Correlation between neighborhood environment and sports volunteerism among adults in Japan: a cross-sectional study based on a national survey

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to identify environmental factors associated with participation in sports volunteer activities in Japan using cross-sectional survey data.METHODS: Data were derived from the National Sports-Life Survey conducted by the Sasakawa Sports Foundation in 2018, which involved 2711 participants, excluding individual data and missing values. The survey assessed participation in sports volunteer activities and neighborhood environmental factors using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Environment Module. A multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression analysis was used to examine these associations.RESULTS: Of the participants, 6.8% engaged in sports volunteer activities. The analysis revealed that the presence of recreational facilities was positively associated with participation, while the presence of sidewalks was negatively associated. Other significant factors included age and sports experience.CONCLUSIONS: We clarified the importance of neighborhood environment in promoting sports volunteer activities. Access to recreational facilities increases participation in sports volunteer activities, and the presence of sidewalks may reduce participation in sports volunteer activities. Therefore, urban planning and neighborhood development should consider these factors to promote participation in sports volunteer activities.