Associations between changes in crime and changes in walking for transport with effect measure modification by gender: A fixed-effects analysis of the multilevel longitudinal HABITAT study (2007–2016).

Walking for transport is a potential solution to increasing physical activity in mid to older aged adults however neighbourhood crime may be a barrier. Using data from the How Areas in Brisbane Influence HealTh and AcTivity (HABITAT) study 2007–2016, this study examined associations between changes in crime (perceived crime and objectively measured crime) and changes in transport walking, and whether this association differed by gender. Fixed effects regression modelled associations between changes in crime and changes in transport walking, with interaction terms examining effect modification by gender. Positive associations were found between crimes against person and walking for transport. There was no evidence of effect modification by gender. Understanding the relationship between crime and walking for transport can inform policies aimed at promoting transport walking. • Fixed effects models analysed neighbourhood crime and transport walking. • Focus on mid to older aged adults. • Positive association found for crimes against person and transport walking. • The findings can inform policies aimed at promoting transport walking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]