Influence of urban neighbourhood environment on physical activity and obesity-related diseases

• Published in: Public health (London) 2015-09, Vol.129 (9), p.1204-1210
• Main Authors: Lee, H, Kang, H.-M, Ko, Y.-J, Kim, H.-S, Kim, Y.-J, Bae, W.K, Park, S, Cho, B
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Environment Design - statistics & numerical data; Female; Humans; Infectious Disease; Internal Medicine; Male; Middle Aged; Motor Activity; Neighbourhood environment; Obesity; Obesity - epidemiology; Obesity-related diseases; Physical activity; Residence Characteristics - statistics & numerical data; Surveys and Questionnaires; Urban Health - statistics & numerical data; Walking; Walking - statistics & numerical data; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0033-3506; 1476-5616
• DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2015.06.002

Abstract Objectives The impact of characteristics of neighbourhood environment on physical activity and obesity-related diseases is still the subject of debate. This study aimed to explore the impact of urban neighbourhood environment on physical activity and obesity-related diseases. Study design Cross-sectional study. Methods Individuals who participated in the 2009 national health-screening programme, submitted all necessary information, and had lived in Community 1 (Haengdang) or Community 2 (Ilsan) for at least 2 years ( n  = 16,178) were selected for inclusion in this study. Anthropometric measures were taken and physical activity was assessed using a short questionnaire. Results No significant difference in the trigger factors for walking, including the amount of neighbourhood park space, number of shopping malls, and distance between the community and shopping malls, was found between the two communities. However, Community 2 had a better street environment than Community 1. Participants who lived in Community 2 were more physically active [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.31, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16–1.48] and walked more regularly (adjusted OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.02–1.17) than participants who lived in Community 1, and were less likely to have abdominal obesity (adjusted OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.77–0.91), hypertension (adjusted OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.80–0.97) and diabetes (adjusted OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.75–0.99). However, the risk of dyslipidaemia, especially in terms of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, was higher in Community 2. Conclusions These results suggest that a walkable environment has a positive influence on hypertension and diabetes, and physical activity is the possible mechanism for this association. A walkable environment may function as an important tool for health promotion in urban areas.