Association between Park Visitation and Physical Activity among Adults in Bangkok, Thailand
Sigit D. Arifwidodo, Orana Chandrasiri, Niramon Rasri, Wipada Sirawarong, Panitat Rattanawichit, Natsiporn Sangyuan
Abstract
Visiting parks regularly can provide multiple health benefits, including increased physical activity levels. However, empirical evidence connecting park visitation and physical activity in urban settings in Southeast Asia remains scarce. This study explores the association between park visitation and physical activity among adults. A cross-sectional study using a survey questionnaire of 585 respondents in Bangkok, Thailand was conducted. Two binomial logistic regressions (odds ratio = ORs, 95% confidence interval = CI) with park visitation and physical activity level as the dependent variables were employed. We found that park visitation was influenced by individual and neighborhood environment correlates. People with a healthy lifestyle and who lived near parks were more likely to visit parks. We also found that park visitation was a strong predictor of physical activity. People who visited parks were almost four times more likely to meet the 2020 WHO global recommendation for physical activity of 150 min of medium and vigorous physical activity per week. The findings suggested that parks and green spaces are important settings for physical activity. The results of this study can inform policymakers on how to plan and design active environments that are conducive to physical activity and health.