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Park-Based Physical Activity, Users’ Socioeconomic Profiles, and Parks’ Characteristics: Empirical Evidence from Bangkok

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  • Shengyue Miao

    (Department of Development and Sustainability, School of Environment, Resources and Development, Asian Institute of Technology, Khlong Luang 12120, Pathum Thani, Thailand)

  • Nophea Sasaki

    (Department of Development and Sustainability, School of Environment, Resources and Development, Asian Institute of Technology, Khlong Luang 12120, Pathum Thani, Thailand)

  • Takuji W. Tsusaka

    (Department of Development and Sustainability, School of Environment, Resources and Development, Asian Institute of Technology, Khlong Luang 12120, Pathum Thani, Thailand)

  • Ekbordin Winijkul

    (Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Change, School of Environment, Resources and Development, Asian Institute of Technology, Khlong Luang 12120, Pathum Thani, Thailand)

Abstract

It is beneficial to a person’s physical and mental health to engage in regular physical activity, while public parks are a critical infrastructure for encouraging physical activity. However, little research has examined how parks’ and users’ characteristics affect activity intensity. Using primary data collected from 432 users of six public parks of different sizes in Bangkok, this study examined the relationship between park and user characteristics and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to understand the user profile and usage of the parks. Logistic regression was employed to determine the association between MVPA and the characteristics of parks and park users. The results show that MVPA was positively influenced by gender (being male with MVPA of 29.0%), time spent in the parks (MVPA of 22.7%), weekend evenings by 21.6%, large park size by 18.9%, and availability of park facilities by 233.0%. However, age, marital status, and occupation did not influence MVPA. Our findings indicate that the improvement of park facilities and enlargement of park size can increase MVPA for various ages and genders. Furthermore, improving facilities in small parks, raising local awareness, and disseminating information about parks can boost MVPA.

Suggested Citation

  • Shengyue Miao & Nophea Sasaki & Takuji W. Tsusaka & Ekbordin Winijkul, 2023. "Park-Based Physical Activity, Users’ Socioeconomic Profiles, and Parks’ Characteristics: Empirical Evidence from Bangkok," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-16, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:3:p:2007-:d:1042521
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sigit D. Arifwidodo & Orana Chandrasiri, 2020. "Association Between Park Characteristics and Park-Based Physical Activity Using Systematic Observation: Insights from Bangkok, Thailand," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-10, March.
    2. Chuloh Jung & Nahla Al Qassimi & Mohammad Arar & Jihad Awad, 2022. "The Improvement of User Satisfaction for Two Urban Parks in Dubai, UAE: Bay Avenue Park and Al Ittihad Park," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-23, March.
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    4. Diana Andreea Onose & Ioan Cristian Iojă & Mihai Răzvan Niță & Gabriel Ovidiu Vânău & Ana Maria Popa, 2020. "Too Old for Recreation? How Friendly Are Urban Parks for Elderly People?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-14, January.
    5. Kaczynski, A.T. & Potwarka, L.R. & Saelens P, B.E., 2008. "Association of park size, distance, and features with physical activity in neighborhood parks," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 98(8), pages 1451-1456.
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    7. Piercy, K.L. & Dorn, J.M. & Fulton, J.E. & Janz, K.F. & Lee, S.M. & McKinnon, R.A. & Pate, R.R. & Pfeiffer, K.A. & Young, D.R. & Troiano, R.P. & Lavizzo-Mourey, R., 2015. "Opportunities for public health to increase physical activity among youths," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 105(3), pages 421-426.
    8. Miguel Peralta & João Martins & Dartagnan Pinto Guedes & Hugo Sarmento & Adilson Marques, 2018. "Socio-demographic correlates of physical activity among European older people," European Journal of Ageing, Springer, vol. 15(1), pages 5-13, March.
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    1. Sigit D. Arifwidodo & Orana Chandrasiri & Putthipanya Rueangsom, 2025. "Is Proximity to Parks Associated with Physical Activity and Well-Being? Insights from 15-Minute Parks Policy Initiative in Bangkok, Thailand," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(16), pages 1-22, August.

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