Walkability indices and children's walking behavior in rural vs. urban areas

Health Place. 2021 Nov:72:102707. doi: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2021.102707. Epub 2021 Nov 3.

Abstract

Purpose: This study described associations between selected walk indices (WI) and walking and physical activity behaviors in rural and urban children.

Findings: WI were higher in urban environments, yet children from rural areas walked for transportation more than children from urban areas. There was a negative correlation between National WI scores and walking for transportation in urban areas, and between the Frank WI scores and walking for exercise in rural areas.

Conclusions: Indices of walkability are not associated with objectively measured physical activity or self-reported walking behavior in children living in rural and urban settings.

Keywords: Children; Physical activity; Rural; Walkability.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Environment Design
  • Exercise
  • Humans
  • Residence Characteristics*
  • Rural Population
  • Transportation
  • Walking*