Racial/ethnic differences in associations between neighborhood social cohesion and meeting physical activity guidelines, United States, 2013-2014

Abstract

Introduction Neighborhood factors are increasingly recognized as determinants of health. Neighborhood social cohesion may be associated with physical activity, but previous studies examined data aggregated across racial/ethnic groups. We assessed whether neighborhood social cohesion was associated with physical activity in a nationally representative data set and explored the role of race/ethnicity. Methods We combined National Health Interview Survey data from 2013 and 2014 (n = 64,754) and constructed a neighborhood social cohesion score by summing responses to 4 questions. The outcome of meeting aerobic physical activity guidelines was defined as 150 or more minutes per week of moderate activity or 75 or more minutes of vigorous activity. Multivariable models regressing physical activity on neighborhood social cohesion were adjusted for demographic factors; interaction analyses assessed effect modification by race/ethnicity. Results In adjusted analyses, a1-unitincrease in the neighborhood social cohesion score was associated with higher odds of meeting physical activity guidelines (odds ratio [OR], 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.05). Neighborhood social cohesion and physical activity were associated amongnon-Hispanicwhite adults (OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.20-1.42) and Hispanic adults (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.03-1.34]) but not amongnon-Hispanicblack or Asian American adults (Chinese, Filipino, and Asian Indians). Conclusion Neighborhood social cohesion was associated with meeting physical activity guidelines in a nationally representative sample; this association may be most meaningful fornon-Hispanicwhite and Hispanic populations. Additional studies are needed to identify neighborhood factors that help non-Hispanic black and Asian Americans to meet physical activity guidelines.