Estimating associations between demographic, social and environmental factors, and physical activity on trails

Sayali V Kale, Purdue University

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was three fold: 1) to estimate associations between demographic, social, and environmental factors and the frequency and duration of physical activity on trails among adult trail users from Massachusetts; 2) to estimate associations between demographic, social, and environmental factors and the odds of using a trail for recreation versus transportation purposes; and 3) to estimate associations between demographic, social, and environmental factors and the odds of reporting an increase in physical activity since first use of the trail by adult trail users. Methods: The social ecological model was used as a conceptual framework for this study. Demographic, social, and environmental data were collected from a random sample of adult trail users at five different sites in Massachusetts during 2004 and 2005 using brief intercept surveys. Secondary data analyses were conducted to estimate associations between demographic, social, and environmental factors and physical activity on trails using logistic regression. Unadjusted, age adjusted and fully adjusted models, which controlled for age and other demographic factors, were estimated. Results: Demographic, social, and environmental variables were associated with the three outcomes. Demographic variables such as age and education demonstrated positive associations with frequency and duration of trail use and with the likelihood of using the trail for recreation/exercise versus transportation. Blacks/African Americans had an increased odds of using the trail for recreation/exercise in comparison to Whites. Use of a trail with family or friends was positively associated with duration of trail visits for recreation/exercise. About 59% of trail users reported an increase in their physical activity since first use of trail. Among environmental factors, trail design, trail safety, and good surface were associated with an increased likelihood of using the trail for recreation/exercise. Conclusion: A combination of demographic, social and environmental factors were associated with the volume of physical activity on trails (i.e, frequency and duration of visits), the purpose of trail use (i.e, recreation versus transportation), and with reported increases in physical activity since first using the trail. These findings contribute to the growing public health literature on trails and physical activity. Additionally, these findings support the use of an ecological framework to examine influences on trail use. Finally, findings such as those presented in this thesis could be used to design more effective interventions to promote trail use in adult populations and thereby help adults meet physical activity recommendations.

Degree

M.P.H.

Advisors

Troped, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Public health

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