcomes across groups and contexts are taken into consideration.

Physical Fitness And Neighborhood Design - Walkability, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Muscular Strength, And Flexibility In Adults

Regular physical activity can improve physical fitness levels and promote health. Consistent evidence suggests an association between the neighborhood built environment and physical activity exists, yet few studies have investigated the contribution of the neighborhood built environment to fitness levels in adults. PURPOSE: To investigate the associations between objectively-determined and self-reported neighborhood walkability and perceived cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, and flexibility. METHOD: We recruited a random sample of 592 adults (≥18 years of age) from Calgary (Canada). Participants provided complete data to an online questionnaire capturing perceived cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), muscular strength (MS), and flexibility, frequency of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), frequency of strength training, and sociodemographic characteristics. The questionnaire also captured participant’s perceptions of their neighborhood’s walkability (Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale; PANES) and the physical activity supportiveness of neighborhood parks (Park Perceptions Index; PPI). Objectively-measured walkability was estimated using Walk Score® assigned to each participant’s residential postal code. Covariate-adjusted linear regression estimated the associations between the built environment and perceived fitness variables. RESULTS: The average age of participants was 46.6 (14.8) years and 67.2% were female. Participants, on average, participated in at least 30-minutes of MVPA on 3.4 (2.1) days/week and reported strength training 2.0 (1.8) days/week. Walk Score® was not associated with any fitness variables. The PANES index was positively associated (p<.05) with CRF, MS, flexibility and overall fitness and the PPI was positively associated (p<.05) with all fitness variables except MS. CONCLUSION: Our novel findings suggest the neighborhood built environment has the potential to support and promote higher fitness levels in adults.

Active and Fit Communities. Associations between Neighborhood Walkability and Health-Related Fitness in Adults.

There are many health benefits of regular physical activity and improving physical fitness levels can reduce the risk of chronic disease. Accumulating evidence suggests the neighborhood built environment is important for supporting physical activity; however, few studies have investigated the contribution of the neighborhood built environment to fitness levels. We examined the associations between objectively-determined and self-reported neighborhood walkability and overall and specific components of perceived health-related fitness (cardiorespiratory, muscular strength, and flexibility) in a random sample of 592 adults from two areas of Calgary (Canada). Participants provided complete data to an online questionnaire capturing perceived cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), muscular strength (MST), flexibility, moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA), resistance training, and sociodemographic characteristics. The questionnaire also captured participant’s perceptions of their neighborhood’s walkability (Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale; PANES) and the physical activity supportiveness of neighborhood parks (Park Perceptions Index; PPI). Objectively-measured neighborhood walkability was estimated using Walk Score®. The average (SD) age of participants was 46.6 (14.8) years and 67.2% were female. Participants, on average, participated in at least 30-minutes of MVPA on 3.4 (2.1) days/week and undertook resistance training 2.0 (1.8) days/week. Adjusting for covariates, Walk Score® was not associated with any fitness outcomes. Adjusting for covariates, the PANES index was positively associated (p < 0.05) with CRF, MST, flexibility, and overall fitness and the PPI was positively associated (p < 0.05) with all fitness outcomes except MST. Our findings provide novel preliminary evidence suggesting the neighborhood built environment may be important for supporting higher health-related fitness levels in adults.

ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN NEIGHBORHOOD CHARACTERISTICS AND SITTING PATTERNS IN OLDER ADULTS

Neighborhood characteristics are associated with self-reported sedentary behavior (SB) in older adults. However, self-report measures are not able to accurately assess total sitting time nor detailed patterns of SB. This analysis explores the relationship between device-based SB variables from activPAL and neighborhood characteristics (demographics) in the ACT cohort. Neighborhood characteristics were assessed with the modified Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale (PANES; scored 1.0-4.0, higher score, higher walkability). Data were analyzed using linear regression models adjusted for demographic factors. Higher PANES score was associated with higher daily steps (+1180 daily steps/point on PANES, p<0.001) and sit-to-stand transitions (+2.7 daily transitions/point on PANES, p=0.004). Confirming other studies, neighborhood walkability promotes physical activity. A novel finding was that sitting interruptions, which can only be assessed with devices, were also associated with higher neighborhood walkability, while total sitting time was not.

Test–retest Reliability and Construct Validity of an Online and Paper Administered Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale (PANES)

ABSTRACTThe Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale (PANES) has been used internationally; however, PANES properties have not been assessed in all geographical contexts. Our objectives were to assess the reliability and validity of an online and paper version of the PANES in Canadian adults. Reliability was estimated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), percent of overall agreement (p0) and Cohen’s Kappa coefficient (κ). Lower 95% confidence interval (CI) ICC ranged from 0.10 to 0.70. Lower 95%CI for κ statistics ranged from −0.20 to 0.64 and p0 ranged from 80.1% to 95.7%. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients (α) estimated internal consistency of the PANES (α = 0.58 for the paper version and α = 0.55 for the online version). Mean scores for the PANES Built Environment Index (BEI) significantly differed by neighborhood street pattern (p < .05). The PANES administrated via paper or online provides reliable overall agreement and valid estimates of the self-reported neighborhood built environment supportiveness of physical activity.

The perceived neighborhood environment is associated with health-enhancing physical activity among adults: a cross-sectional survey of 13 townships in Taiwan

BackgroundMany environmental factors have been associated with physical activity. The environment is considered a key factor in terms of the rate of engagement in physical activity. This study examined the perceived effect of environmental factors on different levels of health-enhancing physical activity among Taiwanese adults.MethodsData were collected from 549 adults aged at least 18 years from the northern, central, southern and eastern regions of Taiwan. Physical activity was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) showcard version, and participants were divided into three categories: those who performed low-, moderate-, or high-levels of physical activity, as suggested by the IPAQ scoring protocol. The perceived neighborhood environment in relation to physical activity was adapted from the Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale. A multinomial logistic regression was conducted to ascertain associations between individual perceptions of the neighborhood environment and different physical activity levels.ResultsRespondents who perceived their neighborhood environment as having easy access to services and stores, and higher traffic safety were more likely to be moderate level of physical activity (odds ratio [OR]: 1.90, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07–3.37; OR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.12–2.80). The perception of having easy access to services and stores and seeing many physically active people in the neighborhood were both positively associated with a high level of physical activity (OR: 2.25, 95% CI: 1.01–5.01; OR: 2.40, 95% CI: 1.11–5.23).ConclusionsDifferent perceived neighborhood environmental factors were associated with moderate and high levels of physical activity, respectively. These findings highlight the importance of an activity-friendly neighborhood environment to stimulate engagement in physical activity among adults in Taiwan. Therefore, policies and programs should focus on improving friendliness and diversity in neighborhoods to facilitate individuals’ transitions from inactive to active lifestyles.

Association between perceived access to public transport stops and physical activity among adults in Nanjing, Mainland China: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe public transport access, an important dimension of neighborhood built environments and usually defined as the access to public transport stops/stations (PTS), has been revealed to be associated with more participation in physical activity (PA) in western countries. The perceptions of such features could have additional benefits to healthy behaviors. However, such research is lacking in developing countries. This study aimed to explore the association between perceived PTS access and PA participation among urban adults in China. MethodsA population-based cross-sectional survey conducted in Nanjing in 2017 was used, where 1,568 participants aged 35–74 were recruited from eight randomly selected urban neighborhoods under a multi-stage sampling strategy. The individual's PTS access and PA participation were self-reported using the Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, respectively. Mixed-effect logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between perceived PTS access and PA participation. ResultsAmong 1,551 participants who completed the survey, 84.7% of participants achieved the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended PA level. After adjusting for potential individual- and neighborhood-level confounders, participants who perceived a PTS within 10–15 min’ walking distance from their residence were 3.18 (95%CI = [1.74, 5.80]) times more likely to meet WHO recommended PA guidelines than their counterparts who did not perceive any PTS in their neighborhoods. This association also held true in either men (OR = 2.71, 95%CI = [1.07, 6.86]) or women (OR = 3.50, 95%CI = [1.59, 7.70]), separately. ConclusionsSuch findings will provide health practitioners and urban planners evidence-based insights on potential health effects of expanding and improving public transport systems, and on how to incorporate these effects into strategies of PA promotion and chronic disease prevention.