Citation

Lillehoj CJ, Daniel-Ulloa JD, Nothwehr F. J. Occup. Environ. Med. 2016; 58(1): e1-e5.

Affiliation

Iowa Department of Public Health (Dr Lillehoj), Des Moines; Prevention Research Center for Rural Health (Dr Daniel-Ulloa); Community and Behavioral Health (Dr Nothwehr), College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/JOM.0000000000000601

PMID

26716854

PMCID

PMC4697268

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study describes results of community and worksite assessments of physical activity policies and environmental strategies in 26 Iowa counties.

METHODS: Community coalition members completed the Community Health Assessment and Group Evaluation tool. The study explored findings using descriptive statistics and examined rural-urban differences in two of the five assessed sectors: community and worksites.

RESULTS: Lower community scores (ie, needing improvement) were found for complete streets, bicycle use, and street calming. Higher scores (ie, identified strengths) were found for land use plans, maintain parks, and sidewalks Americans with Disabilities Act compliant. Worksites scored lower on promote stairwells, encourage non-motorized commuting, and implement activity breaks but higher on subsidize gym membership and provide area for physical activity. No rural-urban differences were found.

CONCLUSIONS: Results identify opportunities to enhance community and worksite policies and environmental strategies to increase physical activity.

Language: en