Browsing by Author "Salvo, Grazia"

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    A Mixed Methods Approach to Identifying Barriers and Supports to Physical Activity in Adults Following Residential Relocation
    (2018-01-25) Salvo, Grazia; McCormack, Gavin; Lashewicz, Bonnie; Doyle-Baker, Tish
    Using a systematized review of qualitative studies and a quasi-longitudinal mixed methods analysis of primary data, this thesis explored the built environment’s influence on physical activity among adults. The systematized review provided insight into functional, aesthetic, destination, and safety characteristics’ that are associated with physical activity. Sociodemographic characteristics were also found to affect the built environment-physical activity relationship. In the mixed methods analysis, quantitative data suggested positive associations between self-reported changes in transportation walking and cycling and improvements in objectively measured neighbourhood walkability (Walk Score®) following residential relocation. Findings from the qualitative semi-structure interviews reinforced the quantitative findings and specifically highlighted the importance of having access to safe walking and cycling paths and nearby destinations that support active transportation. The interview data also suggested neighbourhood opportunities that allow adults to connect with community, family and the environment while being active supported enjoyable physical activity. Notably, some participants also reported using time spent on active transportation to compensate for changes in time spent in leisure physical activity. The thesis findings have the potential to inform urban planning and policy for improving physical activity and in turn health in adult populations.
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    A Mixed Methods Study on the Barriers and Facilitators of Physical Activity Associated with Residential Relocation
    (2018-11-01) Salvo, Grazia; Lashewicz, Bonnie M.; Doyle-Baker, Patricia K.; McCormack, Gavin R.
    Despite evidence suggesting that neighbourhood characteristics are associated with physical activity, very few mixed methods studies investigate how relocating neighbourhood, and subsequent changes in the built environment, influences physical activity. This sequential mixed methods study estimates associations between changes in overall physical activity and transportation walking and cycling and changes in objectively assessed neighbourhood walkability (quantitative phase) and describes perceived barriers and facilitators to physical activity following residential relocation (qualitative phase). During the quantitative phase, self-reported changes in transportation walking, transportation cycling, and overall physical activity following residential relocation were measured using a 5-point scale: (1) a lot less now, (2) a little less now, (3) about the same, (4) a little more now, and (5) a lot more now. Walkability improvers reported a slight increase in transportation walking (mean = 3.29, standard deviation (SD) = 0.87), while walkability decliners reported little or no perceived change in their transportation walking after relocation (mean = 2.96, SD = 1.12). This difference approached statistical significance (). Furthermore, walkability decliners reported a slight decrease in transportation cycling (mean = 2.69, SD = 0.96), while walkability improvers reported little or no perceived change in their transportation cycling after relocation (mean = 3.02, SD = 0.84). This difference was statistically significant (). Change in walkability resulting from relocation was not significantly associated with perceived change in overall physical activity. Our qualitative findings suggest that moving to a neighbourhood with safe paths connecting to nearby destinations can facilitate transportation walking and cycling. Some participants describe adjusting their leisure physical activity to compensate for changes in transportation walking and cycling. Strong contributors to neighbourhood leisure physical activity included the presence of aesthetic features and availability of recreational opportunities that allow for the creation of social connections with community and family.