Perceived Neighborhood Environment Research Articles

Depression, somatic symptoms, and perceived neighborhood environments among US-born and non-US-born free clinic patients.

The study's purpose was to examine the impact of somatic symptoms and perceived neighborhood environment on depression using a comparison among US-born and non-US-born free clinic patients. US-born English speakers (n = 99), non-US-born English speakers (n = 89), and non-US-born Spanish speakers (n = 158) 18 years old or older (N = 346) were surveyed at a free clinic that provides primary care to people without health insurance. Depression, somatic symptoms, and perceived neighborhood environment were measured using standardized instruments. US-born English speakers reported higher levels of depression and a greater number of somatic symptoms than non-US-born Spanish speakers and non-US-born English speakers. Non-US born English speakers reported lower levels of depression and fewer somatic symptoms than Spanish speakers. Somatic symptoms and perceived neighborhood satisfaction were related to depression. Developing mental health services for patients in a free clinic setting is needed; however, because of limited financial and human resources, providing mental health services in a free clinic setting often is difficult. Community-based health promotion programs as supplements to efforts within clinical settings would be valuable in improving the mental health of free clinic patients. Future studies should implement collaborative pilot programs and evaluate health outcomes.

Physical activity and the perceived neighbourhood environment - looking at the association the other way around.

The association between physical activity (PA) and variables of the perceived environment mainly originate from cross-sectional studies that introduced the idea that the environment influences the PA level of residents. However, the direction of cause and effect has not been solved with finality. The aim of this study was to investigate whether residents’ perception of their proximate environment differs depending on their level of PA in transport and recreation. We conducted a cross-sectional survey with residents of six different parts of the city of Cologne, Germany. The sample of 470 adults (52.8% females; mean age = 35.5 ± 13.8 years) filled in the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), as well as the European Environmental Questionnaire ALPHA. To distinguish between residents with “low” and “high” PA, we split the samples into two on the basis of the specific median in transport- and recreation-related PA. In the “high” vs. “low” PA group of the overall sample, we noted 4%–16% more “PA favourable” environmental perceptions in seven of the 15 environmental variables. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to investigate associations of socio-demographic correlates and transport- and recreation-related PA on the dependent variables of the environmental perception. In this case, levels of PA were significant predictors for eight of the 15 items concerning environmental perceptions. Thus, the present study introduces the idea that residents with higher levels of transport and recreational PA may perceive their environment in a more “PA-favourable” way than residents with lower levels.

공원녹지의 특성과 신체활동 및 건강의 상호관련성 - 창원시를 대상으로 -

도시의 공원녹지는 지역 주민들의 신체활동과 건강증진을 위해서 중요한 역할을 담당할 수 있기 때문에, 본 연구에서는 공원녹지의 다양한 특성과 신체활동 및 건강증진 목적의 공원녹지 이용의 상호관련성을 분석하고자 한다. 설문조사는 경상남도 창원시에 거주하는 541명의 주민들을 대상으로 공원녹지의 이용패턴과 주관적인 근린환경 인식을 파악하기 위해서 실시하였다. 사례지역에 대한 공원녹지의 접근성과 물리적 근린환경에 대한 공간정보를 구축하기 위해서 지리정보시스템(GIS)을 이용하였다. 다중회귀분석은 공원녹지의 특성과 신체활동 목적의 공원녹지 이용횟수, 자가인식 건강수준, 그리고 체질량지수(BMI)와의 상호관련성을 규명하기 위해 수행하였다. 거주지로부터 200m 이내에 분포하는 공원녹지의 출입구와 공원의 개수, 집 주변에서 운동하는 사람을 많이 볼 수 있거나, 저렴하게 이용할 수 있는 운동시설이 많다고 느낄수록 신체활동의 증가에 긍정적인 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났다. 집 주변 공원녹지까지의 거리가 가깝고, 공원녹지의 개수가 많고, 면적이 넓을수록, 보행이 편리할수록, 공동주거지역의 비율이 높을수록 자가인식 건강수준(perceived health level)에 긍정적인 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났다. 거주지로부터 400m 이내에 분포하는 공원녹지의 개수, 보행환경의 안전성, 공동주거지역의 비율, 도로비율, 교차로 밀도 등이 BMI와 상호관련성이 있는 것으로 나타났다. 독립변수인 공원녹지의 특성과 종속변수인 신체활동 목적의 공원녹지 이용횟수 및 자가인식 건강수준 사이의 다중회귀분석 결과, 유의수준 10% 이내에서 의미가 있는 회귀모형이 도출되었다. 본 연구는 공원녹지와 근린환경의 특성이 지역주민들의 신체활동과 건강에 미치는 영향을 규명함으로써, 향후 신체활동 목적의 공원녹지의 이용을 증진하고 비만을 감소시키기 위한 목적의 조경계획을 수립하는데 활용 가능할 것이다. Urban Green space takes charge of the important role for the physical activity and promotion of health to the residents. Therefore, this study is trying to examine the relationship between the various characteristics of green space and green space usage for physical activity and health promotion. A questionnaire survey was conducted to obtain the information about patterns of green space usage and perceived neighborhood environments for the residents living in Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do(n=541). Geographic Information System(GIS) was used to construct spatial data about green space accessibility and physical neighborhood environments. A Multiple Linear Regression model was used to examine the association between the characteristics of green space and physical activity, perceived health status and BMI(Body Mass Index). The study results revealed that the residents' physical activities are positively and directly influenced by the number of available public parks and green spaces in the vicinity(<TEX>${\leq}200m$</TEX>). The frequency at which residents witness others exercising nearby or the perceived abundance of low-cost gym facilities also factor as positive influences. The closer to the park, the higher the number of parks and area of green spaces, the more comfortable the walk thereto and the denser the neighboring residential area distribution, the perceived health level was found to be the more positively influenced. Further, it was verified that BMI is correlated with the number of public parks and green spaces within 400 m of the resident's home as well as the safety of walkways, the density of neighboring residential areas, the ratio of road, and the density of crosswalk. The significant multiple regression models between the characteristics of green spaces and physical activities and perceived health level were extracted within the significance level of 10%. This study will contribute to provide better understanding the ways in which green space and neighborhood characteristics are associated with physical activity and health. The result of this research will be available in the landscape architecture plan aimed at improving the use of green space for physical activity and reducing obesity.

Parental perceptions of neighborhood environments, BMI, and active behaviors in girls aged 7-9 years.

Habitual physical activity (PA) may be influenced by a broad range of neighborhood, school, community, and family factors. Young people, particularly girls, tend to show lower habitual PA than boys and should be a target for prevention strategies aimed at healthy lifestyles. The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to determine which perceived attributes about neighborhoods are related to active behaviors; (2) to analyze which perceived attributes about neighborhoods are related to body mass index (BMI) of children. The sample was comprised of 1,886 girls aged 7-9 years. Height and weight were measured, and BMI was calculated subsequently. Participants were classified as normal weight or overweight/obese (Cole et al. [2000]: BMJ 320: 1240-1243). Environmental variables and physical activities were assessed by questionnaire filled out by their parents-the Environmental Module of the International Physical Activity Prevalence Study (IPS, 2002) was used. Multiple linear regressions, with adjustments for confounding variables, were used. Data revealed that neighborhoods with recreational facilities and infrastructure for walking and cycling were predictors of active behaviors; neighborhood safety was an additional related factor of habitual PA. On the other hand, neighbors with better access to destinations and with interesting things to look at while walking were significantly associated with lower BMI in Portuguese children. The study found some significant relationships between parental perceptions of the environment and BMI and habitual PA of Portuguese girls, especially related to security for walking and unpleasant neighborhoods, and access to destinations.

Neighborhood-level socioeconomic deprivation predicts weight gain in a multi-ethnic population: Longitudinal data from the Dallas Heart Study

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to examine a relationship between neighborhood-level socioeconomic deprivation and weight change in a multi-ethnic cohort from Dallas County, Texas and whether behavioral/psychosocial factors attenuate the relationship. MethodsNon-movers (those in the same neighborhood throughout the study period) aged 18–65 (N=939) in Dallas Heart Study (DHS) underwent weight measurements between 2000 and 2009 (median 7-year follow-up). Geocoded home addresses defined block groups; a neighborhood deprivation index (NDI) was created (higher NDI=greater deprivation). Multi-level modeling determined weight change relative to NDI. Model fit improvement was examined with adding physical activity and neighborhood environment perceptions (higher score=more unfavorable perceptions) as covariates. A significant interaction between residence length and NDI was found (p-interaction=0.04); results were stratified by median residence length (11years). ResultsAdjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, smoking, and education/income, those who lived in neighborhood >11years gained 1.0kg per one-unit increment of NDI (p=0.03), or 6kg for those in highest NDI tertile compared with those in the lowest tertile. Physical activity improved model fit; NDI remained associated with weight gain after adjustment for physical activity and neighborhood environment perceptions. There was no significant relationship between NDI and weight change for those in their neighborhood ≤11years. ConclusionsLiving in more socioeconomically deprived neighborhoods over a longer time period was associated with weight gain in DHS.

Cycling for transport and recreation: Associations with socio-economic position, environmental perceptions, and psychological disposition

ObjectiveInterest is growing in promoting utility cycling (i.e., for transport) as a means of incorporating daily physical activity (PA) into people's lives, but little is known about correlates of utility cycling. Our primary aim was to examine cross-sectional relationships between socio-economic characteristics, neighborhood environment perceptions and psychological disposition with utility cycling (with or without additional recreational cycling). A secondary aim was to compare these relationships with those for recreation-only cycling. MethodBaseline survey data (2007) from 10,233 participants in HABITAT, a multilevel longitudinal study of PA, sedentary behavior, and health in Brisbane adults aged 40–65years, were analyzed using multinomial regression modeling. ResultsGreater income, habitual PA, and positive beliefs about PA were associated with utility and recreation-only cycling (p<0.05). Always having vehicle access and not in the labor force were associated with recreation-only cycling (p<0.05). Some or no vehicle access, part-time employment, and perceived environmental factors (little crime, few cul-de-sacs, nearby transport and recreational destinations) were associated with utility cycling (p<0.05). ConclusionOur findings suggest differences in associations between socio-economic, neighborhood perceptions and psychological factors and utility and recreation-only cycling in Brisbane residents aged 40–65years. Tailored approaches appear to be required to promote utility and recreational cycling.

The Association between Walking and Perceived Environment in Chinese Community Residents: A Cross-Sectional Study

BackgroundThe neighborhood environment, as a determinant of walking, has been assessed in several developed countries. However, few studies have investigated these associations in Chinese populations.ObjectiveTo examine the association between the perceived neighborhood environment and walking for recreation or transportation purposes among Chinese community residents.MethodsWe used a multi-stage stratified random sampling design to conduct a cross-sectional study of 1528 Chinese adults in Shanghai. Environmental and walking variables were assessed using a revised Abbreviated Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale for Chinese subjects and a long version of International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Self-reported demographic variables including gender, age, employment status, and location of community were also collected. Multiple logistic regression analysis was applied to examine the association between the neighborhood environment and walking.ResultsBased on the results of IPAQ, 13.7% of the overall subjects were physical inactive, which was considered to be lowly active. For all participants, accessibility to services was significantly associated with walking for both recreation and transportation (odds ratio = 1.062, 95% confidence interval: 1.016, 1.110; odds ratio = 1.053; 95% confidence interval: 1.008, 1.100, respectively). In males, accessibility to services was significantly associated both with walking for recreation and walking for transportation. However, a significantly negative association was found between the neighborhood surroundings and walking for recreation. In contrast, females who perceived good traffic safety tended to walk for recreation. Data also revealed a difference between working and retired individuals. Among working participants, perceived environmental variables were not significantly associated with walking for recreation and transportation.ConclusionsThe association between neighborhood environment and walking varied depending on the reason for walking and the characteristics of the participants. Our findings suggest that interventions to promote walking in community residents should include improving the neighborhood environment, particularly accessibility to services such as building more stores, parks, and public transit facilities.

Support for Physical Activity Policies and Perceptions of Work and Neighborhood Environments: Variance by BMI and Activity Status at the County and Individual Levels

To examine support for local policies encouraging physical activity and perceived neighborhood environment characteristics by physical activity and weight status of respondents across U.S. counties. We used a random-digit-dial, computer-assisted telephone interview (CATI) to conduct a cross-sectional telephone questionnaire in selected U.S. counties in 2011. Counties with high prevalences of obesity and sedentary behavior (HH; n = 884) and counties with low prevalences of obesity and sedentary behavior (LL; n = 171) were selected nationally. Adult respondents from HH (n = 642) and LL (n = 566) counties. Questions were asked of respondents, pertaining to support for physical activity policies in various settings, neighborhood features, time spent in physical activity and sedentary behaviors, self-reported weight and height, and personal demographic information. Means and frequencies were calculated; bivariable and multivariable linear and logistic regression models, developed. Models were adjusted for individual characteristics and county HH/LL status. Respondents in LL counties perceived their neighborhood and work environments to be more supportive of healthy behaviors and were more supportive of local physical activity policies than respondents in HH counties (p < .001 for all). Positive neighborhood environment perceptions were related to reduced body mass index, increased physical activity, and decreased sedentary behavior. Policy support and neighborhood environments are associated with behaviors. Results can inform targeting policy agendas to facilitate the improvement of environments (community, work, and school) to be more supportive of physical activity.

Neighborhood environments and obesity among Afro-Caribbean, African American, and Non-Hispanic white adults in the United States: Results from the National Survey of American Life

ObjectiveTo examine possible associations between perceived neighborhood environments and obesity among a U.S. nationally representative sample of Afro-Caribbean, African American, and Non-Hispanic white adults. MethodsData was used from the 2001–2003 National Survey of American Life (NSAL). All measures including neighborhood characteristics, height, and weight were self-reported. Multivariate logistic regression was used to compute odds ratios (ORs) of obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥30kg/m2) based on perceived neighborhood physical and social characteristics. ResultsThe odds of obesity were significantly lower for adults who reported involvement in clubs, associations, or help groups (odds ratio (OR): 0.62; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.44, 0.85) and perceived that they had a park, playground, or open space in their neighborhood (odds ratio (OR): 0.68; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.47, 0.98). These associations remained significant after adjusting for leisure-time physical activity. Race/ethnicity appeared to modify the association between involvement in clubs, associations, or help groups and obesity. ConclusionsProviding parks, playgrounds, or open space or increasing the perception of those amenities may assist in the prevention of obesity, especially in ethnically diverse neighborhoods in the United States. More research is needed to investigate how perceptions of the neighborhood environment influence obesity and whether perceptions of the neighborhood environment differ between individuals within the same neighborhoods.

Objective and perceived neighborhood characteristics and tobacco use among young adults

BackgroundIn the US, past month tobacco use is higher among young adults aged 18–25 years than among any other age group. Neighborhood disorder may be a malleable environmental determinant of tobacco use among young adults; its correlation with tobacco use is understudied. The purpose of this study is to examine whether perceived and objectively measured neighborhood factors are associated with tobacco use among young adults in Baltimore City. MethodsThis cross-sectional study of predominately African American young adults (n=359) used logistic regression models via generalized estimating equations (GEE) to estimate the association of perceived and objective neighborhood disorder with past month tobacco use, adjusting for race, age, sex, income, and other substance use. Two measures of perceived neighborhood environment – neighborhood drug involvement, and neighborhood social cohesion – were derived from the Neighborhood Environment Scale (NES). Objective neighborhood disorder was measured via trained field raters using the Neighborhood Inventory for Environmental Typology (NIfETy) instrument. ResultsSex modified the relationship between perceived neighborhood drug involvement and past month tobacco use, and the association was significant among women only (aOR=1.49; 95% CI=1.19–1.88). Perceptions of neighborhood social cohesion (aOR=0.97; 95% CI=0.83–1.13), and objective neighborhood disorder (aOR=1.17; 95% CI=0.98–1.38) were not significantly associated with past month tobacco use. ConclusionUnderstanding the correlation between perceived and objective neighborhood disorder, and their independent association with tobacco use can potentially lead to environmentally based interventions aimed at reducing tobacco use among young adults who live in urban environments.

Quality of Life Among Free Clinic Patients Associated with Somatic Symptoms, Depression, and Perceived Neighborhood Environment

Free clinics provide free or reduced fee healthcare to individuals who lack access to primary care and are socio-economically disadvantaged. The purpose of this study is to examine health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among free clinic patients and its association with somatic symptoms, depression, and perceived neighborhood environment. Free clinic patients (n = 186) aged 18 years or older completed a self-administered survey. HRQoL, depression, somatic symptoms, and perceived neighborhood environment were measured using standardized instruments. Overall, the participants reported low level of HRQoL compared to the general healthy population. US born participants (n = 97) reported poorer psychological QoL and social relations, more somatic symptoms, and were more likely to be depressed than non-US born participants (n = 89). Higher numbers of somatic symptoms were associated with poorer environmental QoL. Depression was associated with all aspects of QoL; a higher level of depression was related to poorer QoL in all aspects. Our findings show that free clinic patients, especially US born patients, have poor HRQoL. Depression and perceived neighborhood satisfaction are key factors to determine HRQoL among free clinic patients. Mental health services and collaboration with other community organizations may help in improving HRQoL among free clinic patients. Finally, health promotion programs at the community level, not just at the clinic level, would be valuable to improve health of free clinic patients as perceived neighborhood environment is associated with their HRQoL.

Family and Neighborhood Correlates of Overweight and Obesogenic Behaviors Among Chinese Children

The prevalence of childhood obesity is increasing rapidly in China. However, research on its modifiable environmental determinants to inform preventive interventions is limited. This paper reports a cross-sectional study that aimed to identify family and neighborhood environmental correlates of overweight and related health behavior among Chinese primary school-aged children in urban areas. Routinely collected height and weight data of third year students (8-10 years) from four primary schools in socioeconomically distinct districts of two southern cities of China was obtained. Using the WHO 2007 reference values, children were categorized into overweight/obese or non-overweight. Parents of the same children completed a questionnaire, comprising mainly validated questions, about family and perceived neighborhood environments, parental physical activity habits, and the child's dietary and physical activity patterns. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between these environmental factors and childhood overweight or whether or not the child engages in at least 1 h daily moderate to vigorous physical activity. Multiple linear regression analysis was undertaken to examine the association between environmental factors and the frequency of consumption of unhealthy snacks, fruit, and vegetables in children. Data on 497 children were available. Children who were mainly cared for by their grandparents were over twice as likely to be overweight/obese (adjusted OR 2.03; 95% CI 1.19-3.47) and to have higher consumption of unhealthy snacks and sugar-added drinks (B = 2.13, 95% CI 0.87-3.40), compared with children who were mainly cared for by their parents or other adult. Children who lived with at least two grandparents in the household were at higher risk for being overweight/obese than children who lived without any grandparent (adjusted OR 1.72; 95% CI 1.00-2.94). No evidence was found for associations between perceived neighborhood environmental characteristics and child's weight status and obesogenic behaviors in this study. Children's family environment, particularly the living-in grandparents, should be targeted in future preventive interventions among China's southern urban populations.

Socio-ecological predictors of the uptake of cycling for recreation and transport in adults: Results from the RESIDE study

ObjectiveTo examine the uptake of cycling for recreation and transport, and relate these behaviors to individual, social, and environmental exposures over time. MethodData were drawn from 909 adults in Time 2 (T2) (2005–2006) and Time 3 (T3) (2007–2008) of the RESIDE study (Australia). Demographics, perceptions of self-efficacy and social support related to cycling, neighborhood environment perceptions, and objective measures of the neighborhood were measured at T2. These were compared with uptake of cycling for recreation and transport at T3. ResultsAt T3, 54 (5.9%) had taken up cycling for recreation and 44 (4.8%) for transport. Positive perceptions of self-efficacy at T2 were consistently positively associated with the uptake of cycling for either purpose at T3. Respondents living in higher walkable neighborhoods (OR=1.63; 95% CI=1.02–2.62) or with higher objectively measured street connectivity (OR=1.80; 95% CI=1.05–3.07) were more likely to start cycling for recreation when compared with their reference groups. No significant relationships existed between objective measures of the neighborhood and uptake of cycling for transport. ConclusionInterventions focusing on enhancing self-efficacy and generating social support will likely positively influence both cycling for recreation and transport; and providing infrastructure that creates physically supportive neighborhoods may increase cycling levels.

The associations of SES, obesity, sport activity, and perceived neighborhood environments: Is there a model of environmental injustice penalizing portuguese children?

This study analyses the associations between children's obesity, sports activity (SA), and perceived environmental characteristics with the children's SES. A sample of 1,885 Portuguese children, aged 3-10 years, living in Coimbra, Portugal, was observed. Weight and height were measured and obesity was defined by age-and sex-specific, BMI cut-off points. Questionnaires included variables on SA levels, SES and parental neighborhood perceptions were done. A CATPCA was performed and two neighborhood dimensions were achieved. The independent associations of SES with obesity, SA and perceived neighborhood dimensions was analyzed using ordered logistic regressions. Children of low [odds ratio (OR) = 1.76; confidence interval (CI) = 1.25-1.99] and medium SES (OR = 1.57; CI = 1.34-2.33) were more likely to be obese than their high-SES peers, less likely to participate in SA (low SES OR = 0.177; CI = 0.12-0.26; medium SES OR = 0.357; CI = 0.24-0.53), and their parents were less likely to have positive perceptions of their built environment (low SES OR = 0.516; CI = 0.38-0.70; medium SES OR = 0.565; CI = 0.37-0.86). Obesity increases and SA decreases among children with the lowest SES and these living in neighborhoods with higher perceived risk. This finding suggests a model of environmental injustice, whereby differential access to the neighborhood's resources overlaps with familial socioeconomic disadvantage.

Abstract MP88: Neighborhood-Level Socioeconomic Deprivation Predicts Weight Gain in a Multi-Ethnic Population: Longitudinal Data from the Dallas Heart Study

Background: Although neighborhood-level socioeconomic deprivation associates with prevalent obesity, its relationship to individual-level weight change over time is poorly elucidated. Few studies have evaluated the impact of behavioral and psychosocial factors on this relationship. Methods: We examined the relationship between neighborhood-level socioeconomic deprivation and weight change among those who did not move in the 7-year study period (N=955) of the Dallas Heart Study (DHS), a multi-ethnic, population-based sample of Dallas County residents aged 18-65. Baseline weight measurements were performed in 2000-02 and weight was re-measured at 7-year follow-up. Home addresses obtained at baseline and follow-up were geocoded and linked to residential census tracts in Dallas County. A neighborhood deprivation index (NDI) for DHS participants was created using factor analysis of 21 census-tract neighborhood characteristics, with higher scores indicating more socioeconomic deprivation. Repeated-measures linear mixed modeling with random effects was used to determine weight change (kg) relative to tertiles of NDI. Reported physical activity (yes/no: exercised &lt;150 mets/min-wk) and perceptions of neighborhood environment (questionnaire-derived score with higher score = more unfavorable perceptions of neighborhood violence, aesthetics, and social cohesion) were examined as mediators. Results: DHS participants living in more socioeconomically deprived neighborhoods had lower income and education (p-trend &lt;0.001 for both). Blacks were more likely to live in more socioeconomically deprived neighborhoods than whites and Hispanics (p&lt;0.001). Adjusting for age, sex, race, smoking, education, and income as fixed effects, DHS participants living in the most socioeconomically deprived neighborhoods (highest NDI tertile) gained 5.8±2.5 more kilograms (p=0.02) over the 7-year period compared to those in the least deprived neighborhoods. Living in the most socioeconomically deprived neighborhoods remained associated with a 6.4±2.5 kg greater increase in weight (p=0.01) compared to living in the least deprived neighborhoods after adjustment for physical activity levels and a 6.6±2.6 kg greater increase in weight (p=0.01) after adjustment for perceptions of neighborhood environment. Conclusions: Living in more socioeconomically deprived neighborhoods is associated with greater weight gain among DHS participants over a 7-year period. This relationship does not appear to be fully explained by lower levels of physical activity or unfavorable perceptions of the neighborhood environment. In Dallas County, the high risk for greater weight gain among people living in socioeconomically deprived neighborhoods supports the need to develop targeted community-based interventions to address obesity and reduce disparities in cardiovascular risk.

Association between parental perceptions of residential neighbourhood environments and childhood obesity in Porto, Portugal

Portugal has one of the highest rates of childhood obesity in Europe. Few studies have explored the relationship between parents' perceptions of their residential neighbourhood (safety concerns and amenities of the built environment) and their children's weight status. This study aims to examine the associations between parents' perceptions of their residential neighbourhood and overweight/obesity among their children. Anthropometric measures of height and weight were taken for 2690 children in preschools and elementary schools in Porto. Body mass index (kg/m(2)) was calculated, and the International Obesity Taskforce (IOTF) cut-offs were used. Parents completed the 'Environmental Module' standard questionnaire of the International Physical Activity Prevalence Study. Chi-square tests and the logistic regression model adjusted for age, gender, maternal education and school cluster were used to examine the associations between parents' perceptions of their residential neighbourhood and overweight/obesity among their children. In this sample, 31.8% of the children were overweight (including obese). Significant associations were found between child obesity and the following residential environmental characteristics: the odds of children being obese were lower if their parents believed that it was safe (low/no crime rate) to walk/cycle at night (OR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.54-0.79) and during the day (OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.55-0.86) and that it was easy and pleasant (pedestrian safety) to walk in their neighbourhoods (OR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.58-0.90) and when local sidewalks were well maintained and unobstructed (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.01-1.40). Parental perceptions of neighbourhood safety and the quality of local sidewalks are significantly associated with obesity values.

Relationship between perceptions about neighborhood environment and prevalent obesity: data from the Dallas Heart Study.

Although psychosocial stress can result in adverse health outcomes, little is known about how perceptions of neighborhood conditions, a measure of environment-derived stress, may impact obesity. We examined the association between perceptions of neighborhood environment and obesity [defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2] among 5907 participants in the Dallas Heart Study, a multi-ethnic, probability-based sample of Dallas County residents. Participants were asked to respond to 18 questions about perceptions of their neighborhood. Using factor analysis, we identified three factors associated with neighborhood perceptions: neighborhood violence, physical environment, and social cohesion. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the relationship between each factor (higher quintile = more unfavorable perceptions) and the odds of obesity. Decreasing age, income, and education associated with unfavorable overall neighborhood perceptions and unfavorable perceptions about specific neighborhood factors (p trend <0.05 for all). Increasing BMI was associated with unfavorable perceptions about physical environment (p trend <0.05), but not violence or social cohesion. After adjustment for race, age, sex, income, education, and length of residence, physical environment perception score in the highest quintile remained associated with a 25% greater odds of obesity [OR 1.25,(95% CI 1.03–1.50)]. Predictors of obesity related to environmental perceptions included heavy traffic [OR 1.39,(1.17–1.64)], trash/litter in neighborhood[OR 1.27,(1.01–1.46)], lack of recreational areas[OR 1.21,(1.01–1.46)], and lack of sidewalks[OR 1.25,(95% CI 1.04–1.51)]. Thus, unfavorable perceptions of environmental physical conditions are related to increased obesity. Efforts to improve the physical characteristics of neighborhoods, or the perceptions of those characteristics, may assist in the prevention of obesity in this community.

Perceived Neighborhood Environment and Transit Use in Low-Income Populations

Although much has been written about local access to public transport, few studies have examined the role of the perceived environment in promoting transit by considering how the effects of these perceptions differ by neighborhood type. By analyzing the self-reported frequency of transit use and measured neighborhood attributes and using data from Los Angeles County, California, this study examined how the perceptions low-income people have about the walking environment affect their travel behavior. A principal component analysis was used to reduce many overlapping perceptional variables to latent factors that were used in subsequent models of transit use. Four perceptional attributes that affect regular transit use are identified: physical safety, personal safety, amenities, and perceived isolation. The results of this study show that unfavorable perceptions of environmental conditions are independently associated with decreased regular transit use; however, these effects vary among different neighborhood types. Personal safety related to crime and violence is the major concern associated with decreased transit use in mixed land use neighborhoods; in low-density neighborhoods, isolation from the street environment and physical safety concerns, including dangerous crosswalks, are the significant deterrents to public transportation use. Notably, low-income travelers view the conditions of their walking environment as problematic more often than do higher-income travelers, and it appears that transit use by lower-income travelers is more likely to be affected by safety concerns than by other urban design factors of their neighborhood. Findings suggest that safety concerns precede amenity concerns; therefore, enhancing neighborhood safety is the necessary first step to increasing the utility of transit for low-income people.

The Effect of Active Transport, Transport Systems, and Urban Design on Population Health

The Effect of Active Transport, Transport Systems, and Urban Design on Population Health

Age Differences in the Relation of Perceived Neighborhood Environment to Walking among Chinese adult women dwelling in urban area

Age Differences in the Relation of Perceived Neighborhood Environment to Walking among Chinese adult women dwelling in urban area