Adventure Tourism: Insight from Experienced Visitors of Romanian National and Natural Parks

The rapid growth of adventure tourism is remarked all over the world, being considered as a modern form of tourism. This study attempted to investigate the preferences of experienced visitors of Romanian national and natural parks with the main focus on understanding what motives describe the three elements that define adventure tourism: physical activity, natural environment and cultural immersion, and what is the level of satisfaction regarding the quality of facilities and services. An online survey was filled in by 137 members of adventure tourism groups, being further grouped based on their experiences. Results indicate that experienced participants better appreciated the opportunity to be engaged in physical activity and to explore the natural environment. Cultural experience was perceived as similar by both groups. The level of satisfaction about facilities and services provided by the national and natural parks and adjacent rural communities was similar among groups, except for that about the existing information panels. Future development actions should address both groups to enhance their willingness to revisit the areas and increase the attractiveness of tourism in rural areas situated in the neighborhood of parks.

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The Physical Activity–Related Barriers and Facilitators Perceived by Men Living in Rural Communities

American Journal of Men s Health ◽

10.1177/1557988315598368 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 1130-1132 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Adam G. Gavarkovs ◽

Shauna M. Burke ◽

Robert J. Petrella

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Rural Communities ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Online Survey ◽

Protective Factor ◽

Barriers And Facilitators ◽

Activity Levels ◽

National Guidelines ◽

Small Communities ◽

Response Options

Men, especially those living in rural areas, experience chronic disease at higher rates than the general population. Physical activity is a well-established protective factor against many chronic diseases; however, only a small fraction of men are meeting national guidelines for physical activity. The purpose of this study was to examine the perceived physical activity–related barriers and facilitators experienced by men living in rural areas in Canada. Participants completed a paper-and-pencil or online survey and asked to select personally relevant physical activity-related barriers and facilitators from a list of 9 and 10 choices, respectively. A total of 149 men completed the survey (50.3% between the ages of 18 and 55 years; 43.0% older than 55 years). Participants were predominantly from rural areas and smaller communities. Overall, the response options “I’m too tired,” “I don’t have enough time,” and “I think I get enough exercise as work” were the three most frequently cited barriers to regular physical activity. The response options “Personal motivation to be healthy,” “I enjoy it,” and “Support from family and/or friends” were the three most often cited facilitators to physical activity. Results are similar to those shown in other populations. Results can be used to inform the development of policies and programs that aim to increase the physical activity levels of men living in rural areas and small communities.

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Rural Neighborhood Walkability: Implications for Assessment

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.2013-0431 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 12 (s1) ◽

pp. S40-S45 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Michelle C. Kegler ◽

Iris Alcantara ◽

Regine Haardörfer ◽

Alexandra Gemma ◽

Denise Ballard ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Rural Communities ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Walking Distance ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Physically Active ◽

Neighborhood Walkability ◽

Bodies Of Water ◽

Active Adults

Background:Physical activity levels, including walking, are lower in the southern U.S., particularly in rural areas. This study investigated the concept of rural neighborhood walkability to aid in developing tools for assessing walkability and to identify intervention targets in rural communities.Methods:Semi-structured interviews were conducted with physically active adults (n = 29) in rural Georgia. Mean age of participants was 55.9 years; 66% were male, 76% were white, and 24% were African American. Participants drew maps of their neighborhoods and discussed the relevance of typical domains of walkability to their decisions to exercise. Comparative analyses were conducted to identify major themes.Results:The majority felt the concept of neighborhood was applicable and viewed their neighborhood as small geographically (less than 0.5 square miles). Sidewalks were not viewed as essential for neighborhood-based physical activity and typical destinations for walking were largely absent. Destinations within walking distance included neighbors’ homes and bodies of water. Views were mixed on whether shade, safety, dogs, and aesthetics affected decisions to exercise in their neighborhoods.Conclusions:Measures of neighborhood walkability in rural areas should acknowledge the small size of self-defined neighborhoods, that walking in rural areas is likely for leisure time exercise, and that some domains may not be relevant.

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Barriers to Recruiting Men Into Chronic Disease Prevention and Management Programs in Rural Areas

American Journal of Men s Health ◽

10.1177/1557988315596226 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 10 (6) ◽

pp. NP155-NP157 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Adam G. Gavarkovs ◽

Shauna M. Burke ◽

Kristen C. Reilly ◽

Robert J. Petrella

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Chronic Disease ◽

Rural Communities ◽

Disease Prevention ◽

Healthy Eating ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Healthy Lifestyle ◽

Chronic Disease Prevention ◽

Program Delivery ◽

Men Health

Chronic disease is becoming increasingly prevalent in Canada. Many of these diseases could be prevented by adoption of healthy lifestyle habits including physical activity and healthy eating. Men, especially those in rural areas, are disproportionately affected by chronic disease. However, men are often underrepresented in community-based chronic disease prevention and management (CDPM) programs, including those that focus on physical activity and/or healthy eating. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences and perceptions of program delivery staff regarding the challenges in recruitment and participation of men in physical activity and healthy eating programs in rural communities, and suggestions for improvement. Semistructured interviews were conducted by telephone with 10 CDPM program delivery staff from rural communities in Southwest Ontario, Canada. Time and travel constraints, relying on spouses, and lack of male program leaders were cited as barriers that contributed to low participation levels by men in CDPM programs. Hiring qualified male instructors and engaging spouses were offered as strategies to increase men’s participation. The results of this study highlight many of the current issues faced by rural health organizations when offering CDPM programming to men. Health care organizations and program delivery staff can use the recommendations in this report to improve male participation levels.

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Fitness and the Crisis: Impacts of COVID-19 on Active Living and Life Satisfaction in Austria

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph182413073 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (24) ◽

pp. 13073

Author(s):

David Jungwirth ◽

Chiara Amelie Weninger ◽

Daniela Haluza

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Life Satisfaction ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Online Survey ◽

Natural Environments ◽

Active Living ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Before And After ◽

Austrian Population

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically impacted human lifestyles across the world. Lockdowns and home confinement decreased prior opportunities for everyday physical activity. To retrospectively assess how the Austrian population coped with these aspects of the crisis, we conducted a cross-sectional online survey from March to September 2021 using a structured questionnaire in German. In total, 1214 participants (56.9% females, mean age 37.0 years) living across Austria shared self-reported information on sociodemographic characteristics, indoor and outdoor physical activity, reasons for being outdoors, and life satisfaction before and after the emergence of the virus. As a result, overall indoor physical activity significantly decreased in a before–during COVID-19 crisis comparison, although exercising at home with online instructions increased by about 63%. Exercising outdoors increased overall, specifically in periurban forests and rural areas, both by about 9%. Life satisfaction decreased significantly by 19.7% (p < 0.001). Outdoor public places and natural environments gained importance due to restrictions affecting access to sport facilities. Further research is needed to evaluate benefits and therapeutic values of outdoor nature for physical and mental health in times of a global pandemic to maintain resilient societies, as it might impact future active living and life satisfaction.

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Social entrepreneurship as a factor in the development of rural communities in Ukraine

VUZF Review ◽

10.38188/2534-9228.21.2.13 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 (2) ◽

pp. 111-118

Author(s):

Alla Pechenuik

Keyword(s):

Rural Communities ◽

Social Entrepreneurship ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Rural Population ◽

Social Activity ◽

Information Provision ◽

Business Environment ◽

Entrepreneurial Activity ◽

Strategy Of Development ◽

Level Of Satisfaction

The results of empirical research of public opinion of rural areas residents and entrepreneurs working in rural communities to determine the need for the development of social entrepreneurship are presented. The purpose of the survey was to establish the feasibility, prospects and directions of the development of social entrepreneurship within the rural areas of Ukraine and to identify the readiness of the business environment for the perception of a new concept for doing business for them. The survey was conducted among the rural population and entrepreneurs of all ages, social status, education level, type of activity. The results of the study made it possible to find out the attitude of the rural population towards social entrepreneurship, to identify its potential loyalty to the consumption of the product, which will offer the specified category of entrepreneurs, identify the greatest problems of the rural territory, the level of satisfaction with the environment and business, the adequacy of information provision for social entrepreneurship, entrepreneurs' readiness to social activity and directions of its development; the reasons that restrain the spread of social ideas in business are identified. The conducted research has allowed to reveal the reasons of low level of spread of social enterprise in the Ukrainian society. The revealed sentiments among citizens can be used by the state authorities when developing the strategy of development of rural areas of Ukraine and tested in entrepreneurial activity.

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The Use of Fitness Influencers’ Websites by Young Adult Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17176360 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (17) ◽

pp. 6360

Author(s):

Mariusz Duplaga

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Health Literacy ◽

Young Adult ◽

Health Behaviors ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Online Survey ◽

Healthy Lifestyle ◽

Adult Women ◽

Young Adult Women ◽

Fitness Industry

The growth of the fitness industry observed in the last decade has been accompanied by the emergence of an occupation as a social media fitness influencer. The most popular are able to accumulate millions of followers. The marketing potential of fitness influencers is a subject of interest, not only for the fitness industry but also for other sectors offering products related to health, wellness, or healthy nutrition. However, the activities of fitness influencers related to the promotion of physical activity and healthy lifestyle converge with the aims of those promoting public health. The main objective of this study was to make an assessment of the determinants of regular access to fitness influencers’ sites (FIS) and their relationship with the health behaviors of young adult women. It was based on the data originating from an online survey on a representative sample of Polish women aged 18–35 years. Chi2 test, univariate, and multiply logistic regression models were used to determine the relationships between FIS and the variables related to the respondents’ characteristics of and their health behaviors. FIS were accessed by 29.3% of respondents (n = 1030) at least once a week. It was found that those living in cities with a population ranging from 20,000 to 100,000 were more likely to access FIS than those living in rural areas. Similarly, greater access was made by those in a high-income household rather than those with the lowest income, by those with inadequate rather than those with problematic health literacy and by those with high rather than low e-health literacy. The use of FIS was significantly associated with the consumptions of fruit and vegetables (OR, 95%CI: 2.77, 2.01–3.82), physical activity (1.74, 1.27–2.38), breast self-examination (1.54, 1.11–2.13), and also with the greater use of e-cigarettes (1.63, 1.09–2.43) and increased consumption of alcohol (1.37, 1.01–1.88). In conclusion, as access to Internet resources run by fitness influencers was a prevailing predictor of young adult Polish women’s health behaviors, FIS may play a potentially important role in promoting a healthy lifestyle in this population. However, it should be remembered that there are complex patterns of associations with specific behaviors, e.g., the use of e-cigarettes or alcohol consumption.

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Participatory Process for Regenerating Rural Areas through Heritage-Led Plans: The RURITAGE Community-Based Methodology

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su13095212 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (9) ◽

pp. 5212

Author(s):

Claudia de Luca ◽

Javier López-Murcia ◽

Elisa Conticelli ◽

Angela Santangelo ◽

Michelle Perello ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rural Communities ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Online Survey ◽

Participatory Planning ◽

Heritage Management ◽

Participatory Process ◽

Community Based ◽

Local Stakeholders ◽

Research Findings ◽

Planning Methodology

Rural areas in Europe host more than 55% of the overall population and embed a unique and peculiar cultural and natural heritage. Nevertheless, they are facing common issues of disengagement, depopulation and economic and social crises. Rural communities are increasingly interested in setting up inclusive and participatory regeneration processes, but participatory planning experiences in rural areas are still limited. This paper introduces the Community-based Heritage Management and Planning methodology (CHMP) developed within the RURITAGE project, and analyzes and presents the results of its implementation in six demonstrators around Europe and beyond. The methodology is based on the establishment of Rural Heritage Hubs (RHH), intended as the community of local stakeholders and a physical place to run the co-creation activities. We used four types of feedback—online survey, in-presence survey, consultations and interviews with RHH Coordinators—to analyze the implementation of the CHMP. The research findings show that through built capital (RHH places activated) and through the activation of local social and human capitals (RHH communities engaged in the process), participatory processes can attract local communities and engage them into the development and the implementation of local regeneration plans, fostering heritage ownership and inclusion.

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Readiness to Adopt Physical Activity Policies in Rural Communities

Health Promotion Practice ◽

10.1177/1524839918807449 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 21 (3) ◽

pp. 430-439

Author(s):

Melinda J. Ickes ◽

Amanda Wiggins ◽

Ellen J. Hahn

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Rural Communities ◽

Online Survey ◽

Community Readiness ◽

Political Climate ◽

Dimension Score ◽

Key Informants ◽

Specific Dimension ◽

Preparation Stage ◽

Readiness To Adopt

The purpose was to explore community readiness to adopt physical activity (PA) policies by adapting and pilot testing an online survey (Physical Activity Readiness Survey [PARS]). PARS was adapted from the previously tested Community Readiness Survey-Short. In February/April 2016, key informants ( N = 17) involved in PA activities from two rural communities were invited to complete the PARS, representing six dimensions: knowledge, leadership, resources, community climate, existing voluntary PA policies, and political climate. First, participants were asked to respond to a presurvey to screen for overall readiness for up to four evidence-based PA policies. A main survey readiness score (0-6) was determined by averaging the key informants’ ratings across items: Raw scores were rescaled to range from 0 to 1, and dimension scores were summed. Participants identified two PA policies in the presurvey: neighborhood availability and point-of-decision prompts. For both policies, political climate had the highest dimension score (1.0) and the knowledge dimension scored lowest (0.05-0.38). Overall readiness scores ranged from 3.19 to 3.62, revealing the preparation stage for both policies. Readiness for the two PA policies were similar, but specific dimension scores varied by policy type and community, reinforcing the need for tailored interventions.

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Sociodemographic Predictors of Changes in Physical Activity, Screen Time, and Sleep Among Toddlers and Pre-Schoolers in Chile During the COVID-19 Pandemic

10.20944/preprints202012.0038.v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Nicolas Aguilar-Farias ◽

Marcelo Toledo-Vargas ◽

Sebastian Miranda-Marquez ◽

Andrea Cortinez-O'Ryan ◽

Carlos Cristi-Montero ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Sleep Quality ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Screen Time ◽

Online Survey ◽

Family Characteristics ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Older Children ◽

Early Stages ◽

Sociodemographic Predictors

The aim was to examine the sociodemographic predictors associated with changes in movement behaviours (physical activity, screen time and sleep) among toddlers and pre-schoolers during the early stages of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in Chile. Caregivers of 1- to 5-year-old children completed an online survey between March 30th and April 27th, 2020. Information about the child's movement behaviours before (retrospectively) and during the pandemic, as well as family characteristics were reported. In total, 3,157 participants provided complete data (mean children age: 3.1±1.38 years). During early stages of the pandemic, time spent in physical activity decreased, recreational screen time and sleep duration increased, and sleep quality declined. Toddlers and pre-schoolers with space to play at home and living in rural areas experienced an attenuated impact of the pandemic restrictions on their physical activity levels, screen time, and sleep quality. Older children, those whose caregivers had a higher educational level, and children living in apartments had greater changes, mainly a decrease in total physical activity and increase in screen time. This study has shown the significant impact of the pandemic restrictions on movement behaviours in toddlers and pre-schoolers in Chile.

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The Health Needs and Experiences of Trans Residents in Small and Rural Areas

Diversity of Research in Health Journal ◽

10.28984/drhj.v2i0.132 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2 ◽

pp. 157-164

Author(s):

Tanya Shute

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Rural Communities ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Online Survey ◽

Health Needs ◽

Health Care Practitioner ◽

Remote Communities ◽

Community Based Research ◽

Care Experience ◽

Specific Health

This brief paper summarizes the findings from a community-based research project examining the health needs and experiences of trans-identified people in small and rural communities as presented at the 9th annual Laurentian University Faculty of Health conference. This study involved residents who identify as transgender living in North Simcoe/Muskoka, an area comprised of small, rural, suburban and remote communities. It employed a mixed method design, with quantitative findings derived from a comprehensive online survey and qualitative findings from a series of community focus groups. A sample of findings related to health care experiences grounded in the voices of participants was presented. These findings included several common themes that characterize the health service encounter of residents who are transgender. The health care experience of trading off competent trans-specific health care provision for respect and willingness on behalf of the health care practitioner was common, and provides evidence for the lack of trans-specific health care available in these areas. Experiences of service denial or rejection as a result of their trans identities or gender expression were also common. Residents who are transgendered in areas where there is a lack of service infrastructure are also forced to become their own health care experts, a necessary and distressing reality of accessing health care as a transgender individual in small and rural areas.

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