Examining the Relationship Between Social Vulnerability and Sidewalk Access and Walkability Across a Large Southeastern U.S. City

Background: Physical activity (PA) levels and health frequently differ by sociodemographic characteristics and neighborhood features. The walkability level of neighborhoods is one of the significant reasons for such differences. Research about access to specific neighborhood walkability features according to population and community characteristics is limited and inconsistent. Methods: The purpose of this study was to examine how multiple aspects of neighborhood walkability, as measured by sidewalk access and the National Walkability Index (NWI), varied according to four themes of the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) across census block groups ( N = 115) in Columbia, South Carolina. Linear regression models were used to analyze the relationship between overall SVI and its four themes for both sidewalk access and NWI, while controlling for block group population density. Results: Results showed that the Housing Type & Transportation theme of SVI was significantly and positively associated with both sidewalk coverage and NWI of block groups within the study setting. Other themes had a variety of positive and negative nonsignificant associations with the two outcome variables. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of considering social vulnerability and neighborhood characteristics, such as walkability and sidewalk access, in promoting PA and addressing disparities in chronic diseases.