Applying Gis Technology to Assess the Obesogenic Structure of Neighborhoods Surrounding Public Housing Developments

Obesity rates continue to rise in the US; people from African American and low-income backgrounds are at greatest risk. Neighborhood of residence has been associated with prevalence of obesity; however, little is known about obesogenic factors in neighborhoods of people at high risk for obesity. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to define and document obesogenic factors in neighborhoods surrounding public housing developments (HDs) in Kansas City, KS and MO. Previous studies of these HDs indicated that residents are predominantly African American (75%) and overweight (M = 28 BMI). METHOD We selected 14 public HDs and defined the neighborhood as within an 800 meter radius. To minimize spatial dependence, HDs were selected that were greater than 1600 meters apart. HDs had an average of 176 units (SD = 88) and 610 residents (SD = 576). We conducted www searches and follow-up phone calls to count and code the number of physical activity resources, food sources (restaurants and stores), and public schools in each neighborhood. Next, we developed a geographic information system to spatially examine the distribution of physical activity resources and food sources. RESULTS On average, neighborhoods had one or fewer physical activity resources (N = 12, M = 0.9, SD = 1.1); 6 neighborhoods had none. Most physical activity resources were community centers (n = 6) or parks (n = 4). Neighborhoods had an average of 2.0 restaurants (SD = 1.9); most were fast food restaurants (M = 1.6, SD = 1.4). Nine neighborhoods (64%) had at least one grocery store (M = 0.9, SD = 0.7), and 11 neighborhoods (79%) had at least one convenience food store (M = 1.4, SD = 0.9). Neighborhoods had an average of 3 elementary schools, of which 30% had equipment or space available for public physical activity use. CONCLUSIONS Public HD neighborhoods have few physical activity resources and few healthful food sources within walking distance. Limited access to physical activity and food resources near HDs may reduce effectiveness of individually-based obesity control efforts.