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Wang H, Dai X, Wu J, Wu X, Nie X. Influence of urban green open space on residents' physical activity in China. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:1093. [PMID: 31409316 PMCID: PMC6693084 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7416-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Urban green open space is a valuable resource for physical activities of urban inhabitants and has the potential to reduce chronic illness and improve health. Research on the relationships between green open space and physical activity is incomplete and limited in China. Thus, the study examines how the urban green open space contributes to physical activity. METHODS A questionnaire was designed based on the social ecology theory to investigate the physical activity of 513 residents in urban green open space. We use the time and frequency of residents exercising in urban green space to measure physical activity, and use the factor analysis to synthesize a large number of original factors (i.e., infrastructure, safety, accessibility, landscape quality, and space environment) into relatively few composite indicators. Based on the collected data of the cross-sectional population, the Order Probit regression model was constructed to analyze how urban green open space affects the residents' physical activity from the perspective of social ecology. RESULTS ① in community factors: accessibility is significantly positive correlation with residents' physical activity, and there is no significant correlation between safety and physical activity; ②in natural factors: space environment and landscape quality are not significantly correlated with residents' physical activity; ③ in built environmental factors: infrastructures, the area of green space, the size of open space, and entertainment facilities are significantly correlated to residents' activity. Basketball courts, volleyball courts, swimming pools, and sports equipment will promote physical activity; ④ apart from the attributes of green open space, other factors are significantly correlated to physical activity in the green open space, e.g. having a companion. CONCLUSIONS Urban green open space plays an important role in promoting physical activity especially among the women and the old, and improving the attributes (such as accessibility, infrastructures, the area of green space, the size of open space and entertainment facilities) of the urban green open space and trying to set up group sports proper to play with companion (like "square dancing" and "Tai Chi") can promote Chinese residents' physical activity so as to improve public health. The results are significant to facilitate environment health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Wang
- School of Public Administration, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Department of City and Regional Planning, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Xiaoling Dai
- School of Public Administration, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- China Construction Fourth Bureau Construction Development Co., Ltd., Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Jinglan Wu
- School of Public Administration, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xingyi Wu
- School of Public Administration, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xin Nie
- School of Public Administration, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
- Department of City and Regional Planning, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA.
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Shahfahad, Kumari B, Tayyab M, Hang HT, Khan MF, Rahman A. Assessment of public open spaces (POS) and landscape quality based on per capita POS index in Delhi, India. SN APPLIED SCIENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s42452-019-0372-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
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Winter PL, Padgett PE, Milburn LAS, Li W. Neighborhood Parks and Recreationists' Exposure to Ozone: A Comparison of Disadvantaged and Affluent Communities in Los Angeles, California. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2019; 63:379-395. [PMID: 30737526 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-019-01140-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Urban parks are valued for their benefits to ecological and human systems, likely to increase in importance as climate change effects continue to unfold. However, the ability of parks to provide those myriad benefits hinges on equitable provision of and access to green spaces and their environmental quality. A social-ecological approach was adopted in a study of urban park use by recreationists in the City of Los Angeles, contrasting two affluent and two disadvantaged communities situated in coastal and inland zones. Twenty-four days of observations distributed across morning and afternoon time blocks were gathered, with observations in each day drawn from a pair of affluent and disadvantaged community parks. Observers noted location, gender, age, ethnicity/race, and level of physical activity of each visitor encountered during four scheduled observation sweeps on each day of field work. In addition, ozone dose exposure was measured through passive monitoring. Ozone dose exposure was calculated using average hourly ozone in ppb multiplied by METS (metabolic expenditures). Dose exposure was significantly higher in the disadvantaged community parks (with majority Latino use). Findings suggest that additional monitoring in disadvantaged communities, especially inland, may be prudent to facilitate community-based information as well as to assess the degree of potential impact over time. Additionally, mitigative strategies placed in urban parks, such as increased tree canopy may help to reduce the degree of risk and improve community resilience. Future research examining the positive outcomes from physically active use of urban parks may benefit from adopting a nuanced approach in light of the present findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia L Winter
- US Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station, 4955 Canyon Crest Drive, Riverside, CA, 92507, USA.
| | - Pamela E Padgett
- US Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station, 4955 Canyon Crest Drive, Riverside, CA, 92507, USA
| | - Lee-Anne S Milburn
- California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, ENV, Building 3, Room 1005, 3801W. Temple Avenue, Pomona, CA, 91768, USA
| | - Weimin Li
- California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, ENV, Building 3, Room 1005, 3801W. Temple Avenue, Pomona, CA, 91768, USA
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Cebrecos A, Escobar F, Borrell LN, Díez J, Gullón P, Sureda X, Klein O, Franco M. A multicomponent method assessing healthy cardiovascular urban environments: The Heart Healthy Hoods Index. Health Place 2019; 55:111-119. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2018.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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55
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Public Green Infrastructure Contributes to City Livability: A Systematic Quantitative Review. LAND 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/land7040161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Consistent with the Land Urbanism and Green Infrastructure theme of this special issue of Land, the primary goal of this review is to provide a plain language overview of recent literature that reports on the psychological, physiological, general well-being, and wider societal benefits that humans receive as a result of experiencing public green infrastructure (PGI) and nature in urbanized landscapes. This enhanced well-being and the wider societal benefits that accrue to urban dwellers as a result of interacting with quality PGI contributes to the concept known as city or urban livability. The quantitative analysis and theoretical synthesis reported in this review can inform decision makers, stakeholders, and other PGI and urban nature (UN) researchers of the benefits that urban populations receive from experiencing quality PGI spaces and UN and the contribution those spaces make to the livability of urban areas. With diminishing opportunities for the acquisition of new public open space to increase PGI and re-establish UN near urban centers, the efficient management and continuous improvement of existing PGI and UN is essential to promote and foster opportunities for human-to-nature contact and the known benefits therein derived. In addition to identifying an increased research interest and publication of articles that report on the contribution of PGI spaces to urban livability over the past decade, the review identifies and reports on the seven focus areas of PGI-livability research and the six attributes of PGI spaces that the current literatures report as contributing to the livability of urbanized landscapes. After providing a quantitative analysis for the reporting of those research areas and PGI attributes and summarizing key findings reported in the literature regarding the contribution that PGI spaces make to urban livability, this review also identifies knowledge gaps in the published literature and puts forward recommendations for further research in this rapidly expanding multidisciplinary field of research and policy development.
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56
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Data for an Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) of a Public Green Infrastructure and Urban Nature Space in Perth, Western Australia. DATA 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/data3040069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This Data Descriptor shares the dataset generated by a visitor satisfaction survey of users of a mixed-use public green infrastructure (PGI) space in Perth, Western Australia, that incorporates remnant and reintroduced urban nature (UN). Conducted in the Austral summer of 2016–2017, the survey (n = 393) utilized the technique of Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) to elucidate perceptions of PGI users regarding performance of the amenity and facilities at the study site. There is a growing body of research that reports the innate, inbuilt affinity of humans to natural systems and living things. As humankind has grown exponentially over the past 50 years, humanity, as a species, is living an increasingly urbanized lifestyle, resulting in spreading urban footprints and increased population densities that are causing humans to become increasingly disconnected from nature. These conflicting phenomena are driving research to understand the contribution that PGI and UN can make to enhancing the quality of life of urban residents. With diminishing opportunities to acquire or create new PGI spaces within ever-more-densely populated urban centers, understanding, efficiently managing, and continuously improving existing PGI spaces is crucial to access the benefits and services that PGI and UN provide. The IPA technique can provide the data necessary to inform an evidenced-based approach to managing and resourcing PGI and UN spaces.
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Environmental Justice in Accessibility to Green Infrastructure in Two European Cities. LAND 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/land7040134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Although it is well-established that urban green infrastructure is essential to improve the population’s wellbeing, in many developed countries, the availability of green spaces is limited or its distribution around the city is uneven. Some minority groups may have less access or are deprived of access to green spaces when compared with the rest of the population. The availability of public green spaces may also be directly related to the geographical location of the city within Europe. In addition, current planning for urban regeneration and the creation of new high-quality recreational public green spaces sometimes results in projects that reinforce the paradox of green gentrification. The aim of this study was to explore the concept of environmental justice in the distribution of the public green spaces in two contrasting cities, Tartu, Estonia; and Faro, Portugal. Quantitative indicators of public green space were calculated in districts in each city. The accessibility of those spaces was measured using the “walkability” distance and grid methods. The results revealed that there was more availability and accessibility to public green spaces in Tartu than in Faro. However, inequalities were observed in Soviet-era housing block districts in Tartu, where most of the Russian minority live, while Roma communities in Faro were located in districts without access to public green space. The availability of public green spaces varied from 1.22 to 31.44 m2/inhabitant in the districts of Faro, and 1.04 to 164.07 m2/inhabitant in the districts of Tartu. In both cities, 45% of the inhabitants had accessible public green spaces within 500 m of their residence. The development of targeted new green infrastructure could increase access to 88% of the population for the city of Faro and 86% for Tartu, delivering environmental justice without provoking green gentrification. The outcome of this study provides advice to urban planners on how to balance green space distribution within city neighbourhoods.
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Zhang L, Zhou S, Kwan MP, Chen F, Lin R. Impacts of Individual Daily Greenspace Exposure on Health Based on Individual Activity Space and Structural Equation Modeling. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15102323. [PMID: 30360440 PMCID: PMC6210249 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15102323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Revised: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies on the effects of greenspace exposure on health are largely based on static contextual units, such as residential neighborhoods, and other administrative units. They tend to ignore the spatiotemporal dynamics of individual daily greenspace exposure and the mediating effects of specific activity type (such as physical activity). Therefore, this study examines individual daily greenspace exposure while taking into account people’s daily mobility and the mediating role of physical activity between greenspace exposure and health. Specifically, using survey data collected in Guangzhou, China, and high-resolution remote sensing images, individual activity space for a weekday is delineated and used to measure participants’ daily greenspace exposure. Structural equation modeling is then applied to analyze the direct effects of individual daily greenspace exposure on health and its indirect effects through the mediating variable of physical activity. The results show that daily greenspace exposure directly influences individual health and also indirectly affects participants’ health status through physical activity. With respect to the total effects, daily greenspace exposure helps improve participants’ mental health and contributes to promoting their social health. It also helps improve participants’ physical health, although to a lesser extent. In general, the higher the daily greenspace exposure, the higher the physical activity level and the better the overall health (including physical, mental, and social health).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhang
- School of Geography and Planning, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Public Security and Disaster, Guangzhou 510275, China.
| | - Suhong Zhou
- School of Geography and Planning, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Public Security and Disaster, Guangzhou 510275, China.
| | - Mei-Po Kwan
- Department of Geography and Geographic Information Science, Natural History Building, 1301 W Green Street, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
- Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Utrecht University, 3584 CB Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Fei Chen
- School of Geography and Planning, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Public Security and Disaster, Guangzhou 510275, China.
| | - Rongping Lin
- School of Geography and Planning, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Public Security and Disaster, Guangzhou 510275, China.
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59
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Le Texier M, Schiel K, Caruso G. The provision of urban green space and its accessibility: Spatial data effects in Brussels. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0204684. [PMID: 30332449 PMCID: PMC6192568 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Urban green space (UGS) has many environmental and social benefits. UGS provision and access are increasingly considered in urban policies and must rely on data and indicators that can capture variations in the distribution of UGS within cities. There is no consensus about how UGS, and their provision and access, must be defined from different land use data types. Here we identify four spatial dimensions of UGS and critically examine how different data sources affect these dimensions and our understanding of their variation within a city region (Brussels). We compare UGS indicators measured from an imagery source (NDVI from Landsat), an official cadastre-based map, and the voluntary geographical information provided by OpenStreetMap (OSM). We compare aggregate values of provision and access to UGS as well as their spatial distribution along a centrality gradient and at neighbourhood scale. We find that there are strong differences in the value of indicators when using the different datasets, especially due to their ability to capture private and public green space. However we find that the interpretation of intra-urban spatial variations is not affected by changes in data source. Centrality in particular is a strong determinant of the relative values of UGS availability, fragmentation and accessibility, irrespective of datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Le Texier
- UMR CNRS 6266 IDEES, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
- University Rouen Normandie, Department of Geography, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Kerry Schiel
- Institute of Geography and Spatial Planning, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Geoffrey Caruso
- Institute of Geography and Spatial Planning, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
- Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
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60
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Associations between Body Mass Index and Urban "Green" Streetscape in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15102186. [PMID: 30301237 PMCID: PMC6210302 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15102186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2018] [Revised: 09/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Public health researchers are increasingly interested in assessing the impact of neighborhood environment on physical activities and chronic health issues among humans. Walkable streets and proximity to green space have long been believed to promote active lifestyles in cities, which contribute to positive health outcomes among residents. Traditionally, urban environmental metrics were calculated at the area level to describe the physical environment of neighborhoods. However, considering the fact that streets are the basic unit for human activities in cities, it is important to understand how the streetscape environment can influence human health conditions. In this study, we investigated the influence of street greenery and walkability on body mass index in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. Different from the area level and overhead view greenery metrics, we used the green view index calculated from the Google Street View to represent the amount of street greenery. The Walk Score was used to indicate the walkability of neighborhoods also at the street level. Statistical analysis results show that the Walk Score has a more significant association with decreased BMI for males than females and the street greenery has a more significant association with decreased BMI for females than males in Cleveland, Ohio. The results of this study would provide a reference for designing gender-specific healthy cities.
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61
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Villeneuve PJ, Ysseldyk RL, Root A, Ambrose S, DiMuzio J, Kumar N, Shehata M, Xi M, Seed E, Li X, Shooshtari M, Rainham D. Comparing the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index with the Google Street View Measure of Vegetation to Assess Associations between Greenness, Walkability, Recreational Physical Activity, and Health in Ottawa, Canada. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15081719. [PMID: 30103456 PMCID: PMC6121879 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15081719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The manner in which features of the built environment, such as walkability and greenness, impact participation in recreational activities and health are complex. We analyzed survey data provided by 282 Ottawa adults in 2016. The survey collected information on participation in recreational physical activities by season, and whether these activities were performed within participants' neighbourhoods. The SF-12 instrument was used to characterize their overall mental and physical health. Measures of active living environment, and the satellite derived Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Google Street View (GSV) greenness indices were assigned to participants' residential addresses. Logistic regression and least squares regression were used to characterize associations between these measures and recreational physical activity, and self-reported health. The NDVI was not associated with participation in recreational activities in either the winter or summer, or physical or mental health. In contrast, the GSV was positively associated with participation in recreational activities during the summer. Specifically, those in the highest quartile spent, on average, 5.4 more hours weekly on recreational physical activities relative to those in the lowest quartile (p = 0.01). Active living environments were associated with increased utilitarian walking, and reduced reliance on use of motor vehicles. Our findings provide support for the hypothesis that neighbourhood greenness may play an important role in promoting participation in recreational physical activity during the summer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Villeneuve
- Department of Health Sciences, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada.
| | - Renate L Ysseldyk
- Department of Health Sciences, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada.
| | - Ariel Root
- Department of Health Sciences, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada.
| | - Sarah Ambrose
- Department of Health Sciences, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada.
| | - Jason DiMuzio
- Department of Health Sciences, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada.
| | - Neerija Kumar
- Department of Health Sciences, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada.
| | - Monica Shehata
- Department of Health Sciences, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada.
| | - Min Xi
- Department of Health Sciences, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada.
| | - Evan Seed
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3M7, Canada.
| | - Xiaojiang Li
- Department of Urban Studies and Planning, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
| | - Mahdi Shooshtari
- Department of Geography, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada.
| | - Daniel Rainham
- Healthy Populations Institute, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada.
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Bojorquez I, Ojeda-Revah L, Diaz R. Access to public spaces and physical activity for Mexican adult women. CAD SAUDE PUBLICA 2018; 34:e00065217. [DOI: 10.1590/0102-311x00065217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this article was to explore the association between access to public spaces and physical activity for adult women, controlling and testing interactions with sociodemographic and public spaces characteristics. We combined sociodemographic data from a survey with the adult (18-65 years of age) women population of Tijuana, Mexico, conducted in 2014 (N = 2,345); with data from a 2013 study on public spaces in the same city. We evaluated access to public spaces by the presence and total area of public spaces in buffers of 400, 800, 1,000 and 1,600m around the participants’ homes. We measured physical activity with the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-short). We employed multinomial logistic models to evaluate the association between access to public spaces and physical activity, and tested for interactions between access to public spaces and public spaces quality and sociodemographic characteristics. We observed no interaction between access to public spaces and public spaces quality in their effect on physical activity. There was an association between the presence of public spaces in the 400m buffer, and higher odds of being in the low physical activity level (as opposed to being in the moderate level) (coefficient: 0.50; 95%CI: 0.13; 0.87). Participants who used public transport were less likely to be in the low physical activity level (coefficient: -0.57; 95%CI: -0.97; -0.17). We suggest that, in this population, the access to public spaces might be less relevant for physical activity than other elements of the urban environment and sociodemographic characteristics.
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63
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Environmental Influences on Leisure-Time Physical Inactivity in the U.S.: An Exploration of Spatial Non-Stationarity. ISPRS INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GEO-INFORMATION 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/ijgi7040143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Impacts of Street-Visible Greenery on Housing Prices: Evidence from a Hedonic Price Model and a Massive Street View Image Dataset in Beijing. ISPRS INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GEO-INFORMATION 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/ijgi7030104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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65
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Lanki T, Siponen T, Ojala A, Korpela K, Pennanen A, Tiittanen P, Tsunetsugu Y, Kagawa T, Tyrväinen L. Acute effects of visits to urban green environments on cardiovascular physiology in women: A field experiment. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 159:176-185. [PMID: 28802208 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.07.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Revised: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiological studies have reported positive associations between the amount of green space in the living environment and mental and cardiovascular human health. In a search for effect mechanisms, field studies have found short-term visits to green environments to be associated with psychological stress relief. Less evidence is available on the effect of visits on cardiovascular physiology. OBJECTIVES To evaluate whether visits to urban green environments, in comparison to visits to a built-up environment, lead to beneficial short-term changes in indicators of cardiovascular health. METHODS Thirty-six adult female volunteers visited three different types of urban environments: an urban forest, an urban park, and a built-up city centre, in Helsinki, Finland. The visits consisted of 15min of sedentary viewing, and 30min of walking. During the visits, blood pressure and heart rate were measured, and electrocardiogram recorded for the determination of indicators of heart rate variability. In addition, levels of respirable ambient particles and environmental noise were monitored. RESULTS Visits to the green environments were associated with lower blood pressure (viewing period only), lower heart rate, and higher indices of heart rate variability [standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN), high frequency power] than visits to the city centre. In the green environments, heart rate decreased and SDNN increased during the visit. Associations between environment and indicators of cardiovascular health weakened slightly after inclusion of particulate air pollution and noise in the models. CONCLUSIONS Visits to urban green environments are associated with beneficial short-term changes in cardiovascular risk factors. This can be explained by psychological stress relief with contribution from reduced air pollution and noise exposure during the visits. Future research should evaluate the amount of exposure to green environments needed for longer-term benefits for cardiovascular health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timo Lanki
- Department of Health Security, National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Kuopio, Finland; Unit of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Taina Siponen
- Department of Health Security, National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Kuopio, Finland
| | - Ann Ojala
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kalevi Korpela
- School of Social Sciences and Humanities / Psychology, University of Tampere, Finland
| | - Arto Pennanen
- Department of Health Security, National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Kuopio, Finland
| | - Pekka Tiittanen
- Department of Health Security, National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Kuopio, Finland
| | - Yuko Tsunetsugu
- Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute (FFPRI), Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takahide Kagawa
- Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute (FFPRI), Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Liisa Tyrväinen
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Helsinki, Finland
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Assessing Spatial Accessibility of Public and Private Residential Aged Care Facilities: A Case Study in Wuhan, Central China. ISPRS INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GEO-INFORMATION 2017. [DOI: 10.3390/ijgi6100304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In the increasingly serious aging China, aged service is the provision of one of the most urgent and important public services to citizens, and private facilities has become an important service force with the aged service market opening in China. This study aims to explore the spatial variation in the accessibility of residential aged care facilities (RACFs) and compared the service capacity of public RACFs and private RACFs. It facilitates RACFs to be allocated rationally in the future and achieve the equalization of aged services. A village-level analysis of spatial access to public and private RACFs by the multi-catchment sizes Gaussian two-step floating catchment area (MCSG2SFCA) method was conducted through a case study in Wuhan City in Central China. The major results are as follows: (1) the accessibility of RACFs in urban areas is better than that in rural areas; (2) the public RACFs still dominate aged care services but the role of private RACFs is important as well; (3) in developed urban areas, the accessibility to private RACFs surpasses that of public ones, and the situation is opposite in rural areas; (4) the capacity of aged care services in Wuhan is not high, meanwhile there is remarkable regional disparity. The accessibility of RACFs in Wuhan is not satisfactory, and there is a significant gap between urban and rural areas. The private RACFs have significantly improved the urban capacity of aged care services, but the role in rural areas is still very weak.
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Wang D, Lau KKL, Yu R, Wong SYS, Kwok TTY, Woo J. Neighbouring green space and mortality in community-dwelling elderly Hong Kong Chinese: a cohort study. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e015794. [PMID: 28765127 PMCID: PMC5642810 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-015794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Revised: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Green space has been shown to be beneficial for human wellness through multiple pathways. This study aimed to explore the contributions of neighbouring green space to cause-specific mortality. METHODS Data from 3544 Chinese men and women (aged ≥65 years at baseline) in a community-based cohort study were analysed. Outcome measures, identified from the death registry, were death from all-cause, respiratory system disease, circulatory system disease. The quantity of green space (%) within a 300 m radius buffer was calculated for each subject from a map created based on the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index. Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for demographics, socioeconomics, lifestyle, health conditions and housing type were used to estimate the HRs and 95% CIs. RESULTS During a mean of 10.3 years of follow-up, 795 deaths were identified. Our findings showed that a 10% increase in coverage of green space was significantly associated with a reduction in all-cause mortality (HR 0.963, 95% CI 0.930 to 0.998), circulatory system-caused mortality (HR 0.887, 95% CI 0.817 to 0.963) and stroke-caused mortality (HR 0.661, 95% CI 0.524 to 0.835), independent of age, sex, marital status, years lived in Hong Kong, education level, socioeconomic ladder, smoking, alcohol intake, diet quality, self-rated health and housing type. The inverse associations between coverage of green space with all-cause mortality (HR 0.964, 95% CI 0.931 to 0.999) and circulatory system disease-caused mortality (HR 0.888, 95% CI 0.817 to 0.964) were attenuated when the models were further adjusted for physical activity and cognitive function. The effects of green space on all-cause and circulatory system-caused mortality tended to be stronger in females than in males. CONCLUSION Higher coverage of green space was associated with reduced risks of all-cause mortality, circulatory system-caused mortality and stroke-caused mortality in Chinese older people living in a highly urbanised city.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wang
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- CUHK Jockey Club Institute of Ageing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kevin Ka-Lun Lau
- CUHK Jockey Club Institute of Ageing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Institute of Future Cities, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ruby Yu
- CUHK Jockey Club Institute of Ageing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Samuel Y S Wong
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Hong Kong Institute of Intergrative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Timothy T Y Kwok
- CUHK Jockey Club Institute of Ageing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jean Woo
- CUHK Jockey Club Institute of Ageing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Frumkin H, Bratman GN, Breslow SJ, Cochran B, Kahn PH, Lawler JJ, Levin PS, Tandon PS, Varanasi U, Wolf KL, Wood SA. Nature Contact and Human Health: A Research Agenda. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2017; 125:075001. [PMID: 28796634 PMCID: PMC5744722 DOI: 10.1289/ehp1663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 411] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Revised: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND At a time of increasing disconnectedness from nature, scientific interest in the potential health benefits of nature contact has grown. Research in recent decades has yielded substantial evidence, but large gaps remain in our understanding. OBJECTIVES We propose a research agenda on nature contact and health, identifying principal domains of research and key questions that, if answered, would provide the basis for evidence-based public health interventions. DISCUSSION We identify research questions in seven domains: a) mechanistic biomedical studies; b) exposure science; c) epidemiology of health benefits; d) diversity and equity considerations; e) technological nature; f) economic and policy studies; and g) implementation science. CONCLUSIONS Nature contact may offer a range of human health benefits. Although much evidence is already available, much remains unknown. A robust research effort, guided by a focus on key unanswered questions, has the potential to yield high-impact, consequential public health insights. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP1663.
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Affiliation(s)
- Howard Frumkin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Gregory N Bratman
- Center for Conservation Biology, Stanford University , Stanford, California, USA
- Center for Creative Conservation, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington, USA
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sara Jo Breslow
- Center for Creative Conservation, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Peter H Kahn
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Joshua J Lawler
- Center for Creative Conservation, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington, USA
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Phillip S Levin
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington, USA
- The Nature Conservancy , Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Pooja S Tandon
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine , Seattle, Washington, USA
- Seattle Children's Hospital , Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Usha Varanasi
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Kathleen L Wolf
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington, USA
- Pacific Northwest Research Station , USDA Forest Service , Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Spencer A Wood
- Center for Creative Conservation, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington, USA
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington, USA
- The Natural Capital Project , Stanford University , Stanford, California, USA
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Smith G, Cirach M, Swart W, Dėdelė A, Gidlow C, van Kempen E, Kruize H, Gražulevičienė R, Nieuwenhuijsen MJ. Characterisation of the natural environment: quantitative indicators across Europe. Int J Health Geogr 2017; 16:16. [PMID: 28446187 PMCID: PMC5406880 DOI: 10.1186/s12942-017-0090-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The World Health Organization recognises the importance of natural environments for human health. Evidence for natural environment-health associations comes largely from single countries or regions, with varied approaches to measuring natural environment exposure. We present a standardised approach to measuring neighbourhood natural environment exposure in cities in different regions of Europe. Methods The Positive Health Effects of the Natural Outdoor environment in TYPical populations of different regions in Europe (PHENOTYPE) study aimed to explore the mechanisms linking natural environment exposure and health in four European cities (Barcelona, Spain; Doetinchem, the Netherlands; Kaunas, Lithuania; and Stoke-on-Trent, UK). Common GIS protocols were used to develop a hierarchy of natural environment measures, from simple measures (e.g., NDVI, Urban Atlas) using Europe-wide data sources, to detailed measures derived from local data that were specific to mechanisms thought to underpin natural environment-health associations (physical activity, social interaction, stress reduction/restoration). Indicators were created around residential addresses for a range of straight line and network buffers (100 m–1 km). Results For simple indicators derived from Europe-wide data, we observed differences between cities, which varied with different indicators (e.g., Kaunas and Doetinchem had equal highest mean NDVI within 100 m buffer, but mean distance to nearest natural environment in Kaunas was more twice that in Doetinchem). Mean distance to nearest natural environment for all cities suggested that most participants lived close to some kind of natural environments (64 ± 58–363 ± 281 m; mean 180 ± 204 m). The detailed classification highlighted marked between-city differences in terms of prominent types of natural environment. Indicators specific to mechanisms derived from this classification also captured more variation than the simple indicators. Distance to nearest and count indicators showed clear differences between cities, and those specific to the mechanisms showed within-city differences for Barcelona and Doetinchem. Conclusions This paper demonstrates the feasibility and challenges of creating comparable GIS-derived natural environment exposure indicators across diverse European cities. Mechanism-specific indicators showed within- and between-city variability that supports their utility for ecological studies, which could inform more specific policy recommendations than the traditional proxies for natural environment access. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12942-017-0090-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham Smith
- Staffordshire University, Leek Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 2DF, UK
| | - Marta Cirach
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Wim Swart
- Centre for Sustainability, Environment and Health, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), PO Box 1, 3720 BA, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Audrius Dėdelė
- Department of Environmental Science, Vytauto Didžiojo Universitetas, K. Donelaičio g. 58, 44248, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | | | - Elise van Kempen
- Centre for Sustainability, Environment and Health, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), PO Box 1, 3720 BA, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Hanneke Kruize
- Centre for Sustainability, Environment and Health, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), PO Box 1, 3720 BA, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Regina Gražulevičienė
- Department of Environmental Science, Vytauto Didžiojo Universitetas, K. Donelaičio g. 58, 44248, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Mark J Nieuwenhuijsen
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain
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Li F, Zhang F, Li X, Wang P, Liang J, Mei Y, Cheng W, Qian Y. Spatiotemporal Patterns of the Use of Urban Green Spaces and External Factors Contributing to Their Use in Central Beijing. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14030237. [PMID: 28264451 PMCID: PMC5369073 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14030237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Urban green spaces encourage outdoor activity and social communication that contribute to the health of local residents. Examining the relationship between the use of urban green spaces and factors influencing their utilization can provide essential references for green space site selection in urban planning. In contrast to previous studies that focused on internal factors, this study highlights the external factors (traffic convenience, population density and commercial facilities) contributing to the use of urban green spaces. We conducted a spatiotemporal analysis of the distribution of visitors in 208 selected green spaces in central Beijing. We examined the relationship between the spatial pattern of visitor distribution within urban green spaces and external factors, using the Gini coefficient, kernel density estimation, and geographical detectors. The results of the study were as follows. The spatial distribution of visitors within central Beijing’s green spaces was concentrated, forming different agglomerations. The three examined external factors are all associated with the use of green spaces. Among them, commercial facilities are the important external factor associated with the use of green spaces. For the selection of sites for urban green spaces, we recommend consideration of external factors in order to balance urban green space utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangzheng Li
- School of Landscape Architecture, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.
- Beijing Laboratory of Urban and Rural Ecological Environment, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Fen Zhang
- School of Landscape Architecture, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.
- Beijing Laboratory of Urban and Rural Ecological Environment, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Xiong Li
- School of Landscape Architecture, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.
- Beijing Laboratory of Urban and Rural Ecological Environment, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Peng Wang
- Beijing Tsinghua Tongheng Urban Planning & Design Institute, Beijing 100085, China.
| | - Junhui Liang
- Beijing Tsinghua Tongheng Urban Planning & Design Institute, Beijing 100085, China.
| | - Yuting Mei
- School of Landscape Architecture, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Wenwen Cheng
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77840, USA.
| | - Yun Qian
- School of Landscape Architecture, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.
- Beijing Laboratory of Urban and Rural Ecological Environment, Beijing 100083, China.
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Tarun S, Arora M, Rawal T, Benjamin Neelon SE. An evaluation of outdoor school environments to promote physical activity in Delhi, India. BMC Public Health 2017; 17:11. [PMID: 28056908 PMCID: PMC5217605 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-3987-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Increasing physical activity in children is an important public health goal in India. Schools may be a target for physical activity promotion, but little is known about outdoor school environments. The purpose of this study was to describe characteristics of the surrounding outdoor school environments that may promote children’s physical activity in Delhi, India. Methods For this cross-sectional study, we conducted a structured observation of outdoor school environments in a random sample of 16 private schools in Delhi, India using the Sport, Physical activity and Eating behavior: Environmental Determinants in Young people (SPEEDY) audit tool. The SPEEDY school audit measured six categories, including (1) access to the school; (2) surrounding area; (3) school grounds; (4) aesthetics; (5) usage; and (6) overall environment. Six trained data collectors conducted the audit independently in the summer of 2012 while schools were in session. Results Of the 16 schools, one had cycle lanes separated from the road while two schools had cycle lanes on the road. Two schools had pavement on both sides of the road for pedestrians. One school had marked pedestrian crossings. No schools had school warning signs, road safety signs, or route signs for cyclists that would help calm vehicular traffic. Fifteen schools had playground equipment and nine had courts, an assault course (a sequence of equipment designed to be used together), and a quadrangle (an enclosed or semi-enclosed courtyard) for outdoor physical activity. The majority of schools were shielded from the surrounding area by hedges, trees, or fences (n = 13) and were well maintained (n = 10). One school had evidence of vandalism. Two schools had graffiti, seven had litter, and 15 had murals or art. Conclusions The majority of schools did not have infrastructure to support physical activity, such as cycle lanes, marked pedestrian crossings, or traffic calming mechanisms such as school warning signs. However, most had playground equipment, courts, and outdoor play areas. Nearly all were free from vandalism and many had murals or art. These results provide preliminary data for future work examining outdoor school environments, active transport to school, and children’s physical activity in India. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-016-3987-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samiksha Tarun
- Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1402 South Grand Boulevard, St Louis, MO, 63104, USA
| | - Monika Arora
- Health Promotion and Tobacco Control, Public Health Foundation of India, Plot No. 47, Sector-44, Gurgaon, 122002, India
| | - Tina Rawal
- Public Health Foundation of India, Plot No. 47, Sector-44, Gurgaon, 122002, India
| | - Sara E Benjamin Neelon
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins University, 624 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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72
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MacBride-Stewart S, Gong Y, Antell J. Exploring the interconnections between gender, health and nature. Public Health 2016; 141:279-286. [DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2016.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Revised: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Inoue Y, Stickley A, Yazawa A, Shirai K, Amemiya A, Kondo N, Kondo K, Ojima T, Hanazato M, Suzuki N, Fujiwara T. Neighborhood Characteristics and Cardiovascular Risk among Older People in Japan: Findings from the JAGES Project. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0164525. [PMID: 27716825 PMCID: PMC5055291 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have found an association between neighborhood characteristics (i.e., aspects of the physical and social environment) and the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and elevated CVD risk. This study investigated the relationship between neighborhood characteristics and CVD risk among older people in Japan where research on this association is scarce. Data came from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study project; questionnaire data collected from 3,810 people aged 65 years or older living in 20 primary school districts in Aichi prefecture, Japan, was linked to a computed composite CVD risk score based on biomarker data (i.e., hemoglobin A1c, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and estimated glomerular filtration rate). A sex-stratified multilevel linear regression analysis revealed that for male participants, living in neighborhoods with a higher perceived occurrence of traffic accidents and reduced personal safety was associated with an elevated CVD risk (coefficient = 1.08 per interquartile range increase, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.30 to 1.86) whereas males living in neighborhoods with a higher perceived proximity of exercise facilities had a lower risk (coefficient = −1.00, 95% CI = −1.78 to −0.21). For females, there was no statistically significant association between neighborhood characteristics and CVD risk. This study suggests that aspects of the neighborhood environment might be important for CVD morbidity and mortality in Japan, particularly among men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosuke Inoue
- Department of Human Ecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Andrew Stickley
- Department of Human Ecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Stockholm Center for Health and Social Change (Scohost), Södertörn University, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Aki Yazawa
- Department of Human Ecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kokoro Shirai
- Department of Human Sciences, School of Law and Letters, University of the Ryukyus, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Airi Amemiya
- Department of Social Medicine, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoki Kondo
- Department of Health and Social Behavior, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Health Education and Health Sociology, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Katsunori Kondo
- Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba City, Chiba, Japan
- Center for Well-being and Society, Nihon Fukushi University, Nagoya City, Aichi, Japan
- Department of Gerontological Evaluation, Center for Gerontology and Social Science, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu City, Aichi, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Ojima
- School of Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Masamichi Hanazato
- Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba City, Chiba, Japan
| | - Norimichi Suzuki
- Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba City, Chiba, Japan
| | - Takeo Fujiwara
- Department of Global Health Promotion, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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Cebrecos A, Díez J, Gullón P, Bilal U, Franco M, Escobar F. Characterizing physical activity and food urban environments: a GIS-based multicomponent proposal. Int J Health Geogr 2016; 15:35. [PMID: 27716312 PMCID: PMC5050955 DOI: 10.1186/s12942-016-0065-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthier urban environments influence the distribution of cardiovascular risk factors. Our aim was to design and implement a multicomponent method based on Geographic Information Systems to characterize and evaluate environmental correlates of obesity: the food and the physical activity urban environments. METHODS Study location comprised a socio-demographically average urban area of 12 contiguous census sections (≈16,000 residents), in Madrid, Spain. We conducted on-field audits on all food stores and street segments. We designed a synthetic index integrating continuous measures of both environments, by kernel density analyses. Index ranges from 0 to 100 (least-most healthy). RESULTS We found a heterogeneous distribution with 75 and 50 % of the area scoring less than 36.8 and 25.5, respectively. Census sections of study area were categorized by Jenks intervals as high, medium-high, medium-low and low. 41.0 % of residents lived in an area with a low score, 23.6 % medium-low and 31.1 % medium-high and 4.2 % in a high. CONCLUSION The proposed synthetic index may be a relevant tool to inform urban health interventions, providing a feasible way to integrate different measures of barriers and facilitators of healthy urban environments in terms of food and physical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Cebrecos
- Social and Cardiovascular Epidemiology Research Group, School of Medicine, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Geology, Geography and Environmental Sciences, University of Alcalá, Calle Colegios 2, 28801, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Julia Díez
- Social and Cardiovascular Epidemiology Research Group, School of Medicine, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro Gullón
- Social and Cardiovascular Epidemiology Research Group, School of Medicine, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.,Escuela Nacional de Sanidad, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Usama Bilal
- Social and Cardiovascular Epidemiology Research Group, School of Medicine, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Manuel Franco
- Social and Cardiovascular Epidemiology Research Group, School of Medicine, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Francisco Escobar
- Social and Cardiovascular Epidemiology Research Group, School of Medicine, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain. .,Department of Geology, Geography and Environmental Sciences, University of Alcalá, Calle Colegios 2, 28801, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.
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75
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Wei C, Cabrera-Barona P, Blaschke T. Local Geographic Variation of Public Services Inequality: Does the Neighborhood Scale Matter? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 13:E981. [PMID: 27706072 PMCID: PMC5086720 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13100981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Revised: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to explore the effect of the neighborhood scale when estimating public services inequality based on the aggregation of social, environmental, and health-related indicators. Inequality analyses were carried out at three neighborhood scales: the original census blocks and two aggregated neighborhood units generated by the spatial "k"luster analysis by the tree edge removal (SKATER) algorithm and the self-organizing map (SOM) algorithm. Then, we combined a set of health-related public services indicators with the geographically weighted principal components analyses (GWPCA) and the principal components analyses (PCA) to measure the public services inequality across all multi-scale neighborhood units. Finally, a statistical test was applied to evaluate the scale effects in inequality measurements by combining all available field survey data. We chose Quito as the case study area. All of the aggregated neighborhood units performed better than the original census blocks in terms of the social indicators extracted from a field survey. The SKATER and SOM algorithms can help to define the neighborhoods in inequality analyses. Moreover, GWPCA performs better than PCA in multivariate spatial inequality estimation. Understanding the scale effects is essential to sustain a social neighborhood organization, which, in turn, positively affects social determinants of public health and public quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunzhu Wei
- Department of Geoinformatics-Z_GIS, University of Salzburg, Schillerstrasse 30, Salzburg 5020, Austria.
| | - Pablo Cabrera-Barona
- Department of Geoinformatics-Z_GIS, University of Salzburg, Schillerstrasse 30, Salzburg 5020, Austria.
| | - Thomas Blaschke
- Department of Geoinformatics-Z_GIS, University of Salzburg, Schillerstrasse 30, Salzburg 5020, Austria.
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76
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Tsai WL, Floyd MF, Leung YF, McHale MR, Reich BJ. Urban Vegetative Cover Fragmentation in the U.S.: Associations With Physical Activity and BMI. Am J Prev Med 2016; 50:509-517. [PMID: 26597506 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2015.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Revised: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Urban vegetative cover provides a range of ecosystem services including contributions to human health and well-being. Urbanization exerts tremendous pressure on this natural resource, causing fragmentation and loss of urban greenspace. This study aimed to examine associations between vegetative cover fragmentation and physical activity and BMI at the county scale in the U.S. metropolitan statistical areas greater than 1 million in population. METHODS National Land Cover Database 2006 and Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 2008 provided land cover and human health data, respectively. Analyses were performed in 2013 at the county scale where the health data were reported. Spearman rank correlation and stepwise and hierarchical regression models were applied to estimate relationships between land cover and health variables. RESULTS After controlling for median household income and race, greater forest edge density (β=0.272, p<0.05) and larger size of herbaceous patches (β=0.261, p<0.01) were associated with a higher percentage of participation in physical activity within counties. More connections between forest and developed area (β=0.37, p<0.01) and greater edge density of shrubland (β=0.646, p<0.001) were positively associated with a higher percentage of normal BMI (<25) within counties. CONCLUSIONS Forest land cover and some degree of fragmentation are associated with population physical activity. Future studies should examine how built environments and varying land cover configurations influence physical activity and weight status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Lun Tsai
- Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina.
| | - Myron F Floyd
- Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Yu-Fai Leung
- Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Melissa R McHale
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Brian J Reich
- Department of Statistics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
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Ou JY, Levy JI, Peters JL, Bongiovanni R, Garcia-Soto J, Medina R, Scammell MK. A Walk in the Park: The Influence of Urban Parks and Community Violence on Physical Activity in Chelsea, MA. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 13:ijerph13010097. [PMID: 26742051 PMCID: PMC4730488 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13010097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2015] [Revised: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Proximity to a park does not necessarily imply access or use, and the social environment may positively or negatively influence the positive intentions of the built environment. To investigate parks, park use and physical activity, and their associations with exposure to community violence, we interviewed residents (n = 354) of a densely populated urban community. Our findings indicate that proximity to any park is not associated with physical activity. However, proximity to the preferred park reported by residents to be conducive for physical activity (with walking paths, large fields, playgrounds for children and tennis courts) was associated with physical activity. Conversely, knowledge of sexual assault or rape in the neighborhood is inversely associated with every type of physical activity (park-based, outdoor, and indoor). Our findings suggest that improvements to the built environment (parks, green spaces) may be hindered by adverse social environments and both are necessary for consideration in the design of public health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judy Y Ou
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
| | - Jonathan I Levy
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
| | - Junenette L Peters
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Madeleine K Scammell
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
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Gavrilidis AA, Ciocănea CM, Niţă MR, Onose DA, Năstase II. Urban Landscape Quality Index – Planning Tool for Evaluating Urban Landscapes and Improving the Quality of Life. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.proenv.2016.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Parker NH, O'Connor DP, Kao DT, Lee RE. Do Neighborhood Physical Activity Resources and Land Use Influence Physical Activity among African American Public Housing Residents? J Health Care Poor Underserved 2016; 27:1330-44. [PMID: 27524771 PMCID: PMC8300560 DOI: 10.1353/hpu.2016.0135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Few studies have examined neighborhood influences on physical activity (PA) among low-income African Americans living in public housing. This study measured the associations of PA resources and land use with PA among 216 African Americans living in 12 low-income housing developments in Houston, Texas. Neighborhood measures included both detailed information from in-person audits and geographic information systems (GIS) data. Hierarchical linear regression models tested the associations of neighborhood PA resource availability and quality and land use density and diversity with individual-level, self-reported PA. Land use diversity was positively associated with walking among men after controlling for other neighborhood characteristics. Policies that promote land use diversity or improve the pedestrian environment in areas with diverse destinations may encourage PA among public housing residents.
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80
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Wu YT, Prina AM, Jones A, Matthews FE, Brayne C. Older people, the natural environment and common mental disorders: cross-sectional results from the Cognitive Function and Ageing Study. BMJ Open 2015; 5:e007936. [PMID: 26377504 PMCID: PMC4577935 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-007936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the hypothesis that higher exposure to natural environments in local areas is associated with a lower odds of depression and anxiety in later life. DESIGN A cross-sectional study based on the year-10 interview of the Medical Research Council Cognitive Function and Ageing Study (CFAS), a population-based study of ageing in the UK. Postcodes of the CFAS participants were mapped onto small geographic units, lower-layer super output areas (LSOAs) and linked to environmental data from government databases. The natural environment was characterised as the percentage of green space and private gardens in each LSOA based on the UK Generalised Land Use 2001 Dataset. PARTICIPANTS 2424 people aged 74 and over in the CFAS year-10 follow-up interview (2001) from 4 English centres (Cambridgeshire, Nottingham, Newcastle and Oxford). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Depression and anxiety; clinical and subthreshold cases were identified using the Geriatric Mental State Examination (GMS) package and its associated diagnostic algorithm: the Automated Geriatric Examination for Computer Assisted Taxonomy. RESULTS Compared with the lowest quartile, living in the highest quartile of neighbourhood natural environment provision was associated with a reduced odds of subthreshold depression (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.95), anxiety symptoms (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.83) and their co-occurrence (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.84) after adjusting for individual-level factors. Controlling for area deprivation attenuated the strength of associations for subthreshold depression by 20% but not for anxiety symptoms or for co-occurrence of the conditions. CONCLUSIONS A high exposure to natural environments (green space and gardens) in communities was associated with fewer mental disorders among older people. Increasing provision of green environments in local areas could be a potential population-level intervention to improve mental health among older people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Tzu Wu
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Institute of Public Health, Forvie Site, University of Cambridge, School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, UK
| | - A Matthew Prina
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Institute of Public Health, Forvie Site, University of Cambridge, School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, UK
- Health Service and Population Research Department, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Centre for Global Mental Health, London, UK
| | - Andy Jones
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, Norfolk, UK
| | - Fiona E Matthews
- MRC Biostatistics Unit, Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Carol Brayne
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Institute of Public Health, Forvie Site, University of Cambridge, School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, UK
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81
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Elliott LR, White MP, Taylor AH, Herbert S. Energy expenditure on recreational visits to different natural environments. Soc Sci Med 2015; 139:53-60. [PMID: 26151390 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2015.06.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Revised: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Physical inactivity poses a significant challenge to physical and mental health. Environmental approaches to tackle physical inactivity have identified natural environments as potentially important public health resources. Despite this, little is known about characteristics of the activity involved when individuals visit different types of natural environment. Using Natural England's Monitor of Engagement with the Natural Environment Survey, we examined 71,603 English respondents' recreational visits to natural environments in the past week. Specifically, we examined the intensity of the activities they undertook on the visits (METs), the duration of their visit, and the associated total energy expenditure (MET minutes). Visits to countryside and urban greenspace environments were associated with more intense activities than visits to coastal environments. However, visits to coastal environments were associated with the most energy expenditure overall due to their relatively long duration. Results differed by the urbanity or rurality of the respondent's residence and also how far respondents travelled to their destination. Knowledge of what types of natural environment afford the highest volumes and intensities of physical activity could inform landscape architecture and exercise prescriptions. Isolating activity-supporting characteristics of natural environments that can be translated into urban design is important in providing physical activity opportunities for those less able to access expansive environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lewis R Elliott
- Psychology Applied to Health Group, University of Exeter Medical School, United Kingdom.
| | - Mathew P White
- Psychology Applied to Health Group, University of Exeter Medical School, United Kingdom; European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian H Taylor
- Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, Plymouth University, United Kingdom
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82
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Wheeler BW, Lovell R, Higgins SL, White MP, Alcock I, Osborne NJ, Husk K, Sabel CE, Depledge MH. Beyond greenspace: an ecological study of population general health and indicators of natural environment type and quality. Int J Health Geogr 2015; 14:17. [PMID: 25924685 PMCID: PMC4455695 DOI: 10.1186/s12942-015-0009-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many studies suggest that exposure to natural environments (‘greenspace’) enhances human health and wellbeing. Benefits potentially arise via several mechanisms including stress reduction, opportunity and motivation for physical activity, and reduced air pollution exposure. However, the evidence is mixed and sometimes inconclusive. One explanation may be that “greenspace” is typically treated as a homogenous environment type. However, recent research has revealed that different types and qualities of natural environments may influence health and wellbeing to different extents. Methods This ecological study explores this issue further using data on land cover type, bird species richness, water quality and protected or designated status to create small-area environmental indicators across Great Britain. Associations between these indicators and age/sex standardised prevalence of both good and bad health from the 2011 Census were assessed using linear regression models. Models were adjusted for indicators of socio-economic deprivation and rurality, and also investigated effect modification by these contextual characteristics. Results Positive associations were observed between good health prevalence and the density of the greenspace types, “broadleaf woodland”, “arable and horticulture”, “improved grassland”, “saltwater” and “coastal”, after adjusting for potential confounders. Inverse associations with bad health prevalence were observed for the same greenspace types, with the exception of “saltwater”. Land cover diversity and density of protected/designated areas were also associated with good and bad health in the predicted manner. Bird species richness (an indicator of local biodiversity) was only associated with good health prevalence. Surface water quality, an indicator of general local environmental condition, was associated with good and bad health prevalence contrary to the manner expected, with poorer water quality associated with better population health. Effect modification by income deprivation and urban/rural status was observed for several of the indicators. Conclusions The findings indicate that the type, quality and context of ‘greenspace’ should be considered in the assessment of relationships between greenspace and human health and wellbeing. Opportunities exist to further integrate approaches from ecosystem services and public health perspectives to maximise opportunities to inform policies for health and environmental improvement and protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedict W Wheeler
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro Campus, Knowledge Spa, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 3HD, UK.
| | - Rebecca Lovell
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro Campus, Knowledge Spa, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 3HD, UK.
| | - Sahran L Higgins
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro Campus, Knowledge Spa, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 3HD, UK.
| | - Mathew P White
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro Campus, Knowledge Spa, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 3HD, UK.
| | - Ian Alcock
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro Campus, Knowledge Spa, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 3HD, UK.
| | - Nicholas J Osborne
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro Campus, Knowledge Spa, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 3HD, UK. .,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Flemington Road, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Kerryn Husk
- NIHR CLAHRC South West Peninsula (PenCLAHRC), Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, N32, ITTC Building, Tamar Science Park, Plymouth, PL6 8BX, UK.
| | - Clive E Sabel
- School of Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol, University Road, Bristol, BS8 1SS, UK.
| | - Michael H Depledge
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro Campus, Knowledge Spa, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 3HD, UK.
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83
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James P, Banay RF, Hart JE, Laden F. A Review of the Health Benefits of Greenness. CURR EPIDEMIOL REP 2015; 2:131-142. [PMID: 26185745 DOI: 10.1007/s40471-015-0043-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 500] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Researchers are increasingly exploring how neighborhood greenness, or vegetation, may affect health behaviors and outcomes. Greenness may influence health by promoting physical activity and social contact; decreasing stress; and mitigating air pollution, noise, and heat exposure. Greenness is generally measured using satellite-based vegetation indices or land-use databases linked to participants' addresses. In this review, we found fairly strong evidence for a positive association between greenness and physical activity, and a less consistent negative association between greenness and body weight. Research suggests greenness is protective against adverse mental health outcomes, cardiovascular disease, and mortality, though most studies were limited by cross-sectional or ecological design. There is consistent evidence that greenness exposure during pregnancy is positively associated with birth weight, though findings for other birth outcomes are less conclusive. Future research should follow subjects prospectively, differentiate between greenness quantity and quality, and identify mediators and effect modifiers of greenness-health associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter James
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health 401 Park Dr 3 Floor West Boston, MA 02215
| | - Rachel F Banay
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health 401 Park Dr 3 Floor West Boston, MA 02215
| | - Jaime E Hart
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health 401 Park Dr 3 Floor West Boston, MA 02215
| | - Francine Laden
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School 401 Park Dr 3 Floor West Boston, MA 02215
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84
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Koohsari MJ, Mavoa S, Villanueva K, Sugiyama T, Badland H, Kaczynski AT, Owen N, Giles-Corti B. Public open space, physical activity, urban design and public health: Concepts, methods and research agenda. Health Place 2015; 33:75-82. [PMID: 25779691 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2015.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Revised: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 02/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Public open spaces such as parks and green spaces are key built environment elements within neighbourhoods for encouraging a variety of physical activity behaviours. Over the past decade, there has been a burgeoning number of active living research studies examining the influence of public open space on physical activity. However, the evidence shows mixed associations between different aspects of public open space (e.g., proximity, size, quality) and physical activity. These inconsistencies hinder the development of specific evidence-based guidelines for urban designers and policy-makers for (re)designing public open space to encourage physical activity. This paper aims to move this research agenda forward, by identifying key conceptual and methodological issues that may contribute to inconsistencies in research examining relations between public open space and physical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Javad Koohsari
- McCaughey VicHealth Community Wellbeing Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Behavioural Epidemiology Laboratory, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Suzanne Mavoa
- McCaughey VicHealth Community Wellbeing Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Karen Villanueva
- McCaughey VicHealth Community Wellbeing Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Takemi Sugiyama
- Spatial Epidemiology and Evaluation Research Group, Sansom Institute for Health Research & School of Population Health, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Behavioural Epidemiology Laboratory, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Hannah Badland
- McCaughey VicHealth Community Wellbeing Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Andrew T Kaczynski
- Prevention Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA.
| | - Neville Owen
- Behavioural Epidemiology Laboratory, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Billie Giles-Corti
- McCaughey VicHealth Community Wellbeing Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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85
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Bixby H, Hodgson S, Fortunato L, Hansell A, Fecht D. Associations between green space and health in English cities: an ecological, cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0119495. [PMID: 25775020 PMCID: PMC4361406 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0119495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2014] [Accepted: 01/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Green space has been identified as a modifiable feature of the urban environment and associations with physiological and psychological health have been reported at the local level. This study aims to assess whether these associations between health and green space are transferable to a larger scale, with English cities as the unit of analysis. We used an ecological, cross-sectional study design. We classified satellite-based land cover data to quantify green space coverage for the 50 largest cities in England. We assessed associations between city green space coverage with risk of death from all causes, cardiovascular disease, lung cancer and suicide between 2002 and 2009 using Poisson regression with random effect. After adjustment for age, income deprivation and air pollution, we found that at the city level the risk of death from all causes and a priori selected causes, for men and women, did not significantly differ between the greenest and least green cities. These findings suggest that the local health effects of urban green space observed at the neighbourhood level in some studies do not transfer to the city level. Further work is needed to establish how urban residents interact with local green space, in order to ascertain the most relevant measures of green space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honor Bixby
- UK Small Area Health Statistics Unit, MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Susan Hodgson
- UK Small Area Health Statistics Unit, MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Léa Fortunato
- UK Small Area Health Statistics Unit, MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Hansell
- UK Small Area Health Statistics Unit, MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Public Health & Primary Care, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniela Fecht
- UK Small Area Health Statistics Unit, MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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86
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Messiah SE, Vidot DC, Somarriba G, Haney K, Aytur S, Natale RA, Brosco JP, Arheart KL. Obesity and cardiometabolic disease risk factors among US adolescents with disabilities. World J Diabetes 2015; 6:200-207. [PMID: 25685291 PMCID: PMC4317313 DOI: 10.4239/wjd.v6.i1.200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2014] [Revised: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To generate prevalence estimates of weight status and cardiometabolic disease risk factors among adolescents with and without disabilities.
METHODS: Analysis of the 1999-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data was conducted among 12-18 years old with (n = 256) and without disabilities (n = 5020). Mean values of waist circumference, fasting glucose, high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and metabolic syndrome (MetS, ≥ 3 risk factors present) were examined by the following standardized body mass index (BMI) categories for those with and without disabilities; overweight (BMI ≥ 85th - < 95th percentile for age and sex), obesity (BMI ≥ 95th percentile) and severe obesity (BMI ≥35 kg/m2). Linear regression models were fit with each cardiometabolic disease risk factor independently as continuous outcomes to show relationships with disability status.
RESULTS: Adolescents with disabilities were significantly more likely to be overweight (49.3%), obese (27.6%) and severely obese (12%) vs their peers without disabilities (33.1%, 17.5% and 3.6%, respectively, P≤ 0.01 for all). A higher proportion of overweight, obese and severely obese children with disabilities had abnormal SBP, fasting lipids and glucose as well as MetS (18.9% of overweight, 32.3% of obese, 55% of severely obese) vs their peers without disabilities (9.7%, 16.8%, 36.3%, respectively). US adolescents with disabilities are over three times as likely to have MetS (OR = 3.45, 95%CI: 1.08-10.99, P = 0.03) vs their peers with no disabilities.
CONCLUSION: Results show that adolescents with disabilities are disproportionately affected by obesity and poor cardiometabolic health vs their peers with no disabilities. Health care professionals should monitor the cardiometabolic health of adolescents with disabilities.
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87
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Marselle MR, Irvine KN, Lorenzo-Arribas A, Warber SL. Moving beyond green: exploring the relationship of environment type and indicators of perceived environmental quality on emotional well-being following group walks. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2014; 12:106-30. [PMID: 25546275 PMCID: PMC4306852 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph120100106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Against the backdrop of increasing interest in the relationship between Nature and health, this study examined the effect of perceived environment type and indicators of perceived environmental quality on short-term emotional well-being following outdoor group walks. Participants (n = 127) of a national group walk program completed pre- and post-walk questionnaires for each walk attended (n = 1009) within a 13-week study period. Multilevel linear modelling was used to examine the main and moderation effects. To isolate the environmental from the physical activity elements, analyses controlled for walk duration and perceived intensity. Analyses revealed that perceived restorativeness and perceived walk intensity predicted greater positive affect and happiness following an outdoor group walk. Perceived restorativeness and perceived bird biodiversity predicted post-walk negative affect. Perceived restorativeness moderated the relationship between perceived naturalness and positive affect. Results suggest that restorative quality of an environment may be an important element for enhancing well-being, and that perceived restorativeness and naturalness of an environment may interact to amplify positive affect. These findings highlight the importance of further research on the contribution of environment type and quality on well-being, and the need to control for effects of physical activity in green exercise research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa R Marselle
- Department of Psychology, Edge Hill University, St. Helens Road, Ormskirk, L39 4QP, UK.
| | - Katherine N Irvine
- Social, Economic and Geographical Sciences Research Group, The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, AB15 8QH, UK.
| | - Altea Lorenzo-Arribas
- BioSS-Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, AB15 8QH, UK.
| | - Sara L Warber
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA.
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88
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Kaczynski AT, Besenyi GM, Stanis SAW, Koohsari MJ, Oestman KB, Bergstrom R, Potwarka LR, Reis RS. Are park proximity and park features related to park use and park-based physical activity among adults? Variations by multiple socio-demographic characteristics. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2014; 11:146. [PMID: 25480157 PMCID: PMC4310176 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-014-0146-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2014] [Accepted: 11/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Parks are valuable resources for physical activity (PA) given their widespread availability and low cost to maintain and use. Both proximity to parks and the availability of particular features are important correlates of PA. However, few studies have explored multiple measures of proximity simultaneously or the specific facilities associated with park use and park-based PA among adults, let alone differences across socio-demographic characteristics. The purpose of this study was to examine associations between park proximity and park facilities and adults’ park use and park-based PA, while also exploring differences by gender, age, race, and income. Methods Data on monthly park use and weekly amount of PA undertaken in parks were collected via a mail survey of adults from randomly-selected households (n = 893) in Kansas City, Missouri (KCMO) in 2010–2011. Three measures of park proximity were calculated within 1 mile of participating households: distance to the closest park, number of parks, and total park area. All parks in KCMO were audited using the Community Park Audit Tool to determine the availability of 14 park facilities within 1 mile of each participant (e.g., trail, playground, tennis court). Multilevel logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between each of park use and park-based PA and 1) three measures of park proximity, and 2) the availability of 14 park facilities within 1 mile of participants. Separate analyses were conducted by gender, age, race, and income, while controlling for all socio-demographic characteristics and BMI. Results Across all sub-samples, distance to the closest park was not significantly related to either park use or park-based PA. However, numerous significant associations were found for the relationship of number of parks and amount of park space within 1 mile with both outcomes. As well, diverse facilities were associated with park use and park-based PA. For both park proximity and facilities, the significant relationships varied widely across gender, age, race, and income groups. Conclusions Both park proximity and park facilities are related to park use and park-based PA. Understanding how such associations vary across demographic groups is important in planning for activity-friendly parks that are responsive to the needs of neighborhood residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew T Kaczynski
- Department of Health Promotion Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Room 529, Columbia, SC, 29201, USA. .,Prevention Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA.
| | - Gina M Besenyi
- Department of Health Promotion Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Room 529, Columbia, SC, 29201, USA.
| | - Sonja A Wilhelm Stanis
- Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, University of Missouri-Columbia, 105 ABNR Building, Columbia, MO, USA.
| | - Mohammad Javad Koohsari
- Behavioural Epidemiology Laboratory, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia. .,McCaughey VicHealth Centre for Community Wellbeing, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
| | | | - Ryan Bergstrom
- Department of Geography, 800 West College Ave, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN, USA.
| | - Luke R Potwarka
- Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Rodrigo S Reis
- School of Health and Biosciences, Pontifica Universidade Catolica do Parana, Curitiba, Brazil.
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89
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Coastal proximity and physical activity: Is the coast an under-appreciated public health resource? Prev Med 2014; 69:135-40. [PMID: 25284259 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2014.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Revised: 08/01/2014] [Accepted: 09/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent findings suggest that individuals living near the coast are healthier than those living inland. Here we investigated whether this may be related to higher levels of physical activity among coastal dwellers in England, arising in part as a result of more visits to outdoor coastal settings. METHOD Participants (n=183,755) were drawn from Natural England's Monitor of Engagement with the Natural Environment Survey (2009-2012). Analyses were based on self-reported physical activity for leisure and transport. RESULTS A small, but significant coastal proximity gradient was seen for the likelihood of achieving recommended guidelines of physical activity a week after adjusting for relevant area and individual level controls. This effect was statistically mediated by the likelihood of having visited the coast in the last seven days. Stratification by region, however, suggested that while the main effect was relatively strong for west coast regions, it was not significant for those in the east. CONCLUSIONS In general, our findings replicate and extend work from Australia and New Zealand. Further work is needed to explain the marked regional differences in the relationship between coastal proximity and physical activity in England to better understand the coast's potential role as a public health resource.
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90
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Yen IH, Fandel Flood J, Thompson H, Anderson LA, Wong G. How design of places promotes or inhibits mobility of older adults: realist synthesis of 20 years of research. J Aging Health 2014; 26:1340-72. [PMID: 24788714 PMCID: PMC4535337 DOI: 10.1177/0898264314527610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to determine the environmental features that best support aging in place. METHOD We conducted a realist synthesis, a theory-driven interpretive method of evidence synthesis, of 120+ articles (published 1991-2011) that attempts to explain how place may influence older adults' decisions about mobility (e.g., physical activity). We developed an initial program theory, reviewed the literature, identified outcomes, analyzed and synthesized patterns, and created a final program theory. RESULTS Safety was a central mechanism, serving as one of the bridges between environmental components (e.g., connectivity, aesthetics, retail and services) and decisions about mobility. Population density, sidewalk presence, and park proximity did not emerge as key factors. DISCUSSION Safety considerations are one of the most prominent influences of older adults' decisions about mobility. Street connectivity, pedestrian access and transit, and retail and services were also important. These factors are amenable to change and can help promote mobility for older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene H Yen
- University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | | | | | - Lynda A Anderson
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Geoff Wong
- Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK
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91
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Aytur SA, Jones SA, Stransky M, Evenson KR. Measuring Physical Activity in Outdoor Community Recreational Environments: Implications for Research, Policy, and Practice. CURRENT CARDIOVASCULAR RISK REPORTS 2014; 9. [PMID: 26005510 DOI: 10.1007/s12170-014-0423-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) are major contributors to escalating health care costs in the USA. Physical activity is an important protective factor against CVD, and the National Prevention Strategy recognizes active living (defined as a way of life that integrates physical activity into everyday routines) as a priority for improving the nation's health. This paper focuses on developing more inclusive measures of physical activity in outdoor community recreational environments, specifically parks and trails, to enhance their usability for at-risk populations such as persons with mobility limitations. We develop an integrated conceptual framework for measuring physical activity in outdoor community recreational environments, describe examples of evidence-based tools for measuring physical activity in these settings, and discuss strategies to improve measurement of physical activity for persons with mobility limitations. Addressing these measurement issues is critically important to making progress towards national CVD goals pertaining to active community environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Semra A Aytur
- University of New Hampshire, 4 Library Way Hewitt Hall 335, Durham, NH 03824, USA
| | - Sydney A Jones
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of NC-Chapel Hill, 137 East Franklin Street, Suite 306, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Michelle Stransky
- UNH Institute on Disability, University of New Hampshire, 10 West, Edge Drive, Suite 101, Durham, NH 03824, USA
| | - Kelly R Evenson
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of NC-Chapel Hill, 137 East Franklin Street, Suite 306, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
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92
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Green space, health and wellbeing: making space for individual agency. Health Place 2014; 30:287-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2014.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2014] [Revised: 10/13/2014] [Accepted: 10/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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93
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Mena C, Fuentes E, Ormazábal Y, Palomo-Vélez G, Palomo I. Role of access to parks and markets with anthropometric measurements, biological markers, and a healthy lifestyle. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2014; 25:373-383. [PMID: 25236622 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2014.958134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study examined the association between access to urban green spaces and markets with anthropometric measurements, biological markers, sociodemographic, and healthy lifestyle. METHODS Geographic information systems were used to establish a correlation between environmental features and cardiovascular risk parameters. A total number of 832 (age range 18-74 years) individuals were selected for this study. RESULTS Body mass index was significantly and positively related to the distance to parks (ρ = 0.079, p < 0.05), but negatively related to the distance to markets (ρ = -0.125, p < 0.05). In addition, waist circumference was similar and positively related to distance to parks (ρ = 0.097, p < 0.05) and negatively related to distance to markets (ρ = -0.092, p < 0.05). With respect to biochemical parameters, when there was an increase in the distance to markets, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased and glycemia decreased. CONCLUSION The results of this study suggest the importance of the role of environmental factors such as parks and markets in the development of cardiovascular risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Mena
- a Geomatics Center, University of Talca , Talca , Chile
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94
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Chapman R, Howden-Chapman P, Keall M, Witten K, Abrahamse W, Woodward A, Muggeridge D, Beetham J, Grams M. Increasing active travel: aims, methods and baseline measures of a quasi-experimental study. BMC Public Health 2014; 14:935. [PMID: 25200936 PMCID: PMC4177151 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-14-935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2014] [Accepted: 08/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Policy advisers are seeking robust evidence on the effectiveness of measures, such as promoting walking and cycling, that potentially offer multiple benefits, including enhanced health through physical activity, alongside reductions in energy use, traffic congestion and carbon emissions. This paper outlines the 'ACTIVE' study, designed to test whether the Model Communities Programme in two New Zealand cities is increasing walking and cycling. The intervention consists of the introduction of cycle and walkway infrastructure, along with measures to encourage active travel. This paper focuses on the rationale for our chosen study design and methods. METHOD The study design is multi-level and quasi-experimental, with two intervention and two control cities. Baseline measures were taken in 2011 and follow-up measures in 2012 and 2013. Our face-to-face surveys measured walking and cycling, but also awareness, attitudes and habits. We measured explanatory and confounding factors for mode choice, including socio-demographic and well-being variables. Data collected from the same households on either two or three occasions will be analysed using multi-level models that take account of clustering at the household and individual levels. A cost-benefit analysis will also be undertaken, using our estimates of carbon savings from mode shifts. The matching of the intervention and control cities was quite close in terms of socio-demographic variables, including ethnicity, and baseline levels of walking and cycling. DISCUSSION This multidisciplinary study provides a strong design for evaluating an intervention to increase walking and cycling in a developed country with relatively low baseline levels of active travel. Its strengths include the use of data from control cities as well as intervention cities, an extended evaluation period with a reasonable response rate from a random community survey and the availability of instrumental variables for sensitivity analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph Chapman
- NZ Centre for Sustainable Cities, and Victoria University of Wellington, Environmental Studies Programme, SGEES, P,O, Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand.
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95
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Calogiuri G, Chroni S. The impact of the natural environment on the promotion of active living: an integrative systematic review. BMC Public Health 2014; 14:873. [PMID: 25150711 PMCID: PMC4246567 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-14-873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2014] [Accepted: 08/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background An understanding of how the living environment influences physical activity (PA) is of great importance for health promotion. Researchers have reported increased PA when there is a greater availability of nature within people’s living environment. However, little has been said about underlying motivational processes. The aim of this study was to review the existing literature on the relationship between the natural environment (NE) and PA, integrating it into a conceptual model that depicts the motivational process underlying this relationship. Methods Through a systematic literature search in line with PRISMA guidelines, peer-reviewed articles were sought using PubMed (search updated to October 2013) and scrutiny of reference lists. In addition, we contacted experts within our network. We reviewed papers in which the research question(s) concerned: 1) Effects of PA in NE on individuals’ feelings and beliefs; 2) Relationships between PA and availability of NEs; and 3) Motivational processes underlying visits to NEs in association with PA. Analysis and integration of the 90 selected studies were performed using the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). Results People’s experiences in using the NE can enhance attitudes toward PA and perceived behavioural control via positive psychological states and stress-relieving effects, which lead to firmer intentions to engage in PA. Individual and environmental barriers, as expressions of social support and actual behavioural control, impact the process via subjective norm and perceived behavioural control. Instrumental beliefs such as a desire to enjoy nature and the expected health benefits also influence the process via attitudes. Different patterns have been identified for neighbourhood-based PA and outdoor recreations that take place in a NE. Conclusions The availability of a NE and attractive views of nature within an individual’s living environment are important contributors to PA, yet attention should focus on personal characteristics and environmental barriers. Policy and infrastructural interventions should aim to guarantee access and maintenance of the NE, as well as information and programming of social activities. Social campaigns via media and health institutions should highlight how nature can be a source of motivation for maintaining a PA routine, reducing stress and achieving aesthetic and health goals. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2458-14-873) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Calogiuri
- Department of Dental Care and Public Health, Hedmark University College, Elverum, Norway.
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96
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Wilker EH, Wu CD, McNeely E, Mostofsky E, Spengler J, Wellenius GA, Mittleman MA. Green space and mortality following ischemic stroke. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2014; 133:42-8. [PMID: 24906067 PMCID: PMC4151551 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2014.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2014] [Revised: 05/02/2014] [Accepted: 05/04/2014] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Residential proximity to green space has been associated with physical and mental health benefits, but whether green space is associated with post-stroke survival has not been studied. METHODS Patients ≥ 21 years of age admitted to the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) between 1999 and 2008 with acute ischemic stroke were identified. Demographics, presenting symptoms, medical history and imaging results were abstracted from medical records at the time of hospitalization for stroke onset. Addresses were linked to average Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, distance to roadways with more than 10,000 cars/day, and US census block group. Deaths were identified through June 2012 using the Social Security Death Index. RESULTS There were 929 deaths among 1645 patients with complete data (median follow up: 5 years). In multivariable Cox models adjusted for indicators of medical history, demographic and socioeconomic factors, the hazard ratio for patients living in locations in the highest quartile of green space compared to the lowest quartile was 0.78 (95% Confidence Interval: 0.63-0.97) (p-trend = 0.009). This association remained statistically significant after adjustment for residential proximity to a high traffic road. CONCLUSIONS Residential proximity to green space is associated with higher survival rates after ischemic stroke in multivariable adjusted models. Further work is necessary to elucidate the underlying mechanisms for this association, and to better understand the exposure-response relationships and susceptibility factors that may contribute to higher mortality in low green space areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elissa H Wilker
- Cardiovascular Epidemiology Research Unit, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215 USA; Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Chih-Da Wu
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, College of Agriculture, National Chiayi University, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Eileen McNeely
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Mostofsky
- Cardiovascular Epidemiology Research Unit, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215 USA
| | - John Spengler
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Murray A Mittleman
- Cardiovascular Epidemiology Research Unit, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215 USA; Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Claessens J, Schram-Bijkerk D, Dirven-van Breemen L, Otte P, van Wijnen H. The soil-water system as basis for a climate proof and healthy urban environment: opportunities identified in a Dutch case-study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 485-486:776-784. [PMID: 24656988 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.02.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2013] [Revised: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 02/27/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
One of the effects of climate change expected to take place in urban areas in the Netherlands is an increase in periods of extreme heat and drought. How the soil can contribute to making cities more climate proof is often neglected. Unsealed soil and green spaces increase water storage capacity and can consequently prevent flooding. The planning of public or private green spaces can have a cooling effect and, in general, have a positive effect on how people perceive their health. This paper reviews existing guidelines from Dutch policy documents regarding unsealed soil and green spaces in the Netherlands; do they support climate adaptation policies? Scientific literature was used to quantify the positive effects of green spaces on water storage capacity, cooling and public health. Finally we present a case study of a model town where different policy areas are linked together. Maps were made to provide insight into the ratio of unsealed soil and the number of green spaces in relation to existing guidelines using Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Maps marking the age and social-economic status of the population were also made. The benefits of green spaces are difficult to express in averages because they depend on many different factors such as soil properties, type of green spaces, population characteristics and spatial planning. Moreover, it is not possible to provide quantifications of the benefits of green spaces because of a lack of scientific evidence at the moment. Based on the maps, however, policy assessments can be made, for example, in which site a neighborhood will most benefit from investment in parks and public gardens. Neighborhoods where people have a low social-economic status have for example fewer green spaces than others. This offers opportunities for efficient adaptation policies linking goals of several policy fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Claessens
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), PO Box 1, NL-3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Dieneke Schram-Bijkerk
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), PO Box 1, NL-3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Liesbet Dirven-van Breemen
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), PO Box 1, NL-3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Piet Otte
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), PO Box 1, NL-3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Harm van Wijnen
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), PO Box 1, NL-3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
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98
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Tamosiunas A, Grazuleviciene R, Luksiene D, Dedele A, Reklaitiene R, Baceviciene M, Vencloviene J, Bernotiene G, Radisauskas R, Malinauskiene V, Milinaviciene E, Bobak M, Peasey A, Nieuwenhuijsen MJ. Accessibility and use of urban green spaces, and cardiovascular health: findings from a Kaunas cohort study. Environ Health 2014; 13:20. [PMID: 24645935 PMCID: PMC4000006 DOI: 10.1186/1476-069x-13-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2013] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aims of this study were to explore associations of the distance and use of urban green spaces with the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and its risk factors, and to evaluate the impact of the accessibility and use of green spaces on the incidence of CVD among the population of Kaunas city (Lithuania). METHODS We present the results from a Kaunas cohort study on the access to and use of green spaces, the association with cardiovascular risk factors and other health-related variables, and the risk of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. A random sample of 5,112 individuals aged 45-72 years was screened in 2006-2008. During the mean 4.41 years follow-up, there were 83 deaths from CVD and 364 non-fatal cases of CVD among persons free from CHD and stroke at the baseline survey. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were used for data analysis. RESULTS We found that the distance from people's residence to green spaces was not related to the prevalence of health-related variables. However, the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and the prevalence of diabetes mellitus were significantly lower among park users than among non-users. During the follow up, an increased risk of non-fatal and fatal CVD combined was observed for those who lived ≥629.61 m from green spaces (3rd tertile of distance to green space) (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.36), and the risk for non-fatal CVD-for those who lived ≥347.81 m (2nd and 3rd tertile) and were not park users (HR = 1.66) as compared to men and women who lived 347.8 m or less (1st tertile) from green space. Men living further away from parks (3rd tertile) had a higher risk of non-fatal and fatal CVD combined, compared to those living nearby (1st tertile) (HR = 1.51). Compared to park users living nearby (1st tertile), a statistically significantly increased risk of non-fatal CVD was observed for women who were not park users and living farther away from parks (2nd and 3rd tertile) (HR = 2.78). CONCLUSION Our analysis suggests public health policies aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles in urban settings could produce cardiovascular benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdonas Tamosiunas
- Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Academy of Medicine, Institute of Cardiology, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | | | - Dalia Luksiene
- Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Academy of Medicine, Institute of Cardiology, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Audrius Dedele
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Regina Reklaitiene
- Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Academy of Medicine, Institute of Cardiology, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Migle Baceviciene
- Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Academy of Medicine, Institute of Cardiology, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Jone Vencloviene
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Gailute Bernotiene
- Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Academy of Medicine, Institute of Cardiology, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Ricardas Radisauskas
- Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Academy of Medicine, Institute of Cardiology, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Vilija Malinauskiene
- Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Academy of Medicine, Institute of Cardiology, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Egle Milinaviciene
- Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Academy of Medicine, Institute of Cardiology, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Martin Bobak
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Anne Peasey
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Mark J Nieuwenhuijsen
- Center for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain
- Municipal Institute of Medical Research (IMIM-Hospital del Mar), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain
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99
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Jongeneel-Grimen B, Droomers M, van Oers HAM, Stronks K, Kunst AE. The relationship between physical activity and the living environment: a multi-level analyses focusing on changes over time in environmental factors. Health Place 2014; 26:149-60. [PMID: 24448404 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2013.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2013] [Revised: 12/02/2013] [Accepted: 12/03/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
There is limited evidence on the causality of previously observed associations between neighborhood characteristics and physical activity (PA). We aimed to assess whether individual-level PA was associated with changes in fear of crime, social cohesion, green spaces, parking facilities, social disorder, and physical disorder that occurred over the past 3 years. In general, in neighborhoods where residents had more favorable perceptions of the environment in 2006, residents were more likely to be physically active in 2009. In addition, improvements between 2006 and 2009 with respect to perceived social cohesion, green spaces, social disorder, and physical disorder were associated with increased odds of being active in 2009. For both the levels in 2006 and trends in the period 2006-2009, the associations were somewhat stronger among women than among men, but associations did not vary by age or length of residence. For several environmental factors, we observed that not only the levels at a certain point in time, but also recent improvements over time were related to PA. These results provide new support for a causal relationship between these environmental factors and PA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birthe Jongeneel-Grimen
- Department of Public Health, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 22660, 1100 DD Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Mariël Droomers
- Department of Public Health, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 22660, 1100 DD Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Hans A M van Oers
- Centre for Public Health Status and Forecasting, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, P.O. Box 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands; Academic Collaborative Centre for Public Health Brabant, Tranzo, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tilburg, P.O Box 90153, 5000 LE Tilburg, The Netherlands.
| | - Karien Stronks
- Department of Public Health, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 22660, 1100 DD Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Anton E Kunst
- Department of Public Health, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 22660, 1100 DD Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Abstract
Urbanization, resource exploitation, and lifestyle changes have diminished possibilities for human contact with nature in urbanized societies. Concern about the loss has helped motivate research on the health benefits of contact with nature. Reviewing that research here, we focus on nature as represented by aspects of the physical environment relevant to planning, design, and policy measures that serve broad segments of urbanized societies. We discuss difficulties in defining "nature" and reasons for the current expansion of the research field, and we assess available reviews. We then consider research on pathways between nature and health involving air quality, physical activity, social cohesion, and stress reduction. Finally, we discuss methodological issues and priorities for future research. The extant research does describe an array of benefits of contact with nature, and evidence regarding some benefits is strong; however, some findings indicate caution is needed in applying beliefs about those benefits, and substantial gaps in knowledge remain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terry Hartig
- Institute for Housing and Urban Research, Uppsala University, SE-75120 Uppsala, Sweden;
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