Creating an Active Living Community in Catalonia through a Participatory and Empowerment Model

Abstract

In modern societies, physical inactivity is a key modifiable risk factor to prevent and control chronic diseases. In Catalonia, 26% of the population is still physically inactive. The built and social environment embraces major determinants to influence physical activity behaviour. This study aimed to improve active transport and active living in a region of Catalonia (Osona) by using a participatory action research approach. A participation and empowerment model was applied in three small to middle-size towns from Osona ranging from 13,881 to 42,498 inhabitants. The model comprised three different consecutive phases. In Phase I, an introductory meeting with an expert panel of academic members (n=2), public health and sports delegates from governmental local organizations (n=8), and representative stakeholders from three areas -urban designers, environment, health and sport planners and politicians- (n=12) identified weaknesses and needs of the local built environment towards promoting physical activity. A formative workshop to overall stakeholders on active living communities was also conducted. In Phase II, adults (n=30; mean age 52 years; 16 women) from the community participated in three focus groups to explore perceptions on how the built and social environment influenced their physical activity behaviour. In Phase III, outcomes resulting from previous phases were presented to the expert panel in order to elaborate an action plan for improving active living in the community. Then, some of the developed strategies were implemented and evaluated April 2014 through to April 2015. The action plan highlighted several low-cost strategies such as the physical arrangement of three urban paths (markers, cleanliness, and safety arrangements), a communication campaign using posters around the community linking the paths with the 10.000 daily steps recommendation; and walking events with the use of pedometers organized by city councils. After observing the usage for walking, running or cycling of the three specific paths pre-post implementation (System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities), findings showed an average increase in users of 26%. In conclusion, the current study provides stakeholders with a valuable model for creating active living communities tailored to the specific contextual and cultural needs of Catalonia; leading to a successful action plan with a good impact on the overall number of path users.