Relationship of perceived and objective measures of parks with park use and health in Bogota, Colombia

Data used in the current study were collected in a 2005 cross-sectional study conducted by Fudacion FES, Universidad de los Andes, and the WHO Collaborating Centre on Physical Activity and Health Promotion, which included 1,334 participants from 150 blocks in 30 Bogotá neighborhoods. Initial analysis of these data indicated that park density was positively associated with meeting recommendations for leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and with having engaged in any type of LTPA. The objective of the current study is to assess the relationship of two outcome variables, self-reported park use and healthfulness of the neighborhood, with objective and perceived measures of parks in the neighborhood. Perceived measures include satisfaction with public space, distance to parks, feelings of safety in parks, and satisfaction with parks specifically. Perceived safety in parks during daytime hours and the presence of others exercising in the neighborhood were examined as possible confounders. Objective measures of parks were obtained as data in GIS. These data include proximity to parks, density of parks and quantity (size, number of each type). General statistical tests were performed using procedures in SAS 9.1. Hierarchical linear models were developed using HLM software for the two outcomes of interest: park use and perceived healthfulness of the neighborhood environment. A better understanding of connections between perceived or objective environmental characteristics in the context of the city of Bogotá will provide valuable guidance for future efforts to promote healthy lifestyles in that city and others in Latin America.