Spatial analysis of crime incidence and adolescent physical activity

•Studies assessing the relationship between crime and activity show mixed results.•Prior studies largely use self-reported physical activity and location estimations.•This study uses objective measures for location and physical activity.•We test the association between objectively measured crime and physical activity.•A strong positive association exists between crime and adolescent physical activity.

ObjectivesAdolescents do not achieve recommended levels of physical activity. Crime is believed to be a barrier to physical activity among youth, but findings are inconsistent. This study compares the spatial distribution of crime incidences and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among adolescents in Massachusetts between 2011 and 2012, and examines the correlation between crime and MVPA.MethodsEighty adolescents provided objective physical activity (accelerometer) and location (Global Positioning Systems) data. Crime report data were obtained from the city police department. Data were mapped using geographic information systems, and crime and MVPA densities were calculated using kernel density estimations. Spearman's correlation tested for associations between crime and MVPA.ResultsOverall, 1694 reported crimes and 16,702 min of MVPA were included in analyses. A strong positive correlation was present between crime and adolescent MVPA (ρ = 0.72, p < 0.0001). Crime remained positively associated with MVPA in locations falling within the lowest quartile (ρ = 0.43, p < 0.0001) and highest quartile (ρ = 0.32, p < 0.0001) of crime density.ConclusionsThis study found a strong positive association between crime and adolescent MVPA, despite research suggesting the opposite relationship. This counterintuitive finding may be explained by the logic of a common destination: neighborhood spaces which are desirable destinations and promote physical activity may likewise attract crime.