eCite Digital Repository

Socio-demographic, behavioural and health-related characteristics associated with active commuting in a regional Australian state: evidence from the 2016 Tasmanian Population Health Survey

Citation

Stanesby, O and Long, M and Ball, K and Blizzard, L and Cocker, F and Greaves, S and Harpur, S and Johnston, F and Jose, K and Marshall, E and Palmer, AJ and Sharman, M and Venn, A and Williams, J and Cleland, V, Socio-demographic, behavioural and health-related characteristics associated with active commuting in a regional Australian state: evidence from the 2016 Tasmanian Population Health Survey, Health Promotion Journal of Australia, (September) pp. 1-12. ISSN 2201-1617 (2020) [Refereed Article]


Preview		PDF (final author version)
Available from 01 September 2021
409Kb		  

Copyright Statement

Copyright 2020 Australian Health Promotion Association

DOI: doi:10.1002/hpja.428

Abstract

Issue addressed: Physical activity is lower and rates of preventable common diseases are higher in regional/rural than urban Australia. Active commuting (walking/bicycling to get from one place to another) may benefit health through increased physical activity, but most evidence of its correlates come from urban studies. This study aimed to investigate associations between active commuting, socio-demographic characteristics, behaviours, total physical activity and health in a regional/rural Australian state.

Methods: This study used data from the 2016 Tasmanian Population Health Survey, a representative cross-sectional self-report survey of 6,300 adults in Tasmania, Australia. Logistic regression modelling investigated associations between socio-demographic, behavioural and health characteristics and past week active commuting frequency.

Results: In multivariable models, being younger, having tertiary qualifications, living in a socio-economically advantaged area, being physically active, having a healthy body mass index and good/excellent self-rated health were associated with engaging in more active commuting. Inner regional dwellers were no more likely than outer regional dwellers to actively commute after covariate adjustment.

Conclusion: Strategies to promote active commuting in regional/rural areas might consider targeting older adults, those less educated, those living in socio-economically disadvantaged areas, those less physically active, those with poorer health and those with higher body mass index. Research could further investigate why these groups appear to be less active for commuting purposes.

So what?: Increasing physical activity and active commuting may help to reduce rates of preventable common diseases in regional/remote areas.

Item Details

Item Type:Refereed Article
Keywords:behavioral research, cross-sectional studies, epidemiologic factors, exercise, locomotion, rural health, transportation
Research Division:Health Sciences
Research Group:Public health
Research Field:Health promotion
Objective Division:Health
Objective Group:Public health (excl. specific population health)
Objective Field:Behaviour and health
UTAS Author:Stanesby, O (Mr Oliver Stanesby)
UTAS Author:Blizzard, L (Professor Leigh Blizzard)
UTAS Author:Cocker, F (Dr Fiona Cocker)
UTAS Author:Johnston, F (Associate Professor Fay Johnston)
UTAS Author:Jose, K (Dr Kim Jose)
UTAS Author:Palmer, AJ (Professor Andrew Palmer)
UTAS Author:Sharman, M (Dr Melanie Sharman)
UTAS Author:Venn, A (Professor Alison Venn)
UTAS Author:Cleland, V (Associate Professor Verity Cleland)
ID Code:142052
Year Published:2020
Deposited By:Menzies Institute for Medical Research
Deposited On:2020-12-10
Last Modified:2021-02-15
Downloads:0

Repository Staff Only: item control page