Analyze the characteristics of the healthy cities projects using HP-Source.net in Korea

Abstract

This study is to analyze the characteristics of Healthy City projects to make suggestions for better development in the future. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 38 dedicated full members of the Korea Healthy Cities Partnership (KHCP). The survey tool was developed with reference to the website HP-Source.net. Questionnaires contained items concerning eight areas of health promotion capacities and 34 questionnaires were analyzed; response rate was 89.5%. Middle-sized or small cities are more interested and active in Healthy City projects. Twenty-seven Healthy Cities (79.41%) have full-time personnel for the projects. Twenty-five Healthy Cities (73.53%) set up the project team in the public health center, and nine in city or county offices. The heads of 22 Healthy Cities (64.71%) are deeply involved in the Healthy City project. Twenty cities (58.82%) developed mid- or long-term plans. Only 14 cities conducted self-evaluation of their projects. Twenty-two cities responded that the central government should grant awards to boost the projects and motivate workers. The Health Promotion Fund financing to 10 local governments, accounts for 29.41%. Twenty-one cities (61.76%) secured project financing from the general budgets. One city allocates the entire revenue from the local tobacco tax for Healthy City projects. In Korea, Healthy City projects have been voluntarily initiated by local governments. Korean Healthy Cities are active in exploring ties with KHCP, Alliances for Healthy Cities. The analytical tools found on HP-source.net would provide the database for more useful and meaningful information than simply analysis of current status. Support from the central government and funding from the Health Promotion Fund may help to boost the projects. This study shows characteristic and challenges of the Healthy City project in Korea. The outcomes of this study can be utilized for development, implementation and scalining up Healthy Cities.