Investigating neighborhood walkability and its association with physical activity levels and body composition of a sample of Maryland adolescent girls
by Jones, Lindsey I., M.P.H., UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK, 2010, 38 pages; 1478090

Abstract:

Introduction. Recent ecologic studies have begun to focus on characteristics of the built environment that influence physical activity (PA). Specifically, neighborhood walkability is emerging as an important determinant of PA in adults. At this point in time, there is conflicting evidence on how neighborhood walkability influences the PA levels of adolescents. Objective. To investigate the relationship between individual's neighborhood walk score and individual's body mass index, body fat percentage, weight status, PA levels and meeting PA guidelines in a sample of adolescent girls. Additional analysis investigated the correlation between two objective measures of neighborhood walkability. Methods. Mixed linear regression was used to examine the associations between neighborhood walkability and PA levels and body composition measures. Mixed logistic regression was used to examine the association between neighborhood walkability and odds of meeting PA recommendations and normal weight. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to analyze the association between a GIS derived walkability index and neighborhood walk score as calculated by website: www.walkscore.com. Results. This analysis was unable to show an association between PA levels or body composition of adolescent girls from the TAAG Maryland field site. Neighborhood walkability as assessed by the website walkscore.com was positively correlated with a GIS derived walkability index (r=.63 p<.0001).

 
AdviserDeborah R. Young
SchoolUNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK
SourceMAI/ 48-06, p. , Aug 2010
Source TypeThesis
SubjectsEpidemiology
Publication Number1478090
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