Active living in rural Appalachia: Using the rural active living assessment (RALA) tools to explore environmental barriers

摘要: People residing in rural communities are more likely to be physically inactive and subsequently have elevated risks for chronic disease. Recent evidence has shown this could stem from environmental barriers, inadequate programming policies directed at the promotion of physical activity (PA) settings. The objective research was assess active living features towns townships (n = 16) across seven counties northwestern North Carolina (NC). study utilized Town-Wide Street Segment components Rural Active Living Assessment (RALA) as well 2014 American Community Survey results. assessments were conducted summer 2016 Appalachia region NC. Using RALA town-wide assessment scoring system (0 - 100), range scores 18-84, with mean being 50.06. Three had no sidewalks, nine sidewalks on only one side main streets, four both sides streets. One town rated highly walkable, moderately five unwalkable, three unwalkable. NC offers unique topographic, geographic barriers PA. However, our findings indicate many offer common PA amenities. Future should utilize qualitative methods a community-based participatory approach fully understand challenges increasing often isolated communities.