Physical Activity Resource Attributes and Obesity in Low-Income African Americans

Abstract

More than two thirds of Americans are overweight or obese, and African Americans are particularly vulnerable to obesity when compared to Caucasians. Ecological models of health suggest that lower individual and environmental socioeconomic status and the built environment may be related to health attitudes and behaviors that contribute to obesity. This cross-sectional study measured the direct associations of neighborhood physical activity resource attributes with body mass index (BMI) and body fat among low-income 216 African Americans (Mean (M) age = 43.5 years, 63.9% female) residing in 12 public housing developments. The Physical Activity Resource Assessment instrument measured accessibility, incivilities, and the quality of features and amenities of each physical activity resource within an 800-m radius around each housing development. Sidewalk connectivity was measured using the Pedestrian Environment Data Scan instrument. Ecological multivariate regression models analyzed the associations between the built environment attributes and resident BMI and body fat at the neighborhood level. Sidewalk connectivity was associated with BMI (M = 31.3 kg/m(2); p < 0.05). Sidewalk connectivity and resource accessibility were associated with body fat percentage (M = 34.8%, p < 0.05). Physical activity resource attributes and neighborhood sidewalk connectivity were related to BMI and body fat among low-income African Americans living in housing developments.

Investigating Environmental Determinants of Diet, Physical Activity, and Overweight among Adults in Sao Paulo, Brazil

“…Therefore, the statistical correlation between density of parks and public sport facilities and overweight suggests that the relationship with physical activity, obesity, and environment in Sao Paulo may still be consistent with previous studies conducted in developed countries. 54 We found a significant inverse correlation between crime rates and physical leisure activity (r=−0.395) at univariate analysis. Neighborhood safety and esthetic appeal have also been associated with rates of physical activity and obesity prevalence in other countries, as public open spaces in unsafe areas may actually discourage physical activity.…”

“…49 The lack of relationship between density of parks and public sport facilities and leisure physical activity also contrasts with the results of many US studies that showed a positive association among both adolescents 50,51 and adults. [52][53][54] However, we did find areas with higher concentration of parks and public sports facilities, located at the central and wealthier areas of the city, with lower rates of overweight, even after adjusting by area SES. A possible reason for these apparently contradictory findings is our measurement of physical activity, specifically the use of a perceived, instead of objective, measure of physical activity.…”

Disparities in Built and Natural Features of Urban Parks: Comparisons by Neighborhood Level Race/Ethnicity and Income

“…It contributes to an emerging literature on disparities in specific park characteristics that associate with physical activity and weight status. 27,28,39 Several differences between the number, presence or absence, conditions, and cleanliness of park features were found. For example, more trash cans were present in parks in minority areas, but sitting and resting amenities were less clean than those in non-minority area parks.…”

“…[26][27][28] An Australian study found that high SES neighborhoods had significantly more open space amenities such as drinking fountains and picnic tables; trees; and facilities such as walking paths, lighting, and signage. 29 Studies that have unpacked park settings to examine quantity and quality of specific park characteristics associated with physical activity have found that built features of parks such as courts, playgrounds, open spaces, and paths promote park use and park-based activity.…”

Condições socioeconômicas e prática de atividades físicas em adultos e idosos: uma revisão sistemática

“…Após a leitura do título e dos resumos foram selecionados 54 estudos para leitura integral, sendo 11 estudos [55][56][57][58][59][60][61][62][63][64][65] descartados após a leitura, restando assim 43 artigos analisados integralmente e inclusos nesta revisão.. Os principais motivos para a exclusão de artigos foi por se tratar de estudos com o objetivo de estabelecer associações entre as condições socioeconômicas com síndromes e/ou doenças, estudos qualitativos e de revisão. O fluxograma do processo de seleção dos artigos ou estudos foi representado na Figura 1.…”