earticle

영어

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the relationship between individual, social and physical environments and walking behavior of adults in rural communities. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a convenient sample of 1,529 adults aged 20-64 years from 38 rural areas (eup or myeon) in Chungbuk province in South Korea. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, χ ²-test, t-test, and logistic regression analysis using the SPSS 25.0 program. Results: Logistic regression analysis shows that individual factors associated with walking activities of adults in rural communities were age, household monthly income, and self-efficacy for physical activities. Social environmental factors were social support for physical activities and safety level of the neighborhood. Finally, physical environmental factors were attractive environment for walking and availability of exercise facilities. Conclusions: The findings suggest that indivisuals could be motivated to walk more by providing a social and physical environment that is favorable for walking. Thus, the influence of environmental factors such as safety and scenic beauty, among others, should be considered when developing interventions to encourage more walking in rural adults.