Measured and Self-reported Neighborhood Characteristics and Physical Activity Among African American Women

Authors

Kristen M. McAlexander, Texas Obesity Research Center, University of HoustonFollow
Rebecca E. Lee, Texas Obesity Research Center, University of HoustonFollow
Scherezade K. Mama, Texas Obesity Research Center, University of HoustonFollow
Ashley V. Medina, Texas Obesity Research Center, University of HoustonFollow

Abstract

African American women are vulnerable to physical inactivity compared to white women. Measured and self-reported neighborhood characteristics may be associated with physical activity (PA), yet few studies have examined these factors among minority women. The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations of measured and self-reported neighborhood characteristics with individual PA. The Pedestrian Environment Data Scan was completed for 25% of randomly selected residential street segments within a 400 meter radius of each participants’ address. African American women (N=262, M age=44.4 yrs) completed interviewer administered questionnaires assessing self-reported neighborhood characteristics. PA was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) long (M MET minutes/week=2519) and accelerometry (M MVPA=19.0 min/day). Most women were obese (N=176, 67.2%; M BMI= 34.0). IPAQ PA was not associated with accelerometer PA. Bivariate correlations suggested relationships between greater measured pedestrian facility density and more IPAQ transportation PA , greater reported pedestrian facility density and more IPAQ leisure time PA, greater reported bicycle facility density and more IPAQ moderate PA and IPAQ total PA (ps<.05). Simultaneous ecological multiple regression models demonstrated that reported pedestrian facility density (Beta=.138, t=2.181) and body fat percentage (Beta= -.089, t= -1.398) were associated with IPAQ leisure time PA (R²=.027; p=.04), reported bicycle facility density (Beta=.138, t=2.161) was associated with IPAQ moderate PA (R²=.019; p=.03), and reported bicycle facility density (Beta=.130, t=2.041) was associated with IPAQ total PA (R²= .017; p=.04). No measured or reported neighborhood characteristics were associated with accelerometer measured PA. Measured and reported built environment attributes are significantly associated with self-reported PA but may be mediated by weight status.

Recommended Citation

McAlexander, Kristen M.; Lee, Rebecca E.; Mama, Scherezade K.; and Medina, Ashley V. (2010) "Measured and Self-reported Neighborhood Characteristics and Physical Activity Among African American Women," International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2: Iss. 2, Article 31.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss2/31