Does social environment mediate the association between perceived safety and physical activity among adults living in low socioeconomic neighborhoods?

Background: Environmental and social factors may affect residents' physical activity, which has a strong impact on their well-being. Purpose: The present study examines the association between perceived safety variables and physical activity (Leisure-Time Physical Activity (LTPA), Transport-Related Physical Activity (TRPA), and Total Physical Activity (TPA)) and whether these correlations are mediated by the social environment. Methods: For this purpose, a questionnaire was distributed systematically among 2000 adults living in low socioeconomic neighborhoods in Bandar Abbas city, Iran. A total of 1833 qualified questionnaires were used for further analysis. Results: Men were more likely to do TRPA and TPA than women; in addition, married people were less likely to do these activities than single people. Aging significantly decreased the odds of LTPA and TPA. Having at least one motor vehicle in the households decreased the chance of TRPA. Perceived safety from crime, general safety, and social ties were positively associated with all types of physical activity. Collective efficacy also increased the odds of TPA. Incivilities associated with LTPA after social variables were added to model. The findings revealed the mediatory effect of social environment on the link between perceived safety and physical activity. Additionally, findings recommended that perceived safety also slightly mediates the relationship between social environment and physical activity. Conclusions: Strategies that empower collective efficacy and social ties within the neighborhoods can be utilized to limit the effect of neighborhood problems on healthy physical activities.