Neighbourhood Walkability, Recreational Walking, and Their Associations with Physical Activity and Well-Being in Bangkok, Thailand

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between neighbourhood walkability, recreational walking, and physical activity and well-being outcomes in Bangkok, Thailand. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 881 residents from 50 districts in Bangkok. The Neighbourhood Environment Walkability Scale-Abbreviated (NEWS-A) was employed to assess neighbourhood walkability and its association with recreational walking behaviour. The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) and WHO-5 Well-Being Index were used to explore the links between recreational walking, physical activity, and well-being. The findings reveal that neighbourhood environment characteristics significantly influence recreational walking behaviour, with high-rise and planned neighbourhoods showing higher odds of recreational walking compared to unplanned neighbourhoods. Additionally, recreational walking was positively associated with both achieving sufficient physical activity and better well-being scores. These findings suggest that neighbourhood-level interventions aimed at promoting recreational walking could be effective strategies for encouraging physical activity and enhancing well-being in urban residents. The study recommends that targeted, neighbourhood-level interventions focused on creating supportive walking environments may be more effective in promoting health outcomes compared to broader city-wide urban design strategies. Our results also provide evidence-based support for shifting from tourism-centric to neighbourhood-focused walking infrastructure development in Bangkok.