Association Between Park Characteristics and Park-Based Physical Activity Using Systematic Observation: Insights from Bangkok, Thailand

Sigit D Arifwidodo,Orana Chandrasiri

doi:10.3390/su12062559

Sigit D Arifwidodo, Orana Chandrasiri

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/su12062559

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Journal: Sustainability	Publication Date: Mar 24, 2020
Citations: 14	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Kasetsart University, Ministry of Public Health

Abstract

Parks hold an essential role in promoting physical activity in urban areas. Studies have found that park characteristics such as park size, facilities, accessibility, and aesthetics are reported to have a positive association with increasing physical activity of the urban populations. However, the evidence in the context of Southeast Asian cities is still lacking, as most studies are from North America and Europe. The study explores the associations between park characteristics and park-based physical activity in Bangkok, Thailand. Ten major public parks were examined using the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC). Descriptive analysis was used to understand the characteristics of park users and park-based physical activity. A bivariate logistic regression model was employed to determine the variables of park characteristics and of having moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). We found that parks with bigger sizes and better access to public transport were associated with a higher likelihood of users having MVPA in the park. We also found that adding more facilities in the park, even if they are specifically aimed for physical activity, would not increase the likelihood of having MVPA. The findings from the study suggested that investing in better accessibility and physical quality of existing parks as well as improving equal opportunities for park use will be a more sensible option for promoting park-based physical activity in Bangkok, Thailand.

Highlights

Persistent trends in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), overweightness, and obesity have resulted in a rapid research effort focused on exploring the relationship between the built environment and physical activity [1,2]
This study examines the association of park characteristics with park-based physical activity in Bangkok, Thailand
We found that parks with bigger sizes and better access to public transport were associated with a higher likelihood of users having moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in the park

Summary

Introduction

Persistent trends in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), overweightness, and obesity have resulted in a rapid research effort focused on exploring the relationship between the built environment and physical activity [1,2]. Evidence regarding the influence of the built environment on physical activity behavior suggests that it can both enable and limit physical activity participation [3]. Investing in parks is considered as an effective strategy to promote physical activity by local governments [5]. Studies have been found to suggest that barriers to park use, such as lack of access, safety concerns, and poor maintenance of facilities, were associated with increased insufficient physical activity [7,8]. Parks have various facilities and features that can encourage people to engage in physical activity. It was suggested that the availability of these facilities is a strong predictor of increasing physical activity levels in the park [9,10]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion