Disparities in adolescents’ residence in neighborhoods supportive of physical activity — United States, 2011-2012

What is already known about this topic? Physical activity has health benefits for persons of all ages. Currently, approximately one in four youths is active enough to meet the aerobic physical activity guideline. Strategies to improve the built environment, such as ensuring the safety and availability of sidewalks or locating parks and recreation facilities nearby, are recommended approaches to promote physical activity. What is added by this report? During 2011–2012, approximately two thirds of adolescents aged 10–17 years lived in a neighborhood supportive of physical activity, based on a composite measure derived from parental perceived neighborhood safety; availability of sidewalks or walking paths; and the availability of parks, playgrounds, or recreation centers. The proportion of adolescents living in neighborhoods supportive of physical activity was lower among adolescents who were non-Hispanic black or Hispanic, overweight or obese, from households with lower socioeconomic status (less educated, lower income), or from rural areas. What are the implications for public health practice? All children and adolescents should have access to opportunities to be physically active. Creating or enhancing programs and strategies aimed at increasing physical activity might reduce disparities. Programs and strategies include ensuring that neighborhoods are safe and have well-maintained sidewalks and parks or recreation facilities nearby, especially in areas with a higher concentration of minority, low-income, and less educated residents and in rural areas.