Which aspects of neighbourhood environment are most associated with meeting physical activity recommendations in American adults: an NHIS study

Abstract

Objectives To investigate which perceived neighbourhood characteristics are most strongly linked with adequate physical activity (PA) in a nationally representative sample of adults in the USA. Design Cross-sectional. Setting USA via 2015 National Health Interview Survey Data. Participants A group of 28 697 non-institutionalised adults with complete data. Primary outcome measures Meeting PA was defined as 150 min/week of moderate to vigorous activity. Results The population had a mean age of 49.6 (±18.3) years and was 51.3% female and 66.2% non-Hispanic white. In adjusted, weighted analysis, places to walk and relax was mostly strongly associated with meeting PA recommendations (OR=1.40 (95% CI 1.27 to 1.54)). Other elements associated with meeting PA were presence of bus or transit stops to walk to and presence of movies, libraries or churches to walk to (OR=1.12 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.23) and OR=1.19 (95% CI 1.08 to 1.31), respectively). Conclusions In this analysis, the characteristic most strongly associated with PA was presence of places to walk and relax. Identifying communities that may lack amenities such as this, like a park, may help direct community investment to enhance structures that encourage activity.