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August 24, 2006
LOS ANGELES - Less than one-fourth of California adults - 5.5 million - walk on a regular basis, while significantly more than that - 6.8 million - do not walk at all, according to a new policy brief by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research that analyzes the differences in the walking habits of Californians.
For the purposes of the brief, regular walking is defined as walking on at least five separate occasions for a combined total of at least 150 minutes in the previous seven days. This is based on the recommendation that adults engage in moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes on five or more days per week.
San Francisco (at 38 percent) leads other counties in the percentage of residents who walk regularly, while San Joaquin and San Bernardino have the highest percentage of residents (34 percent) who don't walk at all. American Indian/Alaska Natives have the highest prevalence of regular walking (27 percent), compared to Latinos (23 percent), Whites (21 percent) and African Americans (19 percent). The differences among racial/ethnic groups can be partially explained by differences in the amount of time spent walking for transportation and for leisure. Perceived neighborhood safety and availability of parks are also associated with higher rates of regular walking.
"This research tells us that while some segments of the population are getting the health benefits that come from walking regularly, others aren't getting those benefits," said Allison L. Diamant, MD, MSHS, lead author the of the study and associate professor in the Division of General Internal medicine and Health Services Research at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
Based on data from the 2003 California Health Interview Survey, this new policy brief offers valuable information to those interested in creating new policies and/or conditions to promote healthier lifestyles.
Some of the other key findings from the brief:
- The prevalence of regular walking increases by age from 21 percent among 18- to 29-year-olds to 47 percent among 60- to 64-year-olds. This could be attributable to an increase in leisure time.
- Latinos, for instance, spend more time walking for transportation than other racial/ethnic groups. Whites, on the other hand, spend more time walking for leisure.
- Regular walking is inversely related to income. The highest prevalence of regular walking (27 percent) is found among the households living below the Federal Poverty Level, compared to 21 percent of those from higher-income households. Adults in households living below the poverty line spend significantly more time walking for transportation than those from higher-income households.
- Adults who live in a neighborhood watch area have higher rates of regular walking than those who don't live in these areas (23 percent vs. 21 percent).
The brief was funded by a grant from The California Endowment, which seeks to use findings from studies such as this to promote fundamental improvements in the health status of all Californians. "In light of rising rates of obesity and type-2 diabetes among Californians it is essential individuals increase their levels of physical activity, especially walking," said Robert K. Ross, M.D., president and CEO of The California Endowment.
The 2003 California Health Interview Survey interviewed more than 42,000 households throughout the state. Since it was first conducted in 2001, the California Health Interview Survey has been an essential tool for policy makers, researchers and health advocates at every level needing a detailed snapshot of the complex health needs of California's diverse population. The survey is a collaborative project of the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, the California Department of Health Services, and the Public Health Institute.
The UCLA Center for Health Policy Research was established in 1994 and is one of the nation's leading health policy research centers. It is also the premier source of key health policy information for California. The Center is based in the UCLA School of Public Health and is affiliated with the UCLA School of Public Affairs.
View the report:
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