Shared Use of Physical Activity Facilities Among North Carolina Faith Communities, 2013

Abstract

IntroductionShared use of recreational facilities is a promising strategy for increasing access to places for physical activity. Little is known about shared use in faith-based settings. This study examined shared use practices and barriers in faith communities in North Carolina.MethodsFaith communities in North Carolina (n = 234) completed an online survey (October–December 2013) designed to provide information about the extent and nature of shared use of recreational facilities. We used binary logistic regression to examine differences between congregations that shared use and those that did not share use.ResultsMost of the faith communities (82.9%) that completed the survey indicated that they share their facilities with outside individuals and organizations. Formal agreements were more common when faith communities shared indoor spaces such as gymnasiums and classroom meeting spaces than when they shared outdoor spaces such as playgrounds or athletic fields. Faith communities in the wealthiest counties were more likely to share their spaces than were faith communities in poorer counties. Faith communities in counties with the best health rankings were more likely to share facilities than faith communities in counties that had lower health rankings. The most frequently cited reasons faith communities did not share their facilities were that they did not know how to initiate the process of sharing their facilities or that no outside groups had ever asked.ConclusionMost faith communities shared their facilities for physical activity. Research is needed on the relationship between shared use and physical activity levels, including the effect of formalizing shared-use policies.

Shared-Use Decisions Among Administrators of Physical Activity Facilities in Pasadena, TX

“…Unique to this study as compared with national studies conducted on shared use is the investigation of faith-based organizations and their respective facilities in a small-underserved Hispanic/Latino community. In the past 10 years, physical activity interventions in faith-based organizations have increased and have been successful at improving health (Hardison-Moody et al, 2017; Lancaster, Carter-Edwards, Grilo, Shen, & Schoenthaler, 2014; Tristão Parra, Porfírio, Arredondo, & Atallah, 2018). The CDC has suggested faith-based organizations as settings to promote physical activity, and the National Physical Activity Plan dedicates a section to faith-based settings (CDC, 2011).…”

“…Nationally, challenges to opening facilities to the community include liability, insurance, safety, cost, staffing, and maintenance (Spengler, 2012). For low socioeconomic status communities and in communities of color, facilities are less likely to offer shared use than in higher income communities (Cox et al, 2011; Hardison-Moody et al, 2017; Kanters, Bocarro, Moore, Floyd, & Carlton, 2014).…”

Investigating Socioeconomic Disparities in the Potential Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Environments of Churches

“…Although past research suggests low-income areas have lesser access to and lower quality recreational resources for PA (Hughey et al, 2017;Sallis et al, 2011;Turrell, Haynes, Wilson, & Giles-Corti, 2013), meaningful steps can be taken to improve the disparity revealed in this study. For example, similar to shared or joint use agreements that are growing in number and perceived value (Everett Jones & Wendel, 2015;Omura et al, 2017), future efforts may focus on helping to develop partnerships and programs between churches and other community organizations to share access to resources and opportunities for PA (Hardison-Moody et al, 2017). Additional strategies may include a search for lower-cost, but still highquality exercise equipment, repurposing and renovating indoor facilities as funds permit, and focusing on other available outdoor resources that can encourage PA among church members.…”

“…If this space is owned by the churches, it may have the potential for providing a place for PA. If not owned by the churches, churches may seek to enact joint-use agreements to share facilities and resources to promote PA (Hardison-Moody et al, 2017). Future research in these rural areas could focus on additional strategies to increase use of nearby, existing areas.…”

Sensor‐measured physical activity is associated with decreased cardiovascular disease risk in African Americans

“…34,35 Thus, addressing walkability in communities through Complete Streets or Safe Routes to School projects would help alleviate environmental concerns related to safety, improve connectivity between residences and business, and encourage physical activity through leisure and active transport. 36,37 Additionally, policies establishing shared-use agreements in schools 38 and in churches 39 would also increase the availability of common places for families to do physical activity together, thereby potentially increasing social support for physical activity. Last, researchers and practitioners should continue to work with communities and organizations to create and disseminate culturally relevant, evidence-based programs for overcoming barriers to physical activity specifically in African American populations.…”