Examining relationships between perceptions and objective assessments of neighborhood environment and sedentary time: Data from the Washington, D.C. Cardiovascular Health and Needs Assessment

Abstract

Sedentary time (ST) and neighborhood environment (NE) are predictors of cardiovascular (CV) health. However, little is known about ST's relationship with NE. We examined associations of perceived and objective NE with ST in the predominantly African American faith-based population of the Washington, D.C. CV Health and Needs Assessment. After using community-based research principles, participants reported NE perceptions, including sidewalks, recreational areas, and crime presence. Factor analysis was conducted to explore pertinent constructs; factor sums were created and combined as Total Perception Score (TPS) (higher score = more favorable perception). Objective NE was assessed using Google Maps and the Active Neighborhood Checklist (ANC). ST was self-reported. Linear regression determined relationships between TPS and ST, and ANC scores and ST, for 1) overall population, 2) lower median-income D.C. areas, and 3) higher median-income DC and Maryland areas. For the sample (N = 98.9% African-American, 78% female), lower median-income areas had significantly lower mean TPS and ANC scores than higher median-income areas (p < 0.001). Three factors (neighborhood violence, physical/social environment, and social cohesion) were associated with overall NE perception. Among those in lower median-income areas, there was a negative association between TPS and ST that remained after covariate adjustment; this was not observed in higher median-income areas. There was no association between ANC scores and ST. Poorer NE perception is associated with greater ST for those in lower income areas, while objective environment is not related to ST. Multi-level interventions are needed to improve NE perceptions in lower-median income areas, reduce ST, and improve CV health.

A Scoping Review of How Income Affects Accessing Local Green Space to Engage in Outdoor Physical Activity to Improve Well-Being: Implications for Post-COVID-19

“…Two themes were identified during the process of data extraction. Ten of the included studies were on the theme of environment and well-being [ 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 ], and the remaining five included studies were focused on PA and income/socioeconomic status [ 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 ]. The studies categorised as “environment and well-being” will be discussed first, followed by the studies on PA and income/socioeconomic status.…”

Cross-Sectional Associations of Neighborhood Perception, Physical Activity, and Sedentary Time in Community-Dwelling, Socioeconomically Diverse Adults

“…Similarly, Van Dyck and colleagues examined transit-related ST in relation to neighborhood walkability and transportation resources, but did not measure other neighborhood conditions and relied entirely on self-reported ST (24). Despite the discrepancies in measurement and analysis, preliminary findings support the role of neighborhood environment on ST (25, 26) and health outcomes such as blood pressure, resting heart rate, and body mass index (BMI) (21, 25). Further studies are needed to evaluate the role of the neighborhood environment on health behaviors within diverse populations, using objective measures of ST, and considering multiple neighborhood characteristics.…”

“…The more notable debate regarding these concepts is whether research should emphasize objective or perceived measures of neighborhood condition. Several studies demonstrate resident perception of these factors as more predictive of health outcomes than objective measures (7, 11, 20, 21).…”

Associations between perceived neighborhood environment and cognitive function among middle-aged and older women and men: Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos Sociocultural Ancillary Study

“…Evidence indicates that perceptions of one's neighborhood environment are more strongly associated with various health outcomes including overall well-being [8], walking [9], and sedentary time [10] than objective measures, regardless of age or race/ethnicity. However, only a few studies [11][12][13][14] have examined the associations between perceived neighborhood environment and cognitive function, and results have been inconsistent.…”