Do observed neighborhood conditions contribute to racial, ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in physical activity?: Findings from a multilevel analysis in a multiethnic urban community

There is growing interest in the contributions of disparate characteristics of the physical environment to well-documented inequalities in physical activity. We examined the relationship between observed and perceived built environment characteristics, and physical activity, in a multiethnic urban area. Data were collected by the Healthy Environments Partnership (HEP), a community-based participatory research partnership working to address determinants of cardiovascular inequality in Detroit. The HEP survey included a stratified proportional probability sample of African American, Hispanic, and White adults (n=919) residing within low to moderate income urban neighborhoods. Physical activity was assessed as self reported duration and frequency of vigorous and moderate physical activity. Perceptions of the physical environment were assessed through self reports of characteristics of the immediate physical environment (e.g., housing condition, presence, quality and safety of parks). Observed physical environment (e.g., presence and condition of parks, condition of sidewalks) was assessed through systematic social observations by trained observers on blocks adjacent to survey respondents' residences (n=550). Multilevel regression analyses assessed relationships between observed and perceived physical environments and physical activity, accounting for demographic characteristics. Preliminary results suggest several observed environmental indicators (e.g., sidewalk condition) are associated with physical activity. Our findings add weight to a body of evidence indicating that efforts to attain greater equity in physical activity needs to address conditions that facilitate or deter regular physical activity. We discuss specific implications for practice to promote more equitable physical activity environments as one component of efforts to attain more equitable health outcomes.