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Initiating and maintaining recreational walking: A longitudinal study on the influence of neighborhood green space
Sugiyama, Takemi Giles-Corti, Billie Summers, Jacqui du Toit, Lorinne Leslie, Eva Owen, Neville
Sugiyama, Takemi
Giles-Corti, Billie
Summers, Jacqui
du Toit, Lorinne
Leslie, Eva
Owen, Neville
Abstract
Objective: This study examined prospective relationships of green space attributes with adults initiating or maintaining recreational walking. Methods: Postal surveys were completed by 1036 adults living in Adelaide, Australia, at baseline (two time points in 2003–04) and follow-up (2007–08). Initiating or maintaining recreational walking was determined using self-reported walking frequency. Green space attributes examined were perceived presence, quality, proximity, and the objectively measured area (total and largest) and number of green spaces within a 1.6 km buffer drawn from the center of each study neighborhood. Multilevel regression analyses examined the odds of initiating or maintaining walking separately for each green space attribute. Results: At baseline, participants were categorized into non-regular (n = 395), regular (n = 286), and irregular walkers (n = 313). Among non-regular walkers, 30% had initiated walking, while 70% of regular walkers had maintained walking at follow-up. No green space attributes were associated with initiating walking. However, positive perceptions of the presence of and proximity to green spaces and the total and largest areas of green space were significantly associated with a higher likelihood of walking maintenance over four years. Conclusion: Neighborhood green spaces may not assist adults to initiate walking, but their presence and proximity may facilitate them to maintain recreational walking over time.
Keywords
physical activity, behavior change, environment, open space
Date
2013
Type
Journal article
Journal
Preventive Medicine
Book
Volume
57
Issue
Page Range
178-182
Article Number
ACU Department
Collections
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
File Access
Controlled