Community SES, perceived environment, and physical activity during home-based cardiac rehabilitation: is there a need to consider the urban vs. rural distinction?

J Urban Health. 2012 Apr;89(2):285-95. doi: 10.1007/s11524-011-9661-7.

Abstract

Physical activity (MVPA) levels during home-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) remain problematic. Consequently, the present study examined the association between MVPA and urban vs. rural residential status and the perceived environment in patients attending home-based CR. A total of 280 patients completed a questionnaire assessing demographic, clinical, MVPA, and perceived environmental variables measured at baseline and 3 months later. Patient addresses were geocoded and linked to the 2006 Canadian census to establish the urban/rural distinction. Results showed that urban and rural patients had similar baseline MVPA and improvements in MVPA by 3 months. Several perceived environmental variables were significantly related to MVPA throughout home-based CR that were common and urban/rural-specific. Therefore, although there does not appear to be an urban vs. rural advantage in MVPA levels during home-based CR, there does appear to be environmental/MVPA-specific relationships specific to urban and rural patients that may warrant attention.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Canada
  • Environment
  • Exercise
  • Female
  • Home Care Services / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motor Activity*
  • Patient Satisfaction / statistics & numerical data*
  • Rural Population / statistics & numerical data*
  • Social Class
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Urban Population / statistics & numerical data*