Association of environmental factors to meeting physical activity recommendations in two South Carolina counties.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the study was to examine associations between environment and policy factors and physical activity.


METHODS
A random-digit-dialed, cross-sectional telephone survey was administered.


METHODS
The setting was a two-county area of eastern South Carolina.


METHODS
Before weighting, the sample included 1936 adults; 36.9% African-American, 63.1% white, and 60.1% women. The age group distribution was 28.8% 55+ years, 39.3% 35-54 years, and 31.9% 18-34 years of age. The response rate was 62.9%.


METHODS
Six physical activity questions (2001 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey [BRFSS]) were used to create a dischotomous variable, "meets/does not meet recommendation for moderate or vigorous physical activity." Self-report items assessed knowledge, presence, and use of recreational facilities; presence of environmental and worksite supports; perceived safety; condition of sidewalks; and quality of street lighting.


RESULTS
Linear and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Unadjusted odds for meeting the recommendation were significantly greater for well-maintained sidewalks (OR = 1.90); safe areas for walking/jogging (OR = 1.39); knowledge of routes for bicycling (OR = 1.38) and walking/jogging (OR = 1.32); and worksites with sports teams (OR = 1.53), exercise facilities (OR = 1.33), flexible time for exercise (OR = 1.33), and preventive checkups (OR = 1.26). Among persons who met the recommendation, means were greater for number of known walking/jogging routes (p = .04); number of known bicycling routes (p < .01); number of days per month uses tracks, trails, routes, pathways (p < .01); and number of days per month uses outdoor recreation areas (p < .01).


CONCLUSIONS
The results support an association between level of physical activity and environmental and policy factors in two southeastern counties in South Carolina. Limitations of the study include self-reported data and cross-sectional design.
Sharpe
Patricia A
PA
Prevention Research Center, Department of Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health, Prevention Research Center, University of South Carolina, 730 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
Granner
Michelle L
ML
Hutto
Brent
B
Ainsworth
Barbara E
BE
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology; D040343:Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004779:Environment Design; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior / Q000208:ethnology; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013022:South Carolina; D044465:White People / Q000523:psychology