Perspectives of Fitness, Parks, and Active Transportation Organizations on Factors Influencing Physical Activity and Wellbeing during Disaster Recovery

Abstract

While increasing physical activity is a public health priority in the United States and is known to improve health and wellbeing, little is known about how disasters influence physical activity among members of impacted communities. This qualitative study examines the experiences and activities of 17 representatives of fitness, parks, and active transportation organizations in Houston, Texas following Hurricane Harvey and in Santa Rosa, California following the Tubbs Wildfires. Interview transcripts were thematically analyzed using a combined inductive and deductive approach. Our findings suggest that factors on the individual, social and organizational, built environment, and natural environment levels influence participation in physical activity post-event. Fitness, parks, and active transportation organizations support activities that promote social and physical wellbeing during the disaster recovery process and would benefit from tailored resources and technical assistance to support their activities during disaster recovery.