Environmental Mismatch: Do Associations between the Built Environment and Physical Activity among Youth Depend on Concordance with Perceptions?

Venurs H. Y. Loh, Jenny Veitch, Jo Salmon, Ester Cerin, Suzanne Mavoa, Karen Villanueva and Anna Timperio
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Venurs H. Y. Loh: Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong 3220, Australia
Jenny Veitch: Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong 3220, Australia
Jo Salmon: Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong 3220, Australia
Ester Cerin: Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne 3000, Australia
Suzanne Mavoa: Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton 3010, Australia
Karen Villanueva: The Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University, Melbourne 3000, Australia
Anna Timperio: Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong 3220, Australia

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 4, 1-9

Abstract: Without accurate awareness of features within the built environment, the availability of a supportive built environment alone may not be sufficient to influence physical activity levels. We examined the moderating effects of concordance/discordance between selected objective and perceived built environment features in the relationship between objective built environment features and physical activity. Cross-sectional data from 465 youth aged 12–20 years from 18 schools in Melbourne, Australia were used. The relationship between trails and physical activity differed by concordance/discordance. There were positive relationships among those with concordant perceptions, but no significant differences for those with discordant perceptions. At least for trails, environmental interventions designed to enhance physical activity may be less effective if efforts are not made to enhance individuals’ awareness of their environment.

Keywords: built environment; MVPA; perception; neighborhood; adolescent (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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