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Chandrabose M, Hadgraft N, Owen N, Mavoa S, Sugiyama T. Joint associations of neighbourhood walkability and greenery with walking among middle-aged and older adults: Findings from diverse urban settings in Australia. Health Place 2024; 89:103334. [PMID: 39106781 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2024.103334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
There is evidence that neighbourhood walkability and greenery are associated with walking, but less is known about their joint associations. We investigated this using data from the AusDiab3 study (2011/12) with 3032 adults (mean age 60 years). Two-level logistic regression models were used with binary walking outcomes. There was an inverse relationship (r = -0.5) between walkability (a composite measure of residential, destinations and intersections densities) and greenery (the size of densely vegetated areas). However, both walkability and greenery were independently positively associated with odds of walking. Regarding joint associations, in low-walkability neighbourhoods, greenery was positively associated with walking. In high-walkability neighbourhoods, greenery was not associated with walking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj Chandrabose
- Centre for Urban Transitions, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Nyssa Hadgraft
- Centre for Urban Transitions, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Environmental Public Health Branch, EPA Victoria, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Neville Owen
- Centre for Urban Transitions, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Environmental Public Health Branch, EPA Victoria, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Suzanne Mavoa
- Centre for Urban Transitions, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Takemi Sugiyama
- Centre for Urban Transitions, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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2
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Zhang S, Wang Z, Helbich M, Ettema D. Assessing runners' exposure to natural and built environments in the Netherlands: A descriptive assessment based on GPS tracking. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024; 34:2104-2123. [PMID: 37248711 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2023.2212890] [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: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Running is a convenient physical activity that has gained popularity. However, little is known about runners' running environments and how they differ from their residential environments. To fill this gap, this study examines runners' exposure to natural and built environments along their running routes and assesses the difference between running and residential environments. We collected running track data from Endmondo, a fitness data platform, and used it to determine runners' residency. Moreover, we used open geographical data to calculate a range of environmental variables within their residential areas and along their running trajectories. We applied t-tests to assess differences across objectively measured environmental variables between urban and rural runners, considering geographic, temporal and track-specific strata. We found that the running environments of urban and rural runners were diverse and had distinct characteristics. The results suggest policies to promote running acknowledging these differences between running environments in urban and rural areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyuan Zhang
- Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Zhiyong Wang
- School of Civil Engineering and Transportation, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Marco Helbich
- Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Dick Ettema
- Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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3
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Koohsari MJ, Oka K, Nakaya T, McCormack GR. Urban Form Metrics for Promoting Walking: Street Layouts and Destinations. J Urban Health 2023; 100:1024-1031. [PMID: 37581709 PMCID: PMC10618131 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-023-00775-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
There is evidence that higher street connectivity and availability of destinations can support walking behavior. However, the availability of data and comparability between previous studies remain a challenge. Based on a large Canadian adult sample, this study examined the associations between street layout and walking behaviors and explored whether objectively measured destinations may mediate these relationships. This study used data from 12,378 adults from Alberta's Tomorrow Project (ATP), a prospective cohort study conducted in Alberta, Canada. Walking behaviors were obtained by questionnaires. Street layout and destination measures were calculated objectively. Covariate-adjusted multivariate linear models estimated the associations between the space syntax street integration and duration of transport and leisure walking. The mediation effects of the availability of destinations in these associations were tested by the structural equation modelling. Street integration was significantly positively associated with transportation walking (b=0.01, 95% CI 0.00, 0.01, p = 0.01) (indirect effect). The availability of destinations partially mediated this association. Using the natural movement theory in space syntax, our study provides insights into using street layouts as a primary measure to (re)design the built environment to support walking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Javad Koohsari
- School of Advanced Science and Technology, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 1 Chome-1 Asahidai, Nomi, Ishikawa, 923-1211, Japan.
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, Tokorozawa, Japan.
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia.
| | - Koichiro Oka
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Tomoki Nakaya
- Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Gavin R McCormack
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, Tokorozawa, Japan
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
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4
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D'Hooghe S, Inaç Y, Deforche B, Van Dyck D, de Ridder K, Vandevijvere S, Van de Weghe N, Dury S. The role of the perceived environment for recreational walking among adults in socioeconomically disadvantaged situations: A study using walk-along interviews. SSM Popul Health 2023; 23:101456. [PMID: 37501782 PMCID: PMC10368917 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2023.101456] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Persons in socioeconomically disadvantaged situations (PSEDS) are generally less likely to engage in recreational walking (RW) compared to higher socioeconomic groups and are often more dependent on their local environment. Studies on RW have primarily focused on the role of the built environment for the general adult population and the older population in urban areas. The aim of this study is to qualitatively identify the perceived environmental factors affecting RW among PSEDS in peri-urban areas. Methods In two peri-urban municipalities in Belgium, walk-along interviews were conducted until data saturation with a purposeful convenience sampling of 38 PSEDS (25-65y/o) to identify local environmental factors affecting RW. A subsample of 22 participants joined a focus group (n = 4) to categorize the identified factors into environmental types (physical, sociocultural, political, and economic) of the Analysis Grid for Environments Linked to Obesity (ANGELO) framework. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed thematically using Maxqda 2022.0. Results The information environment (dissemination, retrieving and understanding of information) was added to the ANGELO framework, highlighting the importance of digital literacy. Availability and accessibility of well-maintained walking surfaces, toilets, street lighting and seating options (physical environment), social support, dog-ownership, stigmatization, social isolation, and a sense of belonging (sociocultural environment) and indirect costs (economic environment) were identified as important environmental factors in RW among PSEDS. The identified political and economic factors are intertwined with the other environments. Conclusions Perceived environmental factors affect RW among PSEDS and peri-urban settings offer specific challenges. Local governments should incorporate citizen perception into decision-making processes to create supportive environments that have the potential to promote RW among PSEDS in a peri-urban setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzannah D'Hooghe
- Sciensano, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Belgium
- Ghent University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Belgium
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Adult Educational Sciences, Belgium
- Society and Ageing Research Lab (SARLab), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yasemin Inaç
- Sciensano, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Belgium
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Adult Educational Sciences, Belgium
- Ghent University, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Geography, Belgium
- Society and Ageing Research Lab (SARLab), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Benedicte Deforche
- Ghent University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Belgium
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Belgium
| | - Delfien Van Dyck
- Ghent University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Belgium
| | - Karin de Ridder
- Sciensano, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Belgium
| | | | - Nico Van de Weghe
- Ghent University, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Geography, Belgium
| | - Sarah Dury
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Adult Educational Sciences, Belgium
- Society and Ageing Research Lab (SARLab), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
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Rocke KD, Howitt C, Panter J, Tully M, Hambleton I. Neighbourhood Walkability and Its Influence on Physical Activity and Cardiometabolic Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Caribbean Small Island Developing State. Cureus 2023; 15:e44060. [PMID: 37746352 PMCID: PMC10517735 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cities and neighborhoods may provide opportunities for population-level environmental interventions to reduce physical inactivity and cardiometabolic risk. In this study, we describe the association between neighborhood walkability, physical activity (PA), and cardiometabolic outcomes, by linking data from a nationally representative survey of adults (25 years and older) collected in 2012-2013 with spatial data on built environment features in Barbados. Methods We estimated a walkability index for 45 neighborhoods using objectively measured built environment features (residential density, street connectivity, and land use mix). We used the Recent Physical Activity Questionnaire to capture time spent in outdoor walking, active commuting, moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), and total PA. Our primary cardiometabolic outcome was a predicted 10-year cardiovascular risk (CVD) score, estimated using the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association pooled cohort equation. Our secondary cardiometabolic outcomes were hypertension and diabetes. We explored the effect of neighborhood walkability on PA and cardiometabolic outcomes using several multivariable regression models (tobit and linear and logistic multi-level mixed effects), with the model choice depending on the structure of the outcome. Results The average time spent walking weekly for any purpose among participants was 75 minutes/week, time spent on active commuting was 15 minutes/week, and MVPA was 221 minutes/week. We estimated that the average 10-year CVD risk in the study population was 11.7% (95%CI 10.9-12.5). Our confounder-adjusted analyses showed positive linear relationships between neighborhood walkability and each PA outcome (p<0.05 in all cases), and a negative relationship between walkability and predicted 10-year CVD risk (p<0.001). Conclusion In our setting, adults residing in higher walkability neighborhoods spent more time engaged in PA, had a lower predicted 10-year CVD risk, and were less likely to have diabetes. Urban planners may consider shorter-term interventions, such as those on a microscale, which may provide additional ways to increase activity in a mostly fixed macroscale environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kern D Rocke
- George Alleyne Chronic Disease Research Centre, Caribbean Institute for Health Research, The University of the West Indies, Bridgetown, BRB
| | - Christina Howitt
- George Alleyne Chronic Disease Research Centre, Caribbean Institute for Health Research, The University of the West Indies, Bridgetown, BRB
| | - Jenna Panter
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Epidemiology Unit, Centre for Diet & Activity Research (CEDAR), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, GBR
| | - Mark Tully
- Institute of Mental Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Ulster University, Newtownabbey, GBR
| | - Ian Hambleton
- George Alleyne Chronic Disease Research Centre, Caribbean Institute for Health Research, The University of the West Indies, Bridgetown, BRB
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6
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Yin C, Liu J, Sun B. Effects of built and natural environments on leisure physical activity in residential and workplace neighborhoods. Health Place 2023; 81:103018. [PMID: 36996594 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2023.103018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Few studies have investigated relative contributions of the built and natural environments to and their nonlinear associations with leisure physical activity (PA) in different spatial contexts. Applying gradient boosting decision tree models to data comprising 1049 adults collected in Shanghai, we investigated the associations between built and natural environments and leisure PA in residential and workplace neighborhoods. Results show that the built environment is more important than the natural environment to leisure PA in both residences and workplaces. Environmental attributes have nonlinear and threshold effects. Within certain ranges, land use mix and population density have opposite associations with leisure PA in residences and workplaces, whereas the distance to the city center and the area of water are associated with leisure PA in residences and workplaces with the same direction. These findings help urban planners design context-specific environmental interventions for supporting leisure PA.
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7
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Lam TM, Wang Z, Vaartjes I, Karssenberg D, Ettema D, Helbich M, Timmermans EJ, Frank LD, den Braver NR, Wagtendonk AJ, Beulens JWJ, Lakerveld J. Development of an objectively measured walkability index for the Netherlands. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2022; 19:50. [PMID: 35501815 PMCID: PMC9063284 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-022-01270-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Walkability indices have been developed and linked to behavioural and health outcomes elsewhere in the world, but not comprehensively for Europe. We aimed to 1) develop a theory-based and evidence-informed Dutch walkability index, 2) examine its cross-sectional associations with total and purpose-specific walking behaviours of adults across socioeconomic (SES) and urbanisation strata, 3) explore which walkability components drive these associations. Methods Components of the index included: population density, retail and service density, land use mix, street connectivity, green space, sidewalk density and public transport density. Each of the seven components was calculated for three Euclidean buffers: 150 m, 500 m and 1000 m around every 6-digit postal code location and for every administrative neighbourhood in GIS. Componential z-scores were averaged, and final indices normalized between 0 and 100. Data on self-reported demographic characteristics and walking behaviours of 16,055 adult respondents (aged 18–65) were extracted from the Dutch National Travel Survey 2017. Using Tobit regression modelling adjusted for individual- and household-level confounders, we assessed the associations between walkability and minutes walking in total, for non-discretionary and discretionary purposes. By assessing the attenuation in associations between partial indices and walking outcomes, we identified which of the seven components drive these associations. We also tested for effect modification by urbanization degree, SES, age and sex. Results In fully adjusted models, a 10% increase in walkability was associated with a maximum increase of 8.5 min of total walking per day (95%CI: 7.1–9.9). This association was consistent across buffer sizes and purposes of walking. Public transport density was driving the index’s association with walking outcomes. Stratified results showed that associations with minutes of non-discretionary walking were stronger in rural compared to very urban areas, in neighbourhoods with low SES compared to high SES, and in middle-aged (36–49 years) compared to young (18–35 years old) and older adults (50–65 years old). Conclusions The walkability index was cross-sectionally associated with Dutch adult’s walking behaviours, indicating its validity for further use in research. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12966-022-01270-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thao Minh Lam
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Boelelaan 1089a, 1081HV, Amsterdam, Netherlands. .,Upstream Team, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| | - Zhiyong Wang
- Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Princetonlaan 8a, 3584, Utrecht, CB, Netherlands
| | - Ilonca Vaartjes
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Global Geo Health Data Center, University Medical Center Utrecht & Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Derek Karssenberg
- Global Geo Health Data Center, University Medical Center Utrecht & Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Physical Geography, Utrecht University, Princetonlaan 8a, 3584, Utrecht, CB, Netherlands
| | - Dick Ettema
- Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Princetonlaan 8a, 3584, Utrecht, CB, Netherlands
| | - Marco Helbich
- Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Princetonlaan 8a, 3584, Utrecht, CB, Netherlands
| | - Erik J Timmermans
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Lawrence D Frank
- Department of Urban Studies and Planning, UC San Diego, La Jolla, San Diego, USA.,Urban Design 4 Health, Inc, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Nicolette R den Braver
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Boelelaan 1089a, 1081HV, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Upstream Team, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Alfred J Wagtendonk
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Boelelaan 1089a, 1081HV, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Upstream Team, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Joline W J Beulens
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Boelelaan 1089a, 1081HV, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Upstream Team, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Lakerveld
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Boelelaan 1089a, 1081HV, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Upstream Team, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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8
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Zang P, Qiu H, Xian F, Zhou X, Ma S, Zhao Y. Research on the Difference Between Recreational Walking and Transport Walking Among the Elderly in Mega Cities With Different Density Zones: The Case of Guangzhou City. Front Public Health 2021; 9:775103. [PMID: 34869188 PMCID: PMC8636145 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.775103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Walking is the easiest method of physical activity for older people, and current research has demonstrated that the built environment is differently associated with recreational and transport walking. This study modelled the environmental characteristics of three different building density zones in Guangzhou city at low, medium, and high densities, and examined the differences in walking among older people in the three zones. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to investigate the recreational and transport walking time of older people aged 65 years and above for the past week, for a total of three density zones (N = 597) and was analysed as a dependent variable. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) was used to identify 300, 500, 800, and 1,000 m buffers and to assess differences between recreational and transport walking in terms of the built environment [e.g., land-use mix, street connectivity, Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data]. The data were processed and validated using the SPSS software to calculate Pearson's correlation models and stepwise regression models between recreation and transit walking and the built environment. The results found that land use mix and NDVI were positively correlated with transport walking in low-density areas and that transport walking was negatively correlated with roadway mediated centrality (BtE) and Point-of-Interest (PoI) density. Moreover, recreational walking in medium density areas was negatively correlated with self-rated health, road intersection density, and PoI density while positively correlated with educational attainment, population density, land use mix, street connectivity, PoIs density, and NDVI. Transport walking was negatively correlated with land-use mix, number of road crossings while positively correlated with commercial PoI density. Street connectivity, road intersection density, DNVI, and recreational walking in high-density areas showed negative correlations. Moreover, the built environment of older people in Guangzhou differed between recreational and transport walking at different densities. The richness of PoIs has different effects on different types of walking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zang
- Department of Architecture, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hualong Qiu
- Department of Architecture, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fei Xian
- Department of Architecture, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Department of Architecture, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shifa Ma
- Department of Architecture, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yabo Zhao
- Department of Architecture, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
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9
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Georgiou M, Morison G, Smith N, Tieges Z, Chastin S. Mechanisms of Impact of Blue Spaces on Human Health: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18052486. [PMID: 33802522 PMCID: PMC7967635 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Blue spaces have been found to have significant salutogenic effects. However, little is known about the mechanisms and pathways that link blue spaces and health. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to summarise the evidence and quantify the effect of blue spaces on four hypothesised mediating pathways: physical activity, restoration, social interaction and environmental factors. Following the PRISMA guidelines, a literature search was conducted using six databases (PubMed, Scopus, PsycInfo, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EBSCOHOST/CINAHL). Fifty studies were included in our systematic review. The overall quality of the included articles, evaluated with the Qualsyst tool, was judged to be very good, as no mediating pathway had an average article quality lower than 70%. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted for physical activity, restoration and social interaction. Living closer to blue space was associated with statistically significantly higher physical activity levels (Cohen’s d = 0.122, 95% CI: 0.065, 0.179). Shorter distance to blue space was not associated with restoration (Cohen’s d = 0.123, 95% CI: −0.037, 0.284) or social interaction (Cohen’s d = −0.214, 95% CI: −0.55, 0.122). Larger amounts of blue space within a geographical area were significantly associated with higher physical activity levels (Cohen’s d = 0.144, 95% CI: 0.024, 0.264) and higher levels of restoration (Cohen’s d = 0.339, 95% CI: 0.072, 0.606). Being in more contact with blue space was significantly associated with higher levels of restoration (Cohen’s d = 0.191, 95% CI: 0.084, 0.298). There is also evidence that blue spaces improve environmental factors, but more studies are necessary for meta-analyses to be conducted. Evidence is conflicting on the mediating effects of social interaction and further research is required on this hypothesised pathway. Blue spaces may offer part of a solution to public health concerns faced by growing global urban populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michail Georgiou
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, 70 Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK; (N.S.); (Z.T.); (S.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Gordon Morison
- School of Engineering and Built Environment, Glasgow Caledonian University, 70 Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK;
| | - Niamh Smith
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, 70 Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK; (N.S.); (Z.T.); (S.C.)
| | - Zoë Tieges
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, 70 Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK; (N.S.); (Z.T.); (S.C.)
- Geriatric Medicine, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, UK
| | - Sebastien Chastin
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, 70 Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK; (N.S.); (Z.T.); (S.C.)
- Department of Movement and Sports, Ghent University, Watersportlaan 2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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