Background
Mass media campaigns are widely used in Australia and elsewhere to promote physical activity among adults. Neighbourhood walkability is consistently shown to be associated with walking and total activity. Campaigns may have different effects on individuals living in high and low walkable neighbourhoods.
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to compare pre- and post-campaign cognitive and behavioural impacts of the Heart Foundation’s Find Thirty every day® campaign, in respondents living in high and lower walkable neighbourhoods.
Methods
Pre- and post-campaign cross-sectional survey data were linked with objectively measured neighbourhood walkability. Cognitive and behavioural impacts were assessed using logistic regression stratified by walkability.
Results
Cognitive impacts were significantly higher post-campaign and consistently higher in respondents in high compared with lower walkable neighbourhoods. Post campaign sufficient activity was significantly higher and transport walking significantly lower, but only in residents of lower walkable areas.
Conclusions
Cognitive impacts of mass media physical activity campaigns may be enhanced by living in a more walkable neighbourhood.