Urban Adolescents’ Perceptions of their Neighborhood Physical Activity Environments

Abstract

Reduced physical activity is particularly pronounced among lower income individuals and racial/ethnic minorities, and may be related to unsupportive neighborhood environments for physical activity. The purpose of this research was to conduct focus groups with low-income urban Black and Latino adolescents to identify whether these adolescents were physically active, in what settings, and what features of the settings were important for encouraging their physical activity. Results suggest potential gender differences, but little difference across race/ethnicity. Results can inform the development of a park/physical activity setting characteristics survey to help improve conditions of parks.

Keywords:

• adolescents
• marginalized populations
• obesity and overweight
• parks
• physical activity

Acknowledgments

Funding for this research was provided by The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Active Living Research Program. Views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of RWJF or the University of Illinois at Chicago.