Youth and parent safety perceptions of environmental resources for physical activity in low-income housing developments

Perceived safety is associated with lower rates of physical activity (PA) among families who reside in low socioeconomic status (SES) neighborhoods. African Americans (AA) who reside in low-income neighborhoods are likely to report lower rates of PA, and are more likely to perceive their neighborhood as unsafe for their children. Therefore, it is essential to understand how neighborhood characteristics influence PA decision making among AAs living in lower-income neighborhoods. Family VOICE is a qualitative study designed to better understand environmental influences on PA among families residing in predominately AA, low-income public housing developments. We also examined the role of perceived neighborhood safety on PA participation. AA families recruited from six housing developments in Texas, participated in in-depth parent interviews (n=29) and youth focus groups (n=4). Families (n=14; one youth and one parent) also participated in a Photovoice project, a creative participatory research method to highlight communities' strengths and weaknesses through photography, to describe their views of the available neighborhood PA resources. Participants frequently perceived PA resources as dangerous and undesirable for children according to photographs and interviews. Perceived safety concerns included presence of transient populations, incivilities (e.g. stray dogs, litter, and abandoned properties), and drug/gang activity. Families endorsed policies and programs targeting community connectedness and sustainable programs as pathways to increase neighborhood safety. Future advocacy efforts should target policies of local governments, community organizations, and housing development resident councils to address neighborhood perceived safety and PA.