'Does the community use the built environment?' assessing the utilization of healthy space model in bridging physical activity inequalities for the thai population

Abstract

© 2020 Human Geographies; The authors. This study aims to assess the utilization of built environment under healthy space model for physical activity as a measure of inequalities in Thai communities. The mothodology included a cross-sectional survey with face-to-face interviews with a total of 2,046 community members. About 48% of the residents who lived near a sports complex have used the facility, while 22% and 31% of the locals have participated in the creative city and elderly healthy community. Compared to non-participants, sufficient MVPA was significantly higher among those who participated in the healthy space program (t=6.387***). The results suggested that healthy space model could eliminate most socioeconomic inequalities but could not eliminate age-driven physical ability and social support inequalities in accessing PA amenities. The model could serve as an example for low-middle income countries where inequalities could not be neglected. The community engagement as the key of the model therefore is crucial, not only to make sure high participation but also in maintaining the built environment for PA.