An Application of Open Government Data: An Evidence on Physical Activity Environment and Non-communicable Diseases

Open government data (OGD) is usually used for decision-making, policy planning and international comparing. The integration of OGD from different resources is also important. Since 1990s, previous studies have discussed the relationship between physical environment and health promotion. In recent years, building Physical Activity Environment (PAE) is one of factors for preventing Non-communicable diseases (NCDs). OGD could be applied for identifying patterns and developing a framework, through the integration of environmental and medical resources. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to apply OGD from two databases for developing a framework of PAE and NCDs. The study range contained all 22 administrative regions (county and city) in Taiwan. Data collected from Taiwan OGD Platform: Data.gov.tw which has been online since 2013 as an open data portal. Descriptive statistics and Partial Least Square path analysis were used. The result demonstrated the hypothesis model was significant, and the path coefficient was -0.441 (t=1.65, p<.05*). PAE could negatively predict hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia. PAE could reduce risk factors of NCDs because it related to physical activity and walking behavior. PAE should be concerned on urban planning and designs and public health policy in order to promote well-beings. The implication of this study was the integration of OGD could be applied to develop a framework. OGD analysis could provide related information before policy decision-making.