Adherence
Positive changes in perceived neighborhood aesthetics and convenience are associated with increased neighborhood walking in men, while positive changes in convenience and reduced traffic perception are associated with increased walking in women.
If you want to walk more, focus on changing how you perceive your neighborhood. For men, noticing the aesthetics (scenery, friendliness) and convenience (distance to parks/beaches) of your route can double your likelihood of walking more. For women, focusing on the convenience of the route and ensuring traffic isn't a barrier is key. Remember, these perceptions can shift over time, especially if you start with a less positive view.
Men who reported positive changes in aesthetics and convenience were twice as likely to increase their walking. Women who reported positive changes in convenience were more than twice as likely to have increased their walking.
Why this rating
Prospective observational study with good reliability but self-reported data and potential confounding.
Source
Changes in neighborhood walking are related to changes in perceptions of environmental attributes
Nancy Humpel et al. · Annals of Behavioral Medicine · 2004
DOI 10.1207/s15324796abm2701_8
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