Associations of Perceived and Objectively Measured Neighborhood Environmental Attributes With Leisure-Time Sitting for Transport

J Phys Act Health. 2016 Dec;13(12):1372-1377. doi: 10.1123/jpah.2016-0073. Epub 2016 Sep 6.

Abstract

Background: This study examined associations of perceived and objectively measured neighborhood environmental attributes with leisure-time sitting for transport among middle-to-older aged Japanese adults.

Method: Data were collected using a postal survey of 998 adults aged 40 to 69 years. Generalized linear modeling with a gamma distribution and a log link was used to examine associations of perceived (International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Environmental module) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-derived built environment attributes with self-reported leisure-time sitting for transport.

Results: Mean leisure-time sitting time for transport was 20.4 min/day. After adjusting for potential confounders, perceived higher residential density, GIS-measured higher population density, better access to destinations, better access to public transport, longer sidewalk length, and higher street connectivity, were associated significantly with lower sitting time for transport.

Conclusion: Residents living in neighborhoods with attributes previously found to be associated with more walking tended to spend less time sitting for transport during leisure-time. The health benefits of walkability-related attributes may accrue not only through increased physical activity, but also through less sedentary time.

Keywords: built environment; destinations; motorized transport; sedentary behavior; urban design.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Environment Design*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leisure Activities*
  • Linear Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Population Density
  • Residence Characteristics*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Time Factors
  • Transportation*