SEPTEMBER 2021
CIRCULAR HEAD W H E R E
Y O U
L I V E
M A T T E R S
Australia is currently facing numerous public health challenges, including increased prevalence of overweight and obesity. Many Tasmanian communities are particularly affected due to remoteness/rurality, limited health service capacity/accessibility, and limited community-based prevention services. Availability and usability of physical activity infrastructure/amenities can improve or hinder community-level engagement in physical activity. It is widely acknowledged that environments that are not conducive to an active lifestyle can significantly increase the prevalence of overweight and obesity.
The Physical Activity Environment in Circular Head Online and paper-based survey
Using a modified version of a validated survey (International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Environmental Survey, IPAQ-E), we collected information regarding the physical activity environment in Circular Head between October 2020 - June 2021. The survey included questions spanning several topics. Existing knowledge about the availability of physical activity infrastructure; Usage of physical activity infrastructure; Perceptions of accessibility, safety and attraction of existing physical activity infrastructure; Gaps and outstanding needs. Initially, the survey was made available online through our web page https://www.utas.edu.au/health/community-programs/capitol. Subsequently, we delivered paper-based surveys to a selected sample of Circular Head residences. Forty seven Circular Head residents responded to our survey. We received extensive support from the Circular Head Council in promoting the online version of the survey through the council web page and their social media site. The Advocate newspaper was also very useful in promoting our survey. Overall, the survey enabled us to gather valuable information about perceptions regarding availability/usability of physical activity infrastructure, public transport, safety and traffic in the Circular Head area.
Perceptions about the Physical Activity Environment The majority of survey respondents indicated that there are plenty of free-to-access physical activity options in Circular Head but noted a deficiency of designated bike paths. Most residents surveyed did not view traffic (whilst walking and cycling) as a barrier to being active. Some reported that traffic, particularly heavy vehicle traffic, can be a hindrance when driving. The majority of survey respondents indicated that there is easy access to shops but indicated challenges in accessing transit services due to a perceived lack of public transport. The majority of respondents did not have any safety concerns during daylight hours but some were apprehensive about safety at night. Overall, most respondents were satisfied with the maintenance and general upkeep of their neighbourhoods.
Barriers to Physical Activity Are there any barriers to your physical activity participation? Interestingly, almost half of the 47 survey respondents indicated that there was no major barrier to their physical activity. Approximately 10% of the respondents cited lack of motivation and being time poor as significant impediments to being physically active. About 6% highlighted various health issues including being overweight impacting their ability to be sufficiently active. A very small proportion of community members raised concerns regarding safety and bad weather as challenges to their activity levels.
"I think its a mindset. If there was more of a critical mass who did it, I think I would be encouraged more to do this, have a more active lifestyle." A selection of comments regarding services, health issues and motivation are highlighted below. "My own mind- procrastination is my second name." "Children's routines, uncertainty on how to incorporate physical activity into our routine." "Being overweight and an asthmatic ( I get short of breath)." "Better lighting along Duck River East Foreshore path, and the streets leading to it, especially along the northern end of Emmett St from Robert St to the walking track." "Getting active with pain when medical advice is very hard to obtain from a permanent GP."
COVID-19 How has COVID-19 & government restrictions affected your activity levels? Contrary to expectations, almost 60% of survey respondents believe that COVID-19 and government restrictions had no impact on their physical activity patterns.
"Not really. We have huge beaches which are awesome for mental and physical wellbeing and walking doesn't cost anything and you don't have to book or be there at a set time" However, about 15% of community members reported that lockdowns were challenging with a further 10% being impacted temporarily as facilities were unavailable for use due to closures. It was interesting to note that a small proportion of community members found alternate modes to sustain their pre-pandemic physical activity levels.
Negative effects "Closing walking tracks and our beautiful beach. Walking in such a secluded area has been a big influence on my now impacted mental and physical health. Over Covid restrictions." "...future arrangements eg trips etc unpredictable inconsistent, misinformed creates frustration and uncertainty."
Positive effects "No. Working from home gave me more scope to exercise during the day." "Minimally, we were still able to exercise close to home." "It hasn't. I'm usually active on the farm." "No. I tend to walk or bike ride which were still allowed, and have gym equipment at home."
Other concerns Are there any other barriers? About 8% of the survey respondents suggested bike track/ pathway infrastructure improvements, with a further 6% suggesting a broader range of infrastructure improvements and the addition of new facilities for the community to access. Only 4% of the survey respondents indicated that they used the physical activity infrastructure located in the Circular Head LGA infrequently and on a casual basis equating to less than once a week. Circular Head Council was positively recognized by some participants for their physical activity programs and excellent facilities. Over half of the participants did not identify any issues.
"Circular Head Council is doing a great job for most activities from watching to participating in sport, leisure activities." Is more infrastructure needed? "...·For many years the residents of Smithton have asked that the boardwalk be extended north to the beach. This will enable all residents to walk, bike or pram in a safe place. "
CONTACT US
CAPITOL H E L P I N G C O M M U N I T I E S T O M O R E E F F E C T I V E L Y P R E V E N T O B E S I T Y
The main aim of the CAPITOL (Critical Age Periods Impacting the Trajectory of Obesogenic Lifestyles) project is to prevent overweight and obesity through community capacity building in NW Tasmania. The successful implementation of the CAPITOL project will assist in the promotion of healthy lifestyles and reduce avoidable presentations to hospitals.
Professor Andrew Hills Project Lead andrew.hills@utas.edu.au
Professor Roger Hughes Investigator roger.hughes@utas.edu.au
Mr. Timothy Holloway Project Officer timothy.holloway@utas.edu.au