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Examining Aspects of the Built Environment: An Evaluation of a Community Walking Map Project

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Canadian Journal of Public Health Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Objective

Interventions that address the built environment present an opportunity to affect behaviours such as physical activity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a community walking map developed for eight neighbourhoods in the City of Edmonton (COE).

Method

A walking map developed in partnership with the COE’s Walkable Initiative was distributed to 11,994 households across eight neighbourhoods in July 2010. In total, 149 respondents completed an online follow-up survey that assessed the effectiveness of the walking maps in influencing physical activity.

Results

Of the 149 respondents, 89 (59.7%) reported that they had received a copy of the map, and 60 (40.2%) reported that they had not. Of those who had a copy, 76.4% (n=68) indicated that the routes and destinations on the map encouraged them to walk more in the community, 64.0% (n=57) stated they would walk more often to get to destinations, and 55.1 % (n=49) indicated they would walk more often for physical activity or exercise as a result of having a copy of the map. Finally, 91.0% (n=81) stated that they found the map to be useful, as it provided walking routes (60/81, 74.1 %,) and places to go in the community (57/81, 70.4%). Of those who did not receive a copy, 95.0% (n=57) indicated that they would use a community walking map.

Conclusion

This evaluation demonstrated that a community walking map was a valuable tool for not only encouraging walking for physical activity but also motivating individuals to explore their communities and visit local community destinations.

Résumé

Objectif

Les interventions sur le milieu bâti sont des occasions d’influencer les comportements comme l’activité physique. Notre étude visait à évaluer une carte de marche dans la communauté élaborée pour huit quartiers de la ville d’Edmonton.

Méthode

Une carte de marche, élaborée en partenariat avec le projet Walkable Initiative d’Edmonton, a été envoyée à 11 994 ménages de huit quartiers en juillet 2010. En tout, 149 répondants ont rempli un questionnaire de suivi en ligne évaluant l’influence de ces cartes sur leur niveau d’activité physique.

Résultats

Sur les 149 répondants, 89 (59,7 %) ont dit avoir reçu un exemplaire de la carte, et 60 (40,2 %) ont dit ne pas en avoir reçu. De ceux qui en avaient un exemplaire, 76,4 % (n=68) ont indiqué que les trajets et les points d’intérêt sur la carte les incitaient à marcher davantage dans la communauté, 64 % (n=57) ont dit qu’ils se rendaient plus souvent à leurs destinations à pied, et 55,1 % (n=49) ont indiqué qu’ils marchaient plus souvent pour faire de l’activité physique ou de l’exercice depuis qu’ils avaient la carte. Enfin, 91 % (n=81) ont dit avoir trouvé la carte utile, car elle propose des trajets (60/81, 74,1 %) et des endroits à visiter dans la communauté (57/81, 70,4 %). De ceux qui n’avaient pas reçu la carte, 95 % (n=57) ont indiqué qu’ils se serviraient d’une carte de marche dans la communauté.

Conclusion

Cette évaluation montre qu’une carte de marche dans la communauté est un outil précieux non seulement pour encourager la marche en tant qu’activité physique mais pour inciter les gens à explorer leur communauté et à visiter des points d’intérêt locaux.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Health Promotion Studies, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-258 ECHA, 11405-87 Ave., Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada

    Candace I. J. Nykiforuk PhD (Asst. Professor) & Laura M. Nieuwendyk MSc

  2. Health Facility Planning, Regional Municipality of Peel, Mississauga, ON, Canada

    Shaesta Mitha MPH

  3. Walkable Edmonton, City of Edmonton Community Services, Edmonton, AB, Canada

    Ian Hosler

Authors
  1. Candace I. J. Nykiforuk PhD
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  2. Laura M. Nieuwendyk MSc
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  3. Shaesta Mitha MPH
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  4. Ian Hosler
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Candace I. J. Nykiforuk PhD.

Additional information

Acknowledgements: Funding for this project was provided by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada in partnership with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. I. Hosier is a community partner who was employed by the walking map initiative

Conflict of Interest: None to declare

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Nykiforuk, C.I.J., Nieuwendyk, L.M., Mitha, S. et al. Examining Aspects of the Built Environment: An Evaluation of a Community Walking Map Project. Can J Public Health 103 (Suppl 3), S67–S72 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03403838

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03403838

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