Association Between Neighborhood’s Visual Quality and Resident's Physical Activity: A Case Study

Abstract

Background and Objective: The visual quality of the environment affects the level of physical activity of citizens, so it is necessary to take basic steps to reduce the gap between urban planning and public health through interdisciplinary studies. This study aimed to identify the relationship between visual quality and amount of physical activity in the neighborhood Mehrshahr of Karaj. Materials and Methods: This study was a quantitative research that was done with a confirmatory factor analysis approach. The statistical population was 100 residents of Mehrshahr neighborhood of Karaj who were randomly selected. Data were collected using two questionnaires. Data analysis and hypothesis testing by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and partial least squares (PLS) tests, Spearman and analysis of variance were one-way. Results: The results showed that the quality of neighborhood s visual quality with mean and standard deviation was 3/62±0/57 and there was a statistically significant difference with the average population (p=0/001). The mean and standard deviation of residents’ physical activity was 3.24 ± 0.51 which was statistically significant (P= 0.001). The results of path analysis showed that the quality of visual perception of residents of the environment has a positive and significant effect on the level of physical activity of residents in the environment. Improving visual diversity, becoming more regular, opening and expanding the environment, being more natural, better preservation, the presence of historical elements in the environment and its freshness and vibrancy, in the eyes of residents leading to physical activity and walking, cycling, Intense and moderate physical activity will be in the environment. Conclusion: Improving the visual quality of the environment can facilitate and encourage participation in physical activities, and to improve the physical activity of citizens and improve public health, changes and improvements in some visual qualities will have a greater impact on the health of citizens. Therefore, in order to increase the level of physical activity of citizens, it is possible to intervene purposefully and accurately in the body of the environment.