Is it possible to increase the health benefit with a small intervention in urban areas? Health economic assessment of cycling in Aydin, Turkey

摘要

Background: As a result of the Charter on Transport, Environment and Health signed by Ministers and representatives of the European Member States of the World Health Organization {WHO) on 16 June 1999. the promotion of cycling and walking has become important in urban, health, environmental and other related sectors and is a major feature of comprehensive health and environment policies [1]. According to the Charter: " total of 30 minutes' cycling on most days of the week, even if carried out in 10-15 minute episodes is recommended; about 3.5 km per average cycling trip, each taking about 15 minutes to make would be enough to provide the recommended "daily dose" of physical activity and the following health benefits: a 50% reduction in the risk of developing coronary heart diseases; a 50% reduction in the risk of developing adult diabetes; a 50% reduction in the risk of becoming obese; a 30% reduction in the risk of developing hypertension; a 10/8 mm Hg decrease in blood pressure in hypertensive subjects; reduced risk of osteoporosis; relief of symptoms of depression and anxiety; the prevention of falls in the elderly". The WHO Healthy Cities Project was an effective tool to promote physical activity, including active living and active transport. In particular, during Phase IV. active transport such as walking and cycling was encouraged in urban areas under the theme of physical activity-active living [2], Local authorities were encouraged to include walking and cycling paths in city plans and/or to improve the existing facilities. Opportunities were provided to visit localities with the best practices, such as the city of Copenhagen, and to receive training. As a result of studies, and coordinated by WHO. Cavill et al. developed a guidance and practical tool for economic assessment of the health effects of walking and cycling. The health economic assessment tool (HEAT) for cycling was first published in 2007 and officially launched in 2009. with updated online versions for walking and cycling published in 2011 [3]. HEAT was developed to aid in finding an answer to the following question [3]: "If x people cycle or walk for v minutes on most days, what is the economic value of the health benefits that occur as a result of the reduction in mortality due to their physical activity? " This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of cycling and to assess the benefits of an intervention to encourage cycling in a province of Turkey. The value of the intervention for decision-makers was assessed using a health economic assessment tool (HEAT), which was used for the first time in Turkey.