The relationship between cluster-analysis derived walkability and local recreational and transportation walking among Canadian adults.
We investigated the association between objectively-assessed neighborhood walkability and local walking among adults. Two independent random cross-sectional samples of Calgary (Canada) residents were recruited. Neighborhood-based walking, attitude towards walking, neighborhood self-selection, and socio-demographic characteristics were captured. Built environmental attributes underwent a two-staged cluster analysis which identified three neighborhood types (HW: high walkable; MW: medium walkable; LW: low walkable). Adjusting for all other characteristics, MW (OR 1.40, p < 0.05) and HW (OR 1.34, approached p < 0.05) neighborhood residents were more likely than LW neighborhood residents to participate in neighborhood-based transportation walking. HW neighborhood residents spent 30-min/wk more on neighborhood-based transportation walking than both LW and MW neighborhood residents. MW neighborhood residents spent 14-min/wk more on neighborhood-based recreational walking than LW neighborhood residents. Neighborhoods with a highly connected pedestrian network, large mix of businesses, high population density, high access to sidewalks and pathways, and many bus stops support local walking.
Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. gmccorma@ucalgary.ca
Gavin R
GR
McCormack
Christine
C
Friedenreich
Beverly A
BA
Sandalack
Billie
B
Giles-Corti
Patricia K
PK
Doyle-Baker
Alan
A
Shiell
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002170:Canada; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D004739:England; D004779:Environment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D057216:Propensity Score; D011998:Recreation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016138:Walking