4029.0: Tuesday, October 23, 2001 - 9:30 AM

Abstract #29013

Environmental supports and barriers for physical activity among among population subgroups

Patricia A. Sharpe, PhD, MPH1, Gregory J. Kirkner, MPH2, Michelle Granner, MS3, Katherine A. Lind, PhD, MPH4, and Barbara E. Ainsworth, PhD, MPH1. (1) Prevention Research Center, School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 730 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29208, (2) Dept. of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Pub. Health, University of South Carolina, 800 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 29208, (3) Dept. of Health Promotion & Education, Sch. of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 800 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 29208, 803 777-6292, mgranner@sph.sc.edu, (4) Survey Research Laboratory - Institute of Public Affairs, University of South Carolina, Carolina Plaza, 937 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29208

Environmental supports for PA may be predictors of PA behavior, yet the environment may differ for population subgroups. A RDD survey (n=2117) assessed the existence, adequacy, and use of parks and trails; neighborhood safety, sidewalks; street lighting; worksite provisions for PA, and support for regulations to preserve greenspace and require sidewalks in new developments. Among respondents 60.6% were Caucasian, 34.9% African American, 4.5 % other minority. Data were weighted based on gender, race and age group to reflect Census distributions. Fifty-two percent were meeting current recommendations for moderate and/or vigorous PA. Specific findings include: Minority respondents were less likely to meet recommendations than Caucasians (OR=.64, 95% CI=.54, .77); however, minority respondents reported greater use of public trails/tracks per month (3.0 versus 1.7 days, t=-.5.6, p < .001) and parks/recreation areas (2.3 versus 1.6 days, t=-3.94, p < .001). They were more likely to know of mapped routes for walking (c2, 1.d.f.=4.85, p < .05) and bicycling (c2, 1 d.f.=6.39, p < .05) than Caucasians and to have walking trails at work (c2, 1d.f.=8.43, p < .01) and walking groups at work (c2, 1.d.f.=14.31, p <.001). No differences were found for the availability of flextime for PA, employer-sponsored discounts at gyms, or other worksite supports. Minority respondents and Caucasian respondents did not differ in their perception of the adequacy of these resources in their neighborhoods. Implications of findings for intervention will be discussed.

Learning Objectives: Session participants will be able to compare accessibility and perceived adequacy of environmental supports for physical activity among population subgroups.

Keywords: Physical Activity, Community

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 129th Annual Meeting of APHA