Urban Infrastructure Built Environment Spatial Inequalities Physical Activity Small-area Analysis Greater Santiago

External authors:

• Marianela Castillo-Riquelme ( Universidad de Chile )
• Ana V. Diez Roux ( Drexel University )
• Steven J. Melly ( Drexel University )
• Goro Yamada ( Drexel University )
• Paulina Pino ( Universidad de Chile )
• Carolina Nazzal ( Universidad de Chile )
• D. Alex Quistberg ( Drexel University )
• Pablo Ruiz-Rudolph ( Universidad de Chile )
• Olga L. Sarmiento ( Universidad de los Andes (Colombia) )

Abstract:

This study characterized urban infrastructure (UI) supporting physical activity (PA) in Greater Santiago (GS), Chile, and examined its spatial distribution. A conceptual model comprising four key dimensions - active transport, green areas, public transport, and safety - was used to guide selection of relevant indicators (23 total). Statistical and spatial analyses were conducted across 34 municipalities and 1623 neighborhoods using a summary index estimated as the unweighted mean of indicators within each dimension. We identified distinct spatial patterns across dimensions, with inequalities varying in magnitude and direction. UI indices were moderately correlated with area SES (highest: active and public transport r = 0.55/0.47; green areas and safety r = 0.46/0.44, for municipalities and neighborhoods). Associations with SES were more evident at the neighborhood level, particularly for green areas and active transport, while public transport was more evenly distributed and even favored low-SES municipalities. Cluster analyses (Local Moran's I) indicated that neighborhoods with higher PA-promoting infrastructure were predominantly concentrated in wealthier municipalities, while low-infrastructure clusters were more evenly spread. Green areas emerged as the scarcest and most unequally distributed dimension (Gini coefficient and p90/ p10 ratio). Except for public transport, variability in indices was greater within municipalities than between them, underscoring the importance of targeting smaller geographical units for analysis and urban improvements. This study provides evidence on the spatial distribution of PA-promoting UI across municipalities and neighborhoods of GS and its implications for a territory with spatially and sectorially fragmented governance. These findings underscore the importance of addressing such disparities in urban planning and public policies aimed at fostering healthier and more equitable cities.