Association Between the Quality of Public Open Spaces and Their Use for Physical Activity in a Northern City in Uruguay

Abstract

Background: Built environments are excellent places/opportunities for sports and recreational practice. However, research on this topic is scarce and unclear in Latin America, especially in Uruguay. This study aimed to analyze the features of resources for sport and recreational physical activity and their association with use in the city of Rivera, Uruguay.

Methods: This observational, cross-sectional study analyzed all available public open spaces (POS) from Rivera city in Uruguay the Physical Activity Resource Assessment checklist to evaluate the presence and quality of resources, and the System for Observation of Play and Recreation in Communities to evaluate the use. Each space was visited 9 times: mornings, afternoons, and evenings on 2 nonconsecutive weekdays and weekend days. A negative binomial regression model was used to analyze the association between POS quality and their use.

Results: Twenty-nine POS were assessed, the squares (58.1%) and sports facilities (22.6%) were the most frequent of resource. A total of 7920 scans were performed in 88 target areas; 808 users were observed, and the highest frequency of use was identified in men on the weekdays (66.4%) and on the weekend (66.7%). Was observed a positive and significant association between the features (P = .028), incivilities (P = .042), and total quality (P = .001) with the number, but there was no association between the amenities (P = .155) and the number users.

Conclusion: Our findings provide relevant information at the local level and suggest promoting intervention policies that help maintain renovated and accessible POS for the physical activity, sports, and outdoor recreation.

Keywords: built environment; exercise; recreation; sport; walkability.