Interactive effects of built environment and psychosocial attributes on physical activity: a test of ecological models.
BACKGROUND
The principle of cross-level interactions of influence on behavior in ecological models is seldom studied.


OBJECTIVE
To examine built environment × psychosocial interactive effects on physical activity.


METHODS
Multi-level mixed regression analyses used data from the Neighborhood Quality of Life Study conducted in neighborhoods in two US regions (n = 2,199 adults). Outcomes were (1) objectively measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, (2) reported transport walking, and (3) leisure-walking. Conceptually matched built environment variables were analyzed for domain-specific outcomes.


RESULTS
With leisure walking as the outcome, built environment × psychosocial interactions were significant in 7 of 20 models tested. Directions of interactions were consistent, indicating a stronger built environment-leisure walking association in adults with less favorable psychosocial status. Little evidence supported such interactions with objectively measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity or transport walking as outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
The results imply that the built environment may exert stronger influence on adults who are not psychologically predisposed to be active.
Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92103, USA. diding@ucsd.edu
Ding
D
Ding
James F
JF
Sallis
Terry L
TL
Conway
Brian E
BE
Saelens
Lawrence D
LD
Frank
Kelli L
KL
Cain
Donald J
DJ
Slymen
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004779:Environment Design; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012931:Social Environment; D016138:Walking / Q000523:psychology*