Exploring variation in beach environments and physical activity by neighbourhood socioeconomic status in Perth, Australia

Beaches are important settings for physical activity, with their quality (safety, amenities, aesthetics) influencing how well they support health. The quality of beaches may differ across neighbourhoods, with higher socioeconomic status neighbourhoods having disproportionately better access to beaches. This study examined the attributes of and activities taking place in beaches by neighbourhood socioeconomic status. Seventy-six beaches in Perth, Western Australia, were audited using a modified version of the BlueHealth Environmental Assessment Tool (BEAT), which assesses the health enhancing attributes and activities taking place in blue spaces. Analysis of variance was used to examine differences of beach attributes by differing socioeconomic status neighbourhoods. An exploratory regression analysis examined associations between beach features and activities conducted in and around the beaches, and how this varied by neighbourhood socioeconomic status. Several attributes related to aesthetics, accessibility, path networks, and safety varied by socioeconomic status, with higher socioeconomic status neighbourhoods scoring better. Small but significant variations in built environment features (e.g. cafes, playgrounds) were associated with playing with a child. Disparities in beach quality across socioeconomic levels suggest the need for further research and strategies to improve beach environments to enhance physical activity and promote health equity.