Ready to be Active? Rural Physical Activity Environments

Introduction:  Rural Latinos are less active and have a greater prevalence of overweight/obesity compared with their non-Latino white and urban counterparts. Understanding the physical activity environment experienced by rural residents can inform interventions designed to promote physical activity in rural communities. 

 Methods:  Assessments were taken in four rural towns with predominantly Latino residents using the Rural Active Living Assessment. Street segments in town centers, thoroughfares and neighborhoods were assessed for features related to walkability, such as sidewalks and connectivity and land use. Data were collected on community recreational amenities and programs and active living policies. Scores were generated for amenities, programs and policies.

Results:  In all four towns the majority of residential street segments did not have sidewalks and were rated as not walkable. Only 35% of town center street segments had sidewalks on both sides, 24% had sidewalks on one side and the majority of sidewalks did not have a buffer. All towns had a score of 16 (max 40) for presence of parks and playgrounds. Their quality was rated fair to poor in three towns and good to excellent in one town. All towns had a public recreation department but only the largest town had a public recreation center. All four school districts allow public use of playgrounds and fields when school is not in session.

Conclusions: These rural towns have recreational amenities although most are in fair to poor condition.  Residential streets are not walkable. The environment in these rural towns are not conducive to active living.