Associations of perceived social and physical environmental supports with physical activity and walking behavior.

We evaluated perceived social and environmental supports for physical activity and walking using multivariable modeling. Perceptions were obtained on a sample of households in a southeastern county. Respondents were classified according to physical activity levels and walking behaviors. Respondents who had good street lighting; trusted their neighbors; and used private recreational facilities, parks, playgrounds, and sports fields were more likely to be regularly active. Perceiving neighbors as being active, having access to sidewalks, and using malls were associated with regular walking.

[1]  A. Manley Physical Activity And Health: A Report Of The Surgeon General , 2004 .

[2]  Barbara E Ainsworth,et al.  Environmental measures of physical activity supports: perception versus reality. , 2003, American journal of preventive medicine.

[3]  John C. Spence,et al.  Toward a comprehensive model of physical activity , 2003 .

[4]  A. Bauman,et al.  Perceptions of the Physical Environment, Stage of Change for Physical Activity, and Walking among Australian Adults , 2002, Research quarterly for exercise and sport.

[5]  B. Ainsworth,et al.  PERSONAL BARRIERS TO PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN , 2002 .

[6]  B. Ainsworth,et al.  ENVIRONMENTAL SUPPORTS FOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITYI AMONG SOUTHERN AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN , 2002 .

[7]  S Kumanyika,et al.  Obesity prevention: the case for action , 2002, International Journal of Obesity.

[8]  B. Ainsworth,et al.  Perceptions of physical activity and personal barriers and enablers in African-American women. , 2002, Ethnicity & disease.

[9]  R. Brownson,et al.  Environmental and policy determinants of physical activity in the United States. , 2001, American journal of public health.

[10]  A. Bauman,et al.  Perceived environmental aesthetics and convenience and company are associated with walking for exercise among Australian adults. , 2001, Preventive medicine.

[11]  B. Ainsworth,et al.  "It Takes a Village" to Promote Physical Activity: The Potential for Public Park and Recreation Departments , 2001 .

[12]  A. Bauman,et al.  Social-cognitive and perceived environment influences associated with physical activity in older Australians. , 2000, Preventive medicine.

[13]  J F Sallis,et al.  Promoting physical activity in rural communities: walking trail access, use, and effects. , 2000, American journal of preventive medicine.

[14]  J. Kampert,et al.  Comparison of lifestyle and structured interventions to increase physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness: a randomized trial. , 1999, JAMA.

[15]  A. Bauman,et al.  Environmental and policy interventions to promote physical activity. , 1998, American journal of preventive medicine.

[16]  B. Ainsworth,et al.  Moderate leisure-time physical activity: who is meeting the public health recommendations? A national cross-sectional study. , 1998, Archives of family medicine.

[17]  J. Peters,et al.  Environmental contributions to the obesity epidemic. , 1998, Science.

[18]  J. Sallis,et al.  Assessing perceived physical environmental variables that may influence physical activity. , 1997, Research quarterly for exercise and sport.

[19]  P. Williams,et al.  Physical activity and public health. , 1995, JAMA.

[20]  K. Patrick,et al.  Physical Activity and Public Health: A Recommendation From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College of Sports Medicine , 1995 .

[21]  K. Glanz,et al.  Health behavior and health education : theory, research, and practice , 1991 .

[22]  C. Caspersen,et al.  Distance between homes and exercise facilities related to frequency of exercise among San Diego residents. , 1990, Public health reports.

[23]  J F Sallis,et al.  Identifying correlates of walking for exercise: an epidemiologic prerequisite for physical activity promotion. , 1989, Preventive medicine.

[24]  S. Premakumari,et al.  Energy and protein requirements. , 1986, WHO chronicle.