Moderating Role of Perceived Neighborhood Environment on Physical Activity and BMI Outcomes of a Diet and Physical Activity Intervention Among Latina Breast Cancer Survivors.
Courtney M Hill, Eileen Rillamas-Sun, Amanda M Marín-Chollom et al.
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In 30 seconds
This secondary analysis of a randomized trial examined whether perceived neighborhood aesthetics and walkability modified diet and physical activity intervention outcomes among 86 urban Latina breast cancer survivors. Neighborhood perceptions were assessed at baseline, with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and body mass index measured at baseline, 6, and 12 months. Lower perceived aesthetics and walkability were associated with smaller MVPA improvements after the eHealth intervention at 6 months: changes were 501 and 454 minutes per week lower, respectively, than among participants reporting higher perceptions. Neighborhood perceptions did not modify in-person intervention effects or BMI outcomes.
Key findings
- For the eHealth intervention, 6-month MVPA change was 501 minutes per week lower with low versus high perceived neighborhood aesthetics (95% CI, -837 to -165).
- For the eHealth intervention, 6-month MVPA change was 454 minutes per week lower with low versus high perceived neighborhood walkability (95% CI, -799 to -109).
- Neighborhood perceptions did not moderate in-person intervention effects on MVPA or BMI at any assessed time point.
- Lower-income and less-educated participants more commonly reported low neighborhood aesthetics and walkability.
Why it matters
The findings suggest that perceived neighborhood conditions may shape physical activity gains from remote lifestyle interventions, even when the intervention itself provides motivational and informational support. Considering participants’ perceptions of their surroundings may help explain variation in intervention response and inform the design of programs for urban Latina breast cancer survivors. The analysis found no corresponding moderation for BMI or in-person intervention effects.
What to keep in mind
This was a secondary analysis of a subset of participants from a randomized trial; neighborhood perceptions were assessed by participant report, and the reported moderation was specific to the eHealth intervention’s 6-month MVPA outcome.