Obesity and the built environment in twenty-six rural Georgia counties: An analysis of physical activity, fruit and vegetable consumption, and environmental factors

This study assessed environmental factors in the exercise and food environment, demographic factors, physical activity behavior, and fruit and vegetable consumption in 26 rural Georgia counties. The purpose of the study was to: identify environmental indicators of physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption; to see what agencies in Georgia, if any, are collecting this type of data systematically throughout the state; and, to analyze potential relationships between environmental factors and health behaviors. Physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption data were derived from the Georgia Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (2001, 2002, 2003, and 2005). Demographic data were from the U.S. Census (2000). Environmental data were collected using Reference USA, internet search engines, site visits, and through personal phone calls and emails to local governments and state departments. This study hypothesized a positive correlation between supermarkets and fruit and vegetable consumption, a negative correlation between convenience stores and fruit and vegetable consumption, and a positive correlation between fitness and recreational sports centers and physical activity. Findings should improve understanding of the relationship between the environment and physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption in rural GA. Recommendations for improved data collection and interdepartmental cooperation will be made.