Elizabeth L Tung1, Monica E Peek2, Jennifer A Makelarski3, Veronica Escamilla3, Stacy T Lindau4. 1. Department of Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois. Electronic address: eliztung@uchicago.edu. 2. Department of Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois. 3. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois. 4. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Department of Medicine-Geriatrics, the MacLean Center on Clinical Medical Ethics, and the Comprehensive Cancer Center; University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Urban Health Initiative at the University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between BMI and access to built environment resources in a high-poverty, urban geography. METHODS: Participants (aged ≥35 years) were surveyed between November 2012 and July 2013 to examine access to common health-enabling resources (grocers, outpatient providers, pharmacies, places of worship, and physical activity resources). Survey data were linked to a contemporaneous census of built resources. Associations between BMI and access to resources (potential and realized) were examined using independent t-tests and multiple linear regression. Data analysis was conducted in 2014-2015. RESULTS: Median age was 53.8 years (N=267, 62% cooperation rate). Obesity (BMI ≥30) prevalence was 54.9%. BMI was not associated with potential access to resources located nearest to home. Nearly all participants (98.1%) bypassed at least one nearby resource type; half bypassed nearby grocers (realized access >1 mile from home). Bypassing grocers was associated with a higher BMI (p=0.03). Each additional mile traveled from home to a grocer was associated with a 0.9-higher BMI (95% CI=0.4, 1.3). Quality and affordability were common reasons for bypassing resources. CONCLUSIONS: Despite potential access to grocers in a high-poverty, urban region, half of participants bypassed nearby grocers to access food. Bypassing grocers was associated with a higher BMI.
INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between BMI and access to built environment resources in a high-poverty, urban geography. METHODS:Participants (aged ≥35 years) were surveyed between November 2012 and July 2013 to examine access to common health-enabling resources (grocers, outpatient providers, pharmacies, places of worship, and physical activity resources). Survey data were linked to a contemporaneous census of built resources. Associations between BMI and access to resources (potential and realized) were examined using independent t-tests and multiple linear regression. Data analysis was conducted in 2014-2015. RESULTS: Median age was 53.8 years (N=267, 62% cooperation rate). Obesity (BMI ≥30) prevalence was 54.9%. BMI was not associated with potential access to resources located nearest to home. Nearly all participants (98.1%) bypassed at least one nearby resource type; half bypassed nearby grocers (realized access >1 mile from home). Bypassing grocers was associated with a higher BMI (p=0.03). Each additional mile traveled from home to a grocer was associated with a 0.9-higher BMI (95% CI=0.4, 1.3). Quality and affordability were common reasons for bypassing resources. CONCLUSIONS: Despite potential access to grocers in a high-poverty, urban region, half of participants bypassed nearby grocers to access food. Bypassing grocers was associated with a higher BMI.
Authors: Stacy Tessler Lindau; Ramona James; Jennifer A Makelarski; Ernest Sanders; Daniel Johnson Journal: Am J Public Health Date: 2012-05-17 Impact factor: 9.308
Authors: Jens Ludwig; Lisa Sanbonmatsu; Lisa Gennetian; Emma Adam; Greg J Duncan; Lawrence F Katz; Ronald C Kessler; Jeffrey R Kling; Stacy Tessler Lindau; Robert C Whitaker; Thomas W McDade Journal: N Engl J Med Date: 2011-10-20 Impact factor: 91.245
Authors: Tamara Dubowitz; Madhumita Ghosh-Dastidar; Christine Eibner; Mary E Slaughter; Meenakshi Fernandes; Eric A Whitsel; Chloe E Bird; Adria Jewell; Karen L Margolis; Wenjun Li; Yvonne L Michael; Regina A Shih; Joann E Manson; José J Escarce Journal: Obesity (Silver Spring) Date: 2011-06-09 Impact factor: 5.002