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Reconciling opposing perceptions of access to physical activity in a gentrifying urban neighborhood
Author(s) -
Schroeder Krista,
Klusaritz Heather,
Dupuis Roxanne,
Bolick Ansley,
Graves Amy,
Lipman Terri H.,
Cannuscio Carolyn
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
public health nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.471
H-Index - 55
eISSN - 1525-1446
pISSN - 0737-1209
DOI - 10.1111/phn.12602
Subject(s) - gentrification , recreation , perception , walkability , health equity , physical activity , ethnic group , public health , documentation , built environment , psychology , gerontology , medicine , sociology , nursing , political science , physical therapy , economic growth , civil engineering , engineering , neuroscience , anthropology , computer science , law , economics , programming language
Objective We sought to understand perspectives on access to physical activity in a gentrifying neighborhood. Design This qualitative descriptive study used street intercept interviews and photo documentation. Sample Participants included members ( n = 19) of a gentrifying neighborhood in a northeastern city. Results Participants held markedly different perceptions of opportunities for physical activity. Some participants, particularly area university students or those who are identified as White, perceived the neighborhood as favorable to physical activity, with high walkability and abundant resources. Other participants, particularly those who identified as Black or African‐American, felt it was difficult to be physically active because neighborhood recreation facilities are scarce or unaffordable and parks are poorly maintained or unsafe. Multiple participants noted strategies to overcome neighborhood barriers to physical activity. Regardless of neighborhood perceptions, family and friends played an important role in influencing physical activity. Conclusions Nurses must consider how disparities in actual and perceived access to neighborhood resources influence participation in physical activity, particularly in gentrifying neighborhood. Public health nurses are embedded in the neighborhoods that they serve, providing a unique opportunity to understand and address the impact of neighborhood on health.