Applying GIS in Physical Activity Research: Community ‘Walkability’ and Walking Behaviors

摘要: Physical activity provides many health benefits, including reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, Type II diabetes and some cancers. Environmental exposure factors (e.g., the built environment) are now receiving ever-increasing attention. Large-scale interdisciplinary studies on association between attributes local community environments residents’ physical being conducted. We will focus findings from Australia - Activity in Localities Community Environments (PLACE) study. PLACE is examining that may influence prevalence social spatial distribution walking for transport recreation. A stratified two-stage cluster sampling strategy was used to select 32 urban communities (154 census collection districts), classified as high low ‘walkable’ using a GIS-based walkability index (dwelling density, intersection net retail area land use mix) matched socio-economic status. report data sub-sample 1,216 residents who provided information perceived their dwelling access services, street connectivity) weekly minutes Moderate strong associations were found GIS indicators corresponding self-report measures. The explained same amount neighborhood-level variance did complete set No significant with Relevant indices walkability, purposes other than need be developed.