Abstract:

There is growing scientific recognition that physical activity and contact with urban green spaces have the potential positively contribute to citizens’ health. However, many citizens are unfamiliar with the urban environment impacts on health and do not use the green spaces for physical activity and recreation. Seeking to achieve healthier urban environments and health behaviour, there must be greater awareness and education for citizens on issues of environment and health. Citizen engagement in the research is an approach that develops and uses new technologies with local communities to collect, to analyse data and share knowledge. Active participation enables citizens to become more aware of how they can identify and tackle local ecological issues. We report here on the development of the “Urban design and physical activity: a Kaunas pilot study” that is the part of the European Commission H2020-SwafS-2018 program project “Citizen Science for Urban Environment and Health”. A research model builds on Participatory Action Research. The study is conducted through a collaboration of community members, community-based organizations, public health agencies, and educational institution with the aim of outlining the citizens’ concerns at the centre of the environmental epidemiology research by developing kit that engage the citizens and present evidence how does the urban design and physical activity affects health and citizens well-being. This research will enhance understanding of issues affecting the community health; the participants to benefit by increasing knowledge and by promoting change in health behaviour.

Keywords:

Education and research, international project, citizens’ science.