This study conducted surveys in 2002–2003 in 11 countries to determine how neighbourhood attributes help adults meet health-enhancing physical activity guidelines. The participating countries were Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, China (Hong Kong), Japan, Lithuania, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, and the U.S. (pooled sample of 11,541 adults living in cities). Participants indicated whether seven environmental attributes were present in their neighbourhood. Five of seven environmental variables were significantly related to meeting guidelines for physical activity, ranging from access to low-cost recreation facilities (OR 1.16) to pavements on most streets (OR 1.47). A graded association was observed, with the most activity–supportive neighbourhoods having 100% higher rates of sufficient physical activity compared to those with no supportive attributes.
