Constraints to travel outside the local area: Effect on social participation and self-rated health

Travel outside the local area allows people to meet others and access a wide selection of services opportunities. However, travel can be constrained by lack good transport or personal factors. This paper investigates whether these constraints are associated with poor self-rated health, extent which association is mediated reduced social participation. Respondents in survey North England (n = 2747) stated levels trip frequency, number places visited, distance, mode for trips more than 15 miles (24 km) away from home. Path analysis tested associations between constraints, indicators participation (seeing family friends frequently being member clubs societies), health. Constraints visited were health via frequency had negative pathways other distance not significant car use public constraints. The results varied age group robust changes variable specification treatment missing data. confirm importance able emphasize need policies that reduce travel, providing better conditions both private realization frequent wider set places.