Environmental and Policy Determinants of Physical Activity in the United States

Environmental and Policy Determinants of Physical Activity in the United States

December 2001, Vol 91, No. 12 | Ross C. Brownson, PhD, Elizabeth A. Baker, PhD, MPH, Robyn A. Housemann, PhD, MPH, Laura K. Brennan, MPH, and Stephen J. Bacak, MPH
Physical activity is a critical public health issue, with significant health benefits but a large portion of the U.S. population remaining inactive. Environmental and policy strategies are essential for promoting physical activity, as they can benefit all individuals rather than focusing on individual behavior change. These strategies include access to facilities, supportive environments, and policies that encourage physical activity. However, data on the population-wide effects of these strategies are limited. This study examined the perceived environmental and policy determinants of physical activity and their associations with behavior. A cross-sectional survey of U.S. adults, with oversampling of lower-income individuals, was conducted. The study found that men generally had higher availability of physical activity areas than women. Neighborhood characteristics such as sidewalks and enjoyable scenery were positively associated with physical activity. Support for health policy measures was high, and many individuals reported increased physical activity after using environmental supports. Environmental and policy variables, including access to parks, indoor gyms, and treadmills, were positively associated with physical activity. Neighborhood characteristics like sidewalks and enjoyable scenery also positively influenced physical activity. Social factors, such as having friends who encourage exercise, were also linked to increased physical activity. Personal barriers, such as lack of time and motivation, were inversely related to physical activity. Policy variables, like employer-provided exercise time and local government funding for trails, were also positively associated with physical activity. The study highlights the importance of environmental and policy factors in promoting physical activity. These factors vary by income and sex, with lower-income individuals showing different associations. The findings suggest that a range of environmental and policy variables should be considered when designing interventions. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to better understand the long-term effects of these determinants and the need for community-specific approaches. The study also emphasizes the importance of developing surveillance systems to monitor environmental and policy indicators related to physical activity. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the environmental and policy determinants of physical activity, which can inform public health interventions.Physical activity is a critical public health issue, with significant health benefits but a large portion of the U.S. population remaining inactive. Environmental and policy strategies are essential for promoting physical activity, as they can benefit all individuals rather than focusing on individual behavior change. These strategies include access to facilities, supportive environments, and policies that encourage physical activity. However, data on the population-wide effects of these strategies are limited. This study examined the perceived environmental and policy determinants of physical activity and their associations with behavior. A cross-sectional survey of U.S. adults, with oversampling of lower-income individuals, was conducted. The study found that men generally had higher availability of physical activity areas than women. Neighborhood characteristics such as sidewalks and enjoyable scenery were positively associated with physical activity. Support for health policy measures was high, and many individuals reported increased physical activity after using environmental supports. Environmental and policy variables, including access to parks, indoor gyms, and treadmills, were positively associated with physical activity. Neighborhood characteristics like sidewalks and enjoyable scenery also positively influenced physical activity. Social factors, such as having friends who encourage exercise, were also linked to increased physical activity. Personal barriers, such as lack of time and motivation, were inversely related to physical activity. Policy variables, like employer-provided exercise time and local government funding for trails, were also positively associated with physical activity. The study highlights the importance of environmental and policy factors in promoting physical activity. These factors vary by income and sex, with lower-income individuals showing different associations. The findings suggest that a range of environmental and policy variables should be considered when designing interventions. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to better understand the long-term effects of these determinants and the need for community-specific approaches. The study also emphasizes the importance of developing surveillance systems to monitor environmental and policy indicators related to physical activity. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the environmental and policy determinants of physical activity, which can inform public health interventions.
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[slides and audio] Environmental and policy determinants of physical activity in the United States.