1
|
Tsomokos DI, Papachristou E, Rakesh D, Flouri E. Family poverty, neighbourhood greenspace and perinatal outcomes. Arch Dis Child 2024:archdischild-2024-327349. [PMID: 39304203 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2024-327349] [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: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The relationship between low income and adverse perinatal outcomes, such as low birth weight and developmental delays, is well established making the search for protective factors important. One such factor may be neighbourhood greenspace. This study elucidates the role of urban neighbourhood greenspace in the relationship between income and perinatal outcomes in a nationally representative birth cohort from the UK. METHODS Data on 14 050 infants participating in the initial wave at age 9 months of the Millennium Cohort Study were used (51% male, 20% non-white, 52% living in disadvantaged areas). We tested whether the association between income and perinatal outcomes is moderated by urban greenspace (measured in deciles) before and after adjustments for confounding. The perinatal outcomes included birth weight, gestational age (in days), communication and motor delays. The models were adjusted for the infant's sex and ethnicity, mother's age, education, substance use and mental health as well as area disadvantage and air pollution. RESULTS Neighbourhood greenspace moderated the association between income and gestational age, even after adjustment for all confounders, b=-0.11, 95% CI (-0.215, -0.004). For births in low-income households, in particular, it was associated with an increase in gestational age by an average of approximately 3 days. However, after adjustment, greenspace was not found to influence birth weight, communication or motor delays at age 9 months. CONCLUSION The biophilic design of urban environments is a modifiable factor for improving perinatal outcomes in the UK as urban greenspaces appear to be mitigating the risk of preterm birth associated with family poverty.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Divyangana Rakesh
- Neuroimaging, King's College London Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - Eirini Flouri
- University College London Institute of Education, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ahmer Z, Atif M, Zaheer S, Adil O, Shaikh S, Shafique K. Association between residential green spaces and pregnancy outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024; 34:3188-3205. [PMID: 38185100 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2023.2299242] [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: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Residential exposure to greenness has shown positive influences on pregnancy outcomes like birth weight, preterm births, and small to gestational age (SGA) deliveries. We aimed to comprehensively review and investigate these associations by conducting a systematic review with meta-analysis. Relevant studies were retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases before June 2023. Summary effect estimates included birth weight, low birth weight (LBW), preterm births, and SGA which were calculated for 0.1 unit increase in residential greenness exposure. Overall quality of the evidence was examined through Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tool. The review included 31 articles and found a statistically significant increase in birth weight measured at 250 m buffer distance (β = 8.95, 95% CI = 1.63-16.27). Green spaces were also associated with lower odds of LBW (OR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.96-0.98). Residential greenness had positive impacts on pregnancy outcomes that calls for emphasis on urban planning, especially in developing countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zaeema Ahmer
- APPNA Institute of Public Health, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
- School of Public Health, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Maria Atif
- School of Public Health, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Sidra Zaheer
- School of Public Health, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Omair Adil
- School of Public Health, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Shiraz Shaikh
- APPNA Institute of Public Health, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Kashif Shafique
- School of Public Health, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Donovan GH, Derrien M, Wendel K, Michael YL. Old lessons for new science: How sacred-tree metaphors can inform studies of the public-health benefits of the natural environment. Heliyon 2024; 10:e35111. [PMID: 39166085 PMCID: PMC11333903 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Many studies have identified an association between exposure to the natural environment and improved public-health outcomes. However, much of this observational work lacks a theoretical foundation, so we look to the humanities for a stronger basis for green-health research, examining how trees have been used as religious metaphors and symbols for health and wellbeing. In particular, the tree of life, sacred trees, and other religious symbols provide a promising theoretical basis for green-health research. Based on this review, we propose the value of incorporating attributes such as vegetation species and size in exposure metrics, and considering the interactions between exposure attributes (e.g., species) and individual attributes (e.g., culture).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Monika Derrien
- USDA Forest Service, PNW Research Station, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kendra Wendel
- USDA Forest Service, PNW Research Station, Portland, OR, 97205, USA
| | - Yvonne L. Michael
- Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Marvier M, Kareiva P, Felix D, Ferrante BJ, Billington MB. The benefits of nature exposure: The need for research that better informs implementation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2304126120. [PMID: 37871200 PMCID: PMC10622866 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2304126120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Concern about humanity's detachment from nature has spawned a global push to increase the availability of green spaces within cities. One impetus for this movement is a growing collection of studies documenting an association between improved human well-being and exposure to nature. The challenge lies in translating this research into pragmatic recommendations for cities. The usefulness of the existing research portfolio is diminished by the limitations of prevailing research designs. For example, most nature exposure studies (>80%) are observational. The rare randomized manipulative experiments tend to be indoors or virtual and rely on nature exposures on the order of ten to fifteen minutes. "Nature" and "biodiversity" are commonly invoked together as benefiting human well-being despite little evidence that biodiversity has particular importance for human psychological and emotional health. The most glaring gap in nature exposure research is the neglect of differences among cultures and ethnic groups with respect to the nature they prefer. In the few cases where researchers looked for differences among groups, they often found heterogeneous responses. Finally, few studies have compared greening interventions to other possible efforts to improve urban life. Thus, the utopian city of the future might be resplendent with urban parks on every block, but it is not clear whether those parks should offer basketball and pickleball courts, or small woodlands with a cornucopia of birds. We advocate for the next generation of nature exposure research that better informs the envisioning of our future sustainable cities with enhanced and equitable access to nature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Marvier
- Department of Environmental Studies and Sciences, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA95053
| | | | | | - Brian J. Ferrante
- Environmental Systems Program, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA92093
| | - Morgan B. Billington
- Department of Environmental Studies and Sciences, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA95053
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Siddika N, Song S, Margerison CE, Kramer MR, Luo Z. The impact of place-based contextual social and environmental determinants on preterm birth: A systematic review of the empirical evidence. Health Place 2023; 83:103082. [PMID: 37473634 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2023.103082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to systematically review the available empirical evidence examining associations between preterm birth (PTB) and five domains of place-based contextual social and environmental determinants, including (1) physical environment, (2) residential greenness, (3) neighborhood violence/crime, (4) food accessibility and availability, and (5) health services accessibility, among adult mothers in high-income countries. The evidence in this review suggests an adverse association between damaged physical environment, neighborhood violence/crime, lack of health services accessibility, and PTB. The existing evidence also suggests a beneficial effect of residential greenness on PTB. Further studies are needed to investigate these associations for more understanding of the direction and magnitude of these association and for potential heterogeneity by factors such as race/ethnicity, urban vs rural residence, immigration status, and social class.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nazeeba Siddika
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, Fee Hall West Wing; 909 Wilson Rd, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Shengfang Song
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, Fee Hall West Wing; 909 Wilson Rd, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Claire E Margerison
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, Fee Hall West Wing; 909 Wilson Rd, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Michael R Kramer
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Zhehui Luo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, Fee Hall West Wing; 909 Wilson Rd, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bartshe M, Coughenour C, Stephen H. The relationship between tree canopy and social capital on physical activity in college students. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2023; 71:1705-1714. [PMID: 34314667 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2021.1947299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Rates of physical activity (PA) are low, especially among college students. Tree canopy and social capital have been correlated with higher rates of PA. This study assessed the relationship between tree canopy and social capital on minutes of PA. PARTICIPANTS Students from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, located in Southern Nevada, were surveyed on social capital and self-reported minutes of PA. METHODS Tree canopy coverage was calculated within a 1 km walk buffer around each participant's home. Logistic regression was used to determine if tree canopy and social capital predicted meeting PA recommendations of 150 minutes/week. RESULTS 42.4% of participants met the PA recommendations and males were more likely than females to meet them (odds ratio [OR] = 0.517). Social capital was a significant predictor of PA (OR = 1.308) while tree canopy was not. CONCLUSIONS Exploration of social capital to increase PA and further investigations into correlates of PA for college students in sprawling desert environments are recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Bartshe
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, UNLV School of Public Health, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| | - Courtney Coughenour
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, UNLV School of Public Health, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| | - Haroon Stephen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Construction, Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Figaroa MNS, Gielen M, Casas L, Loos RJF, Derom C, Weyers S, Nawrot TS, Zeegers MP, Bijnens EM. Early-life residential green spaces and traffic exposure in association with young adult body composition: a longitudinal birth cohort study of twins. Environ Health 2023; 22:18. [PMID: 36800959 PMCID: PMC9936720 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-023-00964-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, the rapid increase of obesity is reaching alarming proportions. A new approach to reduce obesity and its comorbidities involves tackling the built environment. Environmental influences seem to play an important role, but the environmental influences in early life on adult body composition have not been thoroughly investigated. This study seeks to fill the research gap by examining early-life exposure to residential green spaces and traffic exposure in association with body composition among a population of young adult twins. METHODS As part of the East Flanders Prospective Twin Survey (EFPTS) cohort, this study included 332 twins. Residential addresses of the mothers at time of birth of the twins were geocoded to determine residential green spaces and traffic exposure. To capture body composition, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist circumference, skinfold thickness, leptin levels, and fat percentage were measured at adult age. Linear mixed modelling analyses were conducted to investigate early-life environmental exposures in association with body composition, while accounting for potential confounders. In addition, moderator effects of zygosity/chorionicity, sex and socio-economic status were tested. RESULTS Each interquartile range (IQR) increase in distance to highway was found associated with an increase of 1.2% in WHR (95%CI 0.2-2.2%). For landcover of green spaces, each IQR increase was associated with 0.8% increase in WHR (95%CI 0.4-1.3%), 1.4% increase in waist circumference (95%CI 0.5-2.2%), and 2.3% increase in body fat (95%CI 0.2-4.4%). Stratified analyses by zygosity/chorionicity type indicated that in monozygotic monochorionic twins, each IQR increase in land cover of green spaces was associated with 1.3% increase in WHR (95%CI 0.5-2.1%). In monozygotic dichorionic twins, each IQR increase in land cover of green spaces was associated with 1.4% increase in waist-circumference (95%CI 0.6-2.2%). CONCLUSIONS The built environment in which mothers reside during pregnancy might play a role on body composition among young adult twins. Our study revealed that based on zygosity/chorionicity type differential effects of prenatal exposure to green spaces on body composition at adult age might exist.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M N S Figaroa
- Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - M Gielen
- Department of Epidemiology, NUTRIM School for Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200, MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - L Casas
- Social Epidemiology and Health Policy, Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Institute for Environment and Sustainable Development (IMDO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - R J F Loos
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - C Derom
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, University Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - S Weyers
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, University Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - T S Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - M P Zeegers
- Department of Epidemiology, NUTRIM School for Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200, MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - E M Bijnens
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, University Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Open University, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Nejade RM, Grace D, Bowman LR. What is the impact of nature on human health? A scoping review of the literature. J Glob Health 2022; 12:04099. [PMID: 36520498 PMCID: PMC9754067 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.12.04099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The burden of non-communicable diseases (including poor mental health) is increasing, and some practitioners are turning to nature to provide the solution. Nature-based interventions (NBIs) could offer cost-effective solutions by reconnecting individuals with nature, but the success of these interventions depends partially on the way in which people engage with blue and green spaces. Methods We conducted a scoping review in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) and Cochrane guidelines to establish the evidence base for treating poor mental and physical health with NBIs. We searched five databases and the grey literature. Exposure was the active engagement with natural environments. The primary outcome was mental health and the secondary outcome was physical health defined using established metrics. All data were extracted to a charting table and reported as a narrative synthesis. Results 952 studies were identified, of which 39 met the inclusion criteria. 92% demonstrated consistent improvements across any health outcome where individuals engaged with natural outdoor environments. Mental health outcomes improved across 98% of studies while physical and cognitive health outcomes showed improvement across 83% and 75% of studies respectively. Additionally, we identified 153 factors affecting engagement with nature, 78% of which facilitated engagement compared with 22% that reduced engagement. Aspects such as the sense of wilderness, accessibility, opportunities for physical activity and the absence of noise/ air pollution all increased engagement. Conclusions Further research (accompanied by a global improvement in study design) is needed to establish the magnitude and relative effect of nature-based interventions, and to quantify the compounding effect of factors that improve engagement with green and blue spaces. Nevertheless, this review has documented the increasing body of evidence in support of NBIs as effective tools to improve mental, physical, and cognitive health outcomes, and highlighted key factors that improve engagement with the natural world. Registration Open Science Framework: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/8J5Q3.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Nejade
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Daniel Grace
- Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board, NHS Wales, Swansea, UK
| | - Leigh R Bowman
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Simoncic V, Deguen S, Enaux C, Vandentorren S, Kihal-Talantikite W. A Comprehensive Review on Social Inequalities and Pregnancy Outcome-Identification of Relevant Pathways and Mechanisms. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph192416592. [PMID: 36554473 PMCID: PMC9779203 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Scientific literature tends to support the idea that the pregnancy and health status of fetuses and newborns can be affected by maternal, parental, and contextual characteristics. In addition, a growing body of evidence reports that social determinants, measured at individual and/or aggregated level(s), play a crucial role in fetal and newborn health. Numerous studies have found social factors (including maternal age and education, marital status, pregnancy intention, and socioeconomic status) to be linked to poor birth outcomes. Several have also suggested that beyond individual and contextual social characteristics, living environment and conditions (or "neighborhood") emerge as important determinants in health inequalities, particularly for pregnant women. Using a comprehensive review, we present a conceptual framework based on the work of both the Commission on Social Determinants of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO), aimed at describing the various pathways through which social characteristics can affect both pregnancy and fetal health, with a focus on the structural social determinants (such as socioeconomic and political context) that influence social position, as well as on intermediary determinants. We also suggest that social position may influence more specific intermediary health determinants; individuals may, on the basis of their social position, experience differences in environmental exposure and vulnerability to health-compromising living conditions. Our model highlights the fact that adverse birth outcomes, which inevitably lead to health inequity, may, in turn, affect the individual social position. In order to address both the inequalities that begin in utero and the disparities observed at birth, it is important for interventions to target various unhealthy behaviors and psychosocial conditions in early pregnancy. Health policy must, then, support: (i) midwifery availability and accessibility and (ii) enhanced multidisciplinary support for deprived pregnant women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Simoncic
- LIVE UMR 7362 CNRS (Laboratoire Image Ville Environnement), University of Strasbourg, 67100 Strasbourg, France
- Correspondence:
| | - Séverine Deguen
- Equipe PHARes Population Health Translational Research, Inserm CIC 1401, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, University of Bordeaux, 33076 Boedeaux, France
| | - Christophe Enaux
- LIVE UMR 7362 CNRS (Laboratoire Image Ville Environnement), University of Strasbourg, 67100 Strasbourg, France
| | - Stéphanie Vandentorren
- Equipe PHARes Population Health Translational Research, Inserm CIC 1401, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, University of Bordeaux, 33076 Boedeaux, France
- Santé Publique France, French National Public Health Agency, 94410 Saint-Maurice, France
| | - Wahida Kihal-Talantikite
- LIVE UMR 7362 CNRS (Laboratoire Image Ville Environnement), University of Strasbourg, 67100 Strasbourg, France
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Jiang B, Yang Y, Chen L, Liu X, Wu X, Chen B, Webster C, Sullivan WC, Larsen L, Wang J, Lu Y. Green spaces, especially nearby forest, may reduce the SARS-CoV-2 infection rate: A nationwide study in the United States. LANDSCAPE AND URBAN PLANNING 2022; 228:104583. [PMID: 36158763 PMCID: PMC9485427 DOI: 10.1016/j.landurbplan.2022.104583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus pandemic is an ongoing global crisis that has profoundly harmed public health. Although studies found exposure to green spaces can provide multiple health benefits, the relationship between exposure to green spaces and the SARS-CoV-2 infection rate is unclear. This is a critical knowledge gap for research and practice. In this study, we examined the relationship between total green space, seven types of green space, and a year of SARS-CoV-2 infection data across 3,108 counties in the contiguous United States, after controlling for spatial autocorrelation and multiple types of covariates. First, we examined the association between total green space and SARS-CoV-2 infection rate. Next, we examined the association between different types of green space and SARS-CoV-2 infection rate. Then, we examined forest-infection rate association across five time periods and five urbanicity levels. Lastly, we examined the association between infection rate and population-weighted exposure to forest at varying buffer distances (100 m to 4 km). We found that total green space was negative associated with the SARS-CoV-2 infection rate. Furthermore, two forest variables (forest outside park and forest inside park) had the strongest negative association with the infection rate, while open space variables had mixed associations with the infection rate. Forest outside park was more effective than forest inside park. The optimal buffer distances associated with lowest infection rate are within 1,200 m for forest outside park and within 600 m for forest inside park. Altogether, the findings suggest that green spaces, especially nearby forest, may significantly mitigate risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bin Jiang
- Urban Environments and Human Health Lab, HKUrbanLabs, Faculty of Architecture, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
- Division of Landscape Architecture, Department of Architecture, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Yuwen Yang
- Urban Environments and Human Health Lab, HKUrbanLabs, Faculty of Architecture, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
- Division of Landscape Architecture, Department of Architecture, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Long Chen
- Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Xueming Liu
- Urban Environments and Human Health Lab, HKUrbanLabs, Faculty of Architecture, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
- Division of Landscape Architecture, Department of Architecture, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Xueying Wu
- Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Bin Chen
- Future Urbanity & Sustainable Environment (FUSE) Lab, Division of Landscape Architecture, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
- Urban Systems Institute, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
- HKU Musketeers Foundation Institute of Data Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Chris Webster
- HKUrbanLabs, Faculty of Architecture, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - William C Sullivan
- Smart, Healthy Communities Initiative, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA
- Department of Landscape Architecture, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA
| | - Linda Larsen
- Smart Energy Design Assistance Center, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Yi Lu
- Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Xu Y, Yi L, Cabison J, Rosales M, O'Sharkey K, Chavez TA, Johnson M, Lurmann F, Pavlovic N, Bastain TM, Breton CV, Wilson JP, Habre R. The impact of GPS-derived activity spaces on personal PM 2.5 exposures in the MADRES cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 214:114029. [PMID: 35932832 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In-utero exposure to particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) is associated with low birth weight and health risks later in life. Pregnant women are mobile and locations they spend time in contribute to their personal PM2.5 exposures. Therefore, it is important to understand how mobility and exposures encountered within activity spaces contribute to personal PM2.5 exposures during pregnancy. METHODS We collected 48-h integrated personal PM2.5 samples and continuous geolocation (GPS) data for 213 predominantly Hispanic/Latina pregnant women in their 3rd trimester in Los Angeles, CA. We also collected questionnaires and modeled outdoor air pollution and meteorology in their residential neighborhood. We calculated three GPS-derived activity space measures of exposure to road networks, greenness (NDVI), parks, traffic volume, walkability, and outdoor PM2.5 and temperature. We used bivariate analyses to screen variables (GPS-extracted exposures in activity spaces, individual characteristics, and residential neighborhood exposures) based on their relationship with personal, 48-h integrated PM2.5 concentrations. We then built a generalized linear model to explain the variability in personal PM2.5 exposure and identify key contributing factors. RESULTS Indoor PM2.5 sources, parity, and home ventilation were significantly associated with personal exposure. Activity-space based exposure to roads was associated with significantly higher personal PM2.5 exposure, while greenness was associated with lower personal PM2.5 exposure (β = -3.09 μg/m3 per SD increase in NDVI, p-value = 0.018). The contribution of outdoor PM2.5 to personal exposure was positive but relatively lower (β = 2.05 μg/m3 per SD increase, p-value = 0.016) than exposures in activity spaces and the indoor environment. The final model explained 34% of the variability in personal PM2.5 concentrations. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight the importance of activity spaces and the indoor environment on personal PM2.5 exposures of pregnant women living in Los Angeles, CA. This work also showcases the multiple, complex factors that contribute to total personal PM2.5 exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Xu
- Spatial Sciences Institute, University of Southern California, USA.
| | - Li Yi
- Spatial Sciences Institute, University of Southern California, USA.
| | - Jane Cabison
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, USA.
| | - Marisela Rosales
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, USA.
| | - Karl O'Sharkey
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, USA.
| | - Thomas A Chavez
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, USA.
| | - Mark Johnson
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, USA.
| | | | | | - Theresa M Bastain
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, USA.
| | - Carrie V Breton
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, USA.
| | - John P Wilson
- Spatial Sciences Institute, University of Southern California, USA; Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, USA; Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Computer Science, and Sociology, University of Southern California, USA.
| | - Rima Habre
- Spatial Sciences Institute, University of Southern California, USA; Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Suchocka M, Wojnowska-Heciak M, Błaszczyk M, Gawłowska A, Ciemniewska J, Jarska A, Heciak J, Pachnowska B. Old trees are perceived as a valuable element of the municipal forest landscape. PeerJ 2022; 10:e12700. [PMID: 35070501 PMCID: PMC8760855 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Urban trees are important to maintain biodiversity and, therefore, need public acceptance. Few studies, however, have addressed the topic of social acceptability of old trees. The aim of this research was to examine city residents' perception of old trees, including hollow-bearing ones, mainly in the aspect of safety and aesthetics. A total of 448 Warsaw municipal forest' users expressed their opinions by completing an online questionnaire. Several methods were used to analyse the results of the study: the Chi-square test of independence, the Kruskal-Wallis H test, the Mann-Whitney U test and the Quartimax method of factor rotation analysis. The results revealed a correlation between the frequency of forest visits and the level of sensitivity toward old trees, which translates to less radical notion of danger and less radical decisions about cutting such trees down. Age of the respondents (56+) was a factor contributing to higher willingness to protect and care for old trees. The results also indicated that outdoor activity in the urban forest may increase ancient trees acceptance by developing emotional connection with them, and eventually contribute to their protection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marzena Suchocka
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Magdalena Błaszczyk
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Gawłowska
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Ciemniewska
- The National Institute of Telecommunications—the State Research Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Jakub Heciak
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Kielce University of Technology, Kielce, Poland
| | - Beata Pachnowska
- Imas International sp. z o.o. Instytut badania rynku i opinii społecznej, Wrocław, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Tvina A, Visser A, Walker SL, Tsaih SW, Zhou Y, Beyer K, Palatnik A. Residential proximity to tree canopy and preterm birth in Black women. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2021; 3:100391. [PMID: 33984532 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2021.100391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are marked racial disparities in obstetrical outcomes, with the incidence of preterm birth being the highest among non-Hispanic Black women. The presence of green space, such as forests and parks, is now widely viewed as a health-promoting characteristic of residential environments. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the association between the proximity of tree canopies to a prenatal residential address and the rates of preterm birth among non-Hispanic Black women in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. STUDY DESIGN This was a retrospective, case-control study utilizing hospital pregnancy records of self-identified non-Hispanic Black women. The addresses of the women, who delivered from 2011 to 2019, were geocoded to characterize the percentage of tree canopy surrounding the prenatal address using the National Land Cover Database. Circular residential buffers of 100, 150, 250, and 500 m were used to assess the exposure to tree canopy coverage in proximity to a prenatal address. Univariable and multivariable analyses were conducted to determine whether tree canopy percentage at 4 different proximity buffers, examined both in means and quartiles, was associated with preterm birth (birth at <37 weeks' gestation). RESULTS Of the 2771 non-Hispanic Black women included in the study, 333 (12.0%) experienced preterm births. Less tree canopy coverage was significantly (P < .05) associated with preterm birth, irrespective of whether the coverage was quantified as a mean or by quartile. In the unadjusted and adjusted models, which adjusted for sociodemographic and clinical risk factors for preterm birth, a 10% increase in tree canopy coverage was associated with lower odds of preterm birth at all 4 buffers examined. When examining the green space by quartile, higher quartiles were associated with lower odds of preterm birth at the 100-, 150-, and 250 m buffers, but not at the 500 m buffer. CONCLUSION A higher percentage of tree canopy coverage in close proximity to the prenatal residential address is associated with lower odds of preterm birth among non-Hispanic Black women. These findings suggest that access to neighborhood green space is an important factor associated with preterm birth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alina Tvina
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI (Dr Tvina, MS Visser, and Dr Palatnik)
| | - Anna Visser
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI (Dr Tvina, MS Visser, and Dr Palatnik)
| | - Shannon L Walker
- Center for Advancing Population Science, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI (Ms Walker and Dr Palatnik); Institute of Health and Equity, Department of Public and Community Health, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI (Ms Walker and Drs Zhou and Beyer)
| | - Shirng-Wern Tsaih
- Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI (Dr Tsaih)
| | - Yuhong Zhou
- Institute of Health and Equity, Department of Public and Community Health, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI (Ms Walker and Drs Zhou and Beyer)
| | - Kirsten Beyer
- Institute of Health and Equity, Department of Public and Community Health, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI (Ms Walker and Drs Zhou and Beyer)
| | - Anna Palatnik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI (Dr Tvina, MS Visser, and Dr Palatnik); Center for Advancing Population Science, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI (Ms Walker and Dr Palatnik).
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Vilcins D, Scarth P, Sly PD, Jagals P, Knibbs LD, Baker P. The association of fractional cover, foliage projective cover and biodiversity with birthweight. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 763:143051. [PMID: 33127150 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Environmental exposures can contribute both benefits and risks to human health. Maternal exposure to green space has been associated with improvements in birthweight, among other birth outcomes. Newer measures of green space have been developed, which allows for an exploration of the effect of different ground covers (green, dry and bare earth), as well as measures of biodiversity. This study explores the association of these novel green space measures with birthweight in a large birth cohort in Queensland, Australia. METHODS Birthweight was acquired from the routine health records. Records were allocated green space values for fractional cover, biodiversity and foliage projective cover. Directed acyclic graphs were developed to guide variable selection. Mixed-effects linear regression and generalised linear mixed-effects models were developed, with random intercepts for maternal residential locality and year of birth. Results are presented as standardised beta coefficients or odds ratios, with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS An IQR increase of green cover (29.6 g, 95% CI 13.8-45.5) and foliage projective cover (26.0 g, 95% CI 10.8-41.3) are associated with birthweight in urban areas. An IQR increase in dry cover -34.4 g, 95% CI -60.4 to -8.4) and bare earth (-17.7 g, 95% CI -32.8 to -2.6) are associated with lower birthweight. Mothers living in rural areas had similar results, with an IQR increase in green cover (17.8 g, 95% CI 2.9-32.7) associated with higher birthweight, and bare earth (-27.7 g, 95% CI -45.7 to -9.7) was associated with lower birthweight. The biodiversity measure used in this study was not associated with any birthweight outcomes. CONCLUSION This study finds that the types of ground cover within the maternal residential locality are associated with small, but significant, changes in estimated birthweight, and these effects are not limited to urban areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dwan Vilcins
- Children's Health and Environment Program, The University of Queensland, L7 Centre for Children's Health Research, 62 Graham St, South Brisbane 4101, QLD, Australia.
| | - Peter Scarth
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, L2, Room 210, Steele Building, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia, 4072.
| | - Peter D Sly
- Children's Health and Environment Program, The University of Queensland, L7 Centre for Children's Health Research, 62 Graham St, South Brisbane 4101, QLD, Australia.
| | - Paul Jagals
- Children's Health and Environment Program, The University of Queensland, L7 Centre for Children's Health Research, 62 Graham St, South Brisbane 4101, QLD, Australia.
| | - Luke D Knibbs
- School of Public Health, Public Health Building, 288 Herston Rd, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4006, Australia.
| | - Peter Baker
- School of Public Health, Public Health Building, 288 Herston Rd, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4006, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Donovan GH, Prestemon JP, Butry DT, Kaminski AR, Monleon VJ. The politics of urban trees: Tree planting is associated with gentrification in Portland, Oregon. FOREST POLICY AND ECONOMICS 2021; 124:10.1016/j.forpol.2020.102387. [PMID: 34483719 PMCID: PMC8408830 DOI: 10.1016/j.forpol.2020.102387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated the hypothesis that urban-tree planting increases neighborhood gentrification in Portland, Oregon. We defined gentrification as an increase in the median sales price of single-family homes in a Census tract compared to other tracts in the city after accounting for differences in the housing stock such as house size and number of bathrooms. We used tree-planting data from the non-profit Friends of Trees, who have planted 57,985 yard and street trees in Portland (1990-2019). We estimated a mixed model of gentrification (30 years and 141 tracts) including random intercepts at the tract level and a first-order auto-regressive residual structure. Tract-level house prices and tree planting may be codetermined. Therefore, to address potential endogeneity of tree planting in statistical modeling, we lagged the number of trees planted by at least one year. We found that the number of trees planted in a tract was significantly associated with a higher tract-level median sales price, although it took at least six years for this relationship to emerge. Specifically, each tree was associated with a $131 (95% CI: $53-$210; p-value=0.001) increase in tract-level median sales price six years after planting. The magnitude of the association between the number of trees planted and median sales price generally increased as the time lag lengthened. After twelve years, each tree was associated with a $265 (95% CI: $151-$379; p-value<0.001) increase in tract-level median sales price. Tree planting was not merely a proxy for existing tree cover, as the percent of tract covered in tree canopy was independently associated with an increase in median sales price. Specifically, each 1-percentage point increase in tree-canopy cover was associated with a $882 (95% CI: $226-$1,538; p-value=0.008) increase in median sales price. In conclusion, tree planting is associated with neighborhood-level gentrification, although the magnitude of the association is modest.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey H. Donovan
- USDA Forest Service, PNW Research Station, 620 SW Main, Suite 502, Portland, OR 97205, USA
| | - Jeffrey P. Prestemon
- USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station, PO Box 12254, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - David T. Butry
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Applied Economics Office, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA
| | - Abigail R. Kaminski
- USDA Forest Service, PNW Research Station, 620 SW Main, Suite 502, Portland, OR 97205, USA
| | - Vicente J. Monleon
- USDA Forest Service, PNW Research Station, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Hu CY, Yang XJ, Gui SY, Ding K, Huang K, Fang Y, Jiang ZX, Zhang XJ. Residential greenness and birth outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 193:110599. [PMID: 33307084 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The amount of natural vegetation surrounding homes (residential greenness) has been proposed as a mitigation measure to buffer the adverse health effects of urban living, associated with promoting health and wellbeing including birth outcomes. This study aimed to systematically review the epidemiological evidence on the association of residential greenness with birth outcomes and quantitatively provide summary effect estimates of the current literature. METHODS We extensively searched epidemiological studies related to residential greenness and birth outcomes in three electronic databases (EMBASE, Web of Science, and PubMed) using terms related to residential greenness and birth outcomes before July 10, 2020. Summary effect estimates of residential greenness on birth outcomes including SGA (small for gestational age), PTB (preterm birth), LBW (low birth weight), and birth weight were calculated for each 0.1 unit increase in residential greenness exposure, as well as comparing the highest to the lowest categories using random-effects meta-analyses. We assessed the risk of bias of each individual study, and the overall quality of the body of evidence and level of evidence for each exposure-outcome were also evaluated. RESULTS The initial search identified 161 studies, of which 29 studies were finally included. Meta-analysis for continuous exposure suggested that an increase in residential greenness, measured by NDVI (normalized difference vegetation index) with different buffer sizes, was generally associated with higher birth weights ranging from 7.99 g [95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.29-11.70] to 15.35 g (95% CI = 11.41-19.29) and lower odds of LBW ranging from 0.79 (95% CI = 0.65-0.96) to 0.93 (95% CI = 0.86-1.00), but associations between residential greenness and PTB or SGA were not significant. When introducing the exposure as high versus low categories, similar results were found. The overall evidence for each exposure-outcome combination was considered to be of "moderate" certainty. CONCLUSIONS This study indicated a potential positive association between residential greenness and several birth outcomes. However, because of the moderate to high between-study heterogeneity, further studies with better adjustment of covariates, improved residential greenness assessment in a longitudinal approach throughout pregnancy rather than a cross-sectional approach at time of delivery, and accounting thoroughly for socioeconomic status, are warranted to replicate these findings as well as to explore in greater detail in their implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Yang Hu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China; Department of Humanistic Medicine, School of Humanistic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Xiao-Jing Yang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Si-Yu Gui
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Kun Ding
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Kai Huang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yuan Fang
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3000, CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Zheng-Xuan Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, China.
| | - Xiu-Jun Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China; Center for Evidence-Based Practice, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Santri IN, Jiang CB, Chen YH, Wu CD, Zou ML, Chien LC, Lo YC, Chao HJ. Associations of birth outcomes with air pollution and land use characteristics in the Greater Taipei Area. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 750:141579. [PMID: 32853937 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the effects of environmental factors on birth outcomes is crucial for public health because newborns' birth size affects their likelihood of childhood survival, risk of perinatal morbidity, and subsequent health and growth. Therefore, we investigated the associations of birth outcomes with prenatal air pollutant exposure and residential land use characteristics in the Greater Taipei Area. METHODS Participants were selected from the Longitudinal Examination across Prenatal and Postpartum Health in Taiwan study, which is an ongoing prospective study launched in July 2011. Parental sociodemographic data and medical histories were collected using standardized questionnaires. Mean air pollutant levels during each trimester were estimated using the spatial interpolation technique (Ordinary Kriging). Land use types surrounding participants' homes were evaluated within a designated radius of their residential addresses. We used multiple regressions to examine relationships between birth outcomes (i.e., birth weight, height, and head circumference) and environmental factors after adjustment for parental characteristics. RESULTS A total of 436 pregnant women-infant pairs were included. Birth weight was negatively associated with commercial land and greenhouse areas near the residence. Living near greenhouse areas negatively affected birth height, but higher greenness level within 100 m of the residence had a positive effect. Birth head circumference was only associated with sociodemographic factors in the multivariate model. CONCLUSION Land use types near the homes of pregnant women, but not exposure to air pollutants, were significantly associated with birth weight and height in the Greater Taipei Area. Increased greenness level was positively associated with birth height, and living near commercial or greenhouse areas had adverse effects on birth outcomes. Living in a healthy neighborhood is critical for the birth outcomes of infants and presumably their health in early childhood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Chuen-Bin Jiang
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, MacKay Children's Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hua Chen
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Da Wu
- Department of Geomatics, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Lun Zou
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ling-Chu Chien
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chun Lo
- Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Ph.D. Program for Neural Regenerative Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsing Jasmine Chao
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Weber KA, Lyons E, Yang W, Stevenson C, Stevenson DK, Shaw GM. Residential proximity to green space and preeclampsia in California. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 4:e120. [PMID: 33336135 PMCID: PMC7727466 DOI: 10.1097/ee9.0000000000000120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background We investigated whether residing near more green space might reduce the risk of preeclampsia. Methods Participants were women who delivered a live, singleton birth between 1998 and 2011 in eight counties of the San Joaquin Valley in California. There were 7276 cases of preeclampsia divided into mild, severe, or superimposed on preexisting hypertension. Controls were 197,345 women who did not have a hypertensive disorder and delivered between 37 and 41 weeks. Green space was estimated from satellite data using Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), an index calculated from surface reflectance at the visible and near-infrared wavelengths. Values closer to 1 denote a higher density of green vegetation. Average NDVI was calculated within a 50 m, 100 m, and 500 m buffer around each woman's residence. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated comparing the lowest and highest quartiles of mean NDVI to the interquartile range comparing each preeclampsia phenotype, divided into early (20-31 weeks) and late (32-36 weeks) preterm birth, to full-term controls. Results We observed an inverse association in the 500 m buffer for women in the top quartile of NDVI and a positive association for women in the lowest quartile of NDVI for women with superimposed preeclampsia. There were no associations in the 50 and 100 m buffers. Conclusion Within a 500 m buffer, more green space was inversely associated with superimposed preeclampsia. Future work should explore the mechanism by which green space may protect against preeclampsia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kari A Weber
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Evan Lyons
- Department of Earth System Science, Stanford University, Stanford, California; and
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | | | - David K Stevenson
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Gary M Shaw
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Lee KJ, Moon H, Yun HR, Park EL, Park AR, Choi H, Hong K, Lee J. Greenness, civil environment, and pregnancy outcomes: perspectives with a systematic review and meta-analysis. Environ Health 2020; 19:91. [PMID: 32854706 PMCID: PMC7457282 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-020-00649-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Various maternal conditions, especially in utero conditions and prenatal exposure to environments with air pollution and greenness, have been reviewed to address the enhancement and prevention of susceptibility to health risks, including low birthweight, preterm delivery, and preeclampsia. This study aimed to qualitatively and quantitatively investigate the associations between pregnancy outcomes and the characteristics of surrounding living environment, including greenness, air pollution, and civilization. METHODS A secondary search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, K-eArticles, and CINAHL databases was conducted without language restrictions to identify the relevant publications from the time of inception of the databases to April 2019. RESULTS A total of 89 studies were identified, and 10 were included in the quantitative synthesis. The greenness of the environment within 100-, 250- and 500-m buffers, after adjusting for the air quality and civilization factors, was weakly but positively associated with birthweight. The pooled regression slope was 0.00134 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.000, 0.0020). The greenness of the environment was also associated with a significant decrease in the incidence of poor pregnancy outcomes, namely, low birthweight, small for gestational age (odds ratio [OR] 0.94; 95% CI, 0.92, 0.97), and preterm delivery (OR 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97, 0.99). CONCLUSIONS The greenness of the environment had a positive effect on the pregnancy outcomes, despite poor air quality and civilization. Following urbanization, planning for greenness management, environmental medicine, and public health is important and thus should be proposed as preventive methods as way of increasing birthweight and life expectancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Ju Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Korea University Medicine, 73, Goryeodae-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, South Korea.
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
- Department of Public Health, Korea University Graduate School, 73, Goryeodae-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, South Korea.
| | - Hyemi Moon
- Department of Biostatistics, Korea University College of Medicine, 73, Goryeodae-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyo Ri Yun
- Department of Biostatistics, Korea University College of Medicine, 73, Goryeodae-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Eun Lyeong Park
- Department of Biostatistics, Korea University College of Medicine, 73, Goryeodae-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ae Ran Park
- Department of Biostatistics, Korea University College of Medicine, 73, Goryeodae-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hijeong Choi
- Graduate School of Integrative Medicine, Cha University, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Kwan Hong
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Public Health, Korea University Graduate School, 73, Goryeodae-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, South Korea
| | - Juneyoung Lee
- Department of Biostatistics, Korea University College of Medicine, 73, Goryeodae-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Urban Trees and Human Health: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17124371. [PMID: 32570770 PMCID: PMC7345658 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17124371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The urban forest is a green infrastructure system that delivers multiple environmental, economic, social and health services, and functions in cities. Environmental benefits of urban trees are well understood, but no review to date has examined how urban trees affect human health. This review provides a comprehensive summary of existing literature on the health impacts of urban trees that can inform future research, policy, and nature-based public health interventions. A systematic search used keywords representing human health, environmental health, and urban forestry. Following screening and appraisal of several thousand articles, 201 studies were conceptually sorted into a three-part framework. Reducing Harm, representing 41% of studies, includes topics such as air pollution, ultraviolet radiation, heat exposure, and pollen. Restoring Capacities, at 31%, includes attention restoration, mental health, stress reduction, and clinical outcomes. Building Capacities, at 28%, includes topics such as birth outcomes, active living, and weight status. The studies that were reviewed show substantial heterogeneity in purpose and method yet indicate important health outcomes associated with people’s exposure to trees. This review will help inform future research and practice, and demonstrates why urban forest planning and management should strategically promote trees as a social determinant of public health.
Collapse
|
21
|
Jiang X, Larsen L, Sullivan W. Connections-between Daily Greenness Exposure and Health Outcomes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E3965. [PMID: 32503258 PMCID: PMC7313084 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17113965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
A compelling body of research demonstrates that exposure to nature, especially trees, is beneficial to human health. We know little, however, about the extent to which understory vegetation that does not reach the height of trees, impacts human health. An additional gap in our knowledge concerns the extent to which daily variations in exposure to various forms of vegetation are related to human health outcomes. Many previous findings describing such connections were achieved in laboratory settings or through semi-controlled experiments, which do not reflect the dynamic variations of people's daily exposure to nature. Thus, we conducted an online survey to address these questions. We used the National Land Cover Dataset 2011 and Google Street View images to estimate participants' daily exposure to nature, and two standard questionnaires (General Health SF-12 and the Perceived Stress Scale) to assess health. Results show that greater exposure to trees in daily life is associated with better health outcomes. Specifically, higher neighborhood concentrations of tree canopy are related to better physical health, overall health and an increased capacity to control stress. In contrast, the results exploring the health associations of understory vegetation were inconsistent. In most cases, understory vegetation had a negative relationship with stress and mental health measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangrong Jiang
- Department of Landscape Architecture, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL 61820, USA; (L.L.); (W.S.)
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Zhan Y, Liu J, Lu Z, Yue H, Zhang J, Jiang Y. Influence of residential greenness on adverse pregnancy outcomes: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 718:137420. [PMID: 32325616 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the development of urbanization, there is a decreasing tendency for people contact with natural greenness. Whether maternal exposure to greenness has an impact on pregnancy complications and pregnancy outcomes remains to be confirmed. OBJECTIVES To estimate the association and dose-response relationship between residential greenness and pregnancy outcomes. DATA SOURCES PubMed, Embase, Ovid, Scopus and Web of Science from inception to 1st December 2019 were searched. SYNTHESIS METHODS The summary regression coefficient (β) and odds ratio (OR) with corresponding 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were calculated. The linear dose-response relationship between greenness and adverse pregnancy outcomes was also investigated. RESULTS Overall, 36 studies with a total of 11,983,089 participants were included. Birth weight was significantly higher in highest level of greenness exposure group compared to lowest level group (e.g. β:20.22, 95%CI:13.50-26.93 at 100 m buffer). The odds of low birth weight (LBW) decreased in the highest level of group compared to lowest level group (e.g. OR:0.86, 95%CI:0.75-0.99 at 100 m buffer). The odds of small for gestational age (SGA) also decreased in the highest group (OR:0.93, 95%CI:0.88-1.00 at 100 m buffer). In addition, maternal exposure to greenness was associated with increased head circumference and decreased mental disorders. The dose-response models showed a 2% decrease risk of LBW per 0.1 normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) increase within 300 m buffer (OR:0.98, 95%CI:0.97-0.99, P < 0.001) and a 1% decrease risk of SGA per 0.1 NDVI increase within 300 m buffer (OR:0.99, 95%CI:0.98-1.00, P = 0.037). No significant associations were found on preterm birth, gestational age, gestational diabetes mellitus, gestational hypertension or preeclampsia. CONCLUSIONS This review confirms an inverse association between residential greenness and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Findings of our study provide evidences for pregnant women to increase greenness exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongle Zhan
- School of Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China.
| | - Jintao Liu
- Department of Urban Planning, School of Architecture & Fine Art, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Zhiming Lu
- National Center for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Hexin Yue
- School of Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- School of Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Yu Jiang
- School of Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Akaraci S, Feng X, Suesse T, Jalaludin B, Astell-Burt T. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Associations between Green and Blue Spaces and Birth Outcomes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17082949. [PMID: 32344732 PMCID: PMC7215926 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17082949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies suggest that green and blue spaces may promote several health outcomes including birth outcomes. However, no synthesis of previous work has specifically asked policy-relevant questions of how much and what type is needed in every neighborhood to elicit these benefits at the population level. A systematic review and meta-analyses were conducted to synthesize thirty-seven studies on the association between residential green and blue spaces and pregnancy outcomes. Meta-analyses were performed for birth weight (BW), small for gestational age (SGA), low birth weight (LBW) and preterm birth (PTB). Increase in residential greenness was statistically significantly associated with higher BW [β = 0.001, 95%CI: (<0.001, 0.002)] and lower odds of SGA [OR = 0.95, 95%CI: (0.92, 0.97)]. Associations between green space and LBW and PTB were as hypothesized but not statistically significant. Associations between blue spaces and pregnancy outcomes were not evident. No study explicitly examined questions of threshold, though some evidence of nonlinearity indicated that moderate amounts of green space may support more favorable pregnancy outcomes. Policy-relevant green and blue space exposures involving theory-driven thresholds warrant testing to ensure future investments in urban greening promote healthier pregnancy outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Selin Akaraci
- Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab), School of Health and Society, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; (S.A.); (X.F.)
| | - Xiaoqi Feng
- Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab), School of Health and Society, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; (S.A.); (X.F.)
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), Beijing 102206, China
| | - Thomas Suesse
- NIASRA, National Institute for Applied Statistics Research Australia School of Mathematics and Applied Statistics, Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia;
| | - Bin Jalaludin
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2170, Australia;
| | - Thomas Astell-Burt
- Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab), School of Health and Society, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; (S.A.); (X.F.)
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), Beijing 102206, China
- School of Public Health, Peking Union Medical College and The Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Wojnowska-Heciak M, Błaszczyk M, Suchocka M, Kosno-Jończy J. Urban-rural differences in perception of trees described by parents bringing up children in Warsaw and Jedlińsk, Poland. PeerJ 2020; 8:e8875. [PMID: 32296604 PMCID: PMC7150541 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Parents’ attitudes to trees and nature are reflected not only in their children’s outdoor activity, but also in the way they perceive, learn and value the environment. One hundred and eleven respondents, divided into two groups by place of residence, assessed statements in a survey questionnaire. Two groups of questions aimed at evaluating tree benefits and disservices as perceived by urban and rural parents, and identifying their preferences concerning outdoor activity of their children. Tree benefits and disadvantages were grouped into five categories (social, economic, environmental, health and aesthetic). Both urban and rural parents presented similar attitudes to trees as well as to their children’s play environments. Among 37 statements concerning tree benefits, only five revealed statistically significant differences. The most important difference appeared in the way urban and rural parents perceived the aspects of danger. Trees were not perceived as posing any risk on playgrounds for city residents, who—unlike villagers—opposed to the removal of trees from playgrounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Magdalena Błaszczyk
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Institute of Environmental Engineering, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marzena Suchocka
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Institute of Environmental Engineering, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
| | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Barron S, Nitoslawski S, Wolf KL, Woo A, Desautels E, Sheppard SRJ. Greening Blocks: A Conceptual Typology of Practical Design Interventions to Integrate Health and Climate Resilience Co-Benefits. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E4241. [PMID: 31683765 PMCID: PMC6862540 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16214241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
It is increasingly evident that exposure to green landscape elements benefits human health. Urban green space in cities is also recognized as a crucial adaptation response to changes in climate and its subsequent effects. The exploration of conceptual and practical intersections between human health, green spaces, and climate action is needed. Evidence-based guidance is needed for stakeholders, practitioners, designers, and citizens in order to assess and manage urban green spaces that maximize co-benefits for both human health and climate resilience. This paper proposes interventions that provide strategic green space enhancement at the neighborhood and block scale. We propose eight tangible green space interventions and associated metrics to integrate climate resilience and population health co-benefits into urban green space design and planning: View from within, Plant entrances, Bring nature nearby, Retain the mature, Generate diversity, Create refuge, Connect experiences, and Optimize green infrastructure. These interventions represent a hierarchy of functional design concepts that respond to experiential qualities and physical/psychological dimensions of health, and which enhance resilience at a range of social scales from the individual to the neighborhood. The interventions also reveal additional research needs in green space design, particularly in neighborhood-level contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Barron
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3121, Australia.
| | - Sophie Nitoslawski
- Faculty of Forestry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Kathleen L Wolf
- College of the Environment, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98110, USA.
| | - Angie Woo
- Fraser Health Authority, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H5, Canada.
| | - Erin Desautels
- Sustainability Office, City of Surrey, BC V3T 1V8, Canada.
| | - Stephen R J Sheppard
- Faculty of Forestry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Rojas-Rueda D, Nieuwenhuijsen MJ, Gascon M, Perez-Leon D, Mudu P. Green spaces and mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. Lancet Planet Health 2019; 3:e469-e477. [PMID: 31777338 PMCID: PMC6873641 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(19)30215-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 230] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Green spaces have been proposed to be a health determinant, improving health and wellbeing through different mechanisms. We aimed to systematically review the epidemiological evidence from longitudinal studies that have investigated green spaces and their association with all-cause mortality. We aimed to evaluate this evidence with a meta-analysis, to determine exposure-response functions for future quantitative health impact assessments. METHODS We did a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies on green spaces and all-cause mortality. We searched for studies published and indexed in MEDLINE before Aug 20, 2019, which we complemented with an additional search of cited literature. We included studies if their design was longitudinal; the exposure of interest was measured green space; the endpoint of interest was all-cause mortality; they provided a risk estimate (ie, a hazard ratio [HR]) and the corresponding 95% CI for the association between green space exposure and all-cause mortality; and they used normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) as their green space exposure definition. Two investigators (DR-R and DP-L) independently screened the full-text articles for inclusion. We used a random-effects model to obtain pooled HRs. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42018090315. FINDINGS We identified 9298 studies in MEDLINE and 13 studies that were reported in the literature but not indexed in MEDLINE, of which 9234 (99%) studies were excluded after screening the titles and abstracts and 68 (88%) of 77 remaining studies were excluded after assessment of the full texts. We included nine (12%) studies in our quantitative evaluation, which comprised 8 324 652 individuals from seven countries. Seven (78%) of the nine studies found a significant inverse relationship between an increase in surrounding greenness per 0·1 NDVI in a buffer zone of 500 m or less and the risk of all-cause mortality, but two studies found no association. The pooled HR for all-cause mortality per increment of 0·1 NDVI within a buffer of 500 m or less of a participant's residence was 0·96 (95% CI 0·94-0·97; I2, 95%). INTERPRETATION We found evidence of an inverse association between surrounding greenness and all-cause mortality. Interventions to increase and manage green spaces should therefore be considered as a strategic public health intervention. FUNDING World Health Organization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Rojas-Rueda
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA; ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology, Barcelona, Spain; Municipal Institute of Medical Research, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Mark J Nieuwenhuijsen
- ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology, Barcelona, Spain; Municipal Institute of Medical Research, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mireia Gascon
- ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology, Barcelona, Spain; Municipal Institute of Medical Research, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniela Perez-Leon
- ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology, Barcelona, Spain; Municipal Institute of Medical Research, Barcelona, Spain; Unidad Docente de Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pierpaolo Mudu
- Department of Public Health, Environmental and Social Determinants of Health, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Laurent O, Benmarhnia T, Milesi C, Hu J, Kleeman MJ, Cockburn M, Wu J. Relationships between greenness and low birth weight: Investigating the interaction and mediation effects of air pollution. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 175:124-132. [PMID: 31112849 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2018] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Associations between residential greenness and improved birth weight have been increasingly reported, but underlying mechanisms and interactions with other environmental exposures are still unclear. OBJECTIVES To study the relationships between low birth weight (LBW, <2500 g), residential greenness, and the potential influence of air pollution in these relationships (interaction and mediation) in California, over the period 2001-2008. METHODS Residential greenness around maternal homes was characterized using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Complementary indicators of air pollution exposure reflected its main components. Birth weight and maternal characteristics were obtained from birth certificate records. In this case-cohort study, associations between greenness and LBW were investigated using multi-level Poisson regression with random effect at the hospital level. We investigated potential interaction of greenness and air pollutants on both additive and multiplicative scales. Mediation analyses were conducted to estimate the potential contribution of local variations in air pollutant concentrations associated with greenness on LBW risk. RESULTS In total 72,632 LBW cases were included. A reduction of LBW risk was associated with an increase in NDVI (adjusted risk ratio per inter-quartile range in NDVI: 0.963; 95% confidence interval: 0.947; 0.978). We observed no interaction between NDVI and air pollution on LBW risk. The estimated mediating effect of fine particulate matter in the impact of greenness on LBW was 12%. CONCLUSION This large study confirms that residential greenness is associated with a reduced risk of LBW and suggests that greenness might benefit to LBW partly through a local reduction in air pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Laurent
- Program in Public Health, 653 East Peltason Drive, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697-3957, USA
| | - Tarik Benmarhnia
- Family Medicine and Public Health Department, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive #0725, CA, La Jolla, 92093, USA
| | | | - Jianlin Hu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. 1 Shields Avenue. University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, Jiangsu Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Cleaning Materials, Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, 219 Ningliu Road, Nanjing, 210044, China
| | - Michael J Kleeman
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. 1 Shields Avenue. University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Myles Cockburn
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1441 Eastlake Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-9175, USA
| | - Jun Wu
- Program in Public Health, 653 East Peltason Drive, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697-3957, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Chien JW, Yang YR, Chen SY, Chang YJ, Chan CC. Urban Open Space Is Associated with Better Renal Function of Adult Residents in New Taipei City. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16132436. [PMID: 31323997 PMCID: PMC6651005 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16132436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to explore the association between proximity to open space and adult renal function. This was a cross-sectional study. Adult residents of Taipei metropolis were recruited in the analysis. The proximity of each subject to open space was measured using the Geographic Information System. Residents were divided into two groups: with and without chronic kidney disease (CKD). We made univariable comparisons between the two groups. The logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratio of CKD. Forest plot was used to examine the effect of interaction between distance to open space and subgroup variable on CKD. A total number of 21,656 subjects with mean age 53.6 years were enrolled in the study. Of the subjects, 2226 (10.28%) had CKD. The mean and standard deviation of distance to open space were 117.23 m and 80.19 m, respectively. Every 100 m distance to open space was associated with an odds ratio of 1.071 for CKD. Subgroup analysis revealed that residents of female, without hypertension, or without impaired fasting glucose (IFG) living more than 200 m from open spaces have greater odds of CKD than those living less than 200 m. Conclusions: Proximity to open space was associated with a lower prevalence of CKD among adults in Taiwan. Such association was enhanced among females and healthy adults without hypertension or impaired fasting glucose (IFG).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jien-Wen Chien
- Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10020, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Changhua Christian Children's Hospital, Changhua 50006, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Ru Yang
- Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10020, Taiwan
| | - Szu-Ying Chen
- Division of surgical intensive care, Department of critical care, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, Fooyin University, Kaohsiung 83102, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Jun Chang
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Center, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 50006, Taiwan
| | - Chang-Chuan Chan
- Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10020, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Gernes R, Brokamp C, Rice GE, Wright JM, Kondo MC, Michael YL, Donovan GH, Gatziolis D, Bernstein D, LeMasters GK, Lockey JE, Khurana Hershey GK, Ryan PH. Using high-resolution residential greenspace measures in an urban environment to assess risks of allergy outcomes in children. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 668:760-767. [PMID: 30865906 PMCID: PMC6563346 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Despite reported health benefits of urban greenspace (gs), the epidemiological evidence is less clear for allergic disease. To address a limitation of previous research, we examined the associations of medium- and high-resolution residential gs measures and tree and/or grass canopies with allergic outcomes for children enrolled in the longitudinal cincinnati childhood allergy and air pollution study (ccaaps). We estimated residential gs based on 400 m radial buffers around participant addresses (n = 478) using the normalized differential vegetation index (ndvi) and land cover-derived urban greenspace (ugs) (tree and grass coverage, combined and separate) at 30 m and 1.5-2.5 m resolution, respectively. Associations between outdoor aeroallergen sensitization and allergic rhinitis at age 7 and residential gs measures at different exposure windows were examined using multivariable logistic regression models. A 10% increase in ugs-derived grass coverage was associated with an increased risk of sensitization to grass pollens (adjusted odds ratio [aor]: 1.27; 95% confidence interval = 1.02-1.58). For each 10% increase in ugs-derived tree canopy coverage, nonstatistically significant decreased odds were found for grass pollen sensitization, tree pollen sensitization, and sensitization to either (aor range = 0.87-0.94). Results similar in magnitude to ugs-tree canopy coverage were detected for ndvi and allergic sensitizations. High-resolution (down to 1.5 m) gs measures of grass- and tree-covered areas showed associations in opposite directions for different allergy outcomes. These data suggest that measures strongly correlated with tree canopy (e.g., ndvi) may be insufficient to detect health effects associated with proximity to different types of vegetation or help elucidate mechanisms related to specific gs exposure pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Gernes
- Environmental Health Research Participant, Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health, 1900 M St NW Suite 710, Washington D.C. 20036, USA
| | - Cole Brokamp
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, 160 Panzeca Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; Division of Asthma Research, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Glenn E Rice
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Center for Environmental Assessment, 26 Martin Luther King Dr W, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA
| | - J Michael Wright
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Center for Environmental Assessment, 26 Martin Luther King Dr W, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA.
| | - Michelle C Kondo
- Northern Research Station, U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, 11 Campus Blvd., Suite 200, Newtown Square, PA 19073, USA
| | - Yvonne L Michael
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Nesbitt Hall, 3215 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Geoffrey H Donovan
- Pacific Northwest Research Station, U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, 620 SW Main Street, Suite 502, Portland, OR 97205, USA
| | - Demetrios Gatziolis
- Pacific Northwest Research Station, U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, 620 SW Main Street, Suite 502, Portland, OR 97205, USA
| | - David Bernstein
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, 160 Panzeca Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Grace K LeMasters
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, 160 Panzeca Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - James E Lockey
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, 160 Panzeca Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Gurjit K Khurana Hershey
- Division of Asthma Research, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Patrick H Ryan
- Division of Biostatistics & Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Donovan GH, Gatziolis D, Jakstis K, Comess S. The natural environment and birth outcomes: Comparting 3D exposure metrics derived from LiDAR to 2D metrics based on the normalized difference vegetation index. Health Place 2019; 57:305-312. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2019.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
|
31
|
Donovan GH, Michael YL, Gatziolis D, Mannetje A', Douwes J. Association between exposure to the natural environment, rurality, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children in New Zealand: a linkage study. Lancet Planet Health 2019; 3:e226-e234. [PMID: 31128768 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(19)30070-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several small experimental studies and cross-sectional observational studies have shown that exposure to the natural environment might protect against attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or moderate the symptoms of ADHD in children. We aimed to assess whether exposure to the natural environment protects against ADHD and whether this hypothesised protective effect varies across a child's life course. METHODS We did a longitudinal study with data collected from all children born in New Zealand in 1998, excluding those without an address history, those who were not singleton births, and those who died or emigrated before 18 years of age. We used Statistics New Zealand's Integrated Data Infrastructure to identify children with ADHD and to define covariates. ADHD was defined according to hospital diagnosis or pharmacy records (two or more prescriptions for ADHD drugs). Exposure to green space for each year of a child's life (from gestation to 18 years of age) was estimated at the meshblock level (the smallest geographical unit for which the New Zealand Census reports data) using normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI), and land-use data from Landcare Research New Zealand. We used logit models to assess the associations between ADHD prevalence and minimum, maximum, and mean lifetime NDVI, as well as rural living, controlling for sex, ethnicity, mother's educational level, mother's smoking status, mother's age at parturition, birth order, antibiotic use, and low birthweight. FINDINGS Of the 57 450 children born in New Zealand in 1998, 49 923 were eligible and had available data, and were included in the analysis. Children who had always lived in a rural area after 2 years of age were less likely to develop ADHD (odds ratio [OR] 0·670 [95% CI 0·461-0·974), as were those with increased minimum NDVI exposure after age 2 years (standardised OR for exposure vs first quartile: second quartile 0·841 [0·707-0·999]; third quartile 0·809 [0·680-0·963]; fourth quartile 0·664 [0·548-0·805]). In early life (prenatal to age 2 years), neither rural living nor NDVI were protective against ADHD. Neither mean nor maximum greenness was significantly protective against ADHD. INTERPRETATION Rurality and increased minimum greenness were strongly and independently associated with a reduced risk of ADHD. Increasing a child's minimum lifetime greenness exposure, as opposed to maximum or mean exposure, might provide the greatest increment of protection against the disorder. FUNDING None.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey H Donovan
- Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand; United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, Portland, OR, USA.
| | - Yvonne L Michael
- Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Demetrios Gatziolis
- United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Andrea 't Mannetje
- Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Jeroen Douwes
- Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Associations between Urban Green Spaces and Health are Dependent on the Analytical Scale and How Urban Green Spaces are Measured. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16040578. [PMID: 30781534 PMCID: PMC6406785 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16040578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 01/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Although the benefits from exposure to urban green spaces (UGS) are increasingly reported, there are important knowledge gaps in the nature of UGS-health relationships. One such unknown area is the dependence of UGS-health associations on the types of UGS studied, the way they are quantified, and the spatial scale used in the analysis. These knowledge gaps have important ramifications on our ability to develop generalizations to promote implementation and facilitate comparative studies across different socio-cultural and socio-economic contexts. We conducted a study in Singapore to examine the dependence of UGS-health associations on the metrics for quantifying UGS (vegetation cover, canopy cover and park area) in different types of buffer area (circular, nested and network) at different spatial scales. A population-based household survey (n = 1000) was used to collect information on self-reported health and perception and usage pattern of UGS. The results showed that although all three UGS metrics were positively related to mental health at certain scales, overall, canopy cover showed the strongest associations with mental health at most scales. There also appears to be minimum and maximum threshold levels of spatial scale at which UGS and health have significant associations, with the strongest associations consistently shown between 400 m to 1600 m in different buffer types. We discuss the significance of these results for UGS-health studies and applications in UGS planning for improved health of urban dwellers.
Collapse
|
33
|
Agay-Shay K, Michael Y, Basagaña X, Martínez-Solanas È, Broday D, Lensky IM, Rudolf M, Rubin L, Kent R, Levy N, Haklai Z, Grotto I. Mean and variance of greenness and pregnancy outcomes in Tel Aviv during 2000–14: longitudinal and cross-sectional approaches. Int J Epidemiol 2018; 48:1054-1072. [DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyy249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Natural environments may have beneficial impacts on pregnancy outcomes. However, longitudinal evidence is limited and the associations with variance in surrounding greenness is unknown. Our objective was to evaluate these associations among 73 221 live births in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Methods
Longitudinal exposure to mean of greenness during pregnancy and trimesters were calculated using satellite-based Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data. In addition, exposure to mean and variation of NDVI from high-resolution satellite and percentage of tree cover [Vegetation Continuous Fields (VCF)] at 300-m buffer were evaluated in a cross-sectional approach. Generalized linear models were used to estimate the crude and adjusted associations. We explore the possible mediating role of ambient exposures and distance to ‘outdoor gyms’ located in parks.
Results
Crude beneficial associations between exposure to higher mean NDVI during pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes were observed [for birthweight, 3rd/1st tertile exposure increased the mean by 25.5 g, 95% confidence intervals (CIs): 15.4, 35.5] and decreased the odds of low birthweight, small for gestational age, preterm deliveries (PTD) and very PTD. Adjustment for individual and neighbourhood-level markers of socio-economic status (SES) attenuated all the associations. Strongest associations were observed during the first and second trimesters. Cross-sectional associations for mean greenness were similar with narrower CIs, and associations with NDVI were stronger than with tree cover and stronger for mean compared with variance of greenness. Associations were consistent for term births, different buffer sizes and for further adjustment to maternal education. Stronger associations were observed for lowest SES. Distance to ‘outdoor gyms’ and variance of greenness had the largest estimates of mediation.
Conclusion
This study adds to the limited information on when exposure to greenness is most beneficial, on the association with variance of greenness and the possible pathways. These observations require confirmation in other populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keren Agay-Shay
- Department of Population Health, Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Yaron Michael
- Department of Geography and Environment, Bar Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Xavier Basagaña
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Èrica Martínez-Solanas
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - David Broday
- Department of Environmental, Water, and Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Technion—Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Itamar M Lensky
- Department of Geography and Environment, Bar Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Mary Rudolf
- Department of Population Health, Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Lisa Rubin
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Public Health Services, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
- School of Public Health, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Rafi Kent
- Department of Geography and Environment, Bar Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Nadav Levy
- Public Transport Unit, Tel Aviv Municipality, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ziona Haklai
- Health Information Division, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Itamar Grotto
- Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Protected Natural Areas: In Sickness and in Health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15102182. [PMID: 30301212 PMCID: PMC6211000 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15102182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Numerous studies show the benefits that contact with the natural environment have for human health, but there are few studies on the role of Protected Natural Areas (PNAs), either from the preventive point of view or on their potential benefits, on individuals with health problems. A study was made of the relationship between the visitation of Montseny Natural Park and Biosphere Reserve and health, from the perspective of a population group with different diseases. A total of 250 patients resident in the areas near the park were surveyed, recording their beliefs about the benefits of nature, as well as the reasons for visiting and the activities associated with health that they carried out in the park. The pure air is the most valued benefit (27.2%), particularly for those with allergies. The majority (57%) visit the park for health reasons. High levels (82%) of exercise are recorded, especially by patients with heart diseases (85%), and 65% exercised in the park. More physical activity is mentioned among those that visit the park most often, particularly among those that carried it out for health reasons. Plants were collected for medicinal use by 39.6%. The study confirmed the significant role of the Montseny Natural Park and Biosphere Reserve as a health resource for individuals with diseases that live near it. It also corroborates the beneficial effects that the PNA provide in human health.
Collapse
|
35
|
Franchini M, Mannucci PM. Mitigation of air pollution by greenness: A narrative review. Eur J Intern Med 2018; 55:1-5. [PMID: 30180945 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2018.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Air pollution represents one of the world's most important environmental health risks, being associated with an increased rate of multiple diseases (mainly cardiopulmonary) and of premature deaths. A number of actions have been suggested and implemented to mitigate the deleterious health effects of air pollution. Accordingly, recent research has attempted to estimate the beneficial effect of exposure to greenness on human health. In this narrative review, we summarize and review the current literature on the favourable association between greenness and human health in both the outdoor and indoor environments. The potential mechanisms underlying this benefit will be also addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Franchini
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Hematology, Carlo Poma Hospital, Mantova, Italy
| | - Pier Mannuccio Mannucci
- Scientific Direction, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico and University of Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Donovan GH, Gatziolis D, Longley I, Douwes J. Vegetation diversity protects against childhood asthma: results from a large New Zealand birth cohort. NATURE PLANTS 2018; 4:358-364. [PMID: 29735984 DOI: 10.1038/s41477-018-0151-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
We assessed the association between the natural environment and asthma in 49,956 New Zealand children born in 1998 and followed up until 2016 using routinely collected data. Children who lived in greener areas, as measured by the normalized difference vegetation index, were less likely to be asthmatic: a 1 s.d. increase in normalized difference vegetation index was associated with a 6.0% (95% CI 1.9-9.9%) lower risk of asthma. Vegetation diversity was also protective: a 1 s.d. increase in the number of natural land-cover types in a child's residential meshblock was associated with a 6.7% (95% CI 1.5-11.5%) lower risk. However, not all land-cover types were protective. A 1 s.d. increase in the area covered by gorse (Ulex europaeus) or exotic conifers, both non-native, low-biodiversity land-cover types, was associated with a 3.2% (95% CI 0.0-6.0%) and 4.2% (95% CI 0.9-7.5%) increased risk of asthma, respectively. The results suggest that exposure to greenness and vegetation diversity may be protective of asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey H Donovan
- Center for Public Health Research, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand.
- USDA Forest Service, PNW Research Station, Portland, OR, USA.
| | | | - Ian Longley
- National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jeroen Douwes
- Center for Public Health Research, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Glazer KB, Eliot MN, Danilack VA, Carlson L, Phipps MG, Dadvand P, Savitz DA, Wellenius GA. Residential green space and birth outcomes in a coastal setting. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 163:97-107. [PMID: 29433021 PMCID: PMC5878729 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Revised: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Residential green space may improve birth outcomes, with prior studies reporting higher birthweight among infants of women living in greener areas. However, results from studies evaluating associations between green space and preterm birth have been mixed. Further, the potential influence of residential proximity to water, or 'blue space', on health has not previously been evaluated. OBJECTIVES To evaluate associations between green and blue space and birth outcomes in a coastal area of the northeastern United States. METHODS Using residential surrounding greenness (measured by Normalized Difference Vegetation Index [NDVI]) and proximity to recreational facilities, coastline, and freshwater as measures of green and blue space, we examined associations with preterm birth (PTB), term birthweight, and term small for gestational age (SGA) among 61,640 births in Rhode Island. We evaluated incremental adjustment for socioeconomic and environmental metrics. RESULTS In models adjusted for individual - and neighborhood-level markers of socioeconomic status (SES), an interquartile range (IQR) increase in NDVI was associated with a 12% higher (95% CI: 4, 20%) odds of PTB and, conversely, living within 500 m of a recreational facility was associated with a 7% lower (95% CI: 1, 13%) odds of PTB. These associations were eliminated after further adjustment for town of residence. NDVI was associated with higher birthweight (7.4 g, 95% CI: 0.4-14.4 g) and lower odds of SGA (OR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.87-0.98) when adjusted for individual-level markers of SES, but not when further adjusted for neighborhood SES or town. Living within 500 m of a freshwater body was associated with a higher birthweight of 10.1 g (95% CI: 2.0, 18.2) in fully adjusted models. CONCLUSIONS Findings from this study do not support the hypothesis that residential green space is associated with reduced risk of preterm birth or higher birthweight after adjustment for individual and contextual socioeconomic factors, but variation in results with incremental adjustment raises questions about the optimal degree of control for confounding by markers of SES. We found that living near a freshwater body was associated with higher birthweight. This result is novel and bears further investigation in other settings and populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly B Glazer
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Box G-S121, Floor 2, Providence, RI 02903, USA.
| | - Melissa N Eliot
- Division of Research, Women & Infants Hospital, 101 Dudley Street, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Valery A Danilack
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Box G-S121, Floor 2, Providence, RI 02903, USA; Division of Research, Women & Infants Hospital, 101 Dudley Street, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Lynn Carlson
- Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences, Brown University, 85 Waterman Street, IBES 143, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Maureen G Phipps
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Box G-S121, Floor 2, Providence, RI 02903, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women & Infants Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Payam Dadvand
- ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, Dr. Aiguader, 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Ciber on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - David A Savitz
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Box G-S121, Floor 2, Providence, RI 02903, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Gregory A Wellenius
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Box G-S121, Floor 2, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Weinberger KR, Kinney PL, Robinson GS, Sheehan D, Kheirbek I, Matte TD, Lovasi GS. Levels and determinants of tree pollen in New York City. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2018; 28:119-124. [PMID: 28000684 PMCID: PMC5479752 DOI: 10.1038/jes.2016.72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to allergenic tree pollen is a risk factor for multiple allergic disease outcomes. Little is known about how tree pollen levels vary within cities and whether such variation affects the development or exacerbation of allergic disease. Accordingly, we collected integrated pollen samples at uniform height at 45 sites across New York City during the 2013 pollen season. We used these monitoring results in combination with adjacent land use data to develop a land use regression model for tree pollen. We evaluated four types of land use variables for inclusion in the model: tree canopy, distributed building height (a measure of building volume density), elevation, and distance to water. When included alone in the model, percent tree canopy cover within a 0.5 km radial buffer explained 39% of the variance in tree pollen (1.9% increase in tree pollen per one-percentage point increase in tree canopy cover, P<0.0001). The inclusion of additional variables did not improve model fit. We conclude that intra-urban variation in tree canopy is an important driver of tree pollen exposure. Land use regression models can be used to incorporate spatial variation in tree pollen exposure in studies of allergic disease outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kate R. Weinberger
- Institute at Brown for Environment and Society, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Patrick L. Kinney
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Guy S. Robinson
- Louis Calder Center Biological Field Station, Fordham University, Armonk, New York, 10504, USA
- Department of Natural Sciences, Fordham College at Lincoln Center, New York, NY, 10023, USA
| | - Daniel Sheehan
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Iyad Kheirbek
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Bureau of Environmental Surveillance and Policy, New York, NY, 10012, USA
| | - Thomas D. Matte
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Bureau of Environmental Surveillance and Policy, New York, NY, 10012, USA
| | - Gina S. Lovasi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Nielsen CC, Amrhein CG, Osornio-Vargas AR. Mapping outdoor habitat and abnormally small newborns to develop an ambient health hazard index. Int J Health Geogr 2017; 16:43. [PMID: 29183340 PMCID: PMC5704543 DOI: 10.1186/s12942-017-0117-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The geography of where pregnant mothers live is important for understanding outdoor environmental habitat that may result in adverse birth outcomes. We investigated whether more babies were born small for gestational age or low birth weight at term to mothers living in environments with a higher accumulation of outdoor hazards. Methods Live singleton births from the Alberta Perinatal Health Program, 2006–2012, were classified according to birth outcome, and used in a double kernel density estimation to determine ratios of each outcome per total births. Individual and overlay indices of spatial models of 136 air emissions and 18 land variables were correlated with the small for gestational age and low birth weight at term, for the entire province and sub-provincially. Results There were 24 air substances and land sources correlated with both small for gestational age and low birth weight at term density ratios. On the provincial scale, there were 13 air substances and 2 land factors; sub-provincial analysis found 8 additional air substances and 1 land source. Conclusion This study used a combination of multiple outdoor variables over a large geographic area in an objective model, which may be repeated over time or in other study areas. The air substance-weighted index best identified where mothers having abnormally small newborns lived within areas of potential outdoor hazards. However, individual air substances and the weighted index provide complementary information.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlene C Nielsen
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, 3-591 ECHA, 11,405 87th Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada
| | - Carl G Amrhein
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Alvaro R Osornio-Vargas
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, 3-591 ECHA, 11,405 87th Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada.
| | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Suppakittpaisarn P, Jiang X, Sullivan WC. Green Infrastructure, Green Stormwater Infrastructure, and Human Health: A Review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s40823-017-0028-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
|
41
|
Reid CE, Clougherty JE, Shmool JLC, Kubzansky LD. Is All Urban Green Space the Same? A Comparison of the Health Benefits of Trees and Grass in New York City. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14111411. [PMID: 29156551 PMCID: PMC5708050 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14111411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Revised: 11/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Living near vegetation, often called “green space” or “greenness”, has been associated with numerous health benefits. We hypothesized that the two key components of urban vegetation, trees and grass, may differentially affect health. We estimated the association between near-residence trees, grass, and total vegetation (from the 2010 High Resolution Land Cover dataset for New York City (NYC)) with self-reported health from a survey of NYC adults (n = 1281). We found higher reporting of “very good” or “excellent” health for respondents with the highest, compared to the lowest, quartiles of tree (RR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.06–1.44) but not grass density (relative risk (RR) = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.86–1.17) within 1000 m buffers, adjusting for pertinent confounders. Significant positive associations between trees and self-reported health remained after adjustment for grass, whereas associations with grass remained non-significant. Adjustment for air pollutants increased beneficial associations between trees and self-reported health; adjustment for parks only partially attenuated these effects. Results were null or negative using a 300 m buffer. Findings imply that higher exposure to vegetation, particularly trees outside of parks, may be associated with better health. If replicated, this may suggest that urban street tree planting may improve population health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Colleen E Reid
- Department of Geography, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA.
| | - Jane E Clougherty
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA.
| | - Jessie L C Shmool
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA.
| | - Laura D Kubzansky
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Abstract
In the United States, African-American infants have significantly higher mortality than white infants. Previous work has identified associations between individual socioeconomic factors and select community-level factors. In this review, the authors look beyond traditional risk factors for infant mortality and examine the social context of race in this country, in an effort to understand African-American women's long-standing birth outcome disadvantage. In the process, recent insights are highlighted concerning neighborhood-level factors such as crime, segregation, built environment, and institutional racism, other likely causes for the poor outcomes of African-American infants in this country compared with infants in most other industrialized nations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nana Matoba
- Division of Neonatology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - James W Collins
- Division of Neonatology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Green Streets: Urban Green and Birth Outcomes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14070771. [PMID: 28703756 PMCID: PMC5551209 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14070771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Recent scholarship points to a protective association between green space and birth outcomes as well a positive relationship between blue space and wellbeing. We add to this body of literature by exploring the relationship between expectant mothers' exposure to green and blue spaces and adverse birth outcomes in New York City. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), the NYC Street Tree Census, and access to major green spaces served as measures of greenness, while proximity to waterfront areas represented access to blue space. Associations between these factors and adverse birth outcomes, including preterm birth, term birthweight, term low birthweight, and small for gestational age, were evaluated via mixed-effects linear and logistic regression models. The analyses were conducted separately for women living in deprived neighborhoods to test for differential effects on mothers in these areas. The results indicate that women in deprived neighborhoods suffer from higher rates adverse birth outcomes and lower levels of residential greenness. In adjusted models, a significant inverse association between nearby street trees and the odds of preterm birth was found for all women. However, we did not identify a consistent significant relationship between adverse birth outcomes and NDVI, access to major green spaces, or waterfront access when individual covariates were taken into account.
Collapse
|
44
|
Rao M, George LA, Shandas V, Rosenstiel TN. Assessing the Potential of Land Use Modification to Mitigate Ambient NO₂ and Its Consequences for Respiratory Health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:E750. [PMID: 28698523 PMCID: PMC5551188 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14070750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Revised: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Understanding how local land use and land cover (LULC) shapes intra-urban concentrations of atmospheric pollutants-and thus human health-is a key component in designing healthier cities. Here, NO₂ is modeled based on spatially dense summer and winter NO₂ observations in Portland-Hillsboro-Vancouver (USA), and the spatial variation of NO₂ with LULC investigated using random forest, an ensemble data learning technique. The NO2 random forest model, together with BenMAP, is further used to develop a better understanding of the relationship among LULC, ambient NO₂ and respiratory health. The impact of land use modifications on ambient NO₂, and consequently on respiratory health, is also investigated using a sensitivity analysis. We find that NO₂ associated with roadways and tree-canopied areas may be affecting annual incidence rates of asthma exacerbation in 4-12 year olds by +3000 per 100,000 and -1400 per 100,000, respectively. Our model shows that increasing local tree canopy by 5% may reduce local incidences rates of asthma exacerbation by 6%, indicating that targeted local tree-planting efforts may have a substantial impact on reducing city-wide incidence of respiratory distress. Our findings demonstrate the utility of random forest modeling in evaluating LULC modifications for enhanced respiratory health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meenakshi Rao
- School of the Environment, Portland State University, Portland, OR 97207, USA.
| | - Linda A George
- School of the Environment, Portland State University, Portland, OR 97207, USA.
| | - Vivek Shandas
- Nohad A. Toulan School of Urban Studies and Planning, Portland State University, Portland, OR 97207, USA.
| | - Todd N Rosenstiel
- Department of Biology, Portland State University, Portland, OR 97207, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Tischer C, Gascon M, Fernández-Somoano A, Tardón A, Lertxundi Materola A, Ibarluzea J, Ferrero A, Estarlich M, Cirach M, Vrijheid M, Fuertes E, Dalmau-Bueno A, Nieuwenhuijsen MJ, Antó JM, Sunyer J, Dadvand P. Urban green and grey space in relation to respiratory health in children. Eur Respir J 2017. [PMID: 28642307 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.02112-2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
We assessed the effect of three different indices of urban built environment on allergic and respiratory conditions.This study involved 2472 children participating in the ongoing INMA birth cohort located in two bio-geographic regions (Euro-Siberian and Mediterranean) in Spain. Residential surrounding built environment was characterised as 1) residential surrounding greenness based on satellite-derived normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI), 2) residential proximity to green spaces and 3) residential surrounding greyness based on urban land use patterns. Information on wheezing, bronchitis, asthma and allergic rhinitis up to age 4 years was obtained from parent-completed questionnaires. Logistic regression and generalised estimating equation modelling were performed.Among children from the Euro-Siberian region, higher residential surrounding greenness and higher proximity to green spaces were negatively associated with wheezing. In the Mediterranean region, higher residential proximity to green spaces was associated with a reduced risk for bronchitis. A higher amount of residential surrounding greyness was found to increase the risk for bronchitis in this region.Associations between indices of urban residential greenness and greyness with respiratory diseases differ by region. The pathways underlying these associations require further exploration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Tischer
- Campus MAR, Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain .,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Mireia Gascon
- Campus MAR, Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Fernández-Somoano
- CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Dept of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Adonina Tardón
- CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Dept of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Aitana Lertxundi Materola
- Universidad del Pais Vasco (UPV)/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (EHU), Leioa, Spain.,BIODONOSTIA Health Research Institute, San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Jesus Ibarluzea
- CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.,BIODONOSTIA Health Research Institute, San Sebastián, Spain.,Subdireccion de Salud Publica y Adicciones-Gipuzkoa, San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Amparo Ferrero
- CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.,Joint Research Unit for Epidemiology and Environmental Health, FISABIO-Universitat de València-Universitat Jaume I, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marisa Estarlich
- CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.,Joint Research Unit for Epidemiology and Environmental Health, FISABIO-Universitat de València-Universitat Jaume I, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marta Cirach
- Campus MAR, Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Martine Vrijheid
- Campus MAR, Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Elaine Fuertes
- Campus MAR, Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Albert Dalmau-Bueno
- Campus MAR, Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Mark J Nieuwenhuijsen
- Campus MAR, Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Josep M Antó
- Campus MAR, Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain.,Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Sunyer
- Campus MAR, Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain.,Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Payam Dadvand
- Campus MAR, Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Banay RF, Bezold CP, James P, Hart JE, Laden F. Residential greenness: current perspectives on its impact on maternal health and pregnancy outcomes. Int J Womens Health 2017; 9:133-144. [PMID: 28280395 PMCID: PMC5338951 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s125358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent research in environmental epidemiology has attempted to estimate the effects of exposure to nature, often operationalized as vegetation, on health. Although many analyses have focused on vegetation or greenness with regard to physical activity and weight status, an incipient area of interest concerns maternal health and birth outcomes. This paper reviews 14 studies that examined the association between greenness and maternal or infant health. Most studies were cross-sectional and conducted in birth cohorts. Several studies found evidence for positive associations between greenness and birth weight and maternal peripartum depression. Few studies found evidence for an association between greenness and gestational age or other birth outcomes, or between greenness and preeclampsia or gestational diabetes. Several assessed effect modification by individual or area-level socioeconomic status and found that effects were stronger among those of lower socioeconomic status. Few studies conducted mediation analyses of any kind. Future research should include more diverse birth outcomes and focus on maternal health (especially mental health) and capitalize on richer exposure information during pregnancy rather than cross-sectional assessment at birth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Carla P Bezold
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
| | - Peter James
- Department of Environmental 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, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jaime E Hart
- Department of Environmental Health; Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Francine Laden
- Department of Environmental 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, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Cusack L, Larkin A, Carozza S, Hystad P. Associations between residential greenness and birth outcomes across Texas. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 152:88-95. [PMID: 27743971 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2016] [Revised: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The amount of greenness around mothers' residences has been associated with positive birth outcomes; however, findings are inconclusive. Here we examine residential greenness and birth outcomes in a population-based birth cohort in Texas, a state with large regional variation in greenness levels, several distinct cities, and a diverse population. METHODS We used Vital Statistics data to create a birth cohort (n=3,026,603) in Texas from 2000 to 2009. Greenness exposure measures were estimated from full residential addresses across nine months of pregnancy, and each trimester specifically, using the mean of corresponding MODIS satellite 16-day normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) surfaces at a 250m resolution, which have not been previously used. Logistic and linear mixed models were used to determine associations with preterm birth, small for gestational age (SGA) and term birth weight, controlling for individual and neighborhood factors. RESULTS Unadjusted results demonstrated consistent protective effects of residential greenness on adverse birth outcomes for all of Texas and the four largest cities (Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, and Austin). However, in fully adjusted models these effects almost completely disappeared. For example, mothers with the highest (>0.52) compared to the lowest (<0.37) NDVI quartiles had a 24.4g (95% CI: 22.7, 26.1) increase in term birth weight in unadjusted models, which was attenuated to 1.9g (95% CI: 0.1, 3.7) in fully adjusted models. Maternal and paternal race, ethnicity and education had the largest impact on reducing associations. Trimester-specific greenness exposures showed similar results to nine-month average exposures. Some evidence was seen for protective effects of greenness for Hispanics, mothers with low education and mothers living in low income neighborhoods. CONCLUSIONS In this large population-based study, across multiple urban areas in Texas and diverse populations, we did not observe consistent associations between residential greenness and birth outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leanne Cusack
- College of Public Health and Human Sciences, School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA.
| | - Andrew Larkin
- College of Public Health and Human Sciences, School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Sue Carozza
- College of Public Health and Human Sciences, School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Perry Hystad
- College of Public Health and Human Sciences, School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Woods N, Gilliland J, Seabrook JA. The influence of the built environment on adverse birth outcomes. J Neonatal Perinatal Med 2017; 10:233-248. [PMID: 28854508 DOI: 10.3233/npm-16112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Adverse birth outcomes are associated with neonatal morbidity and mortality, and higher risk for coronary heart disease, non-insulin-dependent diabetes and hypertension in adulthood. Although there has been considerable research investigating the association between maternal and environmental factors on adverse birth outcomes, one risk factor, not fully understood, is the influence of the built environment. A search of MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane was conducted to find articles assessing the influence of the built environment on preterm birth (PTB), low birth weight (LBW), and small-for-gestational-age (SGA). In total, 41 studies met our inclusion criteria, and were organized into nine categories: Roadways, Greenness, Power Plants, Gas Stations/Wells, Waste Management, Power Lines, Neighborhood Conditions, Food Environment, and Industry. The most common built environmental variable was roads/traffic, encompassing 17/41 (41%) of the articles reviewed, of which 12/17 (71%) found a significant small to moderate association between high traffic exposure and adverse birth outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Woods
- School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Brescia University College, London, ON, Canada
| | - J Gilliland
- Department of Paediatrics, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Geography, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- School of Health Studies, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - J A Seabrook
- School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Brescia University College, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Community level predictors of physical activity among women in the preconception period. Matern Child Health J 2016; 19:1584-92. [PMID: 25636646 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-015-1668-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Although physical activity is a key behavior targeted during the preconception period given its significant impact on pregnancy/birth outcomes and psychological well-being, few women meet national guidelines. While intrapersonal factors influencing physical activity among this population have been studied, community factors remain unexplored. The objective of this study was to examine community level predictors of physical activity among preconception women. Data from Add Health were limited to women (Wave III; age 18-28; n = 7,596) and excluded respondents who were pregnant, physically disabled, and missing data. The outcome variable was ≥5 instances of moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in 1 week. Community predictor variables included neighborhood-level structural and social determinants (e.g., socio-demographic composition; landscape diversity; urbanization; access to resources; crime; vehicle availability). Multilevel logistic regression modeling was used to estimate the odds of engaging in ≥5 instances of MVPA. Few women (26 %) reported ≥5 instances of MVPA in 1 week. Adjusted multilevel analysis revealed women in the preconception period were more likely to report high MVPA when living in communities with larger population densities (OR 1.34, 95 % CI 1.02-1.77) and median household income greater than $50,000 (OR 1.33, 95 % CI 1.06-1.66). Additionally, a significant inverse trend was found between high MVPA and proportion of the community without a high school diploma. Findings suggest that neighborhood composition may have an impact on preconception physical activity status. Implications include increased efforts targeting community conditions for facilitating physical activity; ultimately, improving health among women and subsequent offspring.
Collapse
|
50
|
Greenness and Birth Outcomes in a Range of Pennsylvania Communities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 13:ijerph13030311. [PMID: 26978381 PMCID: PMC4808974 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13030311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Revised: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Living in communities with more vegetation during pregnancy has been associated with higher birth weights, but fewer studies have evaluated other birth outcomes, and only one has been conducted in the Eastern United States, in regions with a broad range, including high levels, of greenness. We evaluated associations between prenatal residential greenness and birth outcomes (term birth weight, small for gestational age, preterm birth, and low 5 min Apgar score) across a range of community types using electronic health record data from 2006–2013 from the Geisinger Health System in Pennsylvania. We assigned greenness based on mother’s geocoded address using the normalized difference vegetation index from satellite imagery. We used propensity scores to restrict the study population to comparable groups among those living in green vs. less-green areas. Analyses were adjusted for demographic, clinical, and environmental covariates, and stratified by community type (city, borough, and township). In cities, higher greenness (tertiles 2–3 vs. 1) was protective for both preterm (OR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.61–0.99) and small for gestational age birth (OR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.58–0.97), but not birth weight or Apgar score. We did not observe associations between greenness and birth outcomes in adjusted models in boroughs or townships. These results add to the evidence that greener cities might be healthier cities.
Collapse
|