Associations between Perceptions and Measures of Weather and Walking, United States—2015

Abstract

Introduction: Weather can be a barrier to walking. Understanding how perceptions of weather as a barrier and measured temperature are associated with walking can inform monitoring and promotion strategies. The objective of this study is to examine the association between perceptions of weather as a barrier to walking and measured weather with the volume of leisure and transportation walking. Methods: The 2015 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) assessed participation in and volume of walking (transportation, leisure) in the past week and frequency of reporting weather as a barrier to walking. Data were collected over the entire year. In 2019, we merged month-specific temperature data from the PRISM climate group with individual NHIS records. We examined associations using logistic (participation) and linear regression models (volume). Results: Participation in walking increased as frequency of reporting weather as a barrier to walking decreased, from ‘almost always’ (transportation: 23%, leisure: 42%) to ‘a little of the time’ (transportation: 40%, leisure: 67%). Among adults reporting walking, walking volume increased as frequency of reporting weather as a barrier decreased from ‘almost always’ (transportation: 51 min/week, leisure: 64 min/week) to ‘never’ (transportation: 69 min/week, leisure: 98 min/week). Month-specific temperature was significantly associated with leisure walking with lower participation at the lowest and highest temperature quintiles, although the strength of the association differed by frequency of reporting weather as a barrier. Conclusions: In general, prevalence and volume of leisure and transportation walking decreased as the perception of weather as a barrier increased. Low and high temperature conditions were also associated with leisure walking participation, particularly among adults with increased perceptions of weather as a barrier. Our findings highlight the importance of including strategies to help adults overcome perceived and actual weather-related barriers in walking promotion efforts.

Environmental health perceptions of urban youth from low‐income communities: A qualitative photovoice study and framework

“…Prior work has shown that environmental perceptions have just as large of an impact on health outcomes as actual environmental exposures. 32,33 This study innovatively incorporates the knowledge and perceptions of youth to develop an environmental health perspective theoretical framework.…”

“…Research has also highlighted the significant impact of environmental health sentiments on environmental health outcomes. 32,33 One study investigated the relationship between environmental exposures, perceptions, and outcomes for indoor and outdoor air quality in Seoul, Korea by collecting data and surveying 396 elementary school students (average age = 11) and 64 parents. 32 This study found that environmental health sentiments significantly influenced environmental health outcomes, even in areas with comparable environmental exposures.…”

“…Although community‐engaged studies often incorporate the experiences of community members, very few focus on the perspectives of children. Prior work has shown that environmental perceptions have just as large of an impact on health outcomes as actual environmental exposures 32,33 . This study innovatively incorporates the knowledge and perceptions of youth to develop an environmental health perspective theoretical framework.…”

Association between Weather and Self-Monitored Steps in Individuals with Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes in Sweden over Two Years

“…Adverse weather conditions are associated with a higher mortality and morbidity risk rate in individuals with chronic health conditions [17]. This negative correlation has been observed in outcomes related to cardiovascular issues and other health concerns linked to high-or low-temperature weather conditions [18,19]. Therefore, gathering evidence on how weather affects physical activity levels is imperative, particularly for those with chronic health conditions, as the information can help individuals make informed decisions about their outdoor activities and enable healthcare professionals to provide more favorable and affordable prescriptions for outdoor exercise and as it is crucial for individuals with chronic health conditions to reach the recommended level of physical activity [20].…”

“…Various studies have investigated the correlation between weather conditions and physical activity behavior. Some studies have utilized self-reports to evaluate physical activity levels [18,21,22], while others have objectively assessed daily physical activity over a short period [23][24][25]. Therefore, the need for long-term, objectively measured physical activity assessments with different weather conditions is paramount to overcome the limitations created by self-reported bias.…”