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- Title
Associations of Environmental Factors and Physical Activity Behaviors: A Photo Analysis.
- Authors
Dean, Denise
- Abstract
Physical inactivity continues to be a serious problem in the United States. The built environment is instrumental in encouraging healthy behaviors. Unfortunately, underserved communities are faced with inequities in their built environment. The injustices present are poor conditions of sidewalks, unfavorable land use, and other factors that hinder physical activity. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine specific built environment characteristics within marginalized communities of Kansas City, Missouri, to determine whether these barriers significantly contribute to physical activity behavior. Methods A content analysis of 477 photographs assessed the environmental factors and physical activity behaviors of 10 census tracts randomly chosen in marginalized areas. Undergraduate students collected photographs during the Spring 2019 and Fall 2019 semesters. In addition, faculty developed a coding guide, and undergraduate researchers coded data in NVivo (version 12.4) to identify themes. Results Walking was depicted in 72.1% of photographs and was positively related to lighting (r=0.13, p<0.01) and shade (r=0.12, p<0.01) and negatively related to lack of eyes on the street (e.g., absence of people, no houses or storefronts), (r=-0.11, p<0.05). Biking was depicted in 11.5% of photographs and was positively related to bike lanes (r=0.16, p<0.05), bike lane connectedness (r=0.14, p<0.01), and marked crosswalk (r=0.14, p<0.01). Discussion There appears to be a clear association between the built environment and physical activity behavior. In areas with bike lanes, shade, and lighting, individuals were seen to be more active in the community. This study may help to explain why individuals in marginalized areas live, on average, 16 years less than those in more affluent areas of Kansas City, Missouri. Therefore, public health practitioners should focus on improving the built environment in Kansas City, particularly in areas with a lack of eyes on the street, to improve physical activity and overall life expectancy for marginalized communities.
- Subjects
KANSAS City (Mo.); PHYSICAL activity; BEHAVIORAL assessment; BUILT environment; SEDENTARY behavior; COMMUNITIES
- Publication
Lucerna, 2022, Vol 16, p58
- ISSN
2691-0284
- Publication type
Article