Impact of Neighborhood Crime on Self-reported Physical Activity

Crime is a public health issue. While it is generally now recognized that crime has a broad impact on the social and behavioral determinants of physical health, especially in low income neighborhoods, few epidemiological studies have described the impact of crime on physical activity using objectively measured crime data. This presentation provides an in-depth look at the patterns, mechanisms, and pathways by which crime and safety considerations impact physical activity.
Results from a cross-sectional secondary analysis are presented. The primary data source included a population-based survey in Austin, TX. Survey respondents (n=4700) were selected at random from a low-income community using a two-stage stratified random sampling. Participants self-reported on health behaviors, risk factors, and neighborhood crime and safety perceptions. Additionally, crime and safety measures included directly-measured, police-reported crime data.
Crime by self-report and objectively measured police-report were modestly correlated (ρ>0.3). After controlling for demographic and behavioral covariates, crime was directly and independently associated with a higher prevalence of physical inactivity by neighborhood of residence. Residents of safe neighborhoods reported fewer barriers to physical activity and were three times as likely to be physically active compared to residents of unsafe neighborhoods after controlling for demographic and behavioral covariates.
Safety from crime is an important precondition to physical and psychological health and well-being. Today, there is considerable interest in promoting livable, walkable urban environments. Crime reduction efforts may provide direct benefits to the physical health of a community at the neighborhood level. Efforts to improve neighborhood safety are enhanced and supported by evidence linking safety from crime to physical activity.