Association between Perceived Neighborhood Built Environment and Walking and Cycling for Transport among Inhabitants from Latin America: The ELANS Study

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Ferrari, Gerson ; Oliveira Werneck, Andre ; Rodrigues da Silva, Danilo ; Kovalskys, Irina ; Gomez, Georgina ; Rigotti, Attilio ; Yadira Cortes Sanabria, Lilia ; Garcia, Martha Cecilia Yepez ; Pareja, Rossina G. ; Herrera-Cuenca, Marianella ; Zimberg, Iona Zalcman ; Guajardo, Viviana ; Pratt, Michael ; Cofre Bolados, Cristian ; Saldia, Emilio Jofre ; Pires, Carlos ; Marques, Adilson ; Peralta, Miguel ; Rossato de Victo, Eduardo ; Fisberg, Mauro

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH; v. 17, n. 18, p. 19-pg., 2020-09-01.

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the associations of the perceived neighborhood built environment with walking and cycling for transport in inhabitants from Latin American countries. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 9218 participants (15-65 years) from the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health, which included a nationally representative sample of eight countries. All participants completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Long Form for measure walking and cycling for transport and the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale-Abbreviated. Furthermore, perceived proximity from home to public open spaces and shopping centers was assessed. Results: Perceived land use mix-access (OR: 1.32; 95%CI: 1.16,1.50) and the existence of many alternative routes in the neighbourhood (1.09 1.01,1.17) were associated with higher odds of reporting any walking for transport (>= 10 min/week). Perceived slow speed of traffic (1.88 1.82,1.93) and few drivers exceeding the speed limits (1.92; 1.86,1.98) were also related to higher odds of reporting any walking for transport. The odds of reporting any cycling for transport (>= 10 min/week) were higher in participants perceiving more walking/cycling facilities (1.87 1.76,1.99), and better aesthetics (1.22 1.09,1.38). Conclusions: Dissimilar perceived neighborhood built environment characteristics were associated with walking and cycling for transport among inhabitants from Latin America. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 19/24124-7 - Prospective association of ultra-processed food consumption and physical inactivity in the prediction of depressive symptoms among adults
• Grantee: André de Oliveira Werneck
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate