Structural equation modeling of the relationships between participation in leisure activities and community environments by people with mobility impairments.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the linkages between the constructs of participation and the environment for a set of leisure activities (attending concerts, attending movies, attending sporting events).

DESIGN

Self-report surveys of the influence of the environment on participation were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Temporal, evaluative, and health-related aspects of leisure activities were selected as latent variables associated with participation. The environmental construct consisted of the latent variables of the influence on participation of the natural, interpersonal, built, background, and supportive environments.

SETTING

Midwestern United States.

PARTICIPANTS

A purposive sample of people (N=604) with mobility limitations.

INTERVENTION: None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Measures of relationships between participation in leisure activities and the environment of people with mobility limitations.

RESULTS

Structural equation modeling can be an important tool for empirically examining the contributions of the component latent variables of participation and the environment.

CONCLUSIONS

A model that fits participation by people with disabling conditions in their environment can provide guidance for community-based interventions and person-based therapies.