Walking and perception of green space among older adults in Japan: subgroup analysis based self-efficacy

This study investigated the association between walking and perception of green space among older adults with high and low self-efficacy, respectively. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 204 community-dwelling older adults (mean age = 78.3 years, 62.3% females). Using the median split, the participants were divided into high and low self-efficacy groups based on the median score of 12. Walking was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and ‘more walking’ was defined as ≥150 min of walking time per week. Perception of green space was measured using an 8-item questionnaire. We performed logistic regression analysis to investigate the association between walking and perception of green space adjusted for age, gender, years of educa tion, living with someone and income level. For all participants, 94 participants (46.1%) fell under low self-efficacy. After adjustment, higher perception of green space is associated with more walking among older adults with low self-efficacy [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.07, 95% confidence inter val (CI) = 1.00–1.15], but not among those with high self-efficacy (aOR = 1.09, 95% CI= 0.99–1.20). To increase perception of green space, experts should design/improve green spaces considering beneficiaries’ characteristics.
Source: Health Promotion International - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research