Association between perceived environmental attributes and physical activity among adults in Recife, Brazil.
BACKGROUND
To evaluate the association between perceived environmental factors and leisure-time and transport-related physical activity.


METHODS
A random-digit-dialing telephone cross-sectional survey in Recife, Brazil, was conducted among individuals aged 16 years or older (n = 2046). Leisure-time and transport-related physical activity were measured using the long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Three outcome variables were used: leisure-time physical activity (min/wk), transport-related physical activity (min/wk), and walking for leisure (min/wk). A cutoff of 150 min/wk was used for all outcome variables. The environmental module of the questionnaire was based on the short version of the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale (A-NEWS), and included 12 environmental items.


RESULTS
The proportions of subjects reaching the 150-minutes per week threshold were 30.6% for leisure-time physical activity, 26.6% for transport-related physical activity and 18.2% for walking for leisure. Lack of sidewalks and low access to recreational facilities were associated with a lower likelihood of performing 150 minutes per week or more of leisure-time physical activity. Lack of sidewalks was associated with low levels of walking for leisure. Neighborhood aesthetics was inversely associated with transport-related physical activity.


CONCLUSIONS
Lack of sidewalks and low access to recreational facilities were predictors of low levels of leisure-time physical activity, suggesting that policy strategies aimed at improving these environmental features may be warranted.
Hallal
Pedro C
PC
Post-graduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Brazil.
Reis
Rodrigo S
RS
Parra
Diana C
DC
Hoehner
Christine
C
Brownson
Ross C
RC
Simões
Eduardo J
EJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil; D003415:Crime; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004779:Environment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D010465:Perception; D011633:Public Facilities; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012449:Safety; D014186:Transportation / Q000379:methods; D014504:Urban Health; D016138:Walking; D055815:Young Adult