Herritarren partaidetza jarduera fisikoarekin lotutako hiri-ingurunea hobetzeko tresna komunitario gisa

Abstract

Urban health research addresses the interactions between factors in the urban environment and the well-being of the citizens, as these factors can influence urban design, inhabitants’ mobility and physical activity. The use of participatory methodologies iis proposed as a valuable tool to understand local needs and reduce health-related inequalities. This study proposes a Participatory Action Research to conduct a community diagnosis of the urban environment related to physical activity in two  neighbourhoods in Bilbao with middle and low socioeconomic status. The Photovoice method was used, which combines photographs taken by residents that serve as the basis for group discussions among participants. In total, 30 people participated in four Photovoice groups, and over five sessions, each group conducted a participatory analysis of their physical activity related residential environment. Residents identified the strengths and weaknesses of their neighbourhoods, as well as the factors that influence their physical activity, such as urban spaces for physical activity, mobility and accessibility, safety and management of community assets. Moreover, participants proposed suggestions to improve their neighbourhood, which served as the basis for developing a policy recommendation report to improve the urban environment. Finally, this project achieved the goal of raising critical awareness among the community regarding their place of residence and health, and the scientific findings have been transferred to the social and institutional spheres through different activities.

Full-text of the article is available for this locale: Euskara.