Inland Waterways and Population Health and Wellbeing: A Cross-Sectional Study of Waterway Users in the UK

Nafsika Afentou (), Patrick Moore, Katrina Hull, Jenny Shepherd, Stephanie Elliott and Emma Frew ()
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Nafsika Afentou: Health Economics Unit, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
Patrick Moore: Health Economics Unit, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
Katrina Hull: Canal & River Trust, Milton Keynes MK9 1BB, UK
Jenny Shepherd: Canal & River Trust, Milton Keynes MK9 1BB, UK
Stephanie Elliott: Canal & River Trust, Milton Keynes MK9 1BB, UK

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 21, 1-23

Abstract: Natural environments, such as inland waterways (IWs), have been identified as a potential means to increase physical activity and promote health and wellbeing. However, further information on predictors of IW usage and their relationship with health and wellbeing outcomes is needed. Data were taken from the cross-sectional UK Waterways Engagement Monitor survey of waterway users (n = 21,537) in 2019/2020. Health outcome measures were life satisfaction, physical activity, and mental wellbeing. Visit frequency was an additional outcome measure. Both bivariate and multivariable associations between outcome measures and features of IWs were explored. The travel-cost method was used to estimate users’ demand, expressed by travel costs to waterways. Multivariable models showed positive associations of frequent visits and use for recreational/leisure purposes with life satisfaction and physical activity. Rural visits were associated with higher life satisfaction than urban ones. Lower visit satisfaction negatively impacted life satisfaction and mental wellbeing. Visit frequency was influenced by individual characteristics and purpose of visit, including visits for exercise. Waterway visits were inversely associated with travel costs (IRR = 0.99, p -value ≤ 0.001), and there was greater demand elasticity for short distances (≤5 miles). Socioeconomic-related inequalities were present. Future policies could enhance frequent use of waterways and alleviate accessibility-related inequalities to improve population health outcomes.

Keywords: inland waterways; blue space; physical activity; mental wellbeing; life satisfaction; travel cost method (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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