Perceived environmental aesthetics and convenience and company are associated with walking for exercise among Australian adults

Background. This study aimed to investigate relationships between environme ntal aesthetics, convenience, and walking companions and walking for exerci se or recreation and to investigate differences in these relationships by s ex and by reported physical and mental health. Methods. Analyses of cross-sectional self-report data from a statewide popu lation survey of 3,392 Australian adults were used. Results. Men and women reporting a less aesthetically pleasing or less conv enient environment were less likely to report walking for exercise or recre ation in the past 2 weeks. Those respondents, particularly women, reporting no company or pet to walk with were also less likely to walk for exercise or recreation. Associations with environmental and social influences were o bserved for men and women reporting both good and poor physical and mental health. Conclusions. Perceived environmental aesthetics and convenience and walking companions are important correlates of walking for exercise among urban Au stralians. Acknowledging the cross-sectional nature of these data, findings support a case for evaluation of environmental policies to promote physica l activity. (C) 2001 American Health Foundation and Academic Press.