Differences in walkability influence residents' hypertension in Taiwan: An analysis of open government data

Abstract

Non-communicable diseases have become a serious problem worldwide. Disease prevention focuses on modifiable behavioral and environmental features. Walkable or pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods increase residents' physical activity and decrease the risk and mortality of non-communicable diseases. We examined walkability and the distribution of the rate of outpatients with hypertension in each administrative region in Taiwan and analyzed whether differences in walkability affect the rate of outpatients with hypertension. All data were retrieved from open government data in Taiwan and analyzed using ANOVA and the National Geographic Information System. Regions were divided into four levels, according to the standard deviation of the walkability index. There were significant regional differences in the number of outpatients with hypertension. Regions with the most walkability presented the lowest incidence of outpatients with hypertension, significantly less than incidence in the third and the least walkable regions. Thus, the lack of walkable neighborhoods is an important risk factor for hypertension. Walkable neighborhoods should be considered in urban planning and sport-and health-related policies to promote residents' well-being.