Differences in the microenvironment for leisure physical activity and commuting in São Paulo

OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics of the built environment at the micro-scale and to examine differences according to residential area and social and demographic variables among adults in São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study involving 1,434 adults from the ISA–Physical Activity and Environment cohort. Environmental characteristics were assessed using the Microscale Audit of Pedestrian Streetscapes (MAPS Global) method based on Google Earth images along 400–700-meter routes centered on the participants’ georeferenced addresses. For the analysis, Mann-Whitney U tests were used for two independent groups and Kruskal-Wallis tests for three or more groups, followed by Dunn’s post-hoc test, to assess differences in mean scores by health coordination unit, sex, age, educational level, and skin color. RESULTS: The surroundings of residences in the Central-West region had the highest overall scores (p < 0.001). Individuals with higher education levels, who self-identified as White or Asian, and those aged 60 years or older resided in areas with better scores for aesthetics, social aspects, presence of trees, canopy cover, sidewalks, intersections, and overall environmental score (p < 0.001). In contrast, people with lower educational attainment and those who self-identified as Black or Brown lived in areas with poorer sidewalk conditions (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: It is concluded that micro-scale conditions were better in the vicinity of residences in central regions and for individuals with higher education, White or Asian skin color, and older age, highlighting the need for public policies aimed at more equitable and inclusive urban planning.