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. 2021 May;54(3):208-217.
doi: 10.3961/jpmph.20.625. Epub 2021 May 18.

Investigating the Relationship Between Accessibility of Green Space and Adult Obesity Rates: A Secondary Data Analysis in the United States

Junhyoung Kim  1 , Sujung Lee  1 , William Ramos  1
Affiliations

Investigating the Relationship Between Accessibility of Green Space and Adult Obesity Rates: A Secondary Data Analysis in the United States

Junhyoung Kim et al. J Prev Med Public Health. 2021 May.

Abstract

Objectives: In spite of the importance of green space for reducing obesity-related problems, there has been little exploration of whether access to green space (e.g., parks and recreational facilities) influences the obesity rate of adults in the United States. The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationships among accessibility of green space, obesity rates, and socioeconomic and demographic variables among adults living in the State of Indiana, United States.

Methods: We conducted a secondary data analysis to investigate the relationships among accessibility to green space, obesity rates, and socio-demographic variables with employing Geographic Information System in order to measure the accessibility of green space.

Results: This study found that accessibility of green space served as a strong predictor of reduced obesity rates among adults (β=-2.478; p<0.10). In addition, adults with higher education levels, as well as better access to green space, were found to have even lower obesity rates (β=-0.188; p<0.05). Other control variables such as unemployment rates, food security, and physical inactivity are additional factors that influence obesity rates among adults.

Conclusions: Accessibility of green space may play an important role in facilitating physical activity participation and reducing obesity rates.

Keywords: Adult; Geographic Information Systems; Obesity; Recreational park.

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Conflict of interest statement

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The authors have no conflicts of interest associated with the material presented in this paper.

Figures

Figure. 1.
Figure. 1.
A map of adult obesity rate in Indiana (by county-level).
Figure. 2.
Figure. 2.
A map of accessibility to green space rate in Indiana (by county-level).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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