This page has only limited features, please log in for full access.

Dr. Andrew Kaczynski
Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Prevention Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA

Basic Info

Basic Info is private.

Research Keywords & Expertise

0 Built Environment
0 Obesity
0 Parks
0 physical activity
0 measurement

Fingerprints

physical activity
Parks
Built Environment
Obesity

Honors and Awards

The user has no records in this section


Career Timeline

The user has no records in this section.


Short Biography

The user biography is not available.
Following
Followers
Co Authors
The list of users this user is following is empty.
Following: 0 users

Feed

Research article
Published: 18 June 2021 in European Sport Management Quarterly
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Although research traction is increasing, intangible social impacts are still difficult to measure and relatively under-researched compared to their tangible economic counterparts. Thus, the current study examines the question: what were the associations between hosting the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games, social wellbeing (i.e. sense of belonging), and subjective wellbeing (i.e. life satisfaction) among Canadian youth? Using data from the Canadian Community Health Survey (n > 1,000,000), a time series analysis of youths’ (aged 12–19) reports of perceived sense of belonging to their community and perceived life satisfaction across four time points before and after the Vancouver Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games at the national, provincial, and regional levels was conducted. The number of youths who reported a strong sense of belonging to their community significantly increased in the host region of North Shore after the Games concluded (2011–2012 to 2013–2014). The number of youths who reported a strong sense of belonging to their community and high life satisfaction significantly increased from 2007–2008 (pre-event) to 2009–2010 in the host region of Richmond. This study provides preliminary evidence that mega-sport events might positively affect wellbeing of youth living in regions that house venues for the event. The study also demonstrates the temporary nature of positive social impacts. Suggestions for how to help create situations where positive social impacts are more likely, and to help maintain the wellbeing benefits of mega-sport events for youth populations are offered.

ACS Style

Georgia Teare; Luke R. Potwarka; Jordan T. Bakhsh; Simon J. Barrick; Andrew T. Kaczynski. Hosting the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games and wellbeing among Canadian youth. European Sport Management Quarterly 2021, 1 -22.

AMA Style

Georgia Teare, Luke R. Potwarka, Jordan T. Bakhsh, Simon J. Barrick, Andrew T. Kaczynski. Hosting the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games and wellbeing among Canadian youth. European Sport Management Quarterly. 2021; ():1-22.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Georgia Teare; Luke R. Potwarka; Jordan T. Bakhsh; Simon J. Barrick; Andrew T. Kaczynski. 2021. "Hosting the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games and wellbeing among Canadian youth." European Sport Management Quarterly , no. : 1-22.

Journal article
Published: 01 December 2020 in Preventive Medicine Reports
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Composite metrics integrating park availability, features, and quality for a given address or neighborhood are lacking. The purposes of this study were to describe the validation, application, and demonstration of ParkIndex in four diverse communities. This study occurred in Fall 2018 in 128 census block groups within Seattle(WA), Brooklyn(NY), Raleigh(NC), and Greenville County(SC). All parks within a half-mile buffer were audited to calculate a composite park quality score, and select households provided data about use of proximal parks via an online, map-based survey. For each household, the number of parks, total park acreage, and average park quality score within one half-mile were calculated using GIS. Logistic regression was used to identify a parsimonious model predicting park use. ParkIndex values (representing the probability of park use) were mapped for all study areas and after scenarios involving the addition and renovation/improvement of parks. Out of 360 participants, 23.3% reported visiting a park within the past 30 days. The number of parks (OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.15–1.62), total park acreage (OR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.07–1.19), and average park quality score (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.01–1.06) within one half-mile were all associated with park use. Composite ParkIndex values across the study areas ranged from 0 to 100. Hypothetical additions of or renovations to study area parks resulted in ParkIndex increases of 22.7% and 19.2%, respectively. ParkIndex has substantial value for park and urban planners, citizens, and researchers as a common metric to facilitate awareness, decision-making, and intervention planning related to park access, environmental justice, and community health.

ACS Style

Andrew T. Kaczynski; S. Morgan Hughey; Ellen W. Stowe; Marilyn E. Wende; J. Aaron Hipp; Elizabeth L. Oliphant; Jasper Schipperijn. ParkIndex: Validation and application of a pragmatic measure of park access and use. Preventive Medicine Reports 2020, 20, 101218 .

AMA Style

Andrew T. Kaczynski, S. Morgan Hughey, Ellen W. Stowe, Marilyn E. Wende, J. Aaron Hipp, Elizabeth L. Oliphant, Jasper Schipperijn. ParkIndex: Validation and application of a pragmatic measure of park access and use. Preventive Medicine Reports. 2020; 20 ():101218.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Andrew T. Kaczynski; S. Morgan Hughey; Ellen W. Stowe; Marilyn E. Wende; J. Aaron Hipp; Elizabeth L. Oliphant; Jasper Schipperijn. 2020. "ParkIndex: Validation and application of a pragmatic measure of park access and use." Preventive Medicine Reports 20, no. : 101218.

Journal article
Published: 02 July 2020 in International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Diverse environmental factors are associated with physical activity (PA) and healthy eating (HE) among youth. However, no study has created a comprehensive obesogenic environment index for children that can be applied at a large geographic scale. The purpose of this study was to describe the development of a childhood obesogenic environment index (COEI) at the county level across the United States. A comprehensive search of review articles (n = 20) and input from experts (n = 12) were used to identify community-level variables associated with youth PA, HE, or overweight/obesity for potential inclusion in the index. Based on strength of associations in the literature, expert ratings, expertise of team members, and data source availability, 10 key variables were identified - six related to HE (# per 1000 residents for grocery/superstores, farmers markets, fast food restaurants, full-service restaurants, and convenience stores; as well as percentage of births at baby (breastfeeding)-friendly facilities) and four related to PA (percentage of population living close to exercise opportunities, percentage of population < 1 mile from a school, a composite walkability index, and number of violent crimes per 1000 residents). Data for each variable for all counties in the U.S. (n = 3142) were collected from publicly available sources. For each variable, all counties were ranked and assigned percentiles ranging from 0 to 100. Positive environmental variables (e.g., grocery stores, exercise opportunities) were reverse scored such that higher values for all variables indicated a more obesogenic environment. Finally, for each county, a total obesogenic environment index score was generated by calculating the average percentile for all 10 variables. The average COEI percentile ranged from 24.5-81.0 (M = 50.02,s.d. = 9.01) across US counties and was depicted spatially on a choropleth map. Obesogenic counties were more prevalent (F = 130.43,p < .0001) in the South region of the U.S. (M = 53.0,s.d. = 8.3) compared to the Northeast (M = 43.2,s.d. = 6.9), Midwest (M = 48.1,s.d. = 8.5), and West (M = 48.4,s.d. = 9.8). When examined by rurality, there were also significant differences (F = 175.86,p < .0001) between metropolitan (M = 46.5,s.d. = 8.4), micropolitan (M = 50.3,s.d. = 8.1), and rural counties (M = 52.9,s.d. = 8.8) across the U.S. The COEI can be applied to benchmark obesogenic environments and identify geographic disparities and intervention targets. Future research can examine associations with obesity and other health outcomes.

ACS Style

Andrew T. Kaczynski; Jan M. Eberth; Ellen W. Stowe; Marilyn E. Wende; Angela D. Liese; Alexander C. McLain; Charity B. Breneman; Michele J. Josey. Development of a national childhood obesogenic environment index in the United States: differences by region and rurality. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity 2020, 17, 1 -11.

AMA Style

Andrew T. Kaczynski, Jan M. Eberth, Ellen W. Stowe, Marilyn E. Wende, Angela D. Liese, Alexander C. McLain, Charity B. Breneman, Michele J. Josey. Development of a national childhood obesogenic environment index in the United States: differences by region and rurality. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. 2020; 17 (1):1-11.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Andrew T. Kaczynski; Jan M. Eberth; Ellen W. Stowe; Marilyn E. Wende; Angela D. Liese; Alexander C. McLain; Charity B. Breneman; Michele J. Josey. 2020. "Development of a national childhood obesogenic environment index in the United States: differences by region and rurality." International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity 17, no. 1: 1-11.

Journal article
Published: 20 May 2020 in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Interventions in faith-based settings are increasingly popular, due to their effectiveness for improving attendee health outcomes and behaviors. Little past research has examined the important role of the church environment in individual-level outcomes using objective environmental audits. This study examined associations between the objectively measured physical church environment and attendees’ perceptions of physical activity (PA) and healthy eating (HE) supports within the church environment, self-efficacy for PA and HE, and self-reported PA and HE behaviors. Data were collected via church audits and church attendee surveys in 54 churches in a rural, medically underserved county in South Carolina. Multi-level regression was used to analyze associations between the church environment and outcomes. Physical elements of churches were positively related to attendees’ perceptions of church environment supports for PA (B = 0.03, 95% CI = 0.01, 0.05) and HE (B = 0.05, 95% CI = 0.01, 0.09) and there was a significant interaction between perceptions of HE supports and HE church environment. Self-efficacy and behaviors for PA and HE did not show an association with the church environment. Future research should establish a temporal relationship between the church environment and these important constructs for improving health. Future faith-based interventions should apply infrastructure changes to the church environment to influence important mediating constructs to health behavior.

ACS Style

Marilyn E. Wende; Andrew T. Kaczynski; John A. Bernhart; Caroline G. Dunn; Sara Wilcox. Objective Church Environment Audits and Attendee Perceptions of Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Supports within the Church Setting. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 3598 .

AMA Style

Marilyn E. Wende, Andrew T. Kaczynski, John A. Bernhart, Caroline G. Dunn, Sara Wilcox. Objective Church Environment Audits and Attendee Perceptions of Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Supports within the Church Setting. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (10):3598.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Marilyn E. Wende; Andrew T. Kaczynski; John A. Bernhart; Caroline G. Dunn; Sara Wilcox. 2020. "Objective Church Environment Audits and Attendee Perceptions of Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Supports within the Church Setting." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 10: 3598.

Articles
Published: 22 January 2020 in International Journal of Environmental Health Research
Reads 0
Downloads 0

This study examined spatial patterns of obesogenic environments for US counties. We mapped the geographic dispersion of food and physical activity (PA) environments, assessed spatial clustering, and identified food and PA environment differences across U.S. regions and rurality categories. Substantial low food score clusters were located in the South and high score clusters in the Midwest and West. Low PA score clusters were located in the South and high score clusters in the Northeast and Midwest (p < .0001). For region, the South had significantly lower food and PA environment scores. For rurality, rural counties had significantly higher food environment scores and metropolitan counties had significantly higher PA environment scores (p < .0001). This study highlights geographic clustering and disparities in food and PA access nationwide. State and region-wide environmental inequalities may be targeted using structural interventions and policy initiatives to improve food and PA access.

ACS Style

Marilyn E. Wende; Ellen W Stowe; Jan M. Eberth; Alexander C. McLain; Angela D. Liese; Charity B. Breneman; Michele J. Josey; S. Morgan Hughey; Andrew T. Kaczynski. Spatial clustering patterns and regional variations for food and physical activity environments across the United States. International Journal of Environmental Health Research 2020, 1 -15.

AMA Style

Marilyn E. Wende, Ellen W Stowe, Jan M. Eberth, Alexander C. McLain, Angela D. Liese, Charity B. Breneman, Michele J. Josey, S. Morgan Hughey, Andrew T. Kaczynski. Spatial clustering patterns and regional variations for food and physical activity environments across the United States. International Journal of Environmental Health Research. 2020; ():1-15.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Marilyn E. Wende; Ellen W Stowe; Jan M. Eberth; Alexander C. McLain; Angela D. Liese; Charity B. Breneman; Michele J. Josey; S. Morgan Hughey; Andrew T. Kaczynski. 2020. "Spatial clustering patterns and regional variations for food and physical activity environments across the United States." International Journal of Environmental Health Research , no. : 1-15.

Journal article
Published: 01 October 2019 in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Reads 0
Downloads 0

This study aims to examine the longitudinal association of neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation (SED) with physical activity in youth during the transition from elementary to middle school, and to determine if access to physical activity facilities moderates this relationship. Data were obtained from the Transitions and Activity Changes in Kids (TRACK) study, which was a multilevel, longitudinal study designed to identify the factors that influence changes in physical activity as youth transition from elementary to middle school. The analytic sample for the current study included 660 youth with complete data in grades 5 (baseline) and 7 (follow-up). A repeated measures multilevel framework was employed to examine the relationship between SED and physical activity over time and the potential moderating role of elements of the built environment. Decreases in physical activity varied by the degree of neighborhood SED with youth residing in the most deprived neighborhoods experiencing the greatest declines in physical activity. Access to supportive physical activity facilities did not moderate this relationship. Future research studies are needed to better understand how neighborhood SED influences youth physical activity over time.

ACS Style

Morgan N. Clennin; Min Lian; Natalie Colabianchi; Andrew Kaczynski; Marsha Dowda; Russell R. Pate. Associations among Neighborhood Socioeconomic Deprivation, Physical Activity Facilities, and Physical Activity in Youth during the Transition from Childhood to Adolescence. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2019, 16, 3703 .

AMA Style

Morgan N. Clennin, Min Lian, Natalie Colabianchi, Andrew Kaczynski, Marsha Dowda, Russell R. Pate. Associations among Neighborhood Socioeconomic Deprivation, Physical Activity Facilities, and Physical Activity in Youth during the Transition from Childhood to Adolescence. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2019; 16 (19):3703.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Morgan N. Clennin; Min Lian; Natalie Colabianchi; Andrew Kaczynski; Marsha Dowda; Russell R. Pate. 2019. "Associations among Neighborhood Socioeconomic Deprivation, Physical Activity Facilities, and Physical Activity in Youth during the Transition from Childhood to Adolescence." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 16, no. 19: 3703.

Journal article
Published: 28 April 2019 in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Researchers investigating relationships between the neighbourhood environment and health first need to decide on the spatial extent of the neighbourhood they are interested in. This decision is an important and ongoing methodological challenge since different methods of defining and delineating neighbourhood boundaries can produce different results. This paper explores this issue in the context of a New Zealand-based study of the relationship between the built environment and multiple measures of physical activity. Geographic information systems were used to measure three built environment attributes—dwelling density, street connectivity, and neighbourhood destination accessibility—using seven different neighbourhood definitions (three administrative unit boundaries, and 500, 800, 1000- and 1500-m road network buffers). The associations between the three built environment measures and five measures of physical activity (mean accelerometer counts per hour, percentage time in moderate–vigorous physical activity, self-reported walking for transport, self-reported walking for recreation and self-reported walking for all purposes) were modelled for each neighbourhood definition. The combination of the choice of neighbourhood definition, built environment measure, and physical activity measure determined whether evidence of an association was detected or not. Results demonstrated that, while there was no single ideal neighbourhood definition, the built environment was most consistently associated with a range of physical activity measures when the 800-m and 1000-m road network buffers were used. For the street connectivity and destination accessibility measures, associations with physical activity were less likely to be detected at smaller scales (less than 800 m). In line with some previous research, this study demonstrated that the choice of neighbourhood definition can influence whether or not an association between the built environment and adults’ physical activity is detected or not. This study additionally highlighted the importance of the choice of built environment attribute and physical activity measures. While we identified the 800-m and 1000-m road network buffers as the neighbourhood definitions most consistently associated with a range of physical activity measures, it is important that researchers carefully consider the most appropriate type of neighbourhood definition and scale for the particular aim and participants, especially at smaller scales.

ACS Style

Suzanne Mavoa; Nasser Bagheri; Mohammad Javad Koohsari; Andrew T. Kaczynski; Karen E. Lamb; Koichiro Oka; David O’Sullivan; Karen Witten. How Do Neighbourhood Definitions Influence the Associations between Built Environment and Physical Activity? International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2019, 16, 1501 .

AMA Style

Suzanne Mavoa, Nasser Bagheri, Mohammad Javad Koohsari, Andrew T. Kaczynski, Karen E. Lamb, Koichiro Oka, David O’Sullivan, Karen Witten. How Do Neighbourhood Definitions Influence the Associations between Built Environment and Physical Activity? International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2019; 16 (9):1501.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Suzanne Mavoa; Nasser Bagheri; Mohammad Javad Koohsari; Andrew T. Kaczynski; Karen E. Lamb; Koichiro Oka; David O’Sullivan; Karen Witten. 2019. "How Do Neighbourhood Definitions Influence the Associations between Built Environment and Physical Activity?" International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 16, no. 9: 1501.

Supplement article
Published: 14 June 2018 in Pediatric Obesity
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Background Residential environments may significantly influence youth physical activity (PA). However, few studies have examined detailed street quality attributes via observational audits in relation to context‐specific PA among youth. Objectives The objective of this study was to explore whether the overall quality of street environments, as well as specific attributes, was associated with neighbourhood‐based and street‐based PA within a national sample of youth in the Healthy Communities Study. Methods Data were collected from 4616 youth from 130 communities across the USA. Youth PA in the neighbourhood and on the participant's street was captured using 7‐d recall interviews. Windshield survey observational audits documented five street quality variables: burned, boarded up or abandoned residential units, litter, overall condition of residences, street type and presence of sidewalks in good condition. Results Youth with no litter on their street reported significantly lower neighbourhood‐based PA and youth living on a side street, cul‐de‐sac, dead‐end or one‐way street reported greater neighbourhood‐based PA. No significant associations were detected for the overall street quality index or with street‐based PA. Conclusions Specific street quality attributes may be associated with youth PA. Further research and collaboration between diverse disciplines and agencies should focus on understanding and improving street quality to promote youth PA and health.

ACS Style

A. T. Kaczynski; G. M. Besenyi; S. Child; S. Morgan Hughey; N. Colabianchi; K. L. McIver; M. Dowda; R. R. Pate; on behalf of the Healthy Communities Study Team. Relationship of objective street quality attributes with youth physical activity: findings from the Healthy Communities Study. Pediatric Obesity 2018, 13, 7 -13.

AMA Style

A. T. Kaczynski, G. M. Besenyi, S. Child, S. Morgan Hughey, N. Colabianchi, K. L. McIver, M. Dowda, R. R. Pate, on behalf of the Healthy Communities Study Team. Relationship of objective street quality attributes with youth physical activity: findings from the Healthy Communities Study. Pediatric Obesity. 2018; 13 ():7-13.

Chicago/Turabian Style

A. T. Kaczynski; G. M. Besenyi; S. Child; S. Morgan Hughey; N. Colabianchi; K. L. McIver; M. Dowda; R. R. Pate; on behalf of the Healthy Communities Study Team. 2018. "Relationship of objective street quality attributes with youth physical activity: findings from the Healthy Communities Study." Pediatric Obesity 13, no. : 7-13.

Journal article
Published: 01 May 2018 in American Journal of Health Behavior
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Objectives: In this paper, we describe development and reliability testing of a novel tool to evaluate the physical environment of faith-based settings pertaining to opportunities for physical activity (PA) and healthy eating (HE). Methods: Tool development was a multistage process including a review of similar tools, stakeholder review, expert feedback, and pilot testing. Final tool sections included indoor opportunities for PA, outdoor opportunities for PA, food preparation equipment, kitchen type, food for purchase, beverages for purchase, and media. Two independent audits were completed at 54 churches. Interrater reliability (IRR) was determined with Kappa and percent agreement. Results: Of 218 items, 102 were assessed for IRR and 116 could not be assessed because they were not present at enough churches. Percent agreement for all 102 items was over 80%. For 42 items, the sample was too homogeneous to assess Kappa. Forty-six of the remaining items had Kappas greater than 0.60 (25 items 0.80-1.00; 21 items 0.60-0.79), indicating substantial to almost perfect agreement. Conclusions: The tool proved reliable and efficient for assessing church environments and identifying potential intervention points. Future work can focus on applications within faith-based partnerships to understand how church environments influence diverse health outcomes.

ACS Style

Andrew T. Kaczynski; Danielle Jake-Schoffman; Nathan A. Peters; Caroline G. Dunn; Sara Wilcox; Melinda Forthofer. Development and Testing of the Church Environment Audit Tool. American Journal of Health Behavior 2018, 42, 17 -26.

AMA Style

Andrew T. Kaczynski, Danielle Jake-Schoffman, Nathan A. Peters, Caroline G. Dunn, Sara Wilcox, Melinda Forthofer. Development and Testing of the Church Environment Audit Tool. American Journal of Health Behavior. 2018; 42 (3):17-26.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Andrew T. Kaczynski; Danielle Jake-Schoffman; Nathan A. Peters; Caroline G. Dunn; Sara Wilcox; Melinda Forthofer. 2018. "Development and Testing of the Church Environment Audit Tool." American Journal of Health Behavior 42, no. 3: 17-26.

Journal article
Published: 26 March 2018 in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Evidence about the impacts of the physical activity environment on adults’ weight in the context of Asian countries is scarce. Likewise, no study exists in Asia examining whether Walk Score®—a free online walkability tool—is related to obesity. This study aimed to examine associations between multiple physical activity environment measures and Walk Score® ratings with Japanese adults’ body mass index (BMI). Data from 1073 adults in the Healthy Built Environment in Japan study were used. In 2011, participants reported their height and weight. Environmental attributes, including population density, intersection density, density of physical activity facilities, access to public transportation, and availability of sidewalks, were calculated using Geographic Information Systems. Walk Scores® ratings were obtained from the website. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to examine the association between each environmental attribute and BMI. Adjusting for covariates, all physical activity environmental attributes were negatively associated with BMI. Similarly, an increase of one standard deviation of Walk Score® was associated with a 0.29 (95% confidence interval (CI) of −0.49–−0.09) decrease in BMI. An activity-friendly built environment was associated with lower adults’ BMI in Japan. Investing in healthy community design may positively impact weight status in non-Western contexts.

ACS Style

Mohammad Javad Koohsari; Andrew T. Kaczynski; Tomoya Hanibuchi; Ai Shibata; Kaori Ishii; Akitomo Yasunaga; Tomoki Nakaya; Koichiro Oka. Physical Activity Environment and Japanese Adults’ Body Mass Index. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2018, 15, 596 .

AMA Style

Mohammad Javad Koohsari, Andrew T. Kaczynski, Tomoya Hanibuchi, Ai Shibata, Kaori Ishii, Akitomo Yasunaga, Tomoki Nakaya, Koichiro Oka. Physical Activity Environment and Japanese Adults’ Body Mass Index. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2018; 15 (4):596.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Mohammad Javad Koohsari; Andrew T. Kaczynski; Tomoya Hanibuchi; Ai Shibata; Kaori Ishii; Akitomo Yasunaga; Tomoki Nakaya; Koichiro Oka. 2018. "Physical Activity Environment and Japanese Adults’ Body Mass Index." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 15, no. 4: 596.

Debate
Published: 26 July 2017 in International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Although the scientific community has acknowledged modest improvements can be made to weight status and obesogenic behaviors (i.e., physical activity, sedentary/screen time, diet, and sleep) during the school year, studies suggests improvements are erased as elementary-age children are released to summer vacation. Emerging evidence shows children return to school after summer vacation displaying accelerated weight gain compared to the weight gained occurring during the school year. Understanding how summer days differ from when children are in school is, therefore, essential. There is limited evidence on the etiology of accelerated weight gain during summer, with few studies comparing obesogenic behaviors on the same children during school and summer. For many children, summer days may be analogous to weekend days throughout the school year. Weekend days are often limited in consistent and formal structure, and thus differ from school days where segmented, pre-planned, restrictive, and compulsory components exist that shape obesogenic behaviors. The authors hypothesize that obesogenic behaviors are beneficially regulated when children are exposed to a structured day (i.e., school weekday) compared to what commonly occurs during summer. This is referred to as the ‘Structured Days Hypothesis’ (SDH). To illustrate how the SDH operates, this study examines empirical data that compares weekend day (less-structured) versus weekday (structured) obesogenic behaviors in U.S. elementary school-aged children. From 190 studies, 155 (~80%) demonstrate elementary-aged children’s obesogenic behaviors are more unfavorable during weekend days compared to weekdays. In light of the SDH, consistent evidence demonstrates the structured environment of weekdays may help to protect children by regulating obesogenic behaviors, most likely through compulsory physical activity opportunities, restricting caloric intake, reducing screen time occasions, and regulating sleep schedules. Summer is emerging as the critical period where childhood obesity prevention efforts need to be focused. The SDH can help researchers understand the drivers of obesogenic behaviors during summer and lead to innovative intervention development.

ACS Style

Keith Brazendale; Michael W. Beets; R. Glenn Weaver; Russell R. Pate; Gabrielle M. Turner-McGrievy; Andrew T. Kaczynski; Jessica L. Chandler; Amy Bohnert; Paul T. Von Hippel. Understanding differences between summer vs. school obesogenic behaviors of children: the structured days hypothesis. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity 2017, 14, 1 -14.

AMA Style

Keith Brazendale, Michael W. Beets, R. Glenn Weaver, Russell R. Pate, Gabrielle M. Turner-McGrievy, Andrew T. Kaczynski, Jessica L. Chandler, Amy Bohnert, Paul T. Von Hippel. Understanding differences between summer vs. school obesogenic behaviors of children: the structured days hypothesis. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. 2017; 14 (1):1-14.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Keith Brazendale; Michael W. Beets; R. Glenn Weaver; Russell R. Pate; Gabrielle M. Turner-McGrievy; Andrew T. Kaczynski; Jessica L. Chandler; Amy Bohnert; Paul T. Von Hippel. 2017. "Understanding differences between summer vs. school obesogenic behaviors of children: the structured days hypothesis." International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity 14, no. 1: 1-14.

Original articles
Published: 14 July 2017 in Ethnicity & Health
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of the benefits of and influencing factors for neighborhood-based physical activity (PA), and elicit suggestions for increasing neighborhood-based PA among primarily Black residents living in lower income neighborhoods. Design: Eight focus groups were conducted in low-income, predominantly Black neighborhoods (n = 8) in Greenville, SC during Spring 2014. Using a semi-structured focus group guide with open-ended questions, residents were asked to describe benefits of PA, neighborhood factors associated with PA, and ways to increase PA within their neighborhoods. Trained research assistants transcribed audio recordings verbatim. Using grounded theory and an ecological perspective, emergent coding was employed to generate initial categories with open and axial coding used to achieve consensus on themes. Results: Primarily Black (95%), female (72%), and older (M = 61.5 years) residents (N = 76) participated in the study. Seven themes were identified across the three main focus group topics: physical and mental health benefits of neighborhood PA, safety/hazards and social factors as influencing neighborhood PA, and improving safety, structural opportunities, and programing support to improve neighborhood PA. Most participants reported walking within their communities, despite describing several community-level barriers (e.g. drugs, safety). Residents desired structured neighborhood-based opportunities for increasing PA, including walking tracks and walking groups, and reported social benefits to being active, including increased awareness within the community and trust. Participants conveyed that walking strengthened the social environment of their community as well as the health of residents. Conclusion: Few studies of contextual factors and PA have focused on African-American, low-income neighborhoods. Despite diverse environmental constraints, residents reported walking within their communities as part of a healthy lifestyle. Social ecological interventions tailored to promote PA and reduce health disparities among residents of low-income communities should highlight neighborhood-based opportunities for PA, focusing on personal and collective social benefits of neighborhood walking.

ACS Style

Stephanie T. Child; Andrew T. Kaczynski; Melissa Fair; Ellen Stowe; S. Morgan Hughey; Lauren Boeckermann; Sally Wills; Yvonne Reeder. ‘We need a safe, walkable way to connect our sisters and brothers’: a qualitative study of opportunities and challenges for neighborhood-based physical activity among residents of low-income African-American communities. Ethnicity & Health 2017, 24, 353 -364.

AMA Style

Stephanie T. Child, Andrew T. Kaczynski, Melissa Fair, Ellen Stowe, S. Morgan Hughey, Lauren Boeckermann, Sally Wills, Yvonne Reeder. ‘We need a safe, walkable way to connect our sisters and brothers’: a qualitative study of opportunities and challenges for neighborhood-based physical activity among residents of low-income African-American communities. Ethnicity & Health. 2017; 24 (4):353-364.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Stephanie T. Child; Andrew T. Kaczynski; Melissa Fair; Ellen Stowe; S. Morgan Hughey; Lauren Boeckermann; Sally Wills; Yvonne Reeder. 2017. "‘We need a safe, walkable way to connect our sisters and brothers’: a qualitative study of opportunities and challenges for neighborhood-based physical activity among residents of low-income African-American communities." Ethnicity & Health 24, no. 4: 353-364.

Journal article
Published: 02 March 2017 in Public Health
Reads 0
Downloads 0
ACS Style

L.M. Boeckermann; A.T. Kaczynski; S.T. Child. Association of perceived physical and social attributes with neighborhood satisfaction among men and women in disadvantaged communities. Public Health 2017, 146, 148 -151.

AMA Style

L.M. Boeckermann, A.T. Kaczynski, S.T. Child. Association of perceived physical and social attributes with neighborhood satisfaction among men and women in disadvantaged communities. Public Health. 2017; 146 ():148-151.

Chicago/Turabian Style

L.M. Boeckermann; A.T. Kaczynski; S.T. Child. 2017. "Association of perceived physical and social attributes with neighborhood satisfaction among men and women in disadvantaged communities." Public Health 146, no. : 148-151.

Journal article
Published: 01 February 2017 in Preventive Medicine
Reads 0
Downloads 0

This study explored youths' experiences and perceptions about community engagement as a result of participating in a community-based data collection project using paper and mobile technology park environmental audit tools. In July 2014, youth (ages 11-18, n=50) were recruited to participate in nine focus groups after auditing two parks each using paper, electronic, or both versions of the Community Park Audit Tool in Greenville County, SC. The focus groups explored the youths' experiences participating in the project, changes as a result of participation, suggested uses of park audit data collected, and who should use the tools. Four themes emerged related to youths' project participation experiences: two positive (fun and new experiences) and two negative (uncomfortable/unsafe and travel issues). Changes described as a result of participating in the project fell into four themes: increased awareness, motivation for further action, physical activity benefits, and no change. Additionally, youth had numerous suggestions for utilizing the data collected that were coded into six themes: maintenance & aesthetics, feature/amenity addition, online park information, park rating/review system, fundraising, and organizing community projects. Finally, six themes emerged regarding who the youth felt could use the tools: frequent park visitors, community groups/organizations, parks and recreation professionals, adults, youth, and everyone. This study revealed a wealth of information about youth experiences conducting park audits for community health promotion. Understanding youth attitudes and preferences can help advance youth empowerment and civic engagement efforts to promote individual and community health.

ACS Style

David G. Gallerani; Gina M. Besenyi; Sonja A. Wilhelm Stanis; Andrew T. Kaczynski. “We actually care and we want to make the parks better”: A qualitative study of youth experiences and perceptions after conducting park audits. Preventive Medicine 2017, 95, S109 -S114.

AMA Style

David G. Gallerani, Gina M. Besenyi, Sonja A. Wilhelm Stanis, Andrew T. Kaczynski. “We actually care and we want to make the parks better”: A qualitative study of youth experiences and perceptions after conducting park audits. Preventive Medicine. 2017; 95 ():S109-S114.

Chicago/Turabian Style

David G. Gallerani; Gina M. Besenyi; Sonja A. Wilhelm Stanis; Andrew T. Kaczynski. 2017. "“We actually care and we want to make the parks better”: A qualitative study of youth experiences and perceptions after conducting park audits." Preventive Medicine 95, no. : S109-S114.

Article
Published: 30 August 2016 in American Journal of Community Psychology
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Limited research has explored how specific elements of physical and social environments influence mental health indicators such as perceived stress, or whether such associations are moderated by gender. This study examined the relationship between selected neighborhood characteristics and perceived stress levels within a primarily low-income, older, African-American population in a mid-sized city in the Southeastern U.S. Residents (n = 394; mean age=55.3 years, 70.9% female, 89.3% African American) from eight historically disadvantaged neighborhoods completed surveys measuring perceptions of neighborhood safety, social cohesion, aesthetics, and stress. Multivariate linear regression models examined the association between each of the three neighborhood characteristics and perceived stress. Greater perceived safety, improved neighborhood aesthetics, and social cohesion were significantly associated with lower perceived stress. These associations were not moderated by gender. These findings suggest that improving social attributes of neighborhoods may have positive impacts on stress and related benefits for population health. Future research should examine how neighborhood characteristics influence stress over time.

ACS Style

Heather Henderson; Stephanie Child; Spencer Moore; Justin Moore; Andrew T. Kaczynski. The Influence of Neighborhood Aesthetics, Safety, and Social Cohesion on Perceived Stress in Disadvantaged Communities. American Journal of Community Psychology 2016, 58, 80 -88.

AMA Style

Heather Henderson, Stephanie Child, Spencer Moore, Justin Moore, Andrew T. Kaczynski. The Influence of Neighborhood Aesthetics, Safety, and Social Cohesion on Perceived Stress in Disadvantaged Communities. American Journal of Community Psychology. 2016; 58 (1-2):80-88.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Heather Henderson; Stephanie Child; Spencer Moore; Justin Moore; Andrew T. Kaczynski. 2016. "The Influence of Neighborhood Aesthetics, Safety, and Social Cohesion on Perceived Stress in Disadvantaged Communities." American Journal of Community Psychology 58, no. 1-2: 80-88.

Journal article
Published: 01 March 2016 in Health & Place
Reads 0
Downloads 0

This study examined relationships between three measures of park availability and self-reported physical activity (PA), television viewing (TV) time, and overweight/obesity among women from Australia and the United States. Having more parks near home was the only measure of park availability associated with an outcome. Australian women (n=1848) with more parks near home had higher odds of meeting PA recommendations and lower odds of being overweight/obese. In the US sample (n=489), women with more parks near home had lower odds of watching >4 h TV per day. A greater number of parks near home was associated with lower BMI among both Australian and US women. Evidence across diverse contexts provides support to improve park availability to promote PA and other health behaviors.

ACS Style

Jenny Veitch; Gavin Abbott; Andrew T. Kaczynski; Sonja A. Wilhelm Stanis; Gina M. Besenyi; Karen E. Lamb. Park availability and physical activity, TV time, and overweight and obesity among women: Findings from Australia and the United States. Health & Place 2016, 38, 96 -102.

AMA Style

Jenny Veitch, Gavin Abbott, Andrew T. Kaczynski, Sonja A. Wilhelm Stanis, Gina M. Besenyi, Karen E. Lamb. Park availability and physical activity, TV time, and overweight and obesity among women: Findings from Australia and the United States. Health & Place. 2016; 38 ():96-102.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Jenny Veitch; Gavin Abbott; Andrew T. Kaczynski; Sonja A. Wilhelm Stanis; Gina M. Besenyi; Karen E. Lamb. 2016. "Park availability and physical activity, TV time, and overweight and obesity among women: Findings from Australia and the United States." Health & Place 38, no. : 96-102.

Short communication
Published: 08 February 2016 in Preventive Medicine
Reads 0
Downloads 0

A lack of comprehensive and standardized metrics for measuring park exposure limits park-related research and health promotion efforts. This study aimed to develop and demonstrate an empirically-derived and spatially-represented index of park access (ParkIndex) that would allow researchers, planners, and citizens to evaluate the potential for park use for a given area. Data used for developing ParkIndex were collected in 2010 in Kansas City, Missouri (KCMO). Adult study participants (n = 891) reported whether they used a park within the past month, and all parks in KCMO were mapped and audited using ArcGIS 9.3 and the Community Park Audit Tool. Four park summary variables — distance to nearest park, and the number of parks, amount of park space, and average park quality index within 1 mile were analyzed in relation to park use using logistic regression. Coefficients for significant park summary variables were used to create a raster surface (ParkIndex) representing the probability of park use for all 100 m × 100 m cells in KCMO. Two park summary variables were positively associated with park use — the number of parks and the average park quality index within 1 mile. The ParkIndex probability of park use across all cells in KCMO ranged from 17 to 77 out of 100. ParkIndex represents a standardized metric of park access that combines elements of both park availability and quality, which was developed empirically and can be represented spatially. This tool has both practical and conceptual significance for researchers and professionals in diverse disciplines.

ACS Style

Andrew T. Kaczynski; Jasper Schipperijn; J. Aaron Hipp; Gina M. Besenyi; Sonja Wilhelm Stanis; S. Morgan Hughey; Sara Wilcox. ParkIndex: Development of a standardized metric of park access for research and planning. Preventive Medicine 2016, 87, 110 -114.

AMA Style

Andrew T. Kaczynski, Jasper Schipperijn, J. Aaron Hipp, Gina M. Besenyi, Sonja Wilhelm Stanis, S. Morgan Hughey, Sara Wilcox. ParkIndex: Development of a standardized metric of park access for research and planning. Preventive Medicine. 2016; 87 ():110-114.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Andrew T. Kaczynski; Jasper Schipperijn; J. Aaron Hipp; Gina M. Besenyi; Sonja Wilhelm Stanis; S. Morgan Hughey; Sara Wilcox. 2016. "ParkIndex: Development of a standardized metric of park access for research and planning." Preventive Medicine 87, no. : 110-114.

Journal article
Published: 19 March 2015 in Health & Place
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Public open spaces such as parks and green spaces are key built environment elements within neighbourhoods for encouraging a variety of physical activity behaviours. Over the past decade, there has been a burgeoning number of active living research studies examining the influence of public open space on physical activity. However, the evidence shows mixed associations between different aspects of public open space (e.g., proximity, size, quality) and physical activity. These inconsistencies hinder the development of specific evidence-based guidelines for urban designers and policy-makers for (re)designing public open space to encourage physical activity. This paper aims to move this research agenda forward, by identifying key conceptual and methodological issues that may contribute to inconsistencies in research examining relations between public open space and physical activity.

ACS Style

Mohammad Javad Koohsari; Suzanne Mavoa; Karen Villanueva; Takemi Sugiyama; Hannah Badland; Andrew T. Kaczynski; Neville Owen; Billie Giles-Corti. Public open space, physical activity, urban design and public health: Concepts, methods and research agenda. Health & Place 2015, 33, 75 -82.

AMA Style

Mohammad Javad Koohsari, Suzanne Mavoa, Karen Villanueva, Takemi Sugiyama, Hannah Badland, Andrew T. Kaczynski, Neville Owen, Billie Giles-Corti. Public open space, physical activity, urban design and public health: Concepts, methods and research agenda. Health & Place. 2015; 33 ():75-82.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Mohammad Javad Koohsari; Suzanne Mavoa; Karen Villanueva; Takemi Sugiyama; Hannah Badland; Andrew T. Kaczynski; Neville Owen; Billie Giles-Corti. 2015. "Public open space, physical activity, urban design and public health: Concepts, methods and research agenda." Health & Place 33, no. : 75-82.

Journal article
Published: 06 December 2014 in International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Parks are valuable resources for physical activity (PA) given their widespread availability and low cost to maintain and use. Both proximity to parks and the availability of particular features are important correlates of PA. However, few studies have explored multiple measures of proximity simultaneously or the specific facilities associated with park use and park-based PA among adults, let alone differences across socio-demographic characteristics. The purpose of this study was to examine associations between park proximity and park facilities and adults’ park use and park-based PA, while also exploring differences by gender, age, race, and income. Data on monthly park use and weekly amount of PA undertaken in parks were collected via a mail survey of adults from randomly-selected households (n = 893) in Kansas City, Missouri (KCMO) in 2010–2011. Three measures of park proximity were calculated within 1 mile of participating households: distance to the closest park, number of parks, and total park area. All parks in KCMO were audited using the Community Park Audit Tool to determine the availability of 14 park facilities within 1 mile of each participant (e.g., trail, playground, tennis court). Multilevel logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between each of park use and park-based PA and 1) three measures of park proximity, and 2) the availability of 14 park facilities within 1 mile of participants. Separate analyses were conducted by gender, age, race, and income, while controlling for all socio-demographic characteristics and BMI. Across all sub-samples, distance to the closest park was not significantly related to either park use or park-based PA. However, numerous significant associations were found for the relationship of number of parks and amount of park space within 1 mile with both outcomes. As well, diverse facilities were associated with park use and park-based PA. For both park proximity and facilities, the significant relationships varied widely across gender, age, race, and income groups. Both park proximity and park facilities are related to park use and park-based PA. Understanding how such associations vary across demographic groups is important in planning for activity-friendly parks that are responsive to the needs of neighborhood residents.

ACS Style

Andrew T Kaczynski; Gina M Besenyi; Sonja A Wilhelm Stanis; Mohammad Javad Koohsari; Katherine B Oestman; Ryan D Bergstrom; Luke R Potwarka; Rodrigo Siqueira Reis. Are park proximity and park features related to park use and park-based physical activity among adults? Variations by multiple socio-demographic characteristics. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity 2014, 11, 1 -14.

AMA Style

Andrew T Kaczynski, Gina M Besenyi, Sonja A Wilhelm Stanis, Mohammad Javad Koohsari, Katherine B Oestman, Ryan D Bergstrom, Luke R Potwarka, Rodrigo Siqueira Reis. Are park proximity and park features related to park use and park-based physical activity among adults? Variations by multiple socio-demographic characteristics. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. 2014; 11 (1):1-14.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Andrew T Kaczynski; Gina M Besenyi; Sonja A Wilhelm Stanis; Mohammad Javad Koohsari; Katherine B Oestman; Ryan D Bergstrom; Luke R Potwarka; Rodrigo Siqueira Reis. 2014. "Are park proximity and park features related to park use and park-based physical activity among adults? Variations by multiple socio-demographic characteristics." International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity 11, no. 1: 1-14.

Journal article
Published: 01 December 2014 in Preventive Medicine
Reads 0
Downloads 0

To examine disparities in park availability, features, and characteristics by income and the percentage of foreign-born population within a predominately-Hispanic border community.This study occurred in 2010-2011 in El Paso, Texas. All census tracts (n=112) were categorized as low, medium, or high income and percent foreign-born. The number of parks intersecting each tract was determined using ArcGIS and park features (facilities, amenities) and characteristics (aesthetic features, park and neighborhood quality/safety concerns) were assessed via park audits (n=144). Analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis tests examined differences across income and percent foreign-born tertiles for all park measures.The medium income tertile had more parks than the high tertile, and more park facilities than the low or high tertiles, but no differences in park amenities were observed across income groups. As well, none of park availability, facilities, or amenities differed across percent foreign-born tertiles. Finally, parks in the high income tertile had significant fewer park and neighborhood quality/safety concerns and parks in the high percent foreign-born tertile had significantly greater park and neighborhood quality/safety concerns.Identifying disparities in park availability, features, and characteristics can aid policymakers and citizens in improving the contribution of parks to community health for all.

ACS Style

Amir A. Kamel; Paula B. Ford; Andrew T. Kaczynski. Disparities in park availability, features, and characteristics by social determinants of health within a U.S.–Mexico border urban area. Preventive Medicine 2014, 69, S111 -S113.

AMA Style

Amir A. Kamel, Paula B. Ford, Andrew T. Kaczynski. Disparities in park availability, features, and characteristics by social determinants of health within a U.S.–Mexico border urban area. Preventive Medicine. 2014; 69 ():S111-S113.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Amir A. Kamel; Paula B. Ford; Andrew T. Kaczynski. 2014. "Disparities in park availability, features, and characteristics by social determinants of health within a U.S.–Mexico border urban area." Preventive Medicine 69, no. : S111-S113.