Distance to green space and physical activity: a Danish national representative survey

This study examines the relationship between distance to green space and the level of physical activity among the population of Denmark. In addition, the relationship between distance to green space and obesity is investigated. Data derived from the Danish National Health Interview Survey 2005, a cr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of physical activity & health 2011-08, Vol.8 (6), p.741-749
Main Authors: Toftager, Mette, Ekholm, Ola, Schipperijn, Jasper, Stigsdotter, Ulrika, Bentsen, Peter, Grønbæk, Morten, Randrup, Thomas B, Kamper-Jørgensen, Finn
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Body Mass Index
Cross-Sectional Studies
Denmark
Environment Design
Exercise
Female
Health Behavior
Health Surveys
Humans
Interviews as Topic
Male
Middle Aged
Physical fitness
Public Health
Site planning
Young Adult
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Summary:This study examines the relationship between distance to green space and the level of physical activity among the population of Denmark. In addition, the relationship between distance to green space and obesity is investigated. Data derived from the Danish National Health Interview Survey 2005, a cross-sectional survey based on a region-stratified random nationally representative sample of 21,832 Danish adults. All data are self-reported. Respondents living more than 1 km from green space had lower odds of using green space to exercise and keep in shape compared with persons living closer than 300 m to green space (OR: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.60-0.83). A relationship between moderate/vigorous physical activity during leisure time and distance to green space can also be found. Persons living more than 1 km from green space had higher odds of being obese (BMI ≥ 30) than those living less than 300 m from green space (OR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.08-1.71). Self-reported distance to green space is related to self-reported physical activity and obesity. To exercise and keep in shape is an important reason for visiting green space, and distance to green space is associated with moderate/vigorous physical activity in leisure time.
ISSN:1543-3080
1543-5474
DOI:10.1123/jpah.8.6.741