Shade in playgrounds: findings from a nationwide survey and implications for urban health policy

Impact of apparent temperatures on park visitation behavior: A comprehensive analysis using large-scale mobility data

As many regions continue to show record temperatures and high frequencies of extreme climate events, climate change is disrupting human health and prosperity. This study focuses on how temperature changes and extreme heat as key climate components can impact park visitations (key physical activities indicator). Using the large mobility dataset SafeGraph, this study introduced a causal machine learning approach to estimate marginal heterogenous treatment effects (HTE) of daily apparent temperatures for different park properties and activity types. Our results revealed the declining effects of park visitations as apparent temperature increases and the significant disturbances under extreme heat. Different temperature thresholds that may harm park visitations were identified. Nearby green and public spaces (e.g. neighborhood parks) are the most susceptible category to summer heat. Dog parks, Playgrounds and Ball Field/Sports were well used during the heat. Pool/Splash pad and Community center have shown capabilities of mitigating heat stress. Effectiveness of other park facilities, including Restroom/Drinking Fountain, Water Body, Shade Area Facility were also presented. This study estimates climate impact on park behaviors for multiple usage and environmental situations. Our findings may help future planners, policymakers, landscape architects and park managers better understand climate-related risks when making investment and development decisions.

Made in the shade: A qualitative study of factors impacting shade provision at outdoor public parks

Shade provides a variety of public health benefits; however, outdoor recreation sites often have limited shade. We conducted semi-structured interviews (n = 13) with shade stakeholders (i.e. individuals with a professional role involving shade design or provision) to gain in-depth understanding of the factors impacting shade provision at public parks. Interview transcripts were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Five main themes emerged: (1) attitudes toward shade at parks; (2) designing shade at parks; (3) advantages and disadvantages of natural and built shade; (4) barriers to shade at parks; and, (5) approaches to reduce shade barriers. Shade stakeholders indicated shade is important and necessary and they strive to design shade in park spaces with park user patterns in mind. However, barriers including competing interests, budget, space constraints, and maintenance and operational concerns can limit their ability to do so. Future research should determine strategies to overcome these barriers.

Generating political priority for skin cancer primary prevention: A case study from Aotearoa New Zealand

ISSUES ADDRESSED

Skin cancer is highly prevalent but preventable, yet little research has been done on the challenges in generating political priority for skin cancer prevention. This qualitative study aimed to identify the political challenges to, facilitators of, and strategies to strengthen skin cancer prevention. The focus was on the case of Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ): a country with high skin cancer rates, but limited investment in primary prevention.

METHODS

Data sources included 18 national key informant interviews and documentary analysis. Data were analysed inductively for emerging themes and framed using a conceptual framework of political priority.

RESULTS

Challenges to advocates for skin cancer primary prevention include limited resources and competing priorities. Political-level challenges include a lack of quick results compared with other initiatives vying for political attention, lack of negative externalities and, in NZ, misalignment with health system priorities. Challenges in the evidence base include the perceived conflict of sun protection with Vitamin D and physical activity, the lack of data on the financial burden of skin cancer and relatively low temperatures in NZ. Facilitators include strong policy community cohesion and issue framing, and weak opposition. Promising strategies to strengthen skin cancer prevention in NZ could include network building, using framing that resonates with policy makers and addressing key knowledge gaps in NZ, such as the financial burden of skin cancer.

CONCLUSION

Advocacy for skin cancer prevention faces challenges due to advocates' limited resources, political challenges such as lack of quick results and gaps in evidence. Nonetheless, the initiative encounters little opposition and can be framed in ways that resonate with policy makers. SO WHAT?: Skin cancer is highly preventable, but advocates for prevention initiatives have struggled to gain political traction. This study identifies several strategies that could help raise the political profile for skin cancer prevention.