Built environment and psychosocial factors associated with trail proximity and use

Am J Health Behav. 2007 Jul-Aug;31(4):374-83. doi: 10.5555/ajhb.2007.31.4.374.

Abstract

Objectives: To explore the relationships among neighborhood built environment characteristics, psychosocial factors, perceived and objective proximity assessments, and use of a community rail-trail.

Method: Telephone survey data of adults (n=788) in Morgantown, WVa, were classified into one of 4 distance-perception categories based on actual (using geographic information systems technology) and perceived proximity of a community rail-trail.

Results: Differences in psychosocial barriers to physical activity (P=.037) and perceived neighborhood walkability (P<.001) were associated with perceived proximity to and use of a community trail.

Conclusion: Specific attention should be given to address neighborhood and psychosocial barriers when constructing and promoting community trails.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Body Mass Index
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Environment Design*
  • Female
  • Geographic Information Systems
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Public Facilities / statistics & numerical data
  • Residence Characteristics / classification*
  • Residence Characteristics / statistics & numerical data
  • Self-Assessment
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Students
  • Urban Health
  • Walking / psychology*
  • Walking / statistics & numerical data
  • West Virginia