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Youth Physical Activity Opportunities in Lower and Higher Income Neighborhoods

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Abstract

The presence of youth physical activity opportunities is one of the strongest environmental correlates of youth physical activity. More detailed information about such opportunities is needed to maximize their contributions to physical activity promotion especially in under resourced, lower income areas. The objectives of this study were to construct a comprehensive profile of youth physical activity opportunities and contrast profile characteristics between lower and higher income neighborhoods. Youth physical activity opportunities in eight lower (median household income <$36,000) and eight higher (>$36,000) income neighborhoods were identified and described using interviews, neighborhood tours, site visits, and systematic searches of various sources (e.g., Internet). Lower income neighborhoods had a greater number of locations offering youth physical activity opportunities but similar quantities of amenities. Lower income neighborhoods had more faith-based locations and court, trail/path, event, and water-type amenities. Higher income neighborhoods had significantly more for-profit businesses offering youth physical activity opportunities. Funding for youth physical activity opportunities in lower income neighborhoods was more likely to come from donations and government revenue (e.g., taxes), whereas the majority of youth physical activity opportunities in the higher income neighborhoods were supported by for-profit business revenue. Differences between lower and higher income neighborhoods in the type and amenities of youth physical activity opportunities may be driven by funding sources. Attention to these differences could help create more effective and efficient strategies for promoting physical activity among youth.

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Acknowledgments

This study was funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Grant ID: 65662—Active Living Research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, Kansas City, MO, USA

    Richard Robert Suminski, Linda May, Tonya Tota & David Dinius

  2. University of California-San Diego, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA

    Ding Ding

  3. Texas Obesity Research Center, Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA

    Rebecca Lee

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  1. Richard Robert Suminski
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  2. Ding Ding
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Correspondence to Richard Robert Suminski.

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Suminski, R.R., Ding, D., Lee, R. et al. Youth Physical Activity Opportunities in Lower and Higher Income Neighborhoods. J Urban Health 88, 599–615 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11524-011-9577-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11524-011-9577-2

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