Inactive lifestyles in peri-urban Australia: A qualitative examination of social and physical environmental determinants.

ISSUE ADDRESSED

Australians living in peri-urban areas are insufficiently active, sedentary and experience poorer health than people in major cities. There are health benefits attributable to active lifestyles that could contribute to the improved health and well-being of this population. To support the adoption of active lifestyles, it is important to understand the unique context in which behaviour occurs.

METHODS

The aim of this study was to identify characteristics of the social and physical peri-urban environment that may impact active lifestyles. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in peri-urban southern Queensland. Data were analysed by thematic analysis.

RESULTS

The natural environment, weather, distance, accessibility and walkability were features of the physical environment relevant to active lifestyles. Social factors included social capital and crime. Activity-supportive characteristics (eg, community spirit) were identified, in addition to active lifestyle barriers (eg, lack of public transport).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite activity-supportive social and environmental characteristics, most participants reported inactive lifestyles. The barriers to active lifestyles in peri-urban environments may negate these activity-supportive features. Some barriers are difficult to modify (eg, distance and accessibility). However, some may be alleviated through the adoption of activity-supportive policy and urban design (eg, pedestrian mobility infrastructure). SO WHAT?: Strategies to support active lifestyles in peri-urban environments must take into account unmodifiable contextual barriers, whilst encouraging utilisation of existing activity-supportive infrastructure and resources. The enhancement of activity-supportive environments through improved neighbourhood walkability and the usability of public transport may encourage some peri-urban residents to undertake more active forms of transport and recreational physical activity.