The moderating influences of social networks on the relationship between neighbourhood walkability and sedentary behaviour in community-dwelling older adults in Accra, Ghana

Aim Understanding how the utilization of walkable neighbourhoods to reduce sedentary behaviour is affected by social and demographic factors is important. Therefore, this study examined the moderating influences of active social networks, sedentary social networks and active social networks lost on the association between neighbourhood walkability and sedentary behaviour. Subject and Methods Twelve hundred community-dwelling older adults (>= 60 years old) in Accra, Ghana, participated in this study. From these, 863 returned completed questionnaires on their social networks and sedentary behaviours and were incorporated into the analysis using Pearson's correlation and hierarchical linear regression (HLR) models controlling for confounding variables identified using sensitivity analysis. Results Low neighbourhood walkability was associated with sedentary behaviour after controlling for confounders (beta = -0.09; t = -2.7; p < 0.05). The negative influence of neighbourhood walkability on sedentary behaviour was significantly increased by the number of social network members independently of their activity levels. Conclusion Low neighbourhood walkability was associated with sedentary behaviour, and older adults ought to constantly replenish or at least retain their social networks and active social networks in particular as they age to reduce sedentary behaviour.