The influence of HOPE VI neighborhood revitalization on neighborhood-based physical activity: A mixed-methods approach

• Published in: Social science & medicine (1982) 2015-08, Vol.139, p.90-99
• Main Authors: Dulin-Keita, Akilah, Clay, Olivio, Whittaker, Shannon, Hannon, Lonnie, Adams, Ingrid K., Rogers, Michelle, Gans, Kim
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: African American; Concept mapping; Environment; Environment Design - trends; Female; Health Behavior; Health promotion; Housing policy; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Neighborhood; Neighborhoods; Perception; Physical activity; Physical fitness; Public housing; Public Housing - trends; Qualitative research; Residence Characteristics; Revitalization; Socioeconomic factors; Surveys and Questionnaires
• ISSN: 0277-9536; 1873-5347
• DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2015.06.002

This study uses a mixed methods approach to 1) identify surrounding residents' perceived expectations for Housing Opportunities for People Everywhere (HOPE VI) policy on physical activity outcomes and to 2) quantitatively examine the odds of neighborhood-based physical activity pre-/post-HOPE VI in a low socioeconomic status, predominantly African American community in Birmingham, Alabama. To address aim one, we used group concept mapping which is a structured approach for data collection and analyses that produces pictures/maps of ideas. Fifty-eight residents developed statements about potential influences of HOPE VI on neighborhood-based physical activity. In the quantitative study, we examined whether these potential influences increased the odds of neighborhood walking/jogging. We computed block entry logistic regression models with a larger cohort of residents at baseline (n = 184) and six-months (n = 142, 77% retention; n = 120 for all informative variables). We examined perceived neighborhood disorder (perceived neighborhood disorder scale), walkability and aesthetics (Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale) and HOPE VI-related community safety and safety for physical activity as predictors. During concept mapping, residents generated statements that clustered into three distinct concepts, “Increased Leisure Physical Activity,” “Safe Play Areas,” and “Generating Health Promoting Resources.” The quantitative analyses indicated that changes in neighborhood walkability increased the odds of neighborhood-based physical activity (p = 0.04). When HOPE VI-related safety for physical activity was entered into the model, it was associated with increased odds of physical activity (p = 0.04). Walkability was no longer statistically significant. These results suggest that housing policies that create walkable neighborhoods and that improve perceptions of safety for physical activity may increase neighborhood-based physical activity. However, the longer term impacts of neighborhood-level policies on physical activity require more longitudinal evidence to determine whether increased participation in physical activity is sustained. •Built and socioeconomic neighborhood features influence lifestyle behaviors.•We studied low-income African American residents' expectations and physical activity (PA) pre/post HOPE VI.•Residents expected increases in PA, safe play areas and health-promoting resources.•Improved neighborhood walkability and safety increased residents