Publication
Title
Using kernel density estimation to understand the influence of neighbourhood destinations on BMI
Author
Abstract
Objectives: Little is known about how the distribution of destinations in the local neighbourhood is related to body mass index (BMI). Kernel density estimation (KDE) is a spatial analysis technique that accounts for the location of features relative to each other. Using KDE, this study investigated whether individuals living near destinations (shops and service facilities) that are more intensely distributed rather than dispersed, have lower BMIs. Study design and setting: A cross-sectional study of 2349 residents of 50 urban areas in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia. Methods: Destinations were geocoded, and kernel density estimates of destination intensity were created using kernels of 400, 800 and 1200 m. Using multilevel linear regression, the association between destination intensity (classified in quintiles Q1(least)-Q5(most)) and BMI was estimated in models that adjusted for the following confounders: age, sex, country of birth, education, dominant household occupation, household type, disability/injury and area disadvantage. Separate models included a physical activity variable. Results: For kernels of 800 and 1200 m, there was an inverse relationship between BMI and more intensely distributed destinations (compared to areas with least destination intensity). Effects were significant at 1200 m: Q4, beta-0.86, 95% CI -1.58 to -0.13, p= 0.022; Q5, beta-1.03 95% CI -1.65 to -0.41, p= 0.001. Inclusion of physical activity in the models attenuated effects, although effects remained marginally significant for Q5 at 1200 m: beta-0.77 95% CI -1.52, -0.02, p=0.045. Conclusions: This study conducted within urban Melbourne, Australia, found that participants living in areas of greater destination intensity within 1200 m of home had lower BMIs. Effects were partly explained by physical activity. The results suggest that increasing the intensity of destination distribution could reduce BMI levels by encouraging higher levels of physical activity.
Language
English
Source (journal)
BMJ open. - London, 2011, currens
Publication
London : BMJ Group , 2016
ISSN
2044-6055
DOI
10.1136/BMJOPEN-2015-008878
Volume/pages
6 :2 (2016) , 8 p.
Article Reference
e008878
ISI
000381514500025
Pubmed ID
26883235
Medium
E-only publicatie
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Publication type
Subject
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 07.10.2021
Last edited 26.12.2024
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