Eighth International Conference on Health, Wellness & Society

Abstract

Active living is promoted for health in all ages and public health efforts pay attention to facilitators and barriers influencing active living. Neighborhood-level qualitative studies are advantageous to explore community characteristics specific to their active living. This study compiled and organized multiple neighborhood studies to identify community characteristics associated with active urban living in a metropolitan city. We reviewed five community studies (over 200 participants) conducted in Seoul, Korea, since 2011 that employed multiple qualitative methods to explore community attributes conducive to active living. Data collection methods applied included photovoice, photo elicitation interviewing, walk-along interviewing, walking tours, mapping, and focus groups. Thematic analysis results of five communities studies were compiled and organized. Overall, perceived environmental characteristics were influential on active living, particularly in terms of perceived walkability and perceived usability of urban resources beyond the actual availability of resources. Urban community lifestyle in Seoul was characterized by high-rise apartment housing, public transportation, and compact design with close proximity to community amenities. Communities were experiencing issues of sharing space and resources in dense urban neighborhoods among residents in different life stages. Urban planning that lacked incorporating the outlook for demographic and life course changes could lead to community concerns about and conflicts with sharing space and resources for active living. Attitudes towards and experience of being engaged in community organization and urban governance varied. Building interdisciplinary approaches and intersectoral collaboration with communities are pivotal for developing sustainable urban neighborhoods for active living.