Associations of park features with park use and park-based physical activity in an urban environment in Asia: A cross-sectional study. (May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Petrunoff, Nicholas A.; Edney, Sarah; Yi, Ng Xian; Dickens, Borame L.; Joel, Koo Ruihan; Xin, Wang Nan; Sia, Angelia; Leong, Duncan; van Dam, Rob M.; Cook, Alex R.; Sallis, James F.; Chandrabose, Manoj; Owen, Neville; Müller-Riemenschneider, Falk
• Is Part Of: Health & place. Volume 75(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-05
• Subjects: Asia -- Adults -- Environmental assessment of public recreation spaces observational measure (EAPRS) -- Urban parks -- Green spaces -- Nature -- Built environment -- Recreation; Health -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Health services accessibility -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Political planning -- Periodicals; Social medicine -- Periodicals; Epidemiology -- Periodicals; Health Policy -- Periodicals; Health Services Accessibility -- Periodicals; Public Health -- Periodicals; Public Policy -- Periodicals; Sociology, Medical -- Periodicals; Épidémiologie -- Périodiques; Politique sanitaire -- Périodiques; Santé, Services de -- Accessibilité -- Périodiques; Health services accessibility; Health -- Social aspects; Political planning; Public health; Social medicine; Periodicals; 613
• DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2022.102790
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1353-8292

Abstract

Abstract: Park use is associated with health, yet our understanding of park features related to their use is limited. Singapore's parks were audited for 30 micro-features, then geospatial analysis characterized micro-features scores for parks nearest to participants' homes. Adults (3, 435) reported their park use and park-based physical activity. Using linear regression models, we found living near a park with higher micro-features scores was associated with more time in parks and park-based physical activity. Specific micro-features were associated with more park time (wildlife areas, water features, forested areas, unpaved trails (2–2.6 h/month, p < 0.05)) and with physical activity in parks (water features, forested areas, large playground, open green spaces (1.8–2.2 h/month, p < 0.05)). These findings could inform parks planning to support population-health. Highlights: Park use is associated with health. Despite being amenable to change, research on micro-level park features is scant. We audited all public parks in Singapore for 30 micro-features. Specific features were associated with more park time (e.g. unpaved trails) and with park-based physical (e.g. forested areas). These findings may inform the planning of parks that promote health.