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Li Y, Schütte W, Dekeukeleire M, Janssen C, Boon N, Asselman J, Lebeer S, Spacova I, De Rijcke M. The immunostimulatory activity of sea spray aerosols: bacteria and endotoxins activate TLR4, TLR2/6, NF-κB and IRF in human cells. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 927:171969. [PMID: 38547998 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171969] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Frequent exposure to sea spray aerosols (SSA) containing marine microorganisms and bioactive compounds may influence human health. However, little is known about potential immunostimulation by SSA exposure. This study focuses on the effects of marine bacteria and endotoxins in SSA on several receptors and transcription factors known to play a key role in the human innate immune system. SSA samples were collected in the field (Ostend, Belgium) or generated in the lab using a marine aerosol reference tank (MART). Samples were characterized by their sodium contents, total bacterial counts, and endotoxin concentrations. Human reporter cells were exposed to SSA to investigate the activation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in HEK-Blue hTLR4 cells and TLR2/6 in HEK-Blue hTLR2/6 cells, as well as the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and interferon regulatory factors (IRF) in THP1-Dual monocytes. These responses were then correlated to the total bacterial counts and endotoxin concentrations to explore dose-effect relationships. Field SSA contained from 3.0 × 103 to 6.0 × 105 bacteria/m3 air (averaging 2.0 ± 1.9 × 105 bacteria/m3 air) and an endotoxin concentration ranging from 7 to 1217 EU/m3 air (averaging 389 ± 434 EU/m3 air). In contrast, MART SSA exhibited elevated levels of total bacterial count (from 2.0 × 105 to 2.4 × 106, averaging 7.3 ± 5.5 × 105 cells/m3 air) and endotoxin concentration from 536 to 2191 (averaging 1310 ± 513 EU/m3 air). SSA samples differentially activated TLR4, TLR2/6, NF-κB and IRF. These immune responses correlated dose-dependently with the total bacterial counts, endotoxin levels, or both. This study sheds light on the immunostimulatory potential of SSA and its underlying mechanisms, highlighting the need for further research to deepen our understanding of the health implications of SSA exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunmeng Li
- Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ), InnovOcean Campus, Jacobsenstraat 1, 8400 Ostend, Belgium; Laboratory of Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Bioscience Engineering, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium; Blue Growth Research Lab, Ghent University, Wetenschapspark 1, 8400 Ostend, Belgium
| | - Wyona Schütte
- Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ), InnovOcean Campus, Jacobsenstraat 1, 8400 Ostend, Belgium
| | - Max Dekeukeleire
- Laboratory of Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Bioscience Engineering, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Colin Janssen
- Blue Growth Research Lab, Ghent University, Wetenschapspark 1, 8400 Ostend, Belgium
| | - Nico Boon
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jana Asselman
- Blue Growth Research Lab, Ghent University, Wetenschapspark 1, 8400 Ostend, Belgium
| | - Sarah Lebeer
- Laboratory of Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Bioscience Engineering, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Irina Spacova
- Laboratory of Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Bioscience Engineering, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Maarten De Rijcke
- Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ), InnovOcean Campus, Jacobsenstraat 1, 8400 Ostend, Belgium.
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Li J, Trivic Z. Impact of "blue-green diet" on human health and wellbeing: A systematic review of potential determinants in shaping the effectiveness of blue-green infrastructure (BGI) in urban settings. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 926:171397. [PMID: 38438033 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Discourses concerning the potential health benefits of blue-green infrastructure (BGI) have gained momentum, highlighting its positive influence on human health and wellbeing. While studies have explored the concept of "Nature Pyramid" and the role of exposure to natural environments in promoting health, the role of water elements remains underexplored. Rooted in this concept, this study proposed a notion of "blue-green diet" as a framework to understand the intricate mechanisms and determinants of optimal blue-green exposure. Understanding the relationship between these determinants and their health-related impacts can facilitate the enhancement of BGI design, leading to greater effectiveness in promoting health and wellbeing and supporting sustainable urban development strategies. To enhance the comprehension of the "blue-green diet", this study conducted a systematic literature review to grasp the underlying mechanisms behind its beneficial effects, focusing on two key determinants of "blue-green diet", which are also derived from the concept of the "Nature Pyramid": (1) the type of BGI and (2) the mode of interaction with and within BGIs. Under the search of BGI's overall health impacts, this study selected 54 journal publications concerning BGI's type and interaction mode from Web of Science and Scopus since 2010. The review revealed significant disparities in the health benefits provided by different types of BGI (in terms of artificial extent and scale) and between active and passive interaction modes. It examines how to balance natural and artificial elements for enhancing the benefits of BGI and discusses the attributes of BGI that encourage diverse and meaningful interaction patterns. These efforts collectively aim to optimize BGI design and planning, increase its capacity to promote health, and extend its benefits to a wider range of individuals. Future research should encompass a broader spectrum of determinants, such as diverse BGI settings, visit frequency and duration, and user's social-cultural backgrounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Li
- Department of Architecture, National University of Singapore, 4 Architecture Drive, Singapore 117566.
| | - Zdravko Trivic
- Department of Architecture, National University of Singapore, 4 Architecture Drive, Singapore 117566.
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Murray ET, Keating A, Cameron C, Benchekroun R, Whewall S, Booker C, Jivraj S. Residence in coastal communities in adolescence and health in young adulthood: An 11-year follow-up of English UKHLS youth questionnaire respondents. Health Place 2024; 87:103239. [PMID: 38631217 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2024.103239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
We used the UK Household Longitudinal Study to examine whether community type (inland or coastal) in adolescence (10-15 years) was associated with five adult health outcomes assessed over 11 waves of follow-up (2009-22). When the analyses were stratified on area deprivation, four of the five health outcomes - self-rated, long-standing illness, psychological distress and mental functioning - showed worse health in increasingly more deprived communities, and to a greater extent in the most deprived communities that are coastal. For all but self-rated health, associations were robust to additional adjustment for adolescent gender, ethnicity, household income, tenure, and life satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily T Murray
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, WC1B 7HB, UK; Institute of Public Health and Wellbeing, University of Essex, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, UK.
| | - Avril Keating
- Institute of Education, University College London; , London, WC1B 7HB, UK
| | - Claire Cameron
- Social Research Institute, University College London, London, WC1B 7HB, UK
| | - Rachel Benchekroun
- Social Research Institute, University College London, London, WC1B 7HB, UK
| | - Sam Whewall
- Institute of Education, University College London; , London, WC1B 7HB, UK
| | - Cara Booker
- Institute of Social and Economic Research, University of Essex; , Colchester, CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Stephen Jivraj
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, WC1B 7HB, UK
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Hooyberg A, Roose H, Lonneville B, De Henauw S, Michels N, Everaert G. Survey data linking coastal visit behaviours to socio-demographic and health profiles. Sci Data 2024; 11:315. [PMID: 38538625 PMCID: PMC10973510 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-024-03161-y] [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: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Coastal destinations are highly popular for leisure, yet the effects of spending time at the coast on mental and physical health have remained underexplored. To accelerate the research about the effects of the coast on health, we compiled a dataset from a survey on a sample (N = 1939) of the adult Flemish population about their visits to the Belgian coast. The survey queried the number of days spent at the coast in the previous year or before and the following characteristics of their visits: how often they performed specific activities, which of the 14 municipal seaside resorts they visited, who they were with, what they mentally and physically experienced, and what reasons they had for not visiting the coast more often. The respondents' geo-demographic (including residential proximity to the coast), socio-economic, and health profile was also collected. We anticipate that investigations on the data will increase our understanding about the social structuring of coastal visits and give context to the effects of the coast on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Henk Roose
- Department of Sociology, Ghent University (UGent), Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Stefaan De Henauw
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University (UGent), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Michels
- Department of Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology, Ghent University (UGent), Ghent, Belgium
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George P, Murray K, Christian H. Young children's use of blue spaces and the impact on their health, development and environmental awareness: A qualitative study from parents' perspectives. Health Promot J Austr 2024; 35:45-56. [PMID: 36852565 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
ISSUE ADDRESSED This study examined how families with young children access and use different types of blue spaces and the health and development benefits, and potential negative effects. METHODS Parents(n = 25) of young children across four coastal communities in Western Australia were recruited via purposive sampling to participate in interviews. A generic qualitative study design grounded in the pragmatism paradigm was utilised. RESULTS Beaches were the most frequently used blue space for families all year around, however families did not necessarily attend their closest beach. This appears due to certain beach features making them more or less attractive for use regardless of the distance from home. Parents perceived blue spaces as health promoting due to the increased physical activity children did in and around these spaces. They also reported blue spaces could be positive for child development, contributing to the development of identity. Blue spaces were also perceived to promote children's environmental awareness and environmentally friendly behaviours. However, blue spaces could also be potentially risky environments for families with young children. CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight blue spaces are an important setting for supporting children's health, development and environmental consciousness. SO WHAT?: It is important to protect natural outdoor environments such as blue spaces for future generations. The findings can be used by governments and policy makers to improve the quality (features and amenities) of blue spaces and positively impact how often families (including those with dogs) use blue spaces and the benefits they experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe George
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
| | - Kevin Murray
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
| | - Hayley Christian
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
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Pétillon J, McKinley E, Alexander M, Adams JB, Angelini C, Balke T, Griffin JN, Bouma T, Hacker S, He Q, Hensel MJS, Ibáñez C, Macreadie PI, Martino S, Sharps E, Ballinger R, de Battisti D, Beaumont N, Burdon D, Daleo P, D'Alpaos A, Duggan-Edwards M, Garbutt A, Jenkins S, Ladd CJT, Lewis H, Mariotti G, McDermott O, Mills R, Möller I, Nolte S, Pagès JF, Silliman B, Zhang L, Skov MW. Top ten priorities for global saltmarsh restoration, conservation and ecosystem service research. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 898:165544. [PMID: 37453706 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165544] [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: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Coastal saltmarshes provide globally important ecosystem services including 'blue carbon' sequestration, flood protection, pollutant remediation, habitat provision and cultural value. Large portions of marshes have been lost or fragmented as a result of land reclamation, embankment construction, and pollution. Sea level rise threatens marsh survival by blocking landward migration where coastlines have been developed. Research-informed saltmarsh conservation and restoration efforts are helping to prevent further loss, yet significant knowledge gaps remain. Using a mixed methods approach, this paper identifies ten research priorities through an online questionnaire and a residential workshop attended by an international, multi-disciplinary network of 35 saltmarsh experts spanning natural, physical and social sciences across research, policy, and practitioner sectors. Priorities have been grouped under four thematic areas of research: Saltmarsh Area Extent, Change and Restoration Potential (including past, present, global variation), Spatio-social contexts of Ecosystem Service delivery (e.g. influences of environmental context, climate change, and stakeholder groups on service provisioning), Patterns and Processes in saltmarsh functioning (global drivers of saltmarsh ecosystem structure/function) and Management and Policy Needs (how management varies contextually; challenges/opportunities for management). Although not intended to be exhaustive, the challenges, opportunities, and strategies for addressing each research priority examined here, providing a blueprint of the work that needs to be done to protect saltmarshes for future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Pétillon
- UMR CNRS ECOBIO, University of Rennes, 35042 Rennes, France; Institute for Coastal and Marine Research, Department of Botany, Nelson Mandela University, Summerstrand Campus, Gqeberha 6031, South Africa.
| | - Emma McKinley
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Cardiff University, Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Meghan Alexander
- School of Geography, University of Nottingham, University Park Campus, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Janine B Adams
- Institute for Coastal and Marine Research, Department of Botany, Nelson Mandela University, Summerstrand Campus, Gqeberha 6031, South Africa
| | - Christine Angelini
- Environmental School for Sustainable Infrastructure and the Environment, University of Florida, Weil Hall 365, 1949 Stadium Road, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Thorsten Balke
- School of Geographical and Earth Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - John N Griffin
- Department of Biosciences, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Tjeerd Bouma
- Department of Estuarine and Delta Systems, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), Yerseke, the Netherlands; Faculty of Geosciences, Department of Physical Geography, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Building with Nature group, HZ University of Applied Sciences, Vlissingen, the Netherlands
| | - Sally Hacker
- Department of Integrative Biology, 3029 Cordley Hall, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Qiang He
- Duke University Marine Lab, 135 Duke Marine Lab Road, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA
| | - Marc J S Hensel
- Department of Environmental Biology, University of Massachusetts, 100 Morrissey Blvd., Boston, MA 02125, USA
| | - Carles Ibáñez
- Climate Change Department, Area of Sustainability, Eurecat - Technological Centre of Catalonia, 43870 Amposta, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Peter I Macreadie
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia
| | | | - Elwyn Sharps
- School of Geography, University of Nottingham, University Park Campus, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; RSPB Centre for Conservation Science, RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL, UK; Natural Resources Wales, TY Cambria, Newport Road, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Rhoda Ballinger
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Cardiff University, Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Davide de Battisti
- Chioggia Hydrobiological Station "Umberto D'Ancona", Department of Biology, University of Padova, Palazzo Grassi, Calle Grassi Naccari 1060, 30015 Chioggia, Ve, Italy
| | - Nicola Beaumont
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, Plymouth PL1 3DH, UK
| | - Daryl Burdon
- Daryl Burdon Ltd., Marine Research, Teaching and Consultancy, Willerby HU10 6LL, UK
| | - Pedro Daleo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), UNMDP - CONICET, CC 1260 Correo Central, B7600WAG Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Andrea D'Alpaos
- Department of Geosciences, University of Padova, via G. Gradenigo 6, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | | | - Angus Garbutt
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH), Environment Centre Wales, Deiniol Rd, Bangor LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Stuart Jenkins
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, UK
| | - Cai J T Ladd
- School of Geographical and Earth Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Heather Lewis
- Natural Resources Wales, TY Cambria, Newport Road, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Giulio Mariotti
- Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences, 1002-Q Energy, Coast and Environment Building, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Osgur McDermott
- World Conservation Monitoring Centre (WCMC), UN-Environment, 219 Huntingdon Rd, Cambridge CB3 0DL, UK
| | - Rachael Mills
- Natural England, Foss House, Kings Pool, 1-2 Peasholme Green, York YO1 7PX, UK
| | - Iris Möller
- Department of Geography, University of Cambridge, Downing Place, Cambridge CB2 3EN, UK
| | - Stefanie Nolte
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR47TJ, UK; Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK
| | - Jordi F Pagès
- School of Geography, University of Nottingham, University Park Campus, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Brian Silliman
- Department of Integrative Biology, 3029 Cordley Hall, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Liquan Zhang
- State Key Lab. of Estuarine and Coastal Research (SKLEC), East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Martin W Skov
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, UK
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Moore H, Hill B, Emery J, Gussy M, Siriwardena AN, Spaight R, Tanser F. An early warning precision public health approach for assessing COVID-19 vulnerability in the UK: the Moore-Hill Vulnerability Index (MHVI). BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2147. [PMID: 37919728 PMCID: PMC10623819 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17092-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most COVID-19 vulnerability indices rely on measures that are biased by rates of exposure or are retrospective like mortality rates that offer little opportunity for intervention. The Moore-Hill Vulnerability Index (MHVI) is a precision public health early warning alternative to traditional infection fatality rates that presents avenues for mortality prevention. METHODS We produced an infection-severity vulnerability index by calculating the proportion of all recorded positive cases that were severe and attended by ambulances at small area scale for the East Midlands of the UK between May 2020 and April 2022. We produced maps identifying regions with high and low vulnerability, investigated the accuracy of the index over shorter and longer time periods, and explored the utility of the MHVI compared to other common proxy measures and indices. Analysis included exploring the correlation between our novel index and the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD). RESULTS The MHVI captures geospatial dynamics that single metrics alone often overlook, including the compound health challenges associated with disadvantaged and declining coastal towns inhabited by communities with post-industrial health legacies. A moderate negative correlation between MHVI and IMD reflects spatial analysis which suggests that high vulnerability occurs in affluent rural as well as deprived coastal and urban communities. Further, the MHVI estimates of severity rates are comparable to infection fatality rates for COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS The MHVI identifies regions with known high rates of poor health outcomes prior to the pandemic that case rates or mortality rates alone fail to identify. Pre-hospital early warning measures could be utilised to prevent mortality during a novel pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harriet Moore
- Department of Geography, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
- Development, Inequalities, Resilience and Environments Research Group, Lincoln, United Kingdom
- EDGE Consortium, Lincoln, Ontario, United Kingdom, Canada
| | - Bartholomew Hill
- EDGE Consortium, Lincoln, Ontario, United Kingdom, Canada
- WATERWISER/WEDC, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Jay Emery
- Department of Geography, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
- Development, Inequalities, Resilience and Environments Research Group, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Gussy
- EDGE Consortium, Lincoln, Ontario, United Kingdom, Canada
- Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Aloysius Niroshan Siriwardena
- EDGE Consortium, Lincoln, Ontario, United Kingdom, Canada
- Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Spaight
- EDGE Consortium, Lincoln, Ontario, United Kingdom, Canada
- Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
- East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Nottingham, England
| | - Frank Tanser
- EDGE Consortium, Lincoln, Ontario, United Kingdom, Canada
- School for Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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Arodudu O, Foley R, Taghikhah F, Brennan M, Mills G, Ningal T. A health data led approach for assessing potential health benefits of green and blue spaces: Lessons from an Irish case study. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 345:118758. [PMID: 37690253 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118758] [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: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Research producing evidence-based information on the health benefits of green and blue spaces often has within its design, the potential for inherent or implicit bias which can unconsciously orient the outcomes of such studies towards preconceived hypothesis. Many studies are situated in proximity to specific or generic green and blue spaces (hence, constituting a green or blue space led approach), others are conducted due to availability of green and blue space data (hence, applying a green or blue space data led approach), while other studies are shaped by particular interests in the association of particular health conditions with presence of, or engagements with green or blue spaces (hence, adopting a health or health status led approach). In order to tackle this bias and develop a more objective research design for studying associations between human health outcomes and green and blue spaces, this paper discussed the features of a methodological framework suitable for that purpose after an initial, year-long, exploratory Irish study. The innovative approach explored by this study (i.e., the health-data led approach) first identifies sample sites with good and poor health outcomes from available health data (using data clustering techniques) before examining the potential role of the presence of, or engagement with green and blue spaces in creating such health outcomes. By doing so, we argue that some of the bias associated with the other three listed methods can be reduced and even eliminated. Finally, we infer that the principles and paradigm adopted by the health data led approach can be applicable and effective in analyzing other sustainability problems beyond associations between human health outcomes and green and blue spaces (e.g., health, energy, food, income, environment and climate inequality and justice etc.). The possibility of this is also discussed within this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oludunsin Arodudu
- Department of Sustainable Resources Management, State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY, USA; Department of Geography, Rhetoric House, National University of Ireland Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland.
| | - Ronan Foley
- Department of Geography, Rhetoric House, National University of Ireland Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland.
| | - Firouzeh Taghikhah
- Dicipline of Business Analytics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Michael Brennan
- Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, 3rd Floor North, Ballymun Civic Centre, Main Street, Ballymun, Dublin 9, Ireland.
| | - Gerald Mills
- School of Geography, Newman Building, Belfield, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Tine Ningal
- School of Geography, Newman Building, Belfield, University College Dublin, Ireland.
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Schaeffer BA, Whitman P, Vandermeulen R, Hu C, Mannino A, Salisbury J, Efremova B, Conmy R, Coffer M, Salls W, Ferriby H, Reynolds N. Assessing potential of the Geostationary Littoral Imaging and Monitoring Radiometer (GLIMR) for water quality monitoring across the coastal United States. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 196:115558. [PMID: 37757532 PMCID: PMC10845072 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
The Geostationary Littoral Imaging and Monitoring Radiometer (GLIMR) will provide unique high temporal frequency observations of the United States coastal waters to quantify processes that vary on short temporal and spatial scales. The frequency and coverage of observations from geostationary orbit will improve quantification and reduce uncertainty in tracking water quality events such as harmful algal blooms and oil spills. This study looks at the potential for GLIMR to complement existing satellite platforms from its unique geostationary viewpoint for water quality and oil spill monitoring with a focus on temporal and spatial resolution aspects. Water quality measures derived from satellite imagery, such as harmful algal blooms, thick oil, and oil emulsions are observable with glint <0.005 sr-1, while oil films require glint >10-5 sr-1. Daily imaging hours range from 6 to 12 h for water quality measures, and 0 to 6 h for oil film applications throughout the year as defined by sun glint strength. Spatial pixel resolution is 300 m at nadir and median pixel resolution was 391 m across the entire field of regard, with higher spatial resolution across all spectral bands in the Gulf of Mexico than existing satellites, such as MODIS and VIIRS, used for oil spill surveillance reports. The potential for beneficial glint use in oil film detection and quality flagging for other water quality parameters was greatest at lower latitudes and changed location throughout the day from the West and East Coasts of the United States. GLIMR scan times can change from the planned ocean color default of 0.763 s depending on the signal-to-noise ratio application requirement and can match existing and future satellite mission regions of interest to leverage multi-mission observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake A Schaeffer
- US EPA, Office of Research and Development, Durham, NC 27709, United States of America.
| | - Peter Whitman
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, US EPA, Durham, NC 27709, United States of America
| | - Ryan Vandermeulen
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America; Science Systems and Applications, Inc., Lanham, MD, United States of America
| | - Chuanmin Hu
- College of Marine Science, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, FL, United States of America
| | - Antonio Mannino
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, United States of America
| | - Joseph Salisbury
- University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, United States of America
| | | | - Robyn Conmy
- US EPA, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States of America
| | - Megan Coffer
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NESDIS Center for Satellite Applications and Research, Greenbelt, MD, United States of America; Global Science and Technology Inc., Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Wilson Salls
- US EPA, Office of Research and Development, Durham, NC 27709, United States of America
| | - Hannah Ferriby
- Tetra Tech, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States of America
| | - Natalie Reynolds
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States of America
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10
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Geary RS, Thompson DA, Garrett JK, Mizen A, Rowney FM, Song J, White MP, Lovell R, Watkins A, Lyons RA, Williams S, Stratton G, Akbari A, Parker SC, Nieuwenhuijsen MJ, White J, Wheeler BW, Fry R, Tsimpida D, Rodgers SE. Green-blue space exposure changes and impact on individual-level well-being and mental health: a population-wide dynamic longitudinal panel study with linked survey data. PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH 2023; 11:1-176. [PMID: 37929711 DOI: 10.3310/lqpt9410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cross-sectional evidence suggests that living near green and blue spaces benefits mental health; longitudinal evidence is limited. Objectives To quantify the impact of changes in green and blue spaces on common mental health disorders, well-being and health service use. Design A retrospective, dynamic longitudinal panel study. Setting Wales, UK. Participants An e-cohort comprising 99,682,902 observations of 2,801,483 adults (≥ 16 years) registered with a general practice in Wales (2008-2019). A 5312-strong 'National Survey for Wales (NSW) subgroup' was surveyed on well-being and visits to green and blue spaces. Main outcome measures Common mental health disorders, general practice records; subjective well-being, Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale. Data sources Common mental health disorder and use of general practice services were extracted quarterly from the Welsh Longitudinal General Practice Dataset. Annual ambient greenness exposure, enhanced vegetation index and access to green and blue spaces (2018) from planning and satellite data. Data were linked within the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage Databank. Methods Multilevel regression models examined associations between exposure to green and blue spaces and common mental health disorders and use of general practice. For the National Survey for Wales subgroup, generalised linear models examined associations between exposure to green and blue spaces and subjective well-being and common mental health disorders. Results and conclusions Our longitudinal analyses found no evidence that changes in green and blue spaces through time impacted on common mental health disorders. However, time-aggregated exposure to green and blue spaces contrasting differences between people were associated with subsequent common mental health disorders. Similarly, our cross-sectional findings add to growing evidence that residential green and blue spaces and visits are associated with well-being benefits: Greater ambient greenness (+ 1 enhanced vegetation index) was associated with lower likelihood of subsequently seeking care for a common mental health disorder [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.80, 95% confidence interval, (CI) 0.80 to 0.81] and with well-being with a U-shaped relationship [Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale; enhanced vegetation index beta (adjusted) -10.15, 95% CI -17.13 to -3.17; EVI2 beta (quadratic term; adj.) 12.49, 95% CI 3.02 to 21.97]. Those who used green and blue spaces for leisure reported better well-being, with diminishing extra benefit with increasing time (Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale: time outdoors (hours) beta 0.88, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.24, time outdoors2 beta -0.06, 95% CI -0.11 to -0.01) and had 4% lower odds of seeking help for common mental health disorders (AOR 0.96, 95% CI 0.93 to 0.99). Those in urban areas benefited most from greater access to green and blue spaces (AOR 0.89, 95% CI 0.89 to 0.89). Those in material deprivation benefited most from leisure time outdoors (until approximately four hours per week; Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale: time outdoors × in material deprivation: 1.41, 95% CI 0.39 to 2.43; time outdoors2 × in material deprivation -0.18, 95% CI -0.33 to -0.04) although well-being remained generally lower. Limitations Longitudinal analyses were restricted by high baseline levels and limited temporal variation in ambient greenness in Wales. Changes in access to green and blue spaces could not be captured annually due to technical issues with national-level planning datasets. Future work Further analyses could investigate mental health impacts in population subgroups potentially most sensitive to local changes in access to specific types of green and blue spaces. Deriving green and blue spaces changes from planning data is needed to overcome temporal uncertainties. Funding This project was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Public Health Research programme (Project number 16/07/07) and will be published in full in Public Health Research; Vol. 11, No. 10. Sarah Rodgers is part-funded by the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration North West Coast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca S Geary
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Joanne K Garrett
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Truro, UK
| | - Amy Mizen
- Department of Health Data Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Francis M Rowney
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Truro, UK
| | - Jiao Song
- Department of Health Data Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Mathew P White
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Truro, UK
| | - Rebecca Lovell
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Truro, UK
| | - Alan Watkins
- Department of Health Data Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Ronan A Lyons
- Department of Health Data Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | | | | | - Ashley Akbari
- Department of Health Data Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Sarah C Parker
- Department of Health Data Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | | | - James White
- Centre for Trials Research, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Benedict W Wheeler
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Truro, UK
| | - Richard Fry
- Department of Health Data Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Dialechti Tsimpida
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sarah E Rodgers
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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11
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Tari B, Künzi M, Pflanz CP, Raymont V, Bauermeister S. Education is power: preserving cognition in the UK biobank. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1244306. [PMID: 37841724 PMCID: PMC10568007 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1244306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Dementia is a debilitating syndrome characterized by the gradual loss of memory and cognitive function. Although there are currently limited, largely symptomatic treatments for the diseases that can lead to dementia, its onset may be prevented by identifying and modifying relevant life style risk factors. Commonly described modifiable risk factors include diet, physical inactivity, and educational attainment. Importantly, however, to maximize the utility of our understanding of these risk factors, tangible and meaningful changes to policy must also be addressed. Objectives Here, we aim to identify the mechanism(s) by which educational attainment influences cognition. Methods We investigated data from 502,357 individuals (Mage = 56.53, SDage = 8.09, 54.40% female) from the UK Biobank cohort via Structural Equation Modelling to illustrate links between predictor variables (i.e., Townsend Deprivation Index, coastal distance, greenspace, years of education), covariates (i.e., participant age) and cognitive function as outcome variables (i.e., pairs-matching, trail-making task B, fluid intelligence). Results Our model demonstrated that higher education was associated with better cognitive performance (ps < 0.001), and this relationship was mediated by indices of deprivation, and coastal distance. Conclusion Accordingly, our model evinces the mediating effect of socioeconomic and environmental factors on the relationship between years of education and cognitive function. These results further demonstrate the utility and necessity of adapting public policy to encourage equitable access to education and other supports in deprived areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Tari
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Morgane Künzi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Centre for the Interdisciplinary Study of Gerontology and Vulnerability, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - C. Patrick Pflanz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Vanessa Raymont
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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12
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Elliott LR, Pasanen T, White MP, Wheeler BW, Grellier J, Cirach M, Bratman GN, van den Bosch M, Roiko A, Ojala A, Nieuwenhuijsen M, Fleming LE. Nature contact and general health: Testing multiple serial mediation pathways with data from adults in 18 countries. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 178:108077. [PMID: 37413929 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
The role of neighbourhood nature in promoting good health is increasingly recognised in policy and practice, but consistent evidence for the underlying mechanisms is lacking. Heterogeneity in exposure methods, outcome measures, and population characteristics, little exploration of recreational use or the role of different types of green or blue space, and multiple separate mediation models in previous studies have limited our ability to synthesise findings and draw clear conclusions. We examined multiple pathways linking different types of neighbourhood nature with general health using a harmonised international sample of adults. Using cross-sectional survey data from 18 countries (n = 15,917), we developed a multigroup path model to test theorised pathways, controlling for sociodemographic variables. We tested the possibility that neighbourhood nature (e.g. greenspace, inland bluespace, and coastal bluespace) would be associated with general health through lower air pollution exposure, greater physical activity attainment, more social contact, and higher subjective well-being. However, our central prediction was that associations between different types of neighbourhood nature and general health would largely be serially mediated by recent visit frequency to corresponding environment types, and, subsequently, physical activity, social contact, and subjective well-being associated with these frequencies. Several subsidiary analyses assessed the robustness of the results to alternative model specifications as well as effect modification by sociodemographics. Consistent with this prediction, there was statistical support for eight of nine potential serial mediation pathways via visit frequency which held for a range of alternative model specifications. Effect modification by financial strain, sex, age, and urbanicity altered some associations but did not necessarily support the idea that nature reduced health inequalities. The results demonstrate that across countries, theorised nature-health linkages operate primarily through recreational contact with natural environments. This provides arguments for greater efforts to support use of local green/blue spaces for health promotion and disease prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lewis R Elliott
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter, Cornwall, United Kingdom.
| | - Tytti Pasanen
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Tampere, Finland
| | - Mathew P White
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter, Cornwall, United Kingdom; Cognitive Science Hub, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Benedict W Wheeler
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter, Cornwall, United Kingdom
| | - James Grellier
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter, Cornwall, United Kingdom; Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Marta Cirach
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Gregory N Bratman
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, USA
| | - Matilda van den Bosch
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, Faculty of Forestry, University of British Columbia, Canada; School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia
| | - Anne Roiko
- School of Pharmacy & Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Australia
| | - Ann Ojala
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mark Nieuwenhuijsen
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Lora E Fleming
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter, Cornwall, United Kingdom
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13
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Amine I, Guillien A, Philippat C, Anguita-Ruiz A, Casas M, de Castro M, Dedele A, Garcia-Aymerich J, Granum B, Grazuleviciene R, Heude B, Haug LS, Julvez J, López-Vicente M, Maitre L, McEachan R, Nieuwenhuijsen M, Stratakis N, Vafeiadi M, Wright J, Yang T, Yuan WL, Basagaña X, Slama R, Vrijheid M, Siroux V. Environmental exposures in early-life and general health in childhood. Environ Health 2023; 22:53. [PMID: 37480033 PMCID: PMC10360263 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-023-01001-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early-life environmental exposures are suspected to be involved in the development of chronic diseases later in life. Most studies conducted so far considered single or few exposures and single-health parameter. Our study aimed to identify a childhood general health score and assess its association with a wide range of pre- and post-natal environmental exposures. METHODS The analysis is based on 870 children (6-12 years) from six European birth cohorts participating in the Human Early-Life Exposome project. A total of 53 prenatal and 105 childhood environmental factors were considered, including lifestyle, social, urban and chemical exposures. We built a general health score by averaging three sub-scores (cardiometabolic, respiratory/allergy and mental) built from 15 health parameters. By construct, a child with a low score has a low general health status. Penalized multivariable regression through Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) was fitted in order to identify exposures associated with the general health score. FINDINGS The results of LASSO show that a lower general health score was associated with maternal passive and active smoking during pregnancy and postnatal exposure to methylparaben, copper, indoor air pollutants, high intake of caffeinated drinks and few contacts with friends and family. Higher child's general health score was associated with prenatal exposure to a bluespace near residency and postnatal exposures to pets, cobalt, high intakes of vegetables and more physical activity. Against our hypotheses, postnatal exposure to organochlorine compounds and perfluorooctanoate were associated with a higher child's general health score. CONCLUSION By using a general health score summarizing the child cardiometabolic, respiratory/allergy and mental health, this study reinforced previously suspected environmental factors associated with various child health parameters (e.g. tobacco, air pollutants) and identified new factors (e.g. pets, bluespace) warranting further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Amine
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France.
| | - Alicia Guillien
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Claire Philippat
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Augusto Anguita-Ruiz
- Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona (PRBB), ISGlobal-Instituto de Salud Global de Barcelona Campus MAR, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBEROBN, (Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition CB12/03/30038), Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maribel Casas
- Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona (PRBB), ISGlobal-Instituto de Salud Global de Barcelona Campus MAR, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), 08002, Barcelona, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research On Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5. Pabellón 11, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Montserrat de Castro
- Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona (PRBB), ISGlobal-Instituto de Salud Global de Barcelona Campus MAR, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), 08002, Barcelona, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research On Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5. Pabellón 11, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region, FISABIO-Public Health, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Av. Catalunya 21, 46020, Valencia, Spain
| | - Audrius Dedele
- Department of Environmental Science, Vytautas Magnus University, 44248, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Judith Garcia-Aymerich
- Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona (PRBB), ISGlobal-Instituto de Salud Global de Barcelona Campus MAR, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), 08002, Barcelona, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research On Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5. Pabellón 11, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Berit Granum
- Division for Climate and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0213, Oslo, Norway
| | - Regina Grazuleviciene
- Department of Environmental Science, Vytautas Magnus University, 44248, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Barbara Heude
- Université Paris Cité and Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Inserm, INRAE, Center for Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS (CRESS), 75004, Paris, France
| | - Line Småstuen Haug
- Division for Climate and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0213, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jordi Julvez
- Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona (PRBB), ISGlobal-Instituto de Salud Global de Barcelona Campus MAR, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- Clinical and Epidemiological Neuroscience (NeuroÈpia), Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), 43204, Reus, Spain
| | - Mónica López-Vicente
- Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona (PRBB), ISGlobal-Instituto de Salud Global de Barcelona Campus MAR, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Léa Maitre
- Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona (PRBB), ISGlobal-Instituto de Salud Global de Barcelona Campus MAR, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), 08002, Barcelona, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research On Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5. Pabellón 11, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosemary McEachan
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, UK
| | - Mark Nieuwenhuijsen
- Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona (PRBB), ISGlobal-Instituto de Salud Global de Barcelona Campus MAR, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), 08002, Barcelona, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research On Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5. Pabellón 11, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nikos Stratakis
- Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona (PRBB), ISGlobal-Instituto de Salud Global de Barcelona Campus MAR, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marina Vafeiadi
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - John Wright
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, UK
| | - Tiffany Yang
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, UK
| | - Wen Lun Yuan
- Université Paris Cité and Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Inserm, INRAE, Center for Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS (CRESS), 75004, Paris, France
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Science, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xavier Basagaña
- Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona (PRBB), ISGlobal-Instituto de Salud Global de Barcelona Campus MAR, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), 08002, Barcelona, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research On Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5. Pabellón 11, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rémy Slama
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Martine Vrijheid
- Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona (PRBB), ISGlobal-Instituto de Salud Global de Barcelona Campus MAR, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), 08002, Barcelona, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research On Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5. Pabellón 11, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Valérie Siroux
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
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14
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Pool U, Kenyon A, Froggett L, Dooris M. Beside the Seaside: Reflections on Local Green and Blue Spaces from Adults Aged over 50 in a Coastal Community. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6355. [PMID: 37510587 PMCID: PMC10380071 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20146355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
This qualitative study examined the perceptions of potential wellbeing benefits of local green and blue spaces for adults aged over 50 years in a coastal town in North West England. At a population level, living close to green and blue spaces is associated with better mental and physical health, with the strength of the benefits being inversely related to the economic prosperity of an area. However, living in economically disadvantaged coastal communities may be associated with poorer health and wellbeing, particularly for older adults, despite the proximity to blue (and often green) space. Exploring this apparent paradox was the aim of the present study. Through semi-structured interviews with members of a community group, we gained insight into lived experiences of local green and blue spaces. The main themes we developed from analysis of the conversations were accessibility, amenities, social connections, quality of environment, and recuperation and escape. Our findings illustrate that participants valued natural spaces that were local and accessible, particularly when they felt connected to them, and were less likely to visit spaces that were further away and that were perceived as being less welcoming or accessible. This study provides insights into the experiences of adults aged over 50 living in coastal areas and suggests that policies and interventions aimed at promoting wellbeing in this demographic should consider the value of hyper-local green and blue spaces and their potential to promote connectedness to nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursula Pool
- Healthy and Sustainable Settings Unit, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK
| | - Anna Kenyon
- School of Medicine, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK
| | - Lynn Froggett
- School of Social Work, Care and Community, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK
| | - Mark Dooris
- Healthy and Sustainable Settings Unit, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK
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15
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Garrett JK, Rowney FM, White MP, Lovell R, Fry RJ, Akbari A, Geary R, Lyons RA, Mizen A, Nieuwenhuijsen M, Parker C, Song J, Stratton G, Thompson DA, Watkins A, White J, Williams SA, Rodgers SE, Wheeler BW. Visiting nature is associated with lower socioeconomic inequalities in well-being in Wales. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9684. [PMID: 37322030 PMCID: PMC10272170 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35427-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural environments can promote well-being through multiple mechanisms. Many studies have investigated relationships between residential green/blue space (GBS) and well-being, fewer explore relationships with actual use of GBS. We used a nationally representative survey, the National Survey for Wales, anonymously linked with spatial GBS data to investigate associations of well-being with both residential GBS and time in nature (N = 7631). Both residential GBS and time spent in nature were associated with subjective well-being. Higher green-ness was associated with lower well-being, counter to hypotheses (predicting the Warwick and Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS): Enhanced vegetation index β = - 1.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) - 3.63, - 0.05) but time spent in nature was associated with higher well-being (four hours a week in nature vs. none β = 3.57, 95% CI 3.02, 4.13). There was no clear association between nearest GBS proximity and well-being. In support of the equigenesis theory, time spent in nature was associated with smaller socioeconomic inequalities in well-being. The difference in WEMWBS (possible range 14-70) between those who did and did not live in material deprivation was 7.7 points for those spending no time in nature, and less at 4.5 points for those spending time in nature up to 1 h per week. Facilitating access and making it easier for people to spend time in nature may be one way to reduce socioeconomic inequalities in well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne K Garrett
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, UK.
| | - Francis M Rowney
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, UK
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Mathew P White
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, UK
- Cognitive Science HUB, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rebecca Lovell
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, UK
| | - Rich J Fry
- Department of Population Data Science, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Ashley Akbari
- Department of Population Data Science, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Rebecca Geary
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ronan A Lyons
- Department of Population Data Science, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Amy Mizen
- Department of Population Data Science, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Mark Nieuwenhuijsen
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Chrissie Parker
- Department of Population Data Science, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | | | - Gareth Stratton
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, ASTEM Research Centre, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Daniel A Thompson
- Department of Population Data Science, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Alan Watkins
- Department of Population Data Science, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - James White
- Centre for Trials Research, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Sarah E Rodgers
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Benedict W Wheeler
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, UK
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16
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Job S, Heales L, Obst S. Tides of Change-Barriers and Facilitators to Beach Accessibility for Older People and People with Disability: An Australian Community Survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20095651. [PMID: 37174170 PMCID: PMC10178453 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20095651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The beach is Australia's most popular recreational destination with participation in beach-based activities associated with a wide range of health and wellbeing benefits. Unfortunately, access to beach environments is not possible for many older people and people with a disability. The purpose of this study was to investigate the barriers and facilitators of beach accessibility using a framework that recognises the complex interconnections between blue space, accessibility, physical activity, and health and wellbeing. A 39-item anonymous online cross-sectional survey was developed and administered to explore the perspectives of older people and people with a disability regarding beach accessibility. In total, 350 people completed the survey (69% female, age range 2-90 years (mean = 52)). Disability was reported by 88% of respondents, with 77% requiring a community mobility aid. Two-thirds (68%) of respondents were unable to visit the beach as often as they wanted, with 45% unable to visit at all. The most frequently reported barriers to beach access included difficulty moving on soft sand (87%), no specialised mobility equipment (75%), and inaccessible lead-up pathways (81%). If beach access was improved, respondents reported they would visit the beach more often (85%), for longer (83%), and have an improved experience (91%). The most frequently reported facilitators to beach access were the presence of accessible lead-up pathways (90%), sand walkways (89%), and parking (87%). Older people and people with disability have limited beach access, primarily due to a lack of accessible equipment, excluding them from the wide range of health benefits associated with visiting the beach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasha Job
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Central Queensland University, Bundaberg, QLD 4670, Australia
| | - Luke Heales
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, QLD 4701, Australia
| | - Steven Obst
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Central Queensland University, Bundaberg, QLD 4670, Australia
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17
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Asri AK, Liu T, Tsai HJ, Lee HY, Pan WC, Wu CD, Wang JY. Residential greenness and air pollution's association with nasal microbiota among asthmatic children. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 219:115095. [PMID: 36535395 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.115095] [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: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Both greenness and air pollution have widely been linked with asthma. However, the potential mechanism has rarely been investigated. This study aimed to identify the association between residential greenness and air pollution (fine particulate matter [PM2.5]; nitrogen dioxide [NO2]; ozone [O3]) with nasal microbiota among asthmatic children during the recovery phase. The normalized difference vegetation index was used to assess the extent of residential greenness. Spatiotemporal air pollution variation was estimated using an integrated hybrid kriging-LUR with the XG-Boost algorithm. These exposures were measured in 250-m intervals for four incremental buffer ranges. Nasal microbiota was collected from 47 children during the recovery phase. A generalized additive model controlled for various covariates was applied to evaluate the exposure-outcome association. The lag-time effect of greenness and air pollution related to the nasal microbiota also was examined. A significant negative association was observed between short-term exposure to air pollution and nasal bacterial diversity, as a one-unit increment in PM2.5 or O3 significantly decreased the observed species (PM2.5: -0.59, 95%CI -1.13, -0.05 and O3: -0.93, 95%CI -1.54, -0.32) and species richness (PM2.5: -0.64, 95%CI -1.25, -0.02 and O3: -0.68, 95%CI -1.43, -0.07). Considering the lag-time effect, we found a significant positive association between greenness and both the observed species and species richness. In addition, we identified a significant negative association for all pollutants with the observed species richness. These findings add to the evidence base of the links between nasal microbiota and air pollution and greenness. This study establishes a foundation for future studies of how environmental exposure plays a role in nasal microbiota, which in turn may affect the development of asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aji Kusumaning Asri
- Department of Geomatics, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 701, Taiwan.
| | - Tsunglin Liu
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 701, Taiwan.
| | - Hui-Ju Tsai
- Institute of Population Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, 350, Taiwan.
| | - Hsiao-Yun Lee
- Department of Leisure Industry and Health Promotion, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, 112, Taiwan.
| | - Wen-Chi Pan
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 11221, Taiwan.
| | - Chih-Da Wu
- Department of Geomatics, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 701, Taiwan; National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, 35053, Taiwan.
| | - Jiu-Yao Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 701, Taiwan; Allergy, Immunology, and Microbiome (A.I.M.) Research Center, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan.
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18
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Bentley PR, Fisher JC, Dallimer M, Fish RD, Austen GE, Irvine KN, Davies ZG. Nature, smells, and human wellbeing. AMBIO 2023; 52:1-14. [PMID: 35849312 PMCID: PMC9289359 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-022-01760-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The link between nature and human wellbeing is well established. However, few studies go beyond considering the visual and auditory underpinnings of this relationship, even though engaging with nature is a multisensory experience. While research linking smell to wellbeing exists, it focuses predominantly on smells as a source of nuisance/offence. Smells clearly have a prominent influence, but a significant knowledge gap remains in the nexus of nature, smell, and wellbeing. Here, we examine how smells experienced in woodlands contribute to wellbeing across four seasons. We show that smells are associated with multiple wellbeing domains, both positively and negatively. They are linked to memories, and specific ecological characteristics and processes over space/time. By making the link between the spatiotemporal variability in biodiversity and wellbeing explicit, we unearth a new line of enquiry. Overall, the multisensory experience must be considered by researchers, practitioners, policy-makers and planners looking to improve wellbeing through nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe R Bentley
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE), School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 8NR, UK
| | - Jessica C Fisher
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE), School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 8NR, UK.
| | - Martin Dallimer
- Sustainability Research Institute, School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS9 2JT, UK
| | - Robert D Fish
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE), School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 8NR, UK
| | - Gail E Austen
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE), School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 8NR, UK
| | - Katherine N Irvine
- Social, Economic and Geographic Sciences Department, James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, AB15 8QH, UK
| | - Zoe G Davies
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE), School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 8NR, UK
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COVID-19: Reducing the risk via diet and lifestyle. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2023; 21:1-16. [PMID: 36333177 PMCID: PMC9550279 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
This review shows that relatively simple changes to diet and lifestyle can significantly, and rapidly, reduce the risks associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in terms of infection risk, severity of disease, and even disease-related mortality. A wide range of interventions including regular exercise, adequate sleep, plant-based diets, maintenance of healthy weight, dietary supplementation, and time in nature have each been shown to have beneficial effects for supporting more positive health outcomes with COVID-19, in addition to promoting better overall health. This paper brings together literature from these areas and presents the argument that non-pharmaceutical approaches should not be overlooked in our response to COVID-19. It is noted that, in several cases, interventions discussed result in risk reductions equivalent to, or even greater than, those associated with currently available vaccines. Where the balance of evidence suggests benefits, and the risk is minimal to none, it is suggested that communicating the power of individual actions to the public becomes morally imperative. Further, many lives could be saved, and many harms from the vaccine mandates avoided, if we were willing to embrace this lifestyle-centred approach in our efforts to deal with COVID-19.
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20
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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.
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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
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21
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Smith DM, Rixson L, Grove G, Ziauddeen N, Vassilev I, Taheem R, Roderick P, Alwan NA. Household food insecurity risk indices for English neighbourhoods: Measures to support local policy decisions. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267260. [PMID: 36490256 PMCID: PMC9733884 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In England, the responsibility to address food insecurity lies with local government, yet the prevalence of this social inequality is unknown in small subnational areas. In 2018 an index of small-area household food insecurity risk was developed and utilised by public and third sector organisations to target interventions; this measure needed updating to better support decisions in different settings, such as urban and rural areas where pressures on food security differ. METHODS We held interviews with stakeholders (n = 14) and completed a scoping review to identify appropriate variables to create an updated risk measure. We then sourced a range of open access secondary data to develop an indices of food insecurity risk in English neighbourhoods. Following a process of data transformation and normalisation, we tested combinations of variables and identified the most appropriate data to reflect household food insecurity risk in urban and rural areas. RESULTS Eight variables, reflecting both household circumstances and local service availability, were separated into two domains with equal weighting for a new index, the Complex Index, and a subset of these to make up the Simple Index. Within the Complex Index, the Compositional Domain includes population characteristics while the Structural Domain reflects small area access to resources such as grocery stores. The Compositional Domain correlated well with free school meal eligibility (rs = 0.705) and prevalence of childhood obesity (rs = 0.641). This domain was the preferred measure for use in most areas when shared with stakeholders, and when assessed alongside other configurations of the variables. Areas of highest risk were most often located in the North of England. CONCLUSION We recommend the use of the Compositional Domain for all areas, with inclusion of the Structural Domain in rural areas where locational disadvantage makes it more difficult to access resources. These measures can aid local policy makers and planners when allocating resources and interventions to support households who may experience food insecurity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianna M. Smith
- School of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Wessex, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Lauren Rixson
- School of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Grace Grove
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Wessex, Southampton, United Kingdom
- School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Nida Ziauddeen
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Wessex, Southampton, United Kingdom
- School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Ivaylo Vassilev
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Ravita Taheem
- Southampton City Council, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Roderick
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Wessex, Southampton, United Kingdom
- School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Nisreen A. Alwan
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Wessex, Southampton, United Kingdom
- School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom
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22
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Ke GN, Utama IKAP, Wagner T, Sweetman AK, Arshad A, Nath TK, Neoh JY, Muchamad LS, Suroso DSA. Influence of mangrove forests on subjective and psychological wellbeing of coastal communities: Case studies in Malaysia and Indonesia. Front Public Health 2022; 10:898276. [PMID: 36438217 PMCID: PMC9686422 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.898276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mangrove forests possess multiple functions for the environment and society through their valuable ecosystem services. Along with this, the mangrove forests have large and diverse social values, in combination contributing to the health and wellbeing of the surrounding communities. This study aims (i) to assess the benefits of mangrove forests and their impact on subjective and psychological wellbeing of coastal communities and (ii) to understand the challenges coastal communities face that limit sustainable wellbeing. We have used a mixed methodological approach, combining workshop, interview, and survey, to obtain qualitative and quantitative information from two coastal communities in Malaysia and Indonesia. For quantitative data, 67 participants from both coastal communities participated using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. To obtain opinions from key informants in Malaysia and Indonesia, we organized two stakeholders' workshops and community interviews. When merging these interviews and workshops, we identified the following three themes related to the perception of mangrove forest benefits: (1) the advantage of living in a natural countryside; (2) the natural resources supporting employment, income, and family security; and (3) the increase in subjective and psychological wellbeing. The mean score of wellbeing for Indonesian participants (28.6) was slightly higher than that for Malaysian participants (26.2) and was significant. Overall, the respondents felt happy because the combination of job security and leisure activities supports feeling content and satisfied. The analyses also suggest that the combination of exposure to coastal environments and stress reduction promotes good mental health; however, diagnostic health data are lacking. The lower score of mental wellbeing in Malaysia is attributed to respondents involved in risky fishing activities and local regions with excessive tourism. The findings from this study imply that coastal mangrove forest management plays an important role in the living conditions of coastal communities and their subjective and psychological wellbeing. Hence, restoration and sustainability of mangrove ecosystem are important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guek-Nee Ke
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, Putrajaya, Malaysia,*Correspondence: Guek-Nee Ke
| | | | - Thomas Wagner
- The Lyell Centre, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | | | - Aziz Arshad
- Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Tapan Kumar Nath
- School of Environment and Geographical Sciences, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Semenyih, Malaysia
| | - Jing Yi Neoh
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, Putrajaya, Malaysia
| | - Lutfi Surya Muchamad
- Department of Naval Architecture, Institute Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Surabaya, Indonesia
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23
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Afentou N, Moore P, Hull K, Shepherd J, Elliott S, Frew E. Inland Waterways and Population Health and Wellbeing: A Cross-Sectional Study of Waterway Users in the UK. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13809. [PMID: 36360689 PMCID: PMC9654601 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192113809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Natural environments, such as inland waterways (IWs), have been identified as a potential means to increase physical activity and promote health and wellbeing. However, further information on predictors of IW usage and their relationship with health and wellbeing outcomes is needed. Data were taken from the cross-sectional UK Waterways Engagement Monitor survey of waterway users (n = 21,537) in 2019/2020. Health outcome measures were life satisfaction, physical activity, and mental wellbeing. Visit frequency was an additional outcome measure. Both bivariate and multivariable associations between outcome measures and features of IWs were explored. The travel-cost method was used to estimate users' demand, expressed by travel costs to waterways. Multivariable models showed positive associations of frequent visits and use for recreational/leisure purposes with life satisfaction and physical activity. Rural visits were associated with higher life satisfaction than urban ones. Lower visit satisfaction negatively impacted life satisfaction and mental wellbeing. Visit frequency was influenced by individual characteristics and purpose of visit, including visits for exercise. Waterway visits were inversely associated with travel costs (IRR = 0.99, p-value ≤ 0.001), and there was greater demand elasticity for short distances (≤5 miles). Socioeconomic-related inequalities were present. Future policies could enhance frequent use of waterways and alleviate accessibility-related inequalities to improve population health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nafsika Afentou
- Health Economics Unit, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Patrick Moore
- Health Economics Unit, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
- Health Economics, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1QU, UK
| | | | | | | | - Emma Frew
- Health Economics Unit, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
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24
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Thompson DA, Geary RS, Rowney FM, Fry R, Watkins A, Wheeler BW, Mizen A, Akbari A, Lyons RA, Stratton G, White J, Rodgers SE. Cohort Profile: The Green and Blue Spaces (GBS) and mental health in Wales e-cohort. Int J Epidemiol 2022; 51:e285-e294. [PMID: 35446420 PMCID: PMC9558062 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyac080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Thompson
- Population Data Science, Swansea University Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University, Swansea UK
| | - Rebecca S Geary
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Francis M Rowney
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Knowledge Spa, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Cornwall, UK
| | - Richard Fry
- Population Data Science, Swansea University Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University, Swansea UK
| | - Alan Watkins
- Population Data Science, Swansea University Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University, Swansea UK
| | - Benedict W Wheeler
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Knowledge Spa, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Cornwall, UK
| | - Amy Mizen
- Population Data Science, Swansea University Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University, Swansea UK
| | - Ashley Akbari
- Population Data Science, Swansea University Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University, Swansea UK
| | - Ronan A Lyons
- Population Data Science, Swansea University Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University, Swansea UK
| | - Gareth Stratton
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Applied Sports Technology, Exercise and Medicine A-STEM Research Centre, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea UK
| | - James White
- Centre for Trials Research, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Sarah E Rodgers
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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25
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Crooks N, Becker D, Gaskin CJ, Nichols M, Bolton KA, Orellana L, Fraser P, Le H, Brown A, Bell C, Bliss J, Allender S, Strugnell C. Relationship between "Blue Space" Proximity and Children's Weight Status, Health Behaviors, and Health-Related Quality of Life among a Sample of Regional Victorian Primary School Children. Child Obes 2022; 18:494-506. [PMID: 35271381 DOI: 10.1089/chi.2021.0219] [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] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Background: Access to green space (e.g., parks and gardens) has been associated with child health and wellbeing, whereas blue space (e.g., coasts, lakes, and rivers) is understudied. Our aim was to determine whether proximity to the coast was associated with primary school children's weight status, modifiable health-related behaviors, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Methods: Exploratory cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from the Whole of Systems Trial of Prevention Strategies for Childhood Obesity (WHOSTOPS) study, to estimate gender-specific differences in weight and behaviors across four bands of distance from the coast (<5 km, 5 to <25 km, 25 to <50 km, ≥50 km). Linear and logistic models, with robust standard errors, adjusted for school year level, area-level socioeconomic position and rurality, and allowing for distance by gender interaction were fitted on data from 1216 children (aged 8.5-13 years). Main outcomes were weight status (categorical), physical activity (PA) (categorical), and global HRQoL score (continuous). Results: Compared with girls living in towns ≥50 km from the coast, those living within 5 km had lower odds for overweight/obesity [odds ratio (OR) = 0.50; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.37-0.67] and higher mean moderate-to-vigorous PA minutes (accelerometry) (β = 8.7; 95% CI: 2.0-15.5) and global HRQoL (β = 3.2; 95% CI: 1.4-5.0). Compared with boys living ≥50 km from the coast, those living within 5 km had higher odds of meeting self-reported PA guidelines (≥60 minutes/day) for ≥5 days (OR = 2.33; 95% CI: 1.75-3.10), and higher mean global HRQoL scores (β = 5.6; 95% CI: 1.9-9.3). Conclusions: Living close to the coast was associated with some favorable health outcomes and behaviors, which differed between girls and boys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nic Crooks
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Denise Becker
- Biostatistics Unit, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Cadeyrn J Gaskin
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Melanie Nichols
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kristy A Bolton
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Liliana Orellana
- Biostatistics Unit, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Penny Fraser
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ha Le
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew Brown
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Colin Bell
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jo Bliss
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Steven Allender
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Claudia Strugnell
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
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26
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Sha S, Shen W, Yang Z, Dong L, Li T. Can Rehabilitative Travel Mobility improve the Quality of Life of Seasonal Affective Disorder Tourists? Front Psychol 2022; 13:976590. [PMID: 36248577 PMCID: PMC9553999 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.976590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Rehabilitation mobility has become a new demand and travel mode for people to pursue active health. A large number of tourists choose to escape the cold in warm places to improve their health every winter. In this study, we collected the health index data of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) tourists from western China before and after their cold escape in Hainan Island in winter, aiming to compare whether rehabilitating cold escape can improve the Quality of Life (QOL) of SAD tourists by hierarchical analysis. Compared with previous studies, this paper has the following contributions: Firstly, the study samples were accurately screened according to the pathogenesis of SAD tourists and the confounding factors were strictly controlled; Secondly, the observational experimental method was used to conduct inter-group and intra-group control studies on 695 samples, and the results were more objective and reliable. Thirdly, the effect of treatment on the quality of life (QOL) of 397 tourists in the rehabilitation mobility group was quantitatively evaluated from three factors including age, gender and sunshine exposure level by multivariate analysis of variance. Research results show that the rehabilitation environment brought by rehabilitation activities can help improve the health status of tourists. Therefore, this paper proposes the concept of “Tourism Therapy” and constructs a theoretical framework. The conclusion of this paper provides a scientific basis and reference for the study of tourism healing as a non-medical alternative therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha Sha
- Health and Rehabilitation School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Tourism School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wencan Shen
- Shenzhen Tourism College, Tourism College of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhenzhi Yang
- Tourism School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Zhenzhi Yang,
| | - Liangquan Dong
- College of Economics and Management, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Ürümqi, Xinyang, China
| | - Tingting Li
- Health and Rehabilitation School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Kiskaddon E, Bienn H, Hemmerling SA, Dalyander S, Grismore A, Parfait J, Miner MD, Cameron C, Hopkins TE, Allen Y, Jones-Farrand D, Martin M, Tirpak BE, Green M, Rhinehart K, Carruthers TJ. Supporting habitat restoration in the northern Gulf of Mexico through synthesis of data on multiple and interacting benefits and stressors. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 318:115589. [PMID: 35772270 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115589] [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: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Outcomes of landscape scale restoration and conservation can be maximized when planning is based upon quantitative and decision-relevant information. Existing tools to support data-driven planning are hindered by regionally inconsistent information and a need for advanced methods to analyze data of varying spatial resolution and coverage. We present a synthesis methodology for region-wide derived metrics to characterize natural resource value, ecosystem stress, and social vulnerability to inform implementation of conservation and restoration projects. Our three-part methodology was developed and tested for the Gulf of Mexico in support of the Southeast Conservation Blueprint that was created to advance the Southeast Conservation and Adaptation Strategy. The first step included integration of prioritized natural resource metrics alongside socio-ecological metrics to create a data layer of synthesized natural resource priority across the northern Gulf of Mexico. The second component was calculation of ecosystem stress indices based on ecologically relevant thresholds and a cumulative ecosystem stress layer, in addition to analyzing correlations between individual stressors and their relative importance. The final component was development of a social vulnerability (SoVI) index. Analysis of these metrics illustrate their ability to effectively capture variability at multiple scales in the Gulf of Mexico, including expected spatial correlation of stressors such as road density and non-point source pollution in populated areas and the dominance of sea-level rise as a future stressor along the coast. Significant composite components of social vulnerability for the northern Gulf of Mexico region were identified and include economic status, professional workforce, elderly population, population stability, migrant workforce, and rural population. To demonstrate the utility of the data synthesis approach, we used the developed data layers to evaluate proposed marsh creation projects in southern Louisiana. The synthesized data layers were capable of distinguishing differences at the scale of individual habitat restoration projects, and high-value projects could be aligned with the goals of key funding streams. This pilot application illustrates how restoration programs could use the methodology developed here to maximize benefits from conservation and restoration actions along the northern Gulf of Mexico or other regions globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Kiskaddon
- The Water Institute of the Gulf, 1110 River Rd S, Baton Rouge, LA, 70802, USA.
| | - Harris Bienn
- The Water Institute of the Gulf, 1110 River Rd S, Baton Rouge, LA, 70802, USA
| | - Scott A Hemmerling
- The Water Institute of the Gulf, 1110 River Rd S, Baton Rouge, LA, 70802, USA
| | - Soupy Dalyander
- The Water Institute of the Gulf, 1110 River Rd S, Baton Rouge, LA, 70802, USA
| | - Audrey Grismore
- The Water Institute of the Gulf, 1110 River Rd S, Baton Rouge, LA, 70802, USA
| | - Jessi Parfait
- The Water Institute of the Gulf, 1110 River Rd S, Baton Rouge, LA, 70802, USA
| | - Michael D Miner
- The Water Institute of the Gulf, 1110 River Rd S, Baton Rouge, LA, 70802, USA
| | - Charley Cameron
- The Water Institute of the Gulf, 1110 River Rd S, Baton Rouge, LA, 70802, USA
| | - Todd E Hopkins
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, USA; 1339 20th Street, Vero Beach, FL, 32960, USA
| | - Yvonne Allen
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, USA; 1875 Century Boulevard, Atlanta, GA, 30345, USA
| | - David Jones-Farrand
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, USA; 302 Natural Resources, Univ. Columbia, Missouri, 65211, USA
| | - Mallory Martin
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, USA; P.O. Box 433, Linville, NC, USA
| | - Blair E Tirpak
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, USA; 1875 Century Boulevard, Atlanta, GA, 30345, USA
| | - Mandy Green
- Royal Engineers & Consultants, LLC, 14635 S Harrell's Ferry Rd #4B, Baton Rouge, LA, 70816, USA
| | - Kirk Rhinehart
- Royal Engineers & Consultants, LLC, 14635 S Harrell's Ferry Rd #4B, Baton Rouge, LA, 70816, USA
| | - Tim Jb Carruthers
- The Water Institute of the Gulf, 1110 River Rd S, Baton Rouge, LA, 70802, USA
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28
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Gunko R, Rapeli L, Vuorisalo T, Scheinin M, Karell P. Does Water Quality Matter for Life Quality? A Study of the Impact of Water Quality on Well-being in a Coastal Community. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 70:464-474. [PMID: 35751661 PMCID: PMC9381611 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-022-01673-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Most studies of life quality are concentrated on a country-level scale, while local differences within a country or area are less studied. Thus, the effect of the environment on life quality on a local scale remains understudied and is often represented by one generalized common factor. In this study, we investigated the effect of an objectively measured environmental quality variable and subjective reflections of this (perceptions of environmental quality) in relation to life quality in a coastal community. Hence, we tested the effect of objective and subjective water quality measures using a model, accounting for other traditional variables (e.g., income and health) that predict life quality variations. Our findings indicate that perceptions of the environment are strongly associated with life quality, whereas objectively measured environmental quality is associated with life quality to a lesser extent. Thus, our results suggest that the impact of the environment on life quality is mediated via the way the environment is perceived (psychological effects) and less by the actual conditions of the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruslan Gunko
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, FI-20014, Turku, Finland.
- Bioeconomy Research Team, Novia University of Applied Sciences, Raseborgsvägen 9, FI-10600, Ekenäs, Finland.
| | - Lauri Rapeli
- Social Science Research Institute, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Timo Vuorisalo
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, FI-20014, Turku, Finland
| | - Matias Scheinin
- Department of Environmental Protection, Hanko, Finland and Pro Litore Association, Raseborg, Finland
| | - Patrik Karell
- Bioeconomy Research Team, Novia University of Applied Sciences, Raseborgsvägen 9, FI-10600, Ekenäs, Finland
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Ecology Building, 223 62, Lund, Sweden
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29
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Bergou N, Hammoud R, Smythe M, Gibbons J, Davidson N, Tognin S, Reeves G, Shepherd J, Mechelli A. The mental health benefits of visiting canals and rivers: An ecological momentary assessment study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271306. [PMID: 36044408 PMCID: PMC9432685 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Existing evidence shows positive effects of being in nature on wellbeing, but we know little about the mental health benefits of spending time near canals and rivers specifically. This study investigates the association between visits to canals and rivers and mental wellbeing. We addressed the following questions: Are visits to canals and rivers associated with higher levels of mental wellbeing? Does this association depend on age and gender? Does this association vary between people with and without a diagnosis on mental illness? We used Urban Mind, a flexible smartphone application for examining the impact of different aspects of the built and social environment on mental wellbeing, a strong predictor of mental health. Participants were invited to complete an ecological momentary assessment three times a day for fourteen days. Each assessment included questions about their surrounding environment and mental wellbeing. A total of 7,975 assessments were completed by 299 participants including 87 with a diagnosis of mental illness. Multilevel regression models were used to analyse the data. We found positive associations between visits to canals and rivers and mental wellbeing (p < .05) when compared to being anywhere else and when compared to being in green spaces. Increases in mental wellbeing were still evident after the visit had taken place. These effects remained significant after adjusting for age, gender, ethnicity and education, and were consistent in people with and without a diagnosis of mental illness. Spending time near canals and rivers is associated with better mental wellbeing. These findings have potential implications for mental health as well as urban planning and policy. Visits to canals and rivers could become part of social prescribing schemes, playing a role in preventing mental health difficulties and complementing more traditional interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicol Bergou
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ryan Hammoud
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Stefania Tognin
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Andrea Mechelli
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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30
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The ‘Rippling’ Waves of Wellbeing: A Mixed Methods Evaluation of a Surf-Therapy Intervention on Patients with Acquired Brain Injury. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14159605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Dominant psychological models of wellbeing neglect the role that nature connection and other key factors, such as positive health behaviours and behaviour change, play in determining wellbeing. The present mixed-methods evaluation explores the impact of ”Surf-Ability”, an adapted surf therapy intervention delivered in collaboration with a UK neurorehabilitation service, on individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) as part of an effort to design interventions based on advances in wellbeing science. Following five surf-therapy sessions, within-subjects analysis (n= 15) revealed significant improvements on the Warwick–Edinburgh mental wellbeing scale (t (15) = −2.164, p = 0.048), as well as in anxiety and happiness as measured via a brief visual analogue. No significant changes occurred in the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) or resting heart rate variability (HRV). A ripple effects mapping (REM) session at 6–10 months follow-up (n = 6) revealed that the physical and psychological experience of a nature-based challenge initiated a mindset shift in participants, which ultimately led to them adopting wellbeing-promoting long-term behaviour changes. These changes occurred at the scale of (1) individual wellbeing—increased mindfulness and physical activity; (2) collective wellbeing—improved relationships, community participation and contribution to organisations; and (3) planetary wellbeing—connection to nature. These findings align with the GENIAL theoretical framework, which defines wellbeing from a biopsychosocial ecological perspective across multiple levels of scale. The findings support the need for healthcare providers—including neurorehabilitation services—to enhance interventions for patients by incorporating novel factors that improve wellbeing, such as nature-connection.
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Foley R, Garrido-Cumbrera M, Guzman V, Braçe O, Hewlett D. Home and nearby nature: Uncovering relational flows between domestic and natural spaces in three countries during COVID-19. WELLBEING, SPACE AND SOCIETY 2022; 3:100093. [PMID: 36090135 PMCID: PMC9448848 DOI: 10.1016/j.wss.2022.100093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This paper addresses the role of living spaces, neighborhood environments, and access to nearby nature in shaping individual experiences of health and well-being during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Key data is drawn from the GreenCOVID study across Spain, England and Ireland. The survey gathered contextual information about home environments, neighborhood spaces, and access to nature elements, and standardized measures of health and wellbeing between April and July 2020 (n = 3,127). The paper used qualitative data from the survey to document flows between home and nearby nature. These were framed as barriers/mediators with specific focus on differing interpretations of home as both trap and refuge, with additional dimensions of loss, disruption and interruption shaping the broad responses to the pandemic. By contrast nearby nature was an enabler/moderator of health and wellbeing, offering healthy flows between home and nature as well as respite and additional health-enabling factors. Differences were identified between the three countries but important commonalities emerged too, recognising the role nature plays as an asset both within and immediately beyond the home. The use of flow as metaphor also recognises the importance of embodiment and the elastic nature of connections between home and nearby nature for wellbeing. More broadly, flow provides a valuable way to trace affective relational geographers to develop a wider understanding of assemblages of health during pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Foley
- Department of Geography, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare WE23 HW31, Ireland
| | - M Garrido-Cumbrera
- Health and Territory Research, Department of Physical Geography and Regional Geographic Analysis, Universidad de Sevilla, Doña María de Padilla s/n, Seville 41004, Spain
| | - V Guzman
- Division of Population Health, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123St Stephen's Green, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland
| | - O Braçe
- Health and Territory Research, Department of Physical Geography and Regional Geographic Analysis, Universidad de Sevilla, Doña María de Padilla s/n, Seville 41004, Spain
| | - D Hewlett
- Faculty of Business, Law and Digital Technologies, University of Winchester, Sparkford Road, Winchester, Hampshire SO22 4NR, United Kingdom
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32
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Acott TG, Willis C, Ranger S, Cumming G, Richardson P, O'Neill R, Ford A. Coastal transformations and connections: Revealing values through the community voice method. PEOPLE AND NATURE 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy G. Acott
- University of Greenwich School of Humanities and Social Sciences London UK
| | | | - Sue Ranger
- Marine Conservation Society Herefordshire UK
| | | | | | | | - Adriana Ford
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London London UK
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33
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Mamouei M, Zhu Y, Nazarzadeh M, Hassaine A, Salimi-Khorshidi G, Cai Y, Rahimi K. Investigating the association of environmental exposures and all-cause mortality in the UK Biobank using sparse principal component analysis. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9239. [PMID: 35654993 PMCID: PMC9163152 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13362-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Multicollinearity refers to the presence of collinearity between multiple variables and renders the results of statistical inference erroneous (Type II error). This is particularly important in environmental health research where multicollinearity can hinder inference. To address this, correlated variables are often excluded from the analysis, limiting the discovery of new associations. An alternative approach to address this problem is the use of principal component analysis. This method, combines and projects a group of correlated variables onto a new orthogonal space. While this resolves the multicollinearity problem, it poses another challenge in relation to interpretability of results. Standard hypothesis testing methods can be used to evaluate the association of projected predictors, called principal components, with the outcomes of interest, however, there is no established way to trace the significance of principal components back to individual variables. To address this problem, we investigated the use of sparse principal component analysis which enforces a parsimonious projection. We hypothesise that this parsimony could facilitate the interpretability of findings. To this end, we investigated the association of 20 environmental predictors with all-cause mortality adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, physiological, and behavioural factors. The study was conducted in a cohort of 379,690 individuals in the UK. During an average follow-up of 8.05 years (3,055,166 total person-years), 14,996 deaths were observed. We used Cox regression models to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The Cox models were fitted to the standardised environmental predictors (a) without any transformation (b) transformed with PCA, and (c) transformed with SPCA. The comparison of findings underlined the potential of SPCA for conducting inference in scenarios where multicollinearity can increase the risk of Type II error. Our analysis unravelled a significant association between average noise pollution and increased risk of all-cause mortality. Specifically, those in the upper deciles of noise exposure have between 5 and 10% increased risk of all-cause mortality compared to the lowest decile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mamouei
- Deep Medicine, Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, Oxford Martin School, University of Oxford, 1st Floor, Haye House, 75 George Street, Oxford, OX1 2BQ, UK.
| | - Yajie Zhu
- Deep Medicine, Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, Oxford Martin School, University of Oxford, 1st Floor, Haye House, 75 George Street, Oxford, OX1 2BQ, UK
| | - Milad Nazarzadeh
- Deep Medicine, Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, Oxford Martin School, University of Oxford, 1st Floor, Haye House, 75 George Street, Oxford, OX1 2BQ, UK
| | - Abdelaali Hassaine
- Deep Medicine, Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, Oxford Martin School, University of Oxford, 1st Floor, Haye House, 75 George Street, Oxford, OX1 2BQ, UK
| | - Gholamreza Salimi-Khorshidi
- Deep Medicine, Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, Oxford Martin School, University of Oxford, 1st Floor, Haye House, 75 George Street, Oxford, OX1 2BQ, UK
| | - Yutong Cai
- Deep Medicine, Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, Oxford Martin School, University of Oxford, 1st Floor, Haye House, 75 George Street, Oxford, OX1 2BQ, UK
| | - Kazem Rahimi
- Deep Medicine, Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, Oxford Martin School, University of Oxford, 1st Floor, Haye House, 75 George Street, Oxford, OX1 2BQ, UK
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Siopis G, Porter J. Contribution of Biological Age-Predictive Biomarkers to Nutrition Research: A Systematic Review of the Current Evidence and Implications for Future Research and Clinical Practice. Adv Nutr 2022; 13:1930-1946. [PMID: 35612976 PMCID: PMC9526820 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmac060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The global population is living longer; however, not everyone ages at the same rate with regard to their physical and cognitive abilities and their vulnerability to certain diseases and death. This review aimed to synthesize the contribution of biological age-predictive biomarkers to nutrition research and highlight the implications for future research and clinical practice. MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Cochrane CENTRAL were systematically searched on 30 September 2021 for randomized controlled trials and cross-sectional studies examining the association between nutrition and biological age in older adults reporting on genetic, clinical, or molecular biomarkers of biological aging. Cochrane's ROB 2 and ROBINS-I were used to assess the quality of included studies. Synthesis was undertaken narratively. Of 1245 records identified from the search, 13 studies from 8 countries and territories, involving 5043 participants, were included. Seven studies assessed associations between nutrient food intake and telomere attrition, reporting protective effects for branched-chain amino acids, calcium and vitamin D, and a diet of a lower inflammatory index; whereas they found shorter telomeres in people consuming more processed foods and arachidonic acid and other proinflammatory compounds. Five studies examined the associations between plasma nutrition biomarkers and cognitive function, and found a protective effect for HDL cholesterol, lycopene, carotenoids, ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids, and vitamins B, C, D, and E; whereas trans fatty acids and fibrinogen correlated with a decline in cognitive function. One study used Horvath's clock and reported the epigenetic rejuvenation effect of a Mediterranean diet. In conclusion, biological aging was negatively associated with an anti-inflammatory diet. However, a few studies did not control for the confounding effect of other lifestyle factors. Future research should address this and also assess the synergistic effect of different nutrients, their combinations, and evaluate their dose-response relations. Nutrition practice can incorporate updated screening procedures for older people that include relevant biological aging nutrition markers, leading to anti-aging precision nutrition therapy. The methodology of this systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021288122).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Judi Porter
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
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35
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Fairchild TP, Weedon J, Griffin JN. Species diversity enhances perceptions of urban coastlines at multiple scales. PEOPLE AND NATURE 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tom P. Fairchild
- Faculty of Science and Engineering Swansea University Swansea UK
| | - Jasmine Weedon
- Faculty of Science and Engineering Swansea University Swansea UK
| | - John N. Griffin
- Faculty of Science and Engineering Swansea University Swansea UK
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36
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Residential Greenspace Is Associated with Lower Levels of Depressive and Burnout Symptoms, and Higher Levels of Life Satisfaction: A Nationwide Population-Based Study in Sweden. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095668. [PMID: 35565069 PMCID: PMC9100967 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Population-based studies of individual-level residential greenspace and mental health outcomes are still limited. Thus, the present study investigates greenspace–mental health associations—including depressive symptoms, burnout symptoms, and life satisfaction—in a population-based sample of adults, the Swedish Longitudinal Occupational Survey of Health, in 2016 (n = 14,641). High-resolution land cover of greenspace and green–blue-space was assessed at 50, 100, 300 and 500 m buffers around residential addresses. Higher residential greenspace and green–blue-space were associated with lower levels of depressive and burnout symptoms among non-working individuals and with higher life satisfaction in the whole study population, after controlling for age, sex, individual income, and neighborhood socioeconomics. The immediate residential-surrounding environment (50 m) consistently showed the strongest associations with the outcomes. Having a partner was associated with better mental health outcomes and with having more residential greenspace, and adjusting for this rendered greenspace–health associations mostly statistically non-significant. In conclusion, higher levels of greenspace and green–blue-space in the immediate residential-surrounding environment were associated with better mental health outcomes in the present study, which contributes additional nuances to prior studies. The importance of residential greenspace for public health, urban planning, and development is discussed.
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Exploring Blue Spaces' Effects on Childhood Leukaemia Incidence: A Population-Based Case-Control Study in Spain. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095232. [PMID: 35564626 PMCID: PMC9103937 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Blue spaces have been a key part of human evolution, providing resources and helping economies develop. To date, no studies have been carried out to explore how they may be linked to paediatric oncological diseases. Objectives: To explore the possible relationship of residential proximity to natural and urban blue spaces on childhood leukaemia. Methods: A population-based case–control study was conducted in four regions of Spain across the period 2000–2018. A total of 936 incident cases and 5616 controls were included, individually matched by sex, year of birth and place of residence. An exposure proxy with four distances (250 m, 500 m, 750 m, and 1 km) to blue spaces was built using the geographical coordinates of the participants’ home residences. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) for blue-space exposure were calculated for overall childhood leukaemia, and the acute lymphoblastic (ALL) and acute myeloblastic leukaemia (AML) subtypes, with adjustment for socio-demographic and environmental covariates. Results: A decrease in overall childhood leukaemia and ALL-subtype incidence was found as we came nearer to children’s places of residence, showing, for the study as a whole, a reduced incidence at 250 m (odds ratio (OR) = 0.77; 95%CI = 0.60–0.97), 500 m (OR = 0.78; 95%CI = 0.65–0.93), 750 m (OR = 0.80; 95%CI = 0.69–0.93), and 1000 m (OR = 0.84; 95%CI = 0.72–0.97). AML model results showed an increasing incidence at closest to subjects’ homes (OR at 250m = 1.06; 95%CI=0.63–1.71). Conclusions: Our results suggest a possible association between lower childhood leukaemia incidence and blue-space proximity. This study is a first approach to blue spaces’ possible effects on childhood leukaemia incidence; consequently, it is necessary to continue studying these spaces—while taking into account more individualised data and other possible environmental risk factors.
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Job S, Heales L, Obst S. Oceans of opportunity for universal beach accessibility: An integrated model for health and wellbeing in people with disability. Aust N Z J Public Health 2022; 46:252-254. [PMID: 35436019 DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.13246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sasha Job
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Central Queensland University Bundaberg, Queensland
| | - Luke Heales
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Central Queensland University Rockhampton, Queensland
| | - Steven Obst
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Central Queensland University Bundaberg, Queensland
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39
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Huang B, Feng Z, Pan Z, Liu Y. Amount of and proximity to blue spaces and general health among older Chinese adults in private and public housing: A national population study. Health Place 2022; 74:102774. [PMID: 35245891 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2022.102774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A growing body of research indicates that exposure to outdoor blue spaces is associated with better physical and mental health. However, few studies have explored the associations between different blue space indicators (e.g., amount of and proximity to freshwater and seawater) and general health. Moreover, research has rarely attempted to address the residential selection bias associated with the salutogenic effect of access to blue spaces. Therefore, this study explores the associations between the amount (percentage of blue space within a 1 km circular buffer) of and proximity (Euclidean distance to the edge of the nearest blue space) to blue space and older adults' general health across the entire country of China using the micro-data sample of one-percent national population sample survey in 2015. It adds to the existing literature by taking into account the neighbourhood selection mechanism for different housing tenures and examining the salutogenic effect of blue spaces separately for public housing residents and private housing residents. The results indicated that greater neighbourhood seawater coverage and living near a coastline were associated with better general health among older adults in both private and public housing, while the percentage of freshwater blue spaces within neighbourhoods and the distance to freshwater blue spaces were associated with better general health among private housing residents only. The blue spaces-general health associations were stronger among urban participants, participants in deprived neighbourhoods, males, participants aged under 80 years, and low- and medium-educated participants. Our findings indicated that living near the coast was beneficial to older adults' health, and residential selection bias confounded the association between freshwater blue spaces and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baishi Huang
- School of Geography and Planning, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory for Urbanization and Geo-simulation, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Public Security and Disaster, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Zhixin Feng
- School of Geography and Planning, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory for Urbanization and Geo-simulation, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Public Security and Disaster, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Zehan Pan
- School of Social Development and Public Policy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ye Liu
- School of Geography and Planning, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory for Urbanization and Geo-simulation, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Public Security and Disaster, Guangzhou, China.
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Xiao-dong Z, Shao-zhao Z, Xun H, Xin-xue L, Li-zhen L. Association of Residential Proximity to the Coast With Incident Myocardial Infarction: A Prospective Cohort Study. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:752964. [PMID: 35252375 PMCID: PMC8891518 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.752964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Little is known about how the residential distance to the coast is associated with incident myocardial infarction (MI) and which mechanisms may explain the association. We aim to explore this association using data from a prospective, population-based cohort with unprecedented sample size, and broad geographical coverage. Methods In this study, 377,340 participants from the UK Biobank were included. Results It was shown that 4,059 MI occurred during a median 8.0 years follow-up. Using group (<1 km) as reference, group (20–50 km) was associated with a lower risk of MI (hazard ratio, HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.64–0.98) and a U-shaped relation between distance to the coast and MI was shown with the low-risk interval between 32 and 64 km (pnon−linear = 0.0012). Using participants of the intermediate region (32–64 km) as a reference, participants of the offshore region (<32 km) and inland region (>64 km) were both associated with a higher risk of incident MI (HR 1.12, 95% CI 1.04–1.21 and HR 1.09, 95% CI 1.01–1.18, respectively). HR for offshore region (<32 km) was larger in subgroup with low total physical activity (<24 h/week) (HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.09–1.42, pinteraction = 0.043). HR for inland region (>64 km) was larger in subgroup in urban area (HR 1.12, 95% CI 1.03–1.22, pinteraction = 0.065) and in subgroup of high nitrogen dioxide (NO2) air pollution (HR 1.29, 95% CI 1.11–1.50, pinteraction = 0.021). Conclusion We found a U-shaped association between residential distance to the coast and incident MI, and the association was modified by physical activity, population density, and air pollution.
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Schaeffer B, Salls W, Coffer M, Lebreton C, Werther M, Stelzer K, Urquhart E, Gurlin D. Merging of the Case 2 Regional Coast Colour and Maximum-Peak Height chlorophyll-a algorithms: validation and demonstration of satellite-derived retrievals across US lakes. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2022; 194:179. [PMID: 35157155 PMCID: PMC8843926 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-021-09684-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Water quality monitoring is relevant for protecting the designated, or beneficial uses, of water such as drinking, aquatic life, recreation, irrigation, and food supply that support the economy, human well-being, and aquatic ecosystem health. Managing finite water resources to support these designated uses requires information on water quality so that managers can make sustainable decisions. Chlorophyll-a (chl-a, µg L-1) concentration can serve as a proxy for phytoplankton biomass and may be used as an indicator of increased anthropogenic nutrient stress. Satellite remote sensing may present a complement to in situ measures for assessments of water quality through the retrieval of chl-a with in-water algorithms. Validation of chl-a algorithms across US lakes improves algorithm maturity relevant for monitoring applications. This study compares performance of the Case 2 Regional Coast Colour (C2RCC) chl-a retrieval algorithm, a revised version of the Maximum-Peak Height (MPH(P)) algorithm, and three scenarios merging these two approaches. Satellite data were retrieved from the MEdium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) and the Ocean and Land Colour Instrument (OLCI), while field observations were obtained from 181 lakes matched with U.S. Water Quality Portal chl-a data. The best performance based on mean absolute multiplicative error (MAEmult) was demonstrated by the merged algorithm referred to as C15-M10 (MAEmult = 1.8, biasmult = 0.97, n = 836). In the C15-M10 algorithm, the MPH(P) chl-a value was retained if it was > 10 µg L-1; if the MPH(P) value was ≤ 10 µg L-1, the C2RCC value was selected, as long as that value was < 15 µg L-1. Time-series and lake-wide gradients compared against independent assessments from Lake Champlain and long-term ecological research stations in Wisconsin were used as complementary examples supporting water quality reporting requirements. Trophic state assessments for Wisconsin lakes provided examples in support of inland water quality monitoring applications. This study presents and assesses merged adaptations of chl-a algorithms previously reported independently. Additionally, it contributes to the transition of chl-a algorithm maturity by quantifying error statistics for a number of locations and times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake Schaeffer
- Office of Research and Development, US EPA, Durham, NC, 27709, USA.
| | - Wilson Salls
- Office of Research and Development, US EPA, Durham, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Megan Coffer
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, US EPA, Durham, NC, 27709, USA
| | | | - Mortimer Werther
- Brockmann Consult, Hamburg, Germany
- Earth and Planetary Observation Sciences, Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | | | - Erin Urquhart
- Science Systems and Applications, Inc, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, 20771, USA
| | - Daniela Gurlin
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Madison, WI, 53707, USA
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Zaldo-Aubanell Q, Serra I, Bach A, Knobel P, I López FC, Belmonte J, Daunis-I-Estadella P, Maneja R. Environmental heterogeneity in human health studies. A compositional methodology for Land Use and Land cover data. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:150308. [PMID: 34844306 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150308] [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: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The use of Land use and Land cover (LULC) data is gradually becoming more widely spread in studies relating the environment to human health. However, little research has acknowledged the compositional nature of these data. The goal of the present study is to explore, for the first time, the independent effect of eight LULC categories (agricultural land, bare land, coniferous forest, broad-leaved forest, sclerophyll forest, grassland and shrubs, urban areas, and waterbodies) on three selected common health conditions: type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), asthma and anxiety, using a compositional methodological approach and leveraging observational health data of Catalonia (Spain) at area level. We fixed the risk exposure scenario using three covariates (socioeconomic status, age group, and sex). Then, we assessed the independent effect of the eight LULC categories on each health condition. Our results show that each LULC category has a distinctive effect on the three health conditions and that the three covariates clearly modify this effect. This compositional approach has yielded plausible results supported by the existing literature, highlighting the relevance of environmental heterogeneity in health studies. In this sense, we argue that different types of environment possess exclusive biotic and abiotic elements affecting distinctively on human health. We believe our contribution might help researchers approach the environment in a more multidimensional manner integrating environmental heterogeneity in the analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quim Zaldo-Aubanell
- Institute of Environmental Science and Technology (ICTA), Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), Z building, ICTA-ICP, Carrer de les columnes, UAB Campus, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain; Environment and Human Health Laboratory (EH(2) Lab), Forest Science and Technology Center of Catalonia, Ctra. de St. Llorenç de Morunys, km 2, 25280 Solsona, Spain.
| | - Isabel Serra
- Centre de Recerca Matemàtica, Edifici C, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain; Barcelona Supercomputing Center, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Bach
- Environment and Human Health Laboratory (EH(2) Lab), Forest Science and Technology Center of Catalonia, Ctra. de St. Llorenç de Morunys, km 2, 25280 Solsona, Spain; Forest Science and Technology Center of Catalonia, Ctra. de St. Llorenç de Morunys, km 2, 25280 Solsona, Spain
| | - Pablo Knobel
- Environment and Human Health Laboratory (EH(2) Lab), Forest Science and Technology Center of Catalonia, Ctra. de St. Llorenç de Morunys, km 2, 25280 Solsona, Spain
| | - Ferran Campillo I López
- Environment and Human Health Laboratory (EH(2) Lab), Forest Science and Technology Center of Catalonia, Ctra. de St. Llorenç de Morunys, km 2, 25280 Solsona, Spain; Paediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit, Paediatric Team of the Garrotxa Region, Olot and Garrotxa Region Hospital Foundation, Avinguda Països Catalans 86, 17800 Olot, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Jordina Belmonte
- Institute of Environmental Science and Technology (ICTA), Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), Z building, ICTA-ICP, Carrer de les columnes, UAB Campus, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Animal Biology, Plant Biology and Ecology, Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), C building, UAB Campus 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pepus Daunis-I-Estadella
- Department of Computer Science, Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Universitat de Girona, Carrer Universitat de Girona, 6, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Roser Maneja
- Environment and Human Health Laboratory (EH(2) Lab), Forest Science and Technology Center of Catalonia, Ctra. de St. Llorenç de Morunys, km 2, 25280 Solsona, Spain; Forest Science and Technology Center of Catalonia, Ctra. de St. Llorenç de Morunys, km 2, 25280 Solsona, Spain; Geography Department, Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), B building, UAB Campus 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
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Tieges Z, Georgiou M, Smith N, Morison G, Chastin S. Investigating the association between regeneration of urban blue spaces and risk of incident chronic health conditions stratified by neighbourhood deprivation: A population-based retrospective study, 2000-2018. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2022; 240:113923. [PMID: 35045385 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2022.113923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Chronic non-communicable diseases are leading causes of poor health and mortality worldwide, disproportionately affecting people in highly deprived areas. We undertook a population-based, retrospective study of 137,032 residents in Glasgow, Scotland, to investigate the association between proximity to urban blue spaces and incident chronic health conditions during a canal regeneration programme. Hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for age and sex, with the incidence of a given health condition as the dependent variable. The analyses were stratified by socioeconomic deprivation tertiles. We found that, in areas in the highest deprivation tertile, proximity to blue space was associated with a lower risk of incident cardiovascular disease (HR 0.85, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.76-0.95), hypertension (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.79-0.92), diabetes (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.83-0.94), stroke (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.77-0.94) and obesity (HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.86-0.94), but not chronic pulmonary disease, after adjusting for age and sex covariates. In middle and low deprivation tertiles, living closer to the canal was associated with a higher risk of incident chronic pulmonary disease (middle: HR 1.56, 95% CI 1.24-1.97, low: HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.05-1.73). Moreover, in the middle deprivation tertile, a higher risk of stroke (HR 1.36, 95% CI 1.02-1.81) and obesity (HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.01-1.29) was observed. We conclude that exposure to blue infrastructure could be leveraged to mitigate some of the health inequalities in cities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoë Tieges
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, 70 Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow, G4 0BA, Scotland, UK; SMART Technology Centre, School of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment, Glasgow Caledonian University, 70 Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow, G4 0BA, Scotland, UK; Geriatric Medicine, Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SA, Scotland, UK.
| | - Michail Georgiou
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, 70 Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow, G4 0BA, Scotland, UK.
| | - Niamh Smith
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, 70 Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow, G4 0BA, Scotland, UK.
| | - Gordon Morison
- SMART Technology Centre, School of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment, Glasgow Caledonian University, 70 Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow, G4 0BA, Scotland, UK; School of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment, Glasgow Caledonian University, 70 Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow, G4 0BA, Scotland, UK.
| | - Sebastien Chastin
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, 70 Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow, G4 0BA, Scotland, UK; Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Ghent University, Watersportlaan 2, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
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Asri AK, Tsai HJ, Pan WC, Guo YL, Yu CP, Wu CS, Su HJ, Lung SCC, Wu CD, Spengler JD. Exploring the Potential Relationship Between Global Greenness and DALY Loss Due to Depressive Disorders. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:919892. [PMID: 35836657 PMCID: PMC9273782 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.919892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Prior studies have shown that greenness can reduce the burden of depressive disorders. However, most were focused on local-scale analyses while limited evaluated globally. We aimed to investigate the association between greenness and the burden of depressive disorders using data from 183 countries worldwide. METHODS We used the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) to estimate greenness. Country-level disability-adjusted life year (DALY) loss due to depressive disorders was used to represent depressive disorder burdens. A generalized linear mixed model was applied to assess the relationship between greenness and depressive disorders after controlling for covariates. Stratified analyses were conducted to determine the effects of greenness across several socio-demographic levels. RESULTS The findings showed a significant negative association between greenness and the health burden of depressive disorders with a coefficient of -0.196 (95% CI: -0.356, -0.035) in the DALY changes per interquartile unit increment of NDVI. The stratified analyses suggested beneficial effects of greenness on depressive disorders across sex, various age groups especially for those aged <49 years, with low-income and/or those living in highly urbanized countries. CONCLUSIONS Our study noted that greenness exposure was significant negative association with the burden of depressive disorders. The findings should be viewed as recommendations for relevant authorities in supporting environmental greenness enhancement to reduce the mental burdens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hui-Ju Tsai
- Institute of Population Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chi Pan
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yue Leon Guo
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, National Taiwan University (NTU) and NTU Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Pin Yu
- School of Forestry and Resource Conservation, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Shin Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Huey-Jen Su
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Chun Candice Lung
- Research Center for Environmental Changes, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Atmospheric Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, National Taiwan 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
| | - John D Spengler
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
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Van Acker E, De Rijcke M, Liu Z, Asselman J, De Schamphelaere KAC, Vanhaecke L, Janssen CR. Sea Spray Aerosols Contain the Major Component of Human Lung Surfactant. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:15989-16000. [PMID: 34793130 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c04075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Marine phytoplankton influence the composition of sea spray aerosols (SSAs) by releasing various compounds. The biogenic surfactant dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) is known to accumulate in the sea surface microlayer, but its aerosolization has never been confirmed. We conducted a 1 year SSA sampling campaign at the Belgian coast and analyzed the SSA composition. We quantified DPPC at a median and maximum air concentration of 7.1 and 33 pg m-3, respectively. This discovery may be of great importance for the field linking ocean processes to human health as DPPC is the major component of human lung surfactant and is used as excipient in medical aerosol therapy. The natural airborne exposure to DPPC seems too low to induce direct human health effects but may facilitate the effects of other marine bioactive compounds. By analyzing various environmental variables in relation to the DPPC air concentration, using a generalized linear model, we established that wave height is a key environmental predictor and that it has an inverse relationship. We also demonstrated that DPPC content in SSAs is positively correlated with enriched aerosolization of Mg2+ and Ca2+. In conclusion, our findings are not only important from a human health perspective but they also advance our understanding of the production and composition of SSAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Van Acker
- Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology, Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Ghent University, Campus Coupure, Coupure Links 653, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Maarten De Rijcke
- Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ), InnovOcean site, Wandelaarkaai 7, Ostend 8400, Belgium
| | - Zixia Liu
- Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology, Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Ghent University, Campus Coupure, Coupure Links 653, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Jana Asselman
- Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology, Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Ghent University, Campus Coupure, Coupure Links 653, Ghent 9000, Belgium
- Blue Growth Research Lab, Ghent University, Campus Oostende, Wetenschapspark 1, Ostend 8400, Belgium
| | - Karel A C De Schamphelaere
- Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology, Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Ghent University, Campus Coupure, Coupure Links 653, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Lynn Vanhaecke
- Laboratory of Chemical Analysis, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Campus Merelbeke, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
- Queen's University Belfast, School of Biological Sciences, Lisburn Road 97, Belfast BT7 1NN, United Kingdom
| | - Colin R Janssen
- Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology, Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Ghent University, Campus Coupure, Coupure Links 653, Ghent 9000, Belgium
- Blue Growth Research Lab, Ghent University, Campus Oostende, Wetenschapspark 1, Ostend 8400, Belgium
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Zhang X, Zhang Y, Zhai J, Wu Y, Mao A. Waterscapes for Promoting Mental Health in the General Population. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:11792. [PMID: 34831547 PMCID: PMC8618438 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182211792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The WHO estimates that, with the development of urbanization, 25% of the population is suffering from psychological and mental distress. Preliminary evidence has suggested that aquatic environments and riparian areas, i.e., waterscapes, can benefit psychological and mental wellbeing. The aim of this study was to identify the processes of waterscape psychological and mental health promotion through aliterature review. We propose a design framework of waterscapes for achieving psychological and mental health in the general population that often visits waterscapes, which has the function of therapeutic landscapes through values of accessibility, versatility, habitats, and biodiversity. According to theories, waterscapes can improve psychological and mental health to divert negative emotions through mitigation (e.g., reduced urban heat island), instoration (e.g., physical activity and state of nature connectedness), and restoration (e.g., reduced anxiety/attentional fatigue). By accessing water (e.g., streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands, and the coast) and riparian areas, people can get in close contact with nature and spend more time in activities (e.g., walking, exploring, talking, and relaxing). Waterscapes with healing effects can enhance psychological resilience to promote people's psychological and mental health. Future research should focus on ensuring an adequate supply of waterscapes and promoting the efficiency of waterscape ecosystem services on mental health. Moreover, fora deep understanding of the complexity of nature-human health associations, it is necessary to explore more consistent evidence for therapeutic waterscapes considering the characteristics and functional mechanisms of waterscape quality, in terms of freshness, luminescence, rippling or fluidity, and cultural value, to benefit public health and biodiversity conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xindi Zhang
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Gold Mantis School of Architecture, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; (X.Z.); (J.Z.); (A.M.)
| | - Yixin Zhang
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Gold Mantis School of Architecture, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; (X.Z.); (J.Z.); (A.M.)
- China-Portugal Belt and Road Cooperation Laboratory of Cultural Heritage Conservation Science, Research Center of Landscape Protection and Ecological Restoration, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China;
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Architecture and Urban Environment of Soochow University-Suzhou Yuanke, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Jun Zhai
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Gold Mantis School of Architecture, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; (X.Z.); (J.Z.); (A.M.)
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Architecture and Urban Environment of Soochow University-Suzhou Yuanke, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yongfa Wu
- China-Portugal Belt and Road Cooperation Laboratory of Cultural Heritage Conservation Science, Research Center of Landscape Protection and Ecological Restoration, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China;
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Architecture and Urban Environment of Soochow University-Suzhou Yuanke, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Anyuan Mao
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Gold Mantis School of Architecture, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; (X.Z.); (J.Z.); (A.M.)
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Architecture and Urban Environment of Soochow University-Suzhou Yuanke, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
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Trends in absolute and relative educational inequalities in health during times of labour market restructuring in coastal areas: The HUNT Study, Norway. Soc Sci Med 2021; 292:114541. [PMID: 34799180 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Restructuring labour markets offers natural population-level experiments of great social epidemiological interest. Many coastal areas have endured substantial restructuring of their local labour markets following declines in small-scale fishing and transitions to new employment opportunities. It is unknown how educational inequalities in health have developed in formerly fishery-dependent communities during such restructuring. In this study, we compare trends in social inequalities in health in Norwegian coastal areas with adjacent geographical areas between 1984 and 2019. METHODS We used cross-sectional population-based data from the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT), collected four times: HUNT1 (1984-86), HUNT2 (1995-97), HUNT3 (2006-08) and HUNT4 (2017-19). Adults above 30 years of age were included. Using Poisson regression, we calculated absolute and relative educational inequalities in self-rated health, using slope (SII) and relative (RII) indices of inequality. RESULTS Trends in absolute and relative inequalities in rural coastal health were generally more favourable than in adjacent geographical areas. We found a statistically significant trend of declining relative educational inequalities in self-rated health in the rural coastal population from HUNT1 to HUNT4. Absolute inequalities overall increased from HUNT1 to HUNT4, although a declining trend followed HUNT2. Nonetheless, the rural coastal population exhibited the highest prevalence of poor self-rated health across the four decades. CONCLUSIONS Although absolute educational inequalities in self-rated health widened in all geographical areas, the smallest increase was in rural coastal areas. Relative educational inequalities narrowed in this rural coastal population. Considering the concurrent processes of large-scale investments in the Norwegian public sector and welfare schemes, increased fishing fleet safety, and employment opportunities in aquaculture, our findings do not suggest that potential positive effects on public health of this restructuring have benefitted inhabitants with higher educational attainment more than inhabitants with lower educational attainment in this rural coastal population.
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Hong A, Martinez L, Patino JE, Duque JC, Rahimi K. Neighbourhood green space and health disparities in the global South: Evidence from Cali, Colombia. Health Place 2021; 72:102690. [PMID: 34700062 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2021.102690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Increasing attention has been given to the role of green space in reducing health disparities. However, robust evidence to support decision making is lacking in the global South. We investigate the relationship between green space and health as well as its underlying mechanism in Cali, Colombia. Results indicate that neighbourhood greenness is associated with enhanced self-rated 'good' health and reduced physical and mental distress. The health benefits of green space appear to be stronger for people living in wealthier neighbourhoods than those in poor neighbourhoods. Results highlight the importance of considering health disparities for future green infrastructure planning in the global South context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy Hong
- Department of City & Metropolitan Planning, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; PEAK Urban Research Programme, Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; The George Institute for Global Health, Newtown, NSW, Australia.
| | - Lina Martinez
- POLIS Observatory of Public Policy, School of Business and Economic Studies, Universidad Icesi, Cali, Colombia.
| | - Jorge E Patino
- Research in Spatial Economics (RiSE) Group, Department of Mathematical Sciences, EAFIT University, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Juan C Duque
- Research in Spatial Economics (RiSE) Group, Department of Mathematical Sciences, EAFIT University, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Kazem Rahimi
- PEAK Urban Research Programme, Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
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Influence of the Belgian Coast on Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Psychol Belg 2021; 61:284-295. [PMID: 34621529 PMCID: PMC8462480 DOI: 10.5334/pb.1050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that blue spaces, particularly coastal environments, are beneficial for well-being. During the first-wave lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic in Belgium, access to the coast was restricted due to restraint in circulation. Making use of this unique opportunity, this study investigated whether access and visits to the coast were positively associated with well-being by using a quasi-experimental design. The emotions of awe and nostalgia were studied as potential mediators between coastal visits and well-being. A total of 687 Flemish adults took part in an online survey that was launched end of April until beginning of June 2020. After controlling for covariates, results showed that access to the coast, but not visit frequency, was positively associated with well-being. More specifically, coastal residents reported less boredom and worry, and more happiness than inland residents. Awe and nostalgia were not significantly associated with coastal visits, but awe was negatively correlated with boredom. The study suggests a potential buffer effect of residential proximity to the coast against negative psychological consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting the notion that the coast has a positive impact on well-being.
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Srivastava A, Kumar V. Hotel attributes and overall customer satisfaction: What did COVID-19 change? TOURISM MANAGEMENT PERSPECTIVES 2021; 40:100867. [PMID: 36568884 PMCID: PMC9764385 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmp.2021.100867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The effect of hotel attributes on customer satisfaction has been well studied in hospitality literature. However, the importance of hotel attributes for customer satisfaction may change due to the prevailing global pandemic given (1) the negative health consequences of the disease, (2) the guidelines and advisories issued by health agencies, and (3) wide media coverage of the pandemic. These factors can affect the importance that customers attach to different attributes. To date, there have been no studies analyzing these changes, and this study fills the gap by conducting a structural topic modeling-based analysis of hotel reviews before and during the pandemic. The results contribute to the literature by identifying new attributes and providing concrete evidence that attribute prevalence has changed in response to the pandemic. The results also lead to practical recommendations for increasing customer satisfaction in the hospitality industry during the prevailing disaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpita Srivastava
- XLRI - Xavier School of Management, 9, Second Floor, Library Building, Circuit House Area East, Jamshedpur 831001, Jharkhand, India
| | - Vivek Kumar
- Indian Institute of Management Kashipur, C2/4, IIM, Kashipur 244713, Uttarakhand, India
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