Characteristics of the built environment associated with leisure-time physical activity among adults in Bogota, Colombia: a multilevel study

Type Journal Article - Journal of physical activity & health
Title Characteristics of the built environment associated with leisure-time physical activity among adults in Bogota, Colombia: a multilevel study
Author(s)
Volume 7
Issue 2
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2010
Page numbers 196-203
URL http://www.humankinetics.com/AcuCustom/Sitename/Documents/DocumentItem/09_gomez_jpah_2009_0137.pdf
Abstract
Background: Even though there is increasing evidence that the built environment (BE) has an influence on
leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), little is known about this relationship in developing countries. The
objective of this study was to assess the associations between objective built environment characteristics and
LTPA. Methods: A cross-sectional multilevel study was conducted in 27 neighborhoods in which 1315 adults
aged 18–65 years were surveyed. An adapted version of the IPAQ (long version) was used to assess LTPA.
Objective BE characteristics were obtained using Geographic Information Systems. Associations were assessed
using multilevel polytomous logistic regression. Results: Compared with inactive people, those who resided
in neighborhoods with the highest tertile dedicated to parks (7.4% to 25.2%) were more likely to be regularly
active (POR = 2.05, 95% CI = 1.13–3.72; P = 0.021). Those who resided in neighborhoods with presence of
TransMilenio stations (mass public transportation system) were more likely to be irregularly active (POR =
1.27, 95% CI = 1.07–1.50, P = 0.009) as compared with inactive people. Conclusions: These findings showed
that park density and availability of TransMilenio stations at neighborhood level are positively associated with
LTPA. Public health efforts to address physical inactivity should consider the potential influences of urban
planning and mass public transportation systems on health.

Related studies

»