Introduction
We investigated the relationship of perceived
environmental characteristics to self-reported physical activity in Texas adults
using 2004 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data.
Methods
The 2 research questions were, “Are perceived neighborhood
characteristics and reported use of facilities associated with self-reported
leisure-time physical activity for male and female Texas residents aged 18 to 64
years?” and “Are perceived neighborhood characteristics and reported use of
facilities related to meeting recommendations for moderate to vigorous physical
activity for Texas men and women aged 18 to 64 years?” Descriptive statistics
and multiple logistic regression were used for the analyses.
Results
Multiple logistic regression analyses controlling for
sociodemographic factors showed that for women, perceptions of neighbors being
physically active, pleasantness of the neighborhood, lighting, safety, and
feelings of neighbor trustworthiness were associated with leisure-time physical
activity. Several of these variables were also related to meeting
recommendations for physical activity. Reports of use of several types of
neighborhood facilities were related to men’s and women’s leisure-time physical
activity and with meeting recommendations for physical activity for women.
Conclusion
Perceptions of neighborhood characteristics and reported
use of facilities were related to physical activity and to meeting
recommendations for physical activity, with stronger associations for women than
for men. Interventions to increase levels of physical activity among Texans
should be informed by multilevel assessments including environmental
characteristics and by attention to important subpopulations.