@article{ref1,
title="Do physical activity friendly neighborhoods affect community members equally? A cross-sectional study",
journal="International journal of environmental research and public health",
year="2018",
author="Stappers, Nicole E. H. and Van Kann, Dave H. H. and de Vries, Nanne K. and Kremers, Stef P. J.",
volume="15",
number="6",
pages="e15061062-e15061062",
abstract="An activity-friendly environment may increase physical activity (PA) levels and decrease sedentary behavior (SB). This study investigated associations between socio-demographic characteristics, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), perceived environment and objectively measured PA outcomes. Socio-demographic characteristics were assessed using a questionnaire and HRQoL was measured using the EQ-5D. The Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale (NEWS-A) was used to assess the perceived environment. SB, light PA (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) were measured using the Actigraph GT3X+. Data from 622 Dutch adults were used in multivariate linear regression analyses to investigate associations between NEWS-A and PA outcomes. Analyses were controlled for socio-demographic characteristics and HRQoL. The presence of attractive buildings was associated with less SB (β = -0.086, <i>p</i> < 0.01) and more MVPA (β = 0.118, <i>p</i> < 0.01). Presence of destinations within walking distance was also positively associated with MVPA (β = 0.106, <i>p</i> < 0.01). Less crime was associated with less MVPA (β = 0.092, <i>p</i> < 0.05). Interactions between personal and environmental characteristics showed that the absence of PA-hindering characteristics (e.g., heavy traffic) was associated with less SB and more MVPA, but only for residents with problems regarding pain and usual activities. The presence of PA-facilitating characteristics (e.g., aesthetics and destinations) was associated with less SB, more LPA and more MVPA but only for the more advantaged people in society. <br><br>RESULTS suggest that to reduce health inequalities, it would be more helpful to remove barriers rather than introduce PA facilitating characteristics.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1661-7827",
doi="10.3390/ijerph15061062",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15061062"
}