Characteristics of the built environment associated with leisure-time physical activity among adults in Bogotá, Colombia: A multilevel study

Luis F. Gomez, Olga L. Sarmiento, Diana C. Parra, Thomas L. Schmid, Michael Pratt, Enrique Jacoby, Andrea Neiman, Robert Cervero, Janeth Mosquera, Candance Rutt, Mauricio Ardila, José D. Pinzón

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

71 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Even though there is increasing evidence that the built environment (BE) has an influence on leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), little is known about this relationship in developing countries. The objective of this study was to assess the associations between objective built environment characteristics and LTPA. Methods: A cross-sectional multilevel study was conducted in 27 neighborhoods in which 1315 adults aged 18-65 years were surveyed. An adapted version of the IPAQ (long version) was used to assess LTPA. Objective BE characteristics were obtained using Geographic Information Systems. Associations were assessed using multilevel polytomous logistic regression. Results: Compared with inactive people, those who resided in neighborhoods with the highest tertile dedicated to parks (7.4% to 25.2%) were more likely to be regularly active (POR = 2.05, 95% CI = 1.13-3.72; P = 0.021). Those who resided in neighborhoods with presence of TransMilenio stations (mass public transportation system) were more likely to be irregularly active (POR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.07-1.50, P = 0.009) as compared with inactive people. Conclusions: These findings showed that park density and availability of TransMilenio stations at neighborhood level are positively associated with LTPA. Public health efforts to address physical inactivity should consider the potential influences of urban planning and mass public transportation systems on health.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)S196-S203
JournalJournal of Physical Activity and Health
Volume7
Issue numberSUPPL.2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2010

Keywords

  • Active living
  • Public parks
  • Urban health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Characteristics of the built environment associated with leisure-time physical activity among adults in Bogotá, Colombia: A multilevel study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this