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Zhang Y, Zhao J, Mavoa S, Fenaughty J, Clark TC, Crengle S, Smith M. Impacts of sociodemographic factors, identities and neighbourhood safety on the relationship between urban green space and adolescent mental well-being: Findings from Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand. SSM Popul Health 2024; 25:101603. [PMID: 38283547 PMCID: PMC10821595 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2024.101603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
This study explored the relationship between green space accessibility (GSA) in residential area and adolescents' mental well-being, and whether the relationship was moderated by sociodemographic factors (sex, ethnicity, neighbourhood deprivation), identities (gender and sexuality minority, disability) and perceived neighbourhood safety simultaneously. Data from 3813 adolescents who lived in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand were obtained from the Youth19 Rangatahi Smart Survey. A Gaussian-based two-step floating catchment area method was employed to measure the spatial accessibility to green space at the neighbourhood level. The World Health Organization-5 Well-being Index was used to assess emotional well-being (EW), and the Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale-short form was employed to measure depressive symptoms (DS). Through moderation analyses, results showed that perceived neighbourhood safety plays a vital role in the GSA - mental well-being association, with a negative trend in adolescents who reported being less safe in neighbourhoods. Adverse associations of GSA were found in gender and sexuality minority, disabled, Asian and Pacific adolescents, under the condition of not feeling safe in neighbourhoods all the time. The results showed marginalised adolescents tended to feel less safe in neighbourhoods, have lower EW and a higher level of DS. Additionally, the results from bivariate correlations showed there were inequalities in GSA for adolescents who lived in most deprived neighbourhoods and adolescents of Māori ethnicity. This study provides novel evidence of the importance of safe and inclusive green space for effectively promoting mental health and mitigating health inequalities of adolescents in urban areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijun Zhang
- School of Nursing, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jinfeng Zhao
- School of Nursing, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Suzanne Mavoa
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - John Fenaughty
- Faculty of Education and Social Work, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Terryann C. Clark
- School of Nursing, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sue Crengle
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago, New Zealand
| | - Melody Smith
- School of Nursing, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Button BLG, Martin G. Exploring Extreme Weather and Recess Policies, Practices, and Procedures in the Canadian Context. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:814. [PMID: 36613136 PMCID: PMC9819831 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the different policies, practices, and procedures that are used on weather and recess in the Canadian context. Fifty school websites were examined, and ten key informants were interviewed. Policies, practices, and procedures from school websites were downloaded, and interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a qualitative content analysis. Fourteen schools had an outwardly facing policy, practice, or procedure for weather and recess. Cold temperatures were the most often cited reason for modifying recess to be indoors, with temperatures ranging from -20 to -40 for complete indoor recess. Precipitation was only found in four online documents but was mentioned as a reason to modify recess by all key informants. Additionally, key informants discussed variability in how recess policies, practices, and procedures were followed. The findings of this study illustrate inconsistencies in both formal and informal school weather and recess policies. With outdoor recess providing numerous opportunities to improve various domains of well-being, it is pertinent to understand the conditions on which it is being modified.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gina Martin
- Faculty of Health Disciplines, Athabasca University, Athabasca, AB T9S 3A3, Canada
- Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
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3
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Barger B, Larson LR, Torquati J, Moody E, Ogletree S, Rosenberg S. The complex relationship between greenspace and well-being in children with and without autism. Appl Psychol Health Well Being 2022; 15:705-722. [PMID: 36196049 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Greenspace (defined here as canopy coverage) positively correlates with improved well-being in typically developing individuals, but this relationship has not been established in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To investigate this relationship, the current study merged data from the National Survey of Children's Health (2012) with the National Land Cover Database. Across typically developing children, children with ASD, and non-autistic children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN), greenspace unexpectedly negatively correlated with well-being. Further, compared with typically developing children, children with ASD or CSHCN status had lower well-being. Interestingly, typically developing children with conduct problems displayed an unexpected negative relationship (i.e. as greenspace increased whereas well-being decreased), though those without conduct problems showed no relationship. Children with ASD displayed no relationship between greenspace independent of conduct problems. CSHCN displayed non-significant trends suggesting mild positive relationships between greenspace and well-being. These data indicate the relationship between greenspace and well-being is more complex than expected and may depend on the diagnostic traits of the population studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Barger
- School of Public Health, Center for Leadership in Disability, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Lincoln R Larson
- Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management, College of Natural Resources, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Julia Torquati
- Department of Child, Youth and Family Studies, College of Education and Human Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Eric Moody
- Wyoming Institute for Disabilities (WIND), College of Health Sciences, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA
| | - Scott Ogletree
- Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management, College of Behavioral, Social, and Health Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Steven Rosenberg
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Sprague NL, Bancalari P, Karim W, Siddiq S. Growing up green: a systematic review of the influence of greenspace on youth development and health outcomes. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2022; 32:660-681. [PMID: 35614136 PMCID: PMC9482936 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-022-00445-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Youth growing up in places with more greenspaces have better developmental outcomes. The literature on greenspace and youth development is largely cross-sectional, thus limited in terms of measuring development and establishing causal inference. We conducted a systematic review of prospective, longitudinal studies measuring the association between greenspace exposure and youth development outcomes measured between ages two and eighteen. We searched Cochrane, PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Environment Complete, and included prospective cohort, quasi-experimental, and experimental studies on greenspace and youth development. Study quality was assessed using a 10-item checklist adapted from a previously published review on greenspace and health. Twenty-eight studies met criteria for review and were grouped into five thematic categories based on reported outcomes: cognitive and brain development, mental health and wellbeing, attention and behavior, allergy and respiratory, and obesity and weight. Seventy-nine percent of studies suggest an association between greenspace and improved youth development. Most studies were concentrated in wealthy, Western European countries, limiting generalizability of findings. Key opportunities for future research include: (1) improved uniformity of standards in measuring greenspace, (2) improved measures to account for large latency periods between greenspace exposure and developmental outcomes, and (3) more diverse study settings and populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadav L Sprague
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Pilar Bancalari
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wasie Karim
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shabnaz Siddiq
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
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5
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Naing KM, Htun YM, Tun KM, Win TT, Lin H, Sein TT. Involvement of high school teachers in Health Promoting School program in selected township, Yangon Region, Myanmar: A cross-sectional mixed methods study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270125. [PMID: 35709210 PMCID: PMC9202905 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Schools provide a big opportunity for promoting the student’s health, life skill, and behavior. Teachers play a fundamental role in the promotion and successful implementation of school health services. This study aimed to assess the level of involvement in the Health Promoting School program and its associated factors and to explore the benefits and barriers to involvement among high school teachers in Myanmar. Methods A mixed methods explanatory sequential study was conducted among 194 high school teachers in Thanlyin Township, Yangon Region, Myanmar, from June to August 2020. Quantitative data were collected with the pretested structural questionnaire and analyzed by Chi-square tests and Fisher’s exact tests. A qualitative strand was added by conducting in-depth interviews (n = 15, five teachers from each level of involvement: poor, medium, and good), analyzed by thematic content analysis. Results Of the 194 teachers, 23.7% had a good level of involvement in the Health Promoting School program. The factor associated with involvement in Health Promoting School program were age (p value < 0.001), duration of services (p value = 0.001), and a number of accomplished training-related school health (p value = 0.008). Qualitative data revealed that improvement of the health knowledge and awareness on health problems, the progress of healthy behaviors, development of physical and mental health, prevention of the disease spread, achievement of healthy and productive learning environment, and development of academic achievement were major benefits of teachers’ involvement. Moreover, the main barriers to involvement were insufficient materials and human resources, time constraints, incompetence of the teachers, poor cooperation of school health partnerships, and insufficient awareness of parents. Conclusions The proportion of good involvement in the Health Promoting School program among high school teachers was low in this study area. Providing sufficient human resources and material, conducting the on-the-job and refresher training, enhancing parent-teacher cooperation, and strengthening the community partnerships were crucial to improve the level of involvement and reduced the barriers for the achievement of the Health Promoting School program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaung Myat Naing
- Outpatient Department, Defence Services Liver Hospital, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Ye Minn Htun
- Department of Prevention and Research Development of Hepatitis, AIDS and Other Viral Diseases, Health and Disease Control Unit, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
- * E-mail:
| | - Kyaw Myo Tun
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Defence Services Medical Academy, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Tun Tun Win
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Defence Services Medical Academy, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Htein Lin
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Defence Services Medical Academy, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Than Tun Sein
- Department of Anthropology, University of Yangon, Yangon, Myanmar
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Threat to Nature Connectedness: How Does It Influence Consumers’ Preferences for Automated Products? SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14010485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Connection with the natural world is a fundamental human need related to sustainable development. However, such a human need is very likely to be threatened in modern, industrialized society. This paper represents the first attempt to investigate the effect of perceived disconnection from nature on consumers’ preference for automated products (e.g., virtual assistants). Based on two surveys (276 adult participants) and one experimental study (282 adult participants), we found that perceived disconnection from nature can magnify consumers’ resistance to automated products. We further examined the underlying mechanism through moderated mediation model and revealed that consumers who perceive greater nature disconnection are less likely to perceive automated products as helpful friends, leading to a lower likelihood of adopting these products. The present research unveils this novel effect of perceived disconnection with nature on consumer behavior and provides fresh insight into how consumers’ preferences for automated products can be influenced by psychology rather than technology. Additionally, these findings can extend the research regarding sustainable consumption.
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Nielsen L. Don't Downplay "Play": Reasons Why Health Systems Should Protect Childhood Play. THE JOURNAL OF MEDICINE AND PHILOSOPHY 2021; 46:586-604. [PMID: 34302337 DOI: 10.1093/jmp/jhab020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Much research has studied the importance of play for children's development. However, questions of its political importance and our public institutions' duties to protect it have been largely neglected. This article argues that childhood play is politically important due to having both intrinsic and instrumental value, and it suggests that the duty to protect the capability for play in childhood falls especially on the public health system. If this argument succeeds, it follows that we have stronger duties toward our children than we currently believe.
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Bowers EP, Larson LR, Parry BJ. Nature as an Ecological Asset for Positive Youth Development: Empirical Evidence From Rural Communities. Front Psychol 2021; 12:688574. [PMID: 34149575 PMCID: PMC8213347 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.688574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite increasing emphasis on youth contact with nature and associated benefits, research has not examined the direct relationship between adolescents' nature-based experiences and holistic measures of positive youth development (PYD). This gap may stem from the lack of interdisciplinary work on nature and PYD. Our study integrates multiple disciplinary perspectives to explore direct associations between time in nature, connection to nature, and the five Cs of PYD (competence, connection, confidence, character, and caring) as well as the "sixth" C of contribution. From 2015 to 2016, we collected data from 587 diverse South Carolina middle school students (57% female, 40% BIPOC) between the ages of 11 and 14 (M age = 12.9) and living in predominantly low-income communities. OLS regression analyses indicated that across all youth, self-reported connection to nature was a consistent positive correlate of overall PYD and each of the individual Cs. Time in nature was associated with overall PYD and competence. Findings demonstrate significant associations between nature-based experiences and PYD and underscore the importance of ensuring that diverse youth can access and enjoy the developmental benefits of nature and nature-based recreation opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edmond P. Bowers
- Youth Development Leadership, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, United States
| | - Lincoln R. Larson
- Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Benjamin J. Parry
- School of Sport, Exercise, and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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9
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Expanding the definition of pediatric environmental health. Pediatr Res 2020; 87:976. [PMID: 31078130 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-019-0426-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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10
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Khan B, Avan BI. Behavioral problems in preadolescence: Does gender matter? Psych J 2020; 9:583-596. [PMID: 32061151 DOI: 10.1002/pchj.347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Behavioral problems in children are increasingly acknowledged as a global issue in mental health. Preadolescence is the transitory phase of development that links childhood and adolescence, and the presence of behavioral problems in this phase could be detrimental to children's present and future. This study aimed to describe the epidemiology of "behavioral problems" in preadolescents aged 11 to 12 years and to examine their distribution by socioeconomic status and children's characteristics while developing an in-depth understanding of the role of gender as a risk factor for such problems. A school-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in Karachi, Pakistan. Participants were selected from a middle-class, coeducational school chain. Sociodemographic questionnaires and an officially adapted version of Youth Self Report Form, which is child- and adolescent-reported version of Child Behavior Checklist, were used to collect data from children. The prevalence of Overall Behavioral Problems was 28.6%. From Broadband Scales, the relative prevalence of internalizing problems was about 52% higher than that of externalizing problems. Among the Narrowband Scales, somatic complaints were the most prevalent (23.2%). Male children significantly had higher odds for being at risk of Overall Behavioral problems, internalizing problems, and co-occurring behavioral issues, as compared to female children. The study concludes that the prevalence of overall behavioral problems is at the higher end of the global range. Male children are more at risk for overall behavioral problems, and contrary to previous studies, they are significantly more at risk of internalizing problems. Our study is the first to report the risk of co-occurrence of multiple issues with respect to gender, and adds that male children are significantly at risk of multiple co-occurring behavioral problems. Our study highlights the need for an in-depth understanding of cultural, sociopolitical conditions for actionable and gender-sensitive interventions for preadolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bushra Khan
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences, University of Karachi, University Road, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Bilal Iqbal Avan
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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11
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Mentiplay BF, FitzGerald TL, Clark RA, Bower KJ, Denehy L, Spittle AJ. Do video game interventions improve motor outcomes in children with developmental coordination disorder? A systematic review using the ICF framework. BMC Pediatr 2019; 19:22. [PMID: 30651097 PMCID: PMC6335818 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-018-1381-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) experience a range of difficulties that can potentially limit their academic, social and physical ability. Recent research has developed interventions that aim to improve motor outcomes in a variety of paediatric cohorts using video gaming equipment. Therefore, we aimed to systematically review the literature on virtual reality or video game interventions that aim to improve motor outcomes in children with DCD. Methods Seven databases were searched for studies using the following criteria: a) virtual reality or video game based intervention; b) children with DCD; and c) motor outcomes relating to body structure and function, activity or participation. Data were extracted relating to study design, participant characteristics, details of the intervention, outcome measures, results, and feasibility/adherence. Results Fifteen articles were included for review, including eight randomised controlled trials. No studies used virtual reality equipment, with all interventions using video games (Nintendo Wii in 12/15 articles). Mixed effects of video game intervention on outcome were found, with conflicting evidence across studies. Studies that reported on feasibility found most children enjoyed and adhered to the video game interventions. Conclusions This review found limited evidence for the effectiveness of video game interventions for children with DCD to improve motor outcomes due to limitations in the research including low sample sizes and low to moderate methodological quality. Further research is needed to determine the effect of video game or virtual reality interventions on motor outcomes in children with DCD. Protocol registration The protocol for this systematic review can be found on PROSPERO (CRD42017064427). Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12887-018-1381-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin F Mentiplay
- Victorian Infant Brain Studies, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia. .,La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Tara L FitzGerald
- Victorian Infant Brain Studies, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Physiotherapy, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ross A Clark
- Victorian Infant Brain Studies, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
| | - Kelly J Bower
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Linda Denehy
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alicia J Spittle
- Victorian Infant Brain Studies, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Physiotherapy, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Neonatal Services, The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
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12
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Yuma P, Fowler J, Duerr F, Kogan L, Stockman J, Graham DJ, Duncan C. Promoting Outdoor Physical Activity for People and Pets: Opportunities for Veterinarians to Engage in Public Health. Top Companion Anim Med 2018; 34:18-21. [PMID: 30808492 DOI: 10.1053/j.tcam.2018.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Regular physical activity (PA) is a health promoting behavior that transcends species. The collective evidence of a positive relationship between PA and health in both people and animals suggests that implementation of outdoor, dog-associated activities to increase PA may synergistically enhance both human and dog health. A systematic literature review was performed to identify research investigating objective, quantitative health outcomes in both dogs and people exercising together. Within the confines of the search, only 2 studies fulfilled the criteria for complete review. One study was administered through a veterinary clinic and another through a human health care provider. Both studies focused on obesity treatment, either for the dog or for both the dog and the owner. Collectively this work demonstrates the feasibility of simultaneously promoting health in both groups through PA; however there are limitations to the generalizability of the findings. Additional research is needed to further investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of PA promotion in primary care veterinary clinics as well as the use of animal-assisted PA promotion as a preventative, not just therapeutic, tool. As diseases that can be prevented, at least in part, by regular PA are now the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in developed countries, veterinarians have the potential to significantly impact not only the health of their patients, but also that of the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Yuma
- Colorado State University, School of Social Work, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Jennifer Fowler
- City and County of Broomfield Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health and Environment, Broomfield, CO, USA
| | - Felix Duerr
- Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Lori Kogan
- Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Jonathan Stockman
- Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Dan J Graham
- Colorado State University, Psychology Department, College of Natural Sciences, Fort Collins CO, USA
| | - Colleen Duncan
- Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
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13
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Buck KD, Summers JK, Smith LM, Harwell LC. Application of the Human Well-Being Index to Sensitive Population Divisions: A Children's Well-Being Index Development. CHILD INDICATORS RESEARCH 2018; 11:1249-1280. [PMID: 30220939 PMCID: PMC6133323 DOI: 10.1007/s12187-017-9469-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The assessment of community well-being is critical as an end-point measure that will facilitate decision support and assist in the identification of sustainable solutions to address persistent problems. While the overall measure is important, it is equally vital to distinguish variations among groups within the population who may be impacted in a different manner. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) developed the Human Well-Being Index (HWBI), as a way of measuring these outcomes and assessing community characteristics. The HWBI approach produces a suite of indicators, domains and a final composite index appropriate for characterizing well-being of a population. While generalized approaches are needed, it is important to also recognize variations in well-being across community enclaves. This paper presents an adaption of the HWBI for child populations to test the applicability of the index framework to specific community enclaves. First, an extensive literature review was completed to ensure the theoretical integrity of metric and indicator substitutions from the original HWBI framework. Metric data were then collected, refined, imputed where necessary and evaluated to confirm temporal and spatial availability. A Children's Well-Being Index (CWBI) value, representing the same indicators and domains of well-being as the original HWBI, was calculated for the population under age 18 across all US counties for 2011. Implications of this research point to an effective, holistic end-point measure that can be tracked over time. Similarly, there is great potential for the application of the original HWBI method to other statistical population segments within the greater US population. These adaptations could help identify and close gaps in equity of resource distribution among these groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle D Buck
- United States Environmental Protection Agency - Office of Research and Development - National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory - Gulf Ecology Division
| | - J Kevin Summers
- United States Environmental Protection Agency - Office of Research and Development - National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory - Gulf Ecology Division
| | - Lisa M Smith
- United States Environmental Protection Agency - Office of Research and Development - National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory - Gulf Ecology Division
| | - Linda C Harwell
- United States Environmental Protection Agency - Office of Research and Development - National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory - Gulf Ecology Division
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14
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Abstract
Dealing with environmental issues requires citizens who adopt conservation behaviors, influence those around them to follow suit, and lead local and global policy initiatives. The purpose of this study is to advance our understanding of the developmental processes that undergird young people’s emergence as conservation leaders with the capacity to take on these roles. A qualitative, grounded theory analysis of transcripts from focus groups and interviews with 76 adolescent and young adult participants of a national conservation leadership program provided the empirical foundation for a developmental model of conservation leadership. The model has four phases: seed, sprout, bloom, and propagate. Within each phase, there are three qualitatively distinct and integrated domains: action, motivation, and understanding. Data in this study indicate that conservation leadership development is ongoing and cumulative, with subsequent developmental experiences promoting new capacities and propensities that expand young people’s conservation repertoires within each domain. The emergent developmental model of conservation leadership proposed in this article puts forth a comprehensive theory about how conservation leadership unfolds in adolescence and young adulthood. This model serves both to instigate further research and provide insights on how youth programs might intentionally promote the development of conservation-oriented action, motivation, and understanding.
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15
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Ives CD, Abson DJ, von Wehrden H, Dorninger C, Klaniecki K, Fischer J. Reconnecting with nature for sustainability. SUSTAINABILITY SCIENCE 2018; 13:1389-1397. [PMID: 30220917 PMCID: PMC6132401 DOI: 10.1007/s11625-018-0542-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Calls for humanity to 'reconnect to nature' have grown increasingly louder from both scholars and civil society. Yet, there is relatively little coherence about what reconnecting to nature means, why it should happen and how it can be achieved. We present a conceptual framework to organise existing literature and direct future research on human-nature connections. Five types of connections to nature are identified: material, experiential, cognitive, emotional, and philosophical. These various types have been presented as causes, consequences, or treatments of social and environmental problems. From this conceptual base, we discuss how reconnecting people with nature can function as a treatment for the global environmental crisis. Adopting a social-ecological systems perspective, we draw upon the emerging concept of 'leverage points'-places in complex systems to intervene to generate change-and explore examples of how actions to reconnect people with nature can help transform society towards sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D. Ives
- School of Geography, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD UK
- Faculty of Sustainability, Leuphana University Lüneburg, Universitätsallee 1, 21335 Lüneburg, Germany
| | - David J. Abson
- Faculty of Sustainability, Leuphana University Lüneburg, Universitätsallee 1, 21335 Lüneburg, Germany
| | - Henrik von Wehrden
- Faculty of Sustainability, Leuphana University Lüneburg, Universitätsallee 1, 21335 Lüneburg, Germany
| | - Christian Dorninger
- Faculty of Sustainability, Leuphana University Lüneburg, Universitätsallee 1, 21335 Lüneburg, Germany
| | - Kathleen Klaniecki
- Faculty of Sustainability, Leuphana University Lüneburg, Universitätsallee 1, 21335 Lüneburg, Germany
| | - Joern Fischer
- Faculty of Sustainability, Leuphana University Lüneburg, Universitätsallee 1, 21335 Lüneburg, Germany
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Howie EK, Campbell AC, Straker LM. An active video game intervention does not improve physical activity and sedentary time of children at-risk for developmental coordination disorder: a crossover randomized trial. Child Care Health Dev 2016; 42:253-60. [PMID: 26648488 DOI: 10.1111/cch.12305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Revised: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 10/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) are highly inactive and sedentary. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of a home-based active video game intervention on objectively measured physical activity and sedentary behaviour in children at risk for DCD. METHODS In a crossover randomized clinical trial, 21 children (mean age 11.0, SD 1.0; n = 11 girls) in Perth, Western Australia participated in two 16-week periods: no active video games (AVGs) control period and AVGs intervention period. Two active input consoles were provided to participants along with a selection of non-violent AVGs for participants to play at home. Participants wore accelerometers at baseline and following each period to determine minutes of sedentary, light, moderate and vigorous times in addition to self-reported types of activities in a diary. Linear mixed models, adjusted for the order of periods, compared physical activity and sedentary time during the last week of each period. RESULTS There were no significant differences between the intervention and control periods in time spent in sedentary (decrease of -1.0 min/day during the intervention period, 95%CI -12.1, 10.1), light (increase of 2.2 min/day, 95%CI -8.8, 13.2), moderate (decrease of 0.7 min/day, 95%CI -4.6, 3.3) or vigorous (decrease of -0.6 min/day, 95%CI -1.6, 0.4). CONCLUSIONS Among children at risk for DCD, participating in this AVG intervention did not improve objectively measured physical activity and sedentary time.
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Affiliation(s)
- E K Howie
- School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - A C Campbell
- School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - L M Straker
- School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
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Seltenrich N. Just What the Doctor Ordered: Using Parks to Improve Children's Health. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2015; 123:A254-9. [PMID: 26421416 PMCID: PMC4590734 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.123-a254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
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Choi BI, Park J, Kim HR, Kim HW, Chung S. The Effects of a Forest Kindergarten Program on the Sleep Habits of Preschool Children. SLEEP MEDICINE RESEARCH 2014. [DOI: 10.17241/smr.2014.5.1.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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