title: Distance to green space and physical activity: a Danish national representative survey.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study examines the relationship between distance to green space and the level of physical activity among the population of Denmark. In addition, the relationship between distance to green space and obesity is investigated.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data derived from the Danish National Health Interview Survey 2005, a cross-sectional survey based on a region-stratified random nationally representative sample of 21,832 Danish adults. All data are self-reported.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Respondents living more than 1 km from green space had lower odds of using green space to exercise and keep in shape compared with persons living closer than 300 m to green space (OR: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.60-0.83). A relationship between moderate/vigorous physical activity during leisure time and distance to green space can also be found. Persons living more than 1 km from green space had higher odds of being obese (BMI ≥ 30) than those living less than 300 m from green space (OR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.08-1.71).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Self-reported distance to green space is related to self-reported physical activity and obesity. To exercise and keep in shape is an important reason for visiting green space, and distance to green space is associated with moderate/vigorous physical activity in leisure time.
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark.
authors.forename: Mette
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Toftager
authors.forename: Ola
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Ekholm
authors.forename: Jasper
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Schipperijn
authors.forename: Ulrika
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Stigsdotter
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bentsen
authors.forename: Morten
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Grønbæk
authors.forename: Thomas B
authors.initials: TB
authors.lastname: Randrup
authors.forename: Finn
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Kamper-Jørgensen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003718:Denmark; D004779:Environment Design; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011634:Public Health; D055815:Young Adult