Premium
Census tract income levels and outdoor physical activity opportunities for families with preschoolers (806.19)
Author(s) -
Li Cheng,
MartinBiggers Jennifer,
Cheng Carolyn,
ByrdBredbenner Carol
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.28.1_supplement.806.19
Subject(s) - yard , recreation , environmental health , obesity , geography , low income , census tract , demography , census , gerontology , medicine , socioeconomics , psychology , political science , sociology , population , physics , quantum mechanics , law
The near home environment influences the PA and sedentary behaviors of adults and children. A valid, reliable, and easy to use self‐report assessment of the PA environment of homes with preschoolers was used to determine availability and accessibility of PA equipment and space in yards (areas immediately outside the home) and neighborhood PA facilities (e.g., playgrounds, low‐cost recreation centers). Scores for yard and neighborhood PA availability and accessibility were compared to the CTIL of the home’s address using 1‐way ANOVA. Homes (n=44) were categorized in low, middle, moderate, and upper CTIL (9%, 9%, 57%, 25%). Significant (p<.05) group differences were found for yard accessibility score and neighborhood availability score, but not for others. Post hoc tests indicated that the highest CTIL homes had more accessible yard PA equipment and space than lower CTIL homes. Highest CTIL homes also had significantly more neighborhood PA availability than lowest CTIL homes and neared significance for neighborhood accessibility (p=0.08). CTIL, as proxies for income, indicate that income disparities affect the PA availability and accessibility of families with preschoolers, and likely are a contributor to differences in obesity rates by income. Thus, eliminating “playground deserts” could be an important step in reducing obesity rates in CTIL areas. Grant Funding Source : Supported by USDA, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Grant Number 2011‐68001‐30170