APHA
Back to Annual Meeting Page
 
American Public Health Association
133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition
December 10-14, 2005
Philadelphia, PA
APHA 2005
 
4306.0: Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 4:30 PM

Abstract #107413

Assessing the urban built environment to promote physical activity

Rickie Brawer, MPH, Nancy Brisbon, MD, and James Plumb, MD, MPH. Office to Advance Population Health, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, 1015 Chestnut St, Suite 617, Philadelphia, PA 19107, 215-955-2396, rickie.brawer@mail.tju.edu

The Haddington Community Health Project, a collaborative in Philadelphia, serves an urban community where 70% of adults are overweight/obese and 33% of children are considered obese. The Collaborative received a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to perform an assessment of personal and built environment assets and barriers to physical activity and to improve physical activity among residents. The multi-pronged assessment consisted of focus groups, key informant surveys and analysis of existing data on the Haddington community. Focus groups with youth (using photo documentation), older adults, block captains and adult members of the community were conducted to identify community attitudes towards and barriers to physical activity, existing resources and community preferences for activities that promote an active lifestyle. Key informant interviews provided information about existing program capacity, current utilization, barriers to community participation, and opportunities for program expansion. Existing data from neighborhood community revitalization projects was utilized to explore the impact of the built environment on physical activity including opportunities to reuse abandoned lots/buildings, safety, transportation issues, and walking/biking destination points. Results of the assessment were shared with the Collaborative and community for further dialogue, clarification, and consensus around desired priorities and a Community Action Plan developed.

Learning Objectives:

  • At the end of this session participants will be able to

    Keywords: Physical Activity, Participatory Research

    Presenting author's disclosure statement:

    I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

    Built Environment Institute II: Assessing The Urban Built Environment To Promote Physical Activity & Health

    The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA