Perceived individual, social, and environmental factors for physical activity and walking.
BACKGROUND
Few studies have explored associations of individual, social, and environmental factors with physical activity and walking behavior.


METHODS
A random-digit-dial questionnaire, which included selected individual, social, and environmental variables, was administered to 2025 adults, age 18 y and older, in two adjacent counties in a southeastern state. Logistic regressions were conducted adjusting for age, race, sex, education, and employment.


RESULTS
In multivariate models, somewhat different variables were associated with physical activity versus regular walking. Self-efficacy (OR = 19.19), having an exercise partner (OR = 1.47), recreation facilities (OR = 1.54), and safety of trails from crime (OR = 0.72) were associated with physical activity level; while self-efficacy (OR = 4.22), known walking routes (OR = 1.54), recreation facilities (OR = 1.57-1.59), and safety of trails from crime (OR = 0.69) were associated with regular walking behavior.


CONCLUSIONS
Physical activity and walking behaviors were associated with similar variables in this study.
Granner
Michelle L
ML
School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA.
Sharpe
Patricia A
PA
Hutto
Brent
B
Wilcox
Sara
S
Addy
Cheryl L
CL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003710:Demography; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D010465:Perception; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012931:Social Environment; D040241:Social Marketing; D013022:South Carolina; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016138:Walking / Q000523:psychology*