Urban Densification and Physical Activity Change: A 12-Year Longitudinal Study of Australian Adults

We examined associations of population density changes in urban areas with adults’ physical activity changes over 12 years using data from the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study (1999–2012). The analytical sample contained 2,35 4 participants who remained at the same residential address throughout the study period in metropolitan cities and regional cities (42 study areas). Census-based population density measures were calculated for 1-km–radius buffers around their homes. Population density change was estimated using li near growth models. Two-level linear regression models were used to assess associations between changes in population density and changes in self-reported walking and physical activity durations. The average change in population density was 0.8% per year (range, −4.1 to 7.8) relative to baseline d ensity. After adjustment for confounders, each 1% annual increase in population density was associated with 8.5-minutes/week (95% confidence interval: 0.6, 16.4) and 19.0-minutes/week (95% confidence interval: 3.7, 34.4) increases in walking and physical activity, respectively, over the 12-year stud y period. Increasing population density through urban planning policies of accommodating population growth within the existing urban boundary, rather than expanding city boundaries, could assist in promoting physical activity at the population level.
Source: American Journal of Epidemiology - Category: Epidemiology Source Type: research