Engaging Citizen Scientists to Build Healthy Park Environments in Colombia

Overview

Journal Health Promot Int

Publisher Oxford University Press

Specialty Public Health

Date 2020 May 4

PMID 32361761

Citations 16

Authors

Maria Alejandra Rubio

Camilo Triana

Abby C King

Lisa G Rosas

Ann W Banchoff

Oscar Rubiano

Benjamin W Chrisinger

Olga L Sarmiento

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Colombia's Recreovía program offers community-based free physical activity (PA) classes in parks. We evaluated built and social environmental factors influencing Recreovía local park environments, and facilitated a consensus-building and advocacy process among community members, policymakers and academic researchers aimed at improving uptake and impact of the Recreovía program. We used a mixed-methods approach, with individual and contextual PA measurements and a resident-enabled participatory approach (the Our Voice citizen science engagement model). Recreovía participants were likely to be women meeting PA recommendations, and highly satisfied with the Recreovía classes. Reported facilitators of the Recreovía included its role in enhancing social and individual well-being through PA classes. Reported barriers to usage were related to park maintenance, cleanliness and safety. The Our Voice process elicited community reflection, empowerment, advocacy and action. Our Voice facilitated the interplay among stakeholders and community members to optimize the Recreovía program as a facilitator of active living, and to make park environments more welcoming.

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