Identifying physical drivers affecting the reduction of active behaviors (case study of Sari city

Unhealthy lifestyle is an important risk factor for human well-being. Inactivity is an inappropriate lifestyle that is associated with anxiety and depression disorders. In recent years, the prevalence of inactive behaviors has increased. Several factors are involved in the increase of such behaviors. Physical elements are one of these factors. Despite the extent of the health risks of inactive behavior and the increased mortality caused by it, limited studies have been conducted to show the relationship between physical characteristics and inactive behaviors. So far, no study has been conducted on this issue in Iran. Therefore, this research aims to examine the relationship and effect of physical drivers on inactive behavior. The statistical population of this research included the residents of district 3 of Sari city and 380 people were selected as sample size. The methodology of the research is based on descriptive-analytical approach. For data analysis, SPSS and GIS software and statistical methods of Phi coefficient test and multivariate linear regression were used. The findings indicated that there was a positive relationship between physical indicators and active behaviors, and the intensity of the relationship is high in most indicators. Among the variables, sidewalks (0.484), the infrastructure development related to green spaces along the pedestrian paths (0.391) and diversity of land-uses (0.378) had the greatest effect on reducing inactive behavior.