The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #46059

Christine M. Hoehner, MSPH¹, Laura K. Brennan, MPH¹, Rebeka A. Garcia, BS¹, Ross C. Brownson, PhD¹, Marla Hollander, MPH², and C. Tracy Orleans, PhD². (1) Prevention Research Center, Saint Louis University School of Public Health, 3545 Lafayette Ave., Salus Center, St. Louis, MO 63104, 314-977-3287, hoehnerc@slu.edu, (2) The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Route 1 and College Road East, Princeton, NJ 08543

Moderate intensity physical activity is beneficial for health, yet most Americans do not attain public health recommended levels of activity. Although many different community-based programs are being implemented to promote physical activity, we lack a summary set of indicators for an activity friendly community and methods of assessing these indicators. Through comprehensive literature review and expert consensus, we identified a logic model and physical, environmental, and social indicators to promote “activity friendliness” in communities. Investigators summarized traditional and “fugitive” literature from multiple sources and disciplines (e.g., public health, transportation, urban planning). Indicators of activity friendly communities and corresponding psychometric properties and associations to behavior were abstracted. Findings were translated into a three-tiered Delphi method of expert review and consensus development. The cross-disciplinary expert panel represented applied, academic, and federal settings. Ratings for each indicator were tabulated for the domains of target audience, function, measurement properties, accessibility (i.e., availability, feasibility), and utility (i.e., association, changeability, magnitude). Guided by a logic model, strategic application of specific indicators in local, state, and national initiatives were summarized. Recommendations addressed how indicators may function in community evaluation, public health surveillance, and community interventions. The evidence-based approach, guide for using indicators, and lessons learned from the development process are being disseminated through reports, manuscripts, and presentations. Indicators can guide communities toward creating and maintaining an environment conducive to physical activity. Cross-disciplinary teams and methods and an evidence-based guide for using indicators are key to the successful application of indicators in communities.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to

• Identify and define indicators of activity friendly communities;
• Employ a comprehensive process of literature review and consensus development;
• Use a logic model guided by an ecological framework to enhance opportunities for activity in communities;
• Understand how indicators of activity friendly communities can be used in various settings and with different populations to promote community change.

Keywords: Physical Activity, Indicators

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.