Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #121550

Mahesh P. Gupta, PhD, Department of Public Health, Indiana University, Regenstrief, 4th Floor, 1050 Wishard Blvd, Indianapolis, IN 46202, (317) 278-0337, mpgupta@iupui.edu, Terrell W. Zollinger, DrPH, School of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Indiana University, 1110 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, Carolyn M. Muegge, MS, Bowen Research Center, Indiana University, Long Hospital Room 200, 1110 W. Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, Joseph Gibson, PhD, Director of Epidemiology, Health & Hospital Corporation of Marion County, 3838 N. Rural, Indianapolis, IN 46205, and Robert M. Saywell, PhD, MPH, Department of Family Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1110 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5102.

Physical exercise level is a key determinant of obesity and overweight, along with nutritional, genetic and pathophysiological factors. This study was designed to measure the relationship between demographic characteristics and opportunities to be physically active. Telephone interviews with a random sample of 3,488 adults residing in Indianapolis, Indiana, were conducted between January and March 2005 to obtain information about their physical activity opportunities and demographic characteristics. Over half (57.7%) of the respondents indicated they have a job that routinely keeps them physically active. Respondents reporting having jobs with routine physical activity were more often less educated, younger, black and males. Only 29.2 percent were provided opportunities to exercise at work, such as a company workout room or basketball court. Those with more education and whites have a greater opportunity to have access to exercise facilities at their work, while there were no differences by age and gender. Almost all (81.5%) reported they had access to safe, convenient and affordable place to exercise. Respondents with higher education more often reported having a good place to exercise. Middle aged (45-64) and female respondents reported having significantly more physical health and emotional problems that prevent them from engaging in routine exercise. This study indicates that access to opportunities to be physically active vary significantly among various demographic groups based on education, gender, race and age. City planners and business owners need to consider the demographic characteristics of the user population/community when designing exercise friendly environments.

Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, the participants will

• Understand the characterists of individuals who have jobs that keep them routinely physically active.
• List the characteristics of those who have access to exercise facilities at work.
• Describe the characteristics of those who have access to safe, convenient and affordable places to exercise.

Keywords: Physical Activity, Access

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation