Equity of access to physical activity facilities in an English city

Panter, Jenna, Jones, Andy and Hillsdon, Melvyn (2008) Equity of access to physical activity facilities in an English city. Preventive Medicine, 46 (4). pp. 303-307. ISSN 0091-7435

Full text not available from this repository.

Abstract

Objective.: To examine associations between household income, access to sports facilities and gyms, and physical activity in an English city. Method.: A cross sectional geographical study was conducted in six neighbourhoods in the city of Norwich in August and September 2004. Participants were (n = 401) adults who received, completed, and returned questionnaires. Road distances to facilities were calculated using Geographical Information System. Results.: For all facility types except gyms, mean income was lowest amongst those living farthest away. Compared to those with the lowest incomes, the most affluent participants lived on average just over 0.5 km closer to a facility of any type, 1 km closer to a sports facility but 900 m farther from a gym (all p < 0.001). In general, those living farther from facilities reported that they were less active although they did not tend to report a desire to exercise more. Conclusion.: People in low income households, who are more likely to adopt low levels of activity, are least well served by affordable facilities that would enable them to become more active. If the British Government is to meet targets for improving levels of physical activity, it may need to consider how market forces might be creating an inequitable distribution of facility provision.

Item Type:	Article
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Science > School of Environmental Sciences
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Business and Local Government Data Research Centre (former - to 2023) Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Public Health and Health Services Research (former - to 2023) Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Health Promotion Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Epidemiology and Public Health
Depositing User:	Rosie Cullington
Date Deposited:	25 Feb 2011 15:02
Last Modified:	24 Oct 2022 01:02
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/24827
DOI:	10.1016/j.ypmed.2007.11.005

Actions (login required)

View Item