Recorded presentation

Tegan K. Boehmer, MPH, Sarah L. Lovegreen, MPH, and Ross C. Brownson, PhD. SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY, 3545 LAFAYETTE AVENUE, SALUS CENTER, SUITE 300, St. Louis, MO 63104, 3149778127, BOEHMERT@SLU.EDU

Introduction: Evidence from public health and urban planning support the association between various aspects of the environment and physical activity; however, the relationship between the built environment and obesity has not been sufficiently investigated. This study seeks to identify environmental features that may contribute to obesity in a rural population. Methods: A random-digit-dialed telephone survey of 2,510 adults from rural Missouri, Tennessee, and Arkansas was completed in 2003. The association between obesity (body mass index ³ 30 kg/m²) and perceived environmental variables was estimated using logistic regression to control for age, gender, and education. A subgroup analysis was performed comparing “higher-risk” respondents who were obese and unfit (not meeting physical activity recommendations) with “lower-risk” (non-obese and fit) respondents. Results: Several indicators of the built environment were statistically associated with obesity; in particular, having few destinations within walking distance (adjusted odds ratio, aOR=1.3, 95% confidence interval, 95% CI=1.1-1.6), absence of sidewalks/shoulders (aOR=1.3, 95% CI=1.1-1.6), further distance to recreational facilities (aOR=1.4, 95% CI=1.2-1.7), physical disorder (aOR=1.4, 95% CI=1.1-1.8), and feeling unsafe from crime (aOR=1.7, 95% CI=1.3-2.3) or traffic (aOR=1.6, 95% CI=1.2-2.1) while walking or biking. Slightly stronger relationships were observed for most variables when we compared “higher-risk” with “lower-risk” respondents. Conclusions: This cross-sectional study provides suggestive evidence that features of the built environment are associated with obesity in three states, after controlling for demographic characteristics. Researchers in public health and urban planning should consider the environmental indicators identified herein when conducting future intervention studies and designing health-promoting communities.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the presentation, participants in this session will be able to…
• Define indicators and constructs of the built environment as measured by a telephone survey
• Identify aspects of the built environment that are associated with obesity in a rural population
• Articulate the relative importance of the built environment compared with known risk factors for obesity

Keywords: Obesity, Environment

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.

Recorded presentation