Original Research Article
Year: 2020 | Month: June | Volume: 10 | Issue: 6 | Pages: 179-187
Why People use Private over Public Transportation? A Cross Sectional Study from Ernakulam District, Kerala
Anjaly Joseph1, Elezebeth Mathews2, K R. Thankappan3
1PhD Scholar, 2Assistant Professor, 3Professor,
Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Central University of Kerala.
Corresponding Author: Elezebeth Mathews
ABSTRACT
Background: Development of sustainable cities and communities is one of the targets of sustainable development goals by the United Nations. Developed and developing countries are now focusing on physical activity through transportation by prioritizing sustainable modes of transportation such as active and public transportation. But in India data on different modes of transportation and its correlates among working population are limited. Therefore, we conducted this study with the following objectives (1) to identify the proportion of individuals using each mode of transportation and (2) to assess the factors associated with multiple modes of transportation.
Methods: We conducted a cross sectional survey among 350 working adults selected through multi-staged stratified random sampling. We used a pre-tested structured interview schedule to capture information on socio demographic details and modes of transportation. Anthropometric details were measured using standard protocol. Multivariate analysis was used to identify the correlates of public transportation.
Results: The prevalence of active, public, and private transportation was 6.6%, 29.4% and 64% respectively. Individuals who were male, married, with higher income status, more than one vehicle in the house, absence of convenient public transportation and presence of self-confidence to drive were more likely to use private transportation compared to their counterparts.
Conclusions: Efforts should be made to encourage people to use public transportation focussing on men, married workers, those belonging to the high-income group and having more vehicles
Key words: Non communicable disease, Physical activity, Public transportation, Active living, Sustainable living, Healthy behaviour,