2005年世界衛生組織(WHO)推動支持性環境,一個能夠「提供且支持」居民發揮能力與發展健康自主性的環境是極為重要的。本研究以步行環境為主要探討議題,探討步行環境因素對居民的步行意願與健康狀態之影響,本研究以嘉義市為研究基地進行實地問卷調查,測量工具包含鄰近步行環境量表簡短版、步行意願、自覺健康狀態量表(SF-12)與身體質量指數(BMI)。共獲得454份有效樣本。結果發現距離商店與公共設施越近、鄰里步道狀況良好、社區周遭景觀佳、死巷少,都會增加民眾之步行頻率或時間。步行頻率越高或時間越長者均對生心理健康有正面影響。此外,步行環境因素與生心理健康間具顯著相關性。研究結果期望能作為日後都市規劃政策、公共衛生在推動健康社區時之參考依據,並減少對醫療政策經費投入,減輕社會大眾之負擔。
In 2005, the World Health Organization (WHO) promoted the concept of a supportive environment by cooperating with governments, community residents, and health care professionals. The core concept underlying the idea of a supportive environment is that it ”provides and supports” autonomy and environmental development for the benefit of residents' health. In this way, a high-quality, walkable environment can achieve the goal of developing physical and mental health. The purpose of this study was to explore the influence that various environmental conditions have on residents' health status and willingness to walk. We administered a questionnaire survey in Chiayi City, Taiwan. The questionnaire contained the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale - Abbreviated (NEWS-A), a perceived health status scale (SF-12), and addressed willingness to walk, and body mass index (BMI). A total of 454 valid samples were distributed. The results indicated that people living near public facilities, shops, maintained sidewalks, beautiful views, and fewer cul-de-sacs have increased walking frequency and duration, which were positively correlated with psycho-physiological health. Moreover, there were significant relationships between psycho-physiological health and environmental factors concerning walkability. The results of this study could be used as a reference for further urban planning policy decision making and public health promotion efforts in communities, and help to reduce the costs of implementing health care policies.