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KMID : 0858820110280040063
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Journal of Korean Society for Health Education and Promotion
2011 Volume.28 No. 4 p.63 ~ p.77
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Unveiling the Meaning of Walking for Health Promotion: The Perspectives of Urban Walkers
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Kim Jin-Hee
Yoo Seung-Hyun
Sim So-Ryoung
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Abstract
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Objectives: This study identifies the meaning of walking and its facilitating factors and barriers from the perspective of urban walkers in Seoul.
Methods: The participants consisted of twelve people who either lived or worked in Gangnam district of Seoul. The study applied the data collection process featured in the photovoice, in which the participants took photographs and shared their stories through focus group interviews.
Results: Walking is regarded as one of the easiest types of physical activity. While walking, participants find mental tranquility, communication opportunities, and a chance to step back from their everyday lives. Facilitating factors include: access to walking-friendly venues and attractive surrounding environments; the participant’s assimilation into the surrounding area; having the feeling of ease and relaxation; and friends and family to walk together. Barriers consist of physical factors such as street design and the busy urban streets, insensitive traffic and low civic awareness, and personal situational factors.
Conclusions: The benefit of walking exceeds beyond those of physical health promotion. Actions to encourage walking in urban areas should address the multiple meanings perceived by their citizens.
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KEYWORD
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Walking, Health promotion, Photovoice
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