Mei Yang | Texas State University

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Presentation Description

Cardiometabolic disease, a group of common chronic diseases that affect the cardiovascular system (heart, blood, and blood vessels) and metabolic health, remains the number one cause of mortality worldwide. These diseases are prevalent but often preventable, affecting significant numbers of adults in the U.S. (11% with diabetes, and 10% with cardiovascular diseases). Regular physical activities, such as walking, play a crucial role in reducing health risks and improving health, particularly in reducing obesity and diabetes. We examined the association between neighborhood walkability and cardiometabolic disease incidence in Texas, using 1,994 observations in 2019 merged from the Texas Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and the Environmental Protection Agency's national walkability index. We employed multivariable regression to assess the association between body mass index (BMI), high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and walkability, while controlling age, sex, and family diabetes history. Our findings revealed a significant negative correlation between walkability and several cardiometabolic diseases, including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and BMI. This indicates that higher neighborhood walkability is associated with a reduced risk of these diseases and a lower BMI. Our findings also show that the effects of the control variables are consistent with prior studies. For example, being male or older is associated with an increased risk of developing high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease; moreover, a family history of diabetes is linked to a higher risk of developing the condition. Our findings highlight the importance of urban planning policies promoting walkable neighborhoods, as increased walkability can significantly reduce the incidence of cardiometabolic diseases and improve public health. These results also suggest incorporating community-based approaches in health promotion strategies, focusing on creating more walkable environments to mitigate the risk of these preventable diseases.

Speaker Biography

Dr. Mei Yang, a Ph.D. in Geographic Information Science (GIS) from Texas State University, specializes in the intersection of GIS and public health, with a focus on understanding geographical variations in disease prevalence and the role of environmental factors in health outcomes. Currently, as a Postdoctoral Scholar, she is exploring transportation-related factors affecting health in Texas.

Co-presenters

Tiankai Wang
Texas State University

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