Associations of Neighborhood Walkability with Sedentary Time in Nigerian Older Adults

Abstract

Previous studies have investigated the potential role of neighborhood walkability in reducing sedentary behavior. However, the majority of this research has been conducted in adults and Western developed countries. The purpose of the present study was to examine associations of neighborhood environmental attributes with sedentary time among older adults in Nigeria. Data from 353 randomly-selected community-dwelling older adults (60 years and above) in Maiduguri, Nigeria were analyzed. Perceived attributes of neighborhood environments and self-reported sedentary time were assessed using Nigerian-validated and reliable measures. Outcomes were weekly minutes of total sedentary time, minutes of sitting on a typical weekday, and minutes of sitting on a typical weekend day. In multivariate regression analyses, higher walkability index, proximity to destinations, access to services, traffic safety, and safety from crime were associated with less total sedentary time and sedentary time on both a weekday and a weekend day. Moderation analysis showed that only in men was higher walking infrastructure and safety found to be associated with less sedentary time, and higher street connectivity was associated with more sedentary time. The findings suggest that improving neighborhood walkability may be a mechanism for reducing sedentary time among older adults in Nigeria.

Designing Age-Friendly Communities: Exploring Qualitative Perspectives on Urban Green Spaces and Ageing in Two Indian Megacities

“…Recruitment activities also included canvassing in study neighbourhoods and during social activities hosted by apartment housing blocks and neighbourhood associations. Snowball sampling has been recommended by researchers who have conducted similar studies in LMIC contexts to enable the selection of individuals that are especially knowledgeable about the variables of interest [ 23 ]. This approach reinforced the depth of understanding of the lived experiences of older adults in their immediate surroundings [ 24 ].…”

Correlates of Sedentary Behavior among Bhutanese Adults: Findings from the 2014 Bhutan STEPS Survey Data

“…Additionally, individuals with poor physical health, increased prescribed medications [ 9 , 13 ], depressive symptoms, low quality of life [ 2 , 14 ], disability, and chronic conditions [ 9 , 11 , 13 ] have higher odds of sedentary behavior. Environmental factors such as traffic, pollution, safety, lack of green spaces, and lessened access to sidewalks and recreational facilities are also thought to promote sedentary behavior and prevent physical activity [ 11 , 15 - 17 ].…”

Neighbourhood Supports for Active Ageing in Urban India

“…These are key concerns in low and- middle-income countries that are deficient in environmental and infrastructure needs. Findings from other low- and middle-income countries studies have also illustrated the importance of activity-supportive neighbourhoods for higher PA, active travel and lower sedentary time in older adults (Cleland et al, 2019; Oyeyemi et al, 2019). Importantly, neighbourhoods need to offer a seamless connection between different settings, such as indoor home environments and outdoor spaces, with integrated opportunities for building social connections.…”

“…This study underscores the role of neighbourhood design for active ageing in two metropolitan cities in India. To date, the majority of this research has been predominantly conducted in high-income country settings (Oyeyemi et al, 2019). Our exploratory findings established that neighbourhood design, mobility and transportation choices, and community factors are essential for delivering age-friendly cities and communities.…”