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Han S, Ye Y, Song Y, Yan S, Shi F, Zhang Y, Liu X, Du H, Song D. A Systematic Review of Objective Factors Influencing Behavior in Public Open Spaces. Front Public Health 2022; 10:898136. [PMID: 35602148 PMCID: PMC9120827 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.898136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
As a significant part of outdoor built-environment, public open spaces are closely associated with people's daily lives. Studies of outdoor behavior in these spaces can shed light on users' environmental perceptions and contribute to the promotion of physiological and psychological health. Many recent studies are case studies focused where observations, surveys and interviews have been conducted to understand the factors influencing people's behavior on one or few sites or city environments. There have been few reviews related to this topic, and none have been based on the systematic understanding of influencing factors. This paper presents a systematic review of interactions between behavior and the built environment in public open spaces, and highlights the impacts of diverse and objective influencing factors. Followed the rules of PRISMA method (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses), 109 papers published in 2000-2021 were selected and reviewed. The distribution of the studied interactions is analyzed, and the impacts of four distinct factors: personal background, location and context, environmental component, and climate stimuli, are extracted, categorized, and specified. Moreover, outdoor health benefits are discussed based on which, crucial factors that require emphasis after the outbreak of COVID-19 are identified. Throughout this paper, behavioral influencing processes, including objective influencing factors, subjective feedback, and the relationships involved, are considered to provide a comprehensive picture. With the robust classification of existing factors, architects, urban designers, policy makers and fellow researches could be easier to get a more comprehensive trend from the past. This paper also provides guidance for future research, especially given that COVID-19 has created huge changes to outdoor needs and customary behavior. Systematic Review Registration: http://www.prisma-statement.org/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyan Han
- Department of Architecture, College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Ecology and Energy Saving Study of Dense Habitat (Tongji University), Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Ye
- Department of Architecture, College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Ecology and Energy Saving Study of Dense Habitat (Tongji University), Shanghai, China
| | - Yifan Song
- Department of Architecture, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shurui Yan
- Department of Architecture, School of Architecture, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Shi
- Department of Architecture, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yuhao Zhang
- Department of Architecture, School of Architecture, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaodong Liu
- Department of Architecture, College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hu Du
- Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
- School of Civil Engineering and Built Environment, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Dexuan Song
- Department of Architecture, College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Ecology and Energy Saving Study of Dense Habitat (Tongji University), Shanghai, China
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Elshahat S, Newbold KB. Physical activity participation among Arab immigrants and refugees in Western societies: A scoping review. Prev Med Rep 2021; 22:101365. [PMID: 33868904 PMCID: PMC8042447 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2021.101365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Insufficient physical activity (PA) is the fourth prime risk factor for numerous non-communicable diseases. Arab immigrants and refugees (AIR) are at elevated risk for low or no participation in PA due to socio-cultural and ecological factors. This scoping review examined PA prevalence, knowledge, attitudes as well as barriers vs. facilitators to PA engagement across life domains among AIR in Western countries. A systematic search strategy was implemented across five automated databases (PubMed, Embase, Medline, Sociology Database and Transportation Research Board) to locate pertinent English language papers. Seventy-five articles were included in this study, and stakeholder consultation was conducted to validate the findings. The US and Europe are substantially ahead of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand in AIR-PA research. Despite showing positive attitudes and sound knowledge of PA recommendations, AIR exhibited a low PA engagement prevalence, revealing a knowledge-compliance gap. The prevalence of sufficient PA was lowest in the US (11-22%), whereas Europe showed the highest figures (26-45%). Personal barriers to PA participation involved mainstream language illiteracy and limited exercise skills, whereas improved PA literacy was a significant facilitator. Family responsibility and cultural restrictions were common psychosocial/cultural barriers, whereas social support and culturally-sensitive resources were powerful facilitators. Poorly maintained pedestrian/cyclist infrastructure was a leading environmental barrier amongst AIR in North America, but not Europe. Longitudinal and community-engaged AIR-PA research is needed, and intersectoral collaboration is required to inform tailored interventions and inclusive policies, fostering AIR and other vulnerable populations' exercise participation and improving their health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Elshahat
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Social Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton L8S 4L9, Ontario, Canada
- Corresponding author.
| | - K. Bruce Newbold
- School of Earth, Environment & Society, McMaster University, Hamilton L8S 4K1, Ontario, Canada
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Why Being Physically Active or Inactive Affects Older Women's Physical Role? BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:6687381. [PMID: 33681375 PMCID: PMC7929666 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6687381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Active aging is aimed at promoting quality of life in older adults. Nevertheless, the relationship between physical role and the practice of physical activity (PA) can be influenced by bodily pain feeling and by a low level of health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Passive and active strategies are susceptible to being modified and constitute an important psychological predictor of adaptation to pain. This cross-sectional study (1) analyzed the differences between inactive/active older adult women in terms of clinical and sociodemographic characteristics, pain coping strategies, and HRQoL; (2) studied the associations between pain coping strategies, the dimensions of the HRQoL questionnaire, and physical role; and (3) determined if passive strategies, bodily pain, physical function, and general health were significant mediators in the link between being inactive/active and physical role. Methods Participants of the present cross-sectional study completed measures of clinical and sociodemographic characteristics, HRQoL using the Short-Form Health Survey-36, and active and passive strategies using the Vanderbilt Pain Management Inventory (VPMI). Results A total of 157 inactive (69.9 ± 7.1 years) and 183 active (68.8 ± 5.3 years) women from rural areas were included in the study. Both groups significantly differed in the majority of the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics measured, pain coping strategies, and HRQoL. Bodily pain, physical function, and general health predicted physical role. Moreover, passive strategies, bodily pain, physical function, and general health mediated the link between inactive/active participants and physical role. Conclusions Being physically active or inactive contributes to a better understanding of the link between PA, pain coping strategies, and physical role in older women.
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Association of Perceived Environment and Physical Activity in Older Adults After the Great East Japan Earthquake. J Aging Phys Act 2021; 29:632-641. [PMID: 33418534 DOI: 10.1123/japa.2020-0265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the association between perceived environment and physical activity among older adults in Fukushima Prefecture after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and the impact of evacuation. Questionnaires were distributed to individuals aged 65 years and older from October to November 2018. Perceived environment was assessed using a five-item questionnaire on home fitness equipment, access to facilities, neighborhood safety, enjoyable scenery, and frequency of observing others exercising. Physical activity, assessed via the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Elderly Japanese, was segregated into levels based on the median score. Data from 249 participants (74.2 ± 6.9 years) were analyzed. A logistic regression analysis found that the unenjoyable Scenery × Residing in restoration public housing interaction (odds ratio = 3.87, 95% confidence interval = [1.20, 12.46]) was significant. The association between enjoyable scenery and physical activity varied according to whether the participants had experienced evacuation or not.
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Wong MCS, Huang J, Wang J, Chan PSF, Lok V, Chen X, Leung C, Wang HHX, Lao XQ, Zheng ZJ. Global, regional and time-trend prevalence of central obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 13.2 million subjects. Eur J Epidemiol 2020; 35:673-683. [PMID: 32448986 PMCID: PMC7387368 DOI: 10.1007/s10654-020-00650-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to examine the global prevalences of central obesity according to age, sex, race, place of residence, geographical region, national income level, and the definitions of central obesity. MEDLINE and Embase were searched. Studies with sample size of ≥ 500 and investigated individuals aged ≥ 15 years were included. Metaprop (a Stata command) was adopted to conduct a meta-analysis of prevalence, and the Freeman-Tukey Double Arcsine Transformation was used to stabilize the variances. A random-effects model was used to evaluate the prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of central obesity. There were 288 studies involving 13,233,675 individuals in this analysis. The overall prevalence of central obesity was 41.5% (95% CI 39.9–43.2%). A higher prevalence was found in older individuals, female subjects, urban residents, Caucasians, and populations of higher income level countries. Regarding regional variations, the highest prevalence was found in Sothern America (55.1%, 95% CI 45.8–64.3%) and Central American (52.9%, 95% CI 32.7–72.7%). Its prevalence was rapidly rising from 1985 to 2014. From 1985–1999 to 2010–2014, younger subjects aged 15–40 years showed a more drastic rise in prevalence (16.3 to 33.9%) than subjects aged > 40 years (43.6 to 57.9%). Male individuals have a more drastic rise (25.3 to 41.6%) than females (38.6 to 49.7%). Major increasing in prevalence of the condition in the past three decades, particularly in certain subgroups. These findings could act as a useful reference to inform public health strategies to minimize the impact of central obesity on population health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin C. S. Wong
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, 4/F, School of Public Health, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Junjie Huang
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, 4/F, School of Public Health, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Jingxuan Wang
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, 4/F, School of Public Health, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Paul S. F. Chan
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, 4/F, School of Public Health, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Veeleah Lok
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, 4/F, School of Public Health, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Xiao Chen
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, 4/F, School of Public Health, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Colette Leung
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, 4/F, School of Public Health, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Harry H. X. Wang
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiang Qian Lao
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, 4/F, School of Public Health, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Zhi-Jie Zheng
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, 38, Xue Yuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, China
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Objective Church Environment Audits and Attendee Perceptions of Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Supports within the Church Setting. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17103598. [PMID: 32443819 PMCID: PMC7277806 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17103598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Interventions in faith-based settings are increasingly popular, due to their effectiveness for improving attendee health outcomes and behaviors. Little past research has examined the important role of the church environment in individual-level outcomes using objective environmental audits. This study examined associations between the objectively measured physical church environment and attendees' perceptions of physical activity (PA) and healthy eating (HE) supports within the church environment, self-efficacy for PA and HE, and self-reported PA and HE behaviors. Data were collected via church audits and church attendee surveys in 54 churches in a rural, medically underserved county in South Carolina. Multi-level regression was used to analyze associations between the church environment and outcomes. Physical elements of churches were positively related to attendees' perceptions of church environment supports for PA (B = 0.03, 95% CI = 0.01, 0.05) and HE (B = 0.05, 95% CI = 0.01, 0.09) and there was a significant interaction between perceptions of HE supports and HE church environment. Self-efficacy and behaviors for PA and HE did not show an association with the church environment. Future research should establish a temporal relationship between the church environment and these important constructs for improving health. Future faith-based interventions should apply infrastructure changes to the church environment to influence important mediating constructs to health behavior.
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Elshahat S, O’Rorke M, Adlakha D. Built environment correlates of physical activity in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0230454. [PMID: 32182278 PMCID: PMC7077823 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0230454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Insufficient physical activity (PA) is the fourth major risk factor for many non-communicable diseases and premature mortality worldwide. Features of the built environment (BE) play a considerable role in determining population PA behaviors. The majority of evidence for PA-BE relationships comes from high-income countries and may not be generalizable to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We aim to systematically review the literature and assess the associations between perceived and/or objective BE characteristics and PA domains in LMICs. This review adopted a systematic search strategy for English language articles published between January 2000 and June 2019 from four electronic databases-Medline, Embase, Web of Science and PubMed-adhering to the PRISMA guidelines. Studies addressing the associations between self-reported and/or objective BE and PA were only included if they were conducted in LMICs, according to the World Bank classification list. Articles investigating PA-BE relationships across any age groups were included, and all study designs were eligible, except for qualitative studies and reviews. Thirty-three studies were included for evidence synthesis. Cross-sectional studies were the most prevailing study design (97%), revealing a notable gap in longitudinal PA-BE research in LMICs. A majority of the BE factors were not associated with different PA domains while others (e.g., density, proximity to services, aesthetics) exhibited an inconsistent association. Land-use mix diversity was positively associated with transport PA and the presence of recreation facilities resulted in an increase in PA during leisure-time. Increased safety from crime at night consistently increased total PA and walking levels. Research exploring the associations between BE attributes and PA behaviors in LMICs appears to be limited and is primarily cross-sectional. Longitudinal research studies with objective measures are needed for inferring well-grounded PA-BE causal relationships and informing the design of evidence-based environmental interventions for increasing PA levels in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Elshahat
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Michael O’Rorke
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Deepti Adlakha
- School of Natural and Built Environment, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
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Mengesha MM, Roba HS, Ayele BH, Beyene AS. Level of physical activity among urban adults and the socio-demographic correlates: a population-based cross-sectional study using the global physical activity questionnaire. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:1160. [PMID: 31438909 PMCID: PMC6704679 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7465-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, in 2016, 23.3% of adult populations were physically inactive, and it accounts for 9% of the global premature mortality. However, evidence on the level of physical activity was limited in resource-poor settings. This study, therefore, assessed the adult's level of physical activity and its correlates among the urban population in Dire Dawa, eastern Ethiopia. METHODS A total of 872 randomly selected adults of age 25-64 years in Dire Dawa city, eastern Ethiopia, are included in this analysis. The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) is used to measure physical activity. Individuals are considered physically active when they achieved metabolic equivalent tasks (MET) minutes of 600 or more per week, and otherwise inactive. A binary logistic regression is used to identify the correlates of physical activity. RESULTS 54.9% (95% confidence interval (CI) 51.6 to 58.2) of adults were physically active, with a higher proportion of men being physically active than women, 63.9% (95% CI 58.1 to 69.3) versus 50.6% (95% CI 46.5 to 54.6). Among the adults who reported doing physical activity, the highest domain-specific contribution to the total physical activity was from activities at workplaces, and leisure-time activities contributed the least. The proportion of adults who engaged in a high-level physical activity was 37.0% (95% CI 33.9 to 40.3). Male adults were 1.45 times (aOR (adjusted odds ratio) =1.45; 95% CI 1.05 to 1.99) more likely to achieve the recommended level of physical activity. In contrary, unemployed adults (aOR = 0.51; 95% CI 0.35 to 0.75) were less likely to perform the recommended level of physical activity to accrue health benefits. CONCLUSION Interventions aimed at promoting physical activity should target unemployed and female adults. We recommend further study to explore the contextual factors that hinder physical activity in the study setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melkamu Merid Mengesha
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Public Health, Haramaya University, P.O. Box 235, Harar, Ethiopia.
| | - Hirbo Shore Roba
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Public Health, Haramaya University, P.O. Box 235, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Behailu Hawulte Ayele
- Department of Public Health and Health Policy, College of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Public Health, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Addisu Shunu Beyene
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia.,Research Centre for Generational Health and Ageing, School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
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Timmermans EJ, Veldhuizen EM, Mäki-Opas T, Snijder MB, Lakerveld J, Kunst AE. Associations of neighbourhood safety with leisure-time walking and cycling in population subgroups: The HELIUS study. Spat Spatiotemporal Epidemiol 2019; 31:100300. [PMID: 31677765 DOI: 10.1016/j.sste.2019.100300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
To create neighbourhood environments that encourage physical activity, it is important to know which neighbourhood characteristics are most influential. We examined the association of neighbourhood safety with leisure-time walking and cycling in the population at large, as well as in some subgroups in terms of sex, age, ethnicity and socio-economic position. We used data of 19,914 participants (18-70 years) from a study in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Leisure-time walking and cycling in minutes/week were assessed with standard questionnaire. Geographic Information System techniques were used to examine neighbourhood safety (range = 1-10). Multilevel linear regression analyses showed positive associations between safety and walking (B = 7.9, 95% CI = -6.2-21.9) and cycling (B = 14.8, 95% CI = 2.5-27.1), but only the association with cycling was statistically significant. Higher safety levels were significantly associated with more cycling in women and individuals of Turkish and Moroccan origin. Stronger evidence is needed to inform policies to stimulate walking and cycling by improving neighbourhood safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik J Timmermans
- Department of Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Amsterdam UMC, VU University medical center, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Eleonore M Veldhuizen
- Department of Geography, Planning & International Development Studies, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tomi Mäki-Opas
- Department of Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; University of Eastern Finland (UEF), Department of Social Sciences, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Marieke B Snijder
- Department of Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Lakerveld
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Amsterdam UMC, VU University medical center, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Global Geo Health Data Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Anton E Kunst
- Department of Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Panter J, Guell C, Humphreys D, Ogilvie D. Title: Can changing the physical environment promote walking and cycling? A systematic review of what works and how. Health Place 2019; 58:102161. [PMID: 31301599 PMCID: PMC6737987 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2019.102161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Environmental changes aimed at encouraging walking or cycling may promote activity and improve health, but evidence suggests small or inconsistent effects in practice. Understanding how an intervention works might help explain the effects observed and provide guidance about generalisability. We therefore aimed to review the literature on the effects of this type of intervention and to understand how and why these may or may not be effective. We searched eight electronic databases for existing systematic reviews and mined these for evaluative studies of physical environmental changes and assessed changes in walking, cycling or physical activity. We then searched for related sources including quantitative or qualitative studies, policy documents or reports. We extracted information on the evidence for effects ('estimation'), contexts and mechanisms ('explanation') and assessed credibility, and synthesised material narratively. We identified 13 evaluations of interventions specifically targeting walking and cycling and used 46 related sources. 70% (n = 9 evaluations) scored 3 or less on the credibility criteria for effectiveness. 6 reported significant positive effects, but higher quality evaluations were more likely to report positive effects. Only two studies provided rich evidence of mechanisms. We identified three common resources that interventions provide to promote walking and cycling: (i) improving accessibility and connectivity; (ii) improving traffic and personal safety; and (iii) improving the experience of walking and cycling. The most effective interventions appeared to target accessibility and safety in both supportive and unsupportive contexts. Although the evidence base was relatively limited, we were able to understand the role of context in the success of interventions. Researchers and policy makers should consider the context and mechanisms which might operate before evaluating and implementing interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna Panter
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Centre for Diet & Activity Research (CEDAR), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Cornelia Guell
- European Centre for Environment & Human Health, Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - David Humphreys
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Green Templeton College, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - David Ogilvie
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Centre for Diet & Activity Research (CEDAR), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Child ST, Kaczynski AT, Fair ML, Stowe EW, Hughey SM, Boeckermann L, Wills S, Reeder Y. 'We need a safe, walkable way to connect our sisters and brothers': a qualitative study of opportunities and challenges for neighborhood-based physical activity among residents of low-income African-American communities. ETHNICITY & HEALTH 2019; 24:353-364. [PMID: 28707547 DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2017.1351923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of the benefits of and influencing factors for neighborhood-based physical activity (PA), and elicit suggestions for increasing neighborhood-based PA among primarily Black residents living in lower income neighborhoods. DESIGN Eight focus groups were conducted in low-income, predominantly Black neighborhoods (n = 8) in Greenville, SC during Spring 2014. Using a semi-structured focus group guide with open-ended questions, residents were asked to describe benefits of PA, neighborhood factors associated with PA, and ways to increase PA within their neighborhoods. Trained research assistants transcribed audio recordings verbatim. Using grounded theory and an ecological perspective, emergent coding was employed to generate initial categories with open and axial coding used to achieve consensus on themes. RESULTS Primarily Black (95%), female (72%), and older (M = 61.5 years) residents (N = 76) participated in the study. Seven themes were identified across the three main focus group topics: physical and mental health benefits of neighborhood PA, safety/hazards and social factors as influencing neighborhood PA, and improving safety, structural opportunities, and programing support to improve neighborhood PA. Most participants reported walking within their communities, despite describing several community-level barriers (e.g. drugs, safety). Residents desired structured neighborhood-based opportunities for increasing PA, including walking tracks and walking groups, and reported social benefits to being active, including increased awareness within the community and trust. Participants conveyed that walking strengthened the social environment of their community as well as the health of residents. CONCLUSION Few studies of contextual factors and PA have focused on African-American, low-income neighborhoods. Despite diverse environmental constraints, residents reported walking within their communities as part of a healthy lifestyle. Social ecological interventions tailored to promote PA and reduce health disparities among residents of low-income communities should highlight neighborhood-based opportunities for PA, focusing on personal and collective social benefits of neighborhood walking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie T Child
- a Department of Sociology , University of California , Berkeley , CA , USA
| | - Andrew T Kaczynski
- b Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health , University of South Carolina , Columbia , SC , USA
- c Prevention Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health , University of South Carolina , Columbia , SC , USA
| | - Melissa L Fair
- b Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health , University of South Carolina , Columbia , SC , USA
- d LiveWell Greenville , Greenville , SC , USA
| | - Ellen W Stowe
- b Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health , University of South Carolina , Columbia , SC , USA
| | - S Morgan Hughey
- b Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health , University of South Carolina , Columbia , SC , USA
| | - Lauren Boeckermann
- b Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health , University of South Carolina , Columbia , SC , USA
| | - Sally Wills
- d LiveWell Greenville , Greenville , SC , USA
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Pettigrew S, Rai R, Jongenelis MI, Jackson B, Beck B, Newton RU. The Potential Importance of Housing Type for Older People's Physical Activity Levels. J Appl Gerontol 2019; 39:285-291. [PMID: 30938222 DOI: 10.1177/0733464819840978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Limited research has investigated the effect of housing type on older people's physical activity, and the small amount of work to date has relied on self-reported activity levels. The aim of this study was to assess whether housing type is associated with objectively measured physical activity among community-dwelling older people. In total, 430 Australians aged 60 years and older completed a survey and wore an accelerometer for a week. Controlling for a range of confounding variables (age, gender, physical health, neighborhood walkability, and the density of open spaces in the local area), participants living in separate houses were found to engage in higher levels of activity compared with those living in retirement villages. In addition, those living in separate houses and apartments were significantly more likely to meet the physical activity guideline of 150+ min/week compared with those living in retirement villages.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rajni Rai
- Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | | | - Ben Jackson
- The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Belinda Beck
- Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Robert U Newton
- Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
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O'Brien DT, Farrell C, Welsh BC. Broken (windows) theory: A meta-analysis of the evidence for the pathways from neighborhood disorder to resident health outcomes and behaviors. Soc Sci Med 2018; 228:272-292. [PMID: 30885673 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2018.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The criminological "broken windows" theory (BWT) has inspired public health researchers to test the impact of neighborhood disorder on an array of resident health behaviors and outcomes. This paper identifies and meta-analyzes the evidence for three mechanisms (pathways) by which neighborhood disorder is argued to impact health, accounting for methodological inconsistencies across studies. A search identified 198 studies (152 with sufficient data for meta-analysis) testing any of the three pathways or downstream, general health outcomes. The meta-analysis found that perceived disorder was consistently associated with mental health outcomes, as well as substance abuse, and measures of overall health. This supported the psychosocial model of disadvantage, in which stressful contexts impact mental health and related sequelae. There was no consistent evidence for disorder's impact on physical health or risky behavior. Further examination revealed that support for BWT-related hypotheses has been overstated owing to data censoring and the failure to consistently include critical covariates, like socioeconomic status and collective efficacy. Even where there is evidence that BWT impacts outcomes, it is driven by studies that measured disorder as the perceptions of the focal individual, potentially conflating pessimism about the neighborhood with mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel T O'Brien
- School of Public Policy & Urban Affairs, Northeastern University, Boston Area Research Initiative, Northeastern & Harvard Universities, USA.
| | - Chelsea Farrell
- School of Criminology & Criminal Justice, Northeastern University, USA
| | - Brandon C Welsh
- School of Criminology & Criminal Justice, Northeastern University, USA
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Mancus GC, Campbell J. Integrative Review of the Intersection of Green Space and Neighborhood Violence. J Nurs Scholarsh 2018; 50:117-125. [PMID: 29314746 DOI: 10.1111/jnu.12365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To systematically analyze evidence about the impact of green space on the perception and actual safety of residents of urban neighborhoods. DESIGN AND ORGANIZING CONSTRUCT Systematic review of green space and violence based on Broome review criteria. METHODS One landmark study prompted the initial hand search and identification of search terms. Twenty-three quantitative, five qualitative, and two mixed-methods studies were found in the urban planning, public health, medical, and psychological literature that met the following criteria: analyzed green space and violence as factors in the perception of safety as an outcome measure, including action taken by being outside for recreation, exercise, or self-report in the survey. FINDINGS Findings were inconsistent regarding the direct relationship between perception of safety and green space when using recreation and exercise as a proxy for perception of safety. Findings regarding perception of safety in surveys were limited but indicated a positive correlation with green space. There is sufficient evidence to conclude that the perception of safety is supported by quality, accessibility, and aesthetic dimensions of neighborhood green space, and the perception of safety is often unrelated to actual crime rates. CONCLUSIONS The science for understanding mechanisms between green space and violence as part of environmental health has been insufficiently developed and requires further study. Environmental health, including green space, is central to health promotion, and understanding is key to preventing the epidemic of violence. CLINICAL RELEVANCE This article provides a summary of research related to green space, violence in communities, perception of safety, and violent crime in those communities. It identifies gaps in our knowledge where future research is needed. Nurses have the opportunity to lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-based interventions and policies addressing the inequality of quality and quantity of green space in the built and natural environment and related co-benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gibran C Mancus
- Nu Beta, Doctoral Student, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA
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15
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Smith D, Wright CJ, Lakhani A, Zeeman H. Art processes: a research tool for acquired brain injury and residential design. Arts Health 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/17533015.2017.1354899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dianne Smith
- School of Built Environment, Curtin University, Bentley, Australia
| | - Courtney J. Wright
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Meadowbrook, Australia
| | - Ali Lakhani
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Meadowbrook, Australia
| | - Heidi Zeeman
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Meadowbrook, Australia
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Barnett DW, Barnett A, Nathan A, Van Cauwenberg J, Cerin E. Built environmental correlates of older adults' total physical activity and walking: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2017; 14:103. [PMID: 28784183 PMCID: PMC5547528 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-017-0558-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 359] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identifying attributes of the built environment associated with health-enhancing levels of physical activity (PA) in older adults (≥65 years old) has the potential to inform interventions supporting healthy and active ageing. The aim of this study was to first systematically review and quantify findings on built environmental correlates of older adults' PA, and second, investigate differences by type of PA and environmental attribute measurement. METHODS One hundred articles from peer-reviewed and grey literature examining built environmental attributes related to total PA met inclusion criteria and relevant information was extracted. Findings were meta-analysed and weighted by article quality and sample size and then stratified by PA and environmental measurement method. Associations (p < .05) were found in relation to 26 individual built environmental attributes across six categories (walkability, residential density/urbanisation, street connectivity, access to/availability of destinations and services, infrastructure and streetscape, and safety) and total PA and walking specifically. Reported individual- and environmental-level moderators were also examined. RESULTS Positive environmental correlates of PA, ranked by strength of evidence, were: walkability (p < .001), safety from crime (p < .001), overall access to destinations and services (p < .001), recreational facilities (p < .001), parks/public open space (p = .002) and shops/commercial destinations (p = .006), greenery and aesthetically pleasing scenery (p = .004), walk-friendly infrastructure (p = .009), and access to public transport (p = .016). There were 26 individual differences in the number of significant associations when the type of PA and environmental measurement method was considered. No consistent moderating effects on the association between built environmental attributes and PA were found. CONCLUSIONS Safe, walkable, and aesthetically pleasing neighbourhoods, with access to overall and specific destinations and services positively influenced older adults' PA participation. However, when considering the environmental attributes that were sufficiently studied (i.e., in ≥5 separate findings), the strength of evidence of associations of specific categories of environment attributes with PA differed across PA and environmental measurement types. Future research should be mindful of these differences in findings and identify the underlying mechanisms. Higher quality research is also needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W. Barnett
- Institute for Health and Ageing, Australian Catholic University, Level 6, 215 Spring Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia
| | - Anthony Barnett
- Institute for Health and Ageing, Australian Catholic University, Level 6, 215 Spring Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia
| | - Andrea Nathan
- Institute for Health and Ageing, Australian Catholic University, Level 6, 215 Spring Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia
| | - Jelle Van Cauwenberg
- Department of Public Health, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Research Foundation Flanders, Egmontstraat 5, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ester Cerin
- Institute for Health and Ageing, Australian Catholic University, Level 6, 215 Spring Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, 7 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region China
- Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004 Australia
| | - on behalf of the Council on Environment and Physical Activity (CEPA) – Older Adults working group
- Institute for Health and Ageing, Australian Catholic University, Level 6, 215 Spring Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia
- Department of Public Health, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Research Foundation Flanders, Egmontstraat 5, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, 7 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region China
- Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004 Australia
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Barnett DW, Barnett A, Nathan A, Van Cauwenberg J, Cerin E. Built environmental correlates of older adults' total physical activity and walking: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2017. [PMID: 28784183 DOI: 10.1186/sl2966-017-0558-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identifying attributes of the built environment associated with health-enhancing levels of physical activity (PA) in older adults (≥65 years old) has the potential to inform interventions supporting healthy and active ageing. The aim of this study was to first systematically review and quantify findings on built environmental correlates of older adults' PA, and second, investigate differences by type of PA and environmental attribute measurement. METHODS One hundred articles from peer-reviewed and grey literature examining built environmental attributes related to total PA met inclusion criteria and relevant information was extracted. Findings were meta-analysed and weighted by article quality and sample size and then stratified by PA and environmental measurement method. Associations (p < .05) were found in relation to 26 individual built environmental attributes across six categories (walkability, residential density/urbanisation, street connectivity, access to/availability of destinations and services, infrastructure and streetscape, and safety) and total PA and walking specifically. Reported individual- and environmental-level moderators were also examined. RESULTS Positive environmental correlates of PA, ranked by strength of evidence, were: walkability (p < .001), safety from crime (p < .001), overall access to destinations and services (p < .001), recreational facilities (p < .001), parks/public open space (p = .002) and shops/commercial destinations (p = .006), greenery and aesthetically pleasing scenery (p = .004), walk-friendly infrastructure (p = .009), and access to public transport (p = .016). There were 26 individual differences in the number of significant associations when the type of PA and environmental measurement method was considered. No consistent moderating effects on the association between built environmental attributes and PA were found. CONCLUSIONS Safe, walkable, and aesthetically pleasing neighbourhoods, with access to overall and specific destinations and services positively influenced older adults' PA participation. However, when considering the environmental attributes that were sufficiently studied (i.e., in ≥5 separate findings), the strength of evidence of associations of specific categories of environment attributes with PA differed across PA and environmental measurement types. Future research should be mindful of these differences in findings and identify the underlying mechanisms. Higher quality research is also needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W Barnett
- Institute for Health and Ageing, Australian Catholic University, Level 6, 215 Spring Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Anthony Barnett
- Institute for Health and Ageing, Australian Catholic University, Level 6, 215 Spring Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Andrea Nathan
- Institute for Health and Ageing, Australian Catholic University, Level 6, 215 Spring Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Jelle Van Cauwenberg
- Department of Public Health, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Research Foundation Flanders, Egmontstraat 5, 1000, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ester Cerin
- Institute for Health and Ageing, Australian Catholic University, Level 6, 215 Spring Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia.
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, 7 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region, China.
- Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.
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18
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Williams O. Identifying adverse effects of area-based health policy: An ethnographic study of a deprived neighbourhood in England. Health Place 2017; 45:85-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2017.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Revised: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Associations between physical activity and the neighbourhood social environment: baseline results from the HABITAT multilevel study. Prev Med 2016; 93:219-225. [PMID: 27370165 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2016.06.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Revised: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Limitations have arisen when measuring associations between the neighbourhood social environment and physical activity, including same-source bias, and the reliability of aggregated neighbourhood-level social environment measures. This study examines cross-sectional associations between the neighbourhood social environment (perceptions of incivilities, crime, and social cohesion) and self-reported physical activity, while accounting for same-source bias and reliability of neighbourhood-level exposure measures, using data from a large population-based clustered sample. This investigation included 11,035 residents aged 40-65years from 200 neighbourhoods in Brisbane, Australia, in 2007. Respondents self-reported their physical activity and perceptions of the social environment (neighbourhood incivilities, crime and safety, and social cohesion). Models were adjusted for individual-level education, occupation, and household income, and neighbourhood disadvantage. Exposure measures were generated via split clusters and an empirical Bayes estimation procedure. Data were analysed in 2016 using multilevel multinomial logistic regression. Residents of neighbourhoods with the highest incivilities and crime, and lowest social cohesion were reference categories. Individuals were more likely to be in the higher physical activity categories if they were in neighbourhoods with the lowest incivilities and the lowest crime. No associations were found between social cohesion and physical activity. This study provides a basis from which to gain a clearer understanding of the relationship between the neighbourhood social environment and individual physical activity. Further work is required to explore the pathways between perceptions of the neighbourhood social environment and physical activity.
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Yip C, Sarma S, Wilk P. The association between social cohesion and physical activity in canada: A multilevel analysis. SSM Popul Health 2016; 2:718-723. [PMID: 29349183 PMCID: PMC5757883 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2016.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2016] [Revised: 09/25/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Although previous research has shown that social cohesion may promote physical activity, social cohesion at the individual level was not always differentiated from social cohesion at the community level, and studies were often limited to specific population subgroups or geographical areas. We addressed the above limitations through the use of a multilevel modelling approach and nationally-representative data from the 2009–2014 Canadian Community Health Survey. Physical activity level was operationalized as average daily energy expenditure; social cohesion was assessed by self-rated sense of belonging to the local community; and communities were represented by Canada's Forward Sortation Areas. The sample included 245,150 respondents from 1570 communities. Geographical location was found to explain a significant proportion (4.1%) of the overall variance in physical activity level. After adjusting for age, sex, household income, education and urban-rural status, both individual- and community-level social cohesion were found to be positively associated with physical activity (p<0.001 for both). Thus, efforts to promote social cohesion and integration within communities may also promote physical activity and overall health. Social cohesion was assessed as a multilevel influence on physical activity. There was significant variance in physical activity level across communities. Both individual- and community-level social cohesion may promote physical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calvin Yip
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, Ontario, Canada, N6A 5C1
| | - Sisira Sarma
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, Ontario, Canada, N6A 5C1
| | - Piotr Wilk
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, Ontario, Canada, N6A 5C1
- Department of Paediatrics, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, Ontario, Canada, N6A 3K1
- Children's Health Research Institute, 800 Commissioners Road East, London, Ontario, Canada, N6C 2V5
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Chor D, Cardoso LO, Nobre AA, Griep RH, Fonseca MDJM, Giatti L, Bensenor I, del Carmen Bisi Molina M, Aquino EML, Diez-Roux A, de Pina Castiglione D, Santos SM. Association between perceived neighbourhood characteristics, physical activity and diet quality: results of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). BMC Public Health 2016; 16:751. [PMID: 27506819 PMCID: PMC4977638 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-3447-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study explores associations between perceived neighbourhood characteristics, physical activity and diet quality, which in Latin America and Brazil have been scarcely studied and with inconsistent results. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 14,749 individuals who participated in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (Estudo Longitudinal de Saúde do Adulto, ELSA-Brasil) baseline. The study included current and retired civil servants, aged between 35 and 74 years, from universities and research institutes in six Brazilian states. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) long form was used to characterize physical activity during leisure time and commuting; additional questions assessed how often fruit and vegetables were consumed, as a proxy for diet quality. Neighbourhood characteristics were evaluated by the "Walking Environment" and "Availability of Healthy Foods" scales originally used in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). Associations were examined using multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS Perceiving a more walkable neighbourhood was positively associated with engaging in leisure time physical activity and doing so for longer weekly. Compared with those who saw their neighbourhood as less walkable, those who perceived it as more walkable had 1.69 (95 % CI 1.57-1.83) and 1.39 (1.28-1.52) greater odds of engaging in leisure time physical activity for more than 150 min/week or up to 150 min/week (vs. none), respectively. Perceiving a more walkable neighbourhood was also positively associated with transport-related physical activity. The same pattern was observed for diet: compared with participants who perceived healthy foods as less available in their neighbourhood, those who saw them as more available had odds 1.48 greater (1.31-1.66) of eating fruits, and 1.47 greater (1.30-1.66) of eating vegetables, more than once per day. CONCLUSIONS Perceived walkability and neighbourhood availability of healthy food were independently associated with the practice of physical activity and diet quality, respectively, underlining the importance of neighbourhood-level public policies to changing and maintaining health-related habits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dóra Chor
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brazil
| | | | - Aline Araújo Nobre
- Programa de Computação Científica, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brazil
| | - Rosane Härter Griep
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, 21040–360 RJ Brazil
| | | | - Luana Giatti
- Escola de Nutrição, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG Brazil
| | - Isabela Bensenor
- Hospital Universitário, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP Brazil
| | | | - Estela M. L. Aquino
- Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia Brazil
| | - Ana Diez-Roux
- School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | | | - Simone M. Santos
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brazil
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Safe RESIDential Environments? A longitudinal analysis of the influence of crime-related safety on walking. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2016; 13:22. [PMID: 26879826 PMCID: PMC4755004 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-016-0343-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous cross-sectional studies have investigated the premise that the perception of crime will cause residents to constrain their walking; however the findings to date are inconclusive. In contrast, few longitudinal or prospective studies have examined the impact of crime-related safety on residents walking behaviours. This study used longitudinal data to test whether there is a causal relationship between crime-related safety and walking in the local neighbourhood. METHODS Participants in the RESIDential Environments Project (RESIDE) in Perth, Australia, completed a questionnaire before moving to their new neighbourhood (n = 1813) and again approximately one (n = 1467), three (n = 1230) and seven years (n = 531) after relocating. Self-report measures included neighbourhood perceptions (modified NEWS items) and walking inside the neighbourhood (min/week). Objective built environmental measures were generated for each participant's 1600 m neighbourhood at each time-point, and the count of crimes reported to police were generated at the suburb-level for the first three time-points only. The impact of crime-related safety on walking was examined in SAS using the Proc Mixed procedure (marginal repeated measures model with unrestricted variance pattern). Initial models controlled for demographics, time and self-selection, and subsequent models progressively adjusted for other built and social environment factors based on a social ecological model. RESULTS For every increase of one level on a five-point Likert scale in perceived safety from crime, total walking within the local neighbourhood increased by 18.0 min/week (p = 0.000). This relationship attenuated to an increase of 10.5 min/week after accounting for other built and social environment factors, but remained significant (p = 0.008). Further analyses examined transport and recreational walking separately. In the fully adjusted models, each increase in safety from crime was associated with a 7.0 min/week increase in recreational walking (p = 0.009), however findings for transport walking were non-significant. All associations between suburb-level crime and walking were non-significant. CONCLUSIONS This study provides longitudinal evidence of a potential causal relationship between residents' perceptions of safety from crime and recreational walking. Safety perceptions appeared to influence recreational walking, rather than transport-related walking. Given the popularity of recreational walking and the need to increase levels of physical activity, community social and physical environmental interventions that foster residents' feelings of safety are likely to increase recreational walking and produce public health gains.
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Anderson J. "Living in a Communal Garden" Associated with Well-Being While Reducing Urban Sprawl by 40%: A Mixed-Methods Cross-Sectional Study. Front Public Health 2015; 3:173. [PMID: 26258117 PMCID: PMC4507402 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2015.00173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 06/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The extent to which novel land-efficient neighborhood design can promote key health behaviors is examined, concentrating on communal outdoor space provision (COSP). OBJECTIVES To test whether a neighborhood (Accordia) with a higher ratio of communal to private outdoor space is associated with higher levels of resident's (a) self-reported local health behaviors and (b) observed engagement in local health behaviors, compared to a matched neighborhood with lower proportion of COSP. METHODS Health behaviors were examined via direct observation and postal survey. Bespoke observation codes and survey items represented key well-being behaviors including "connecting," "keeping active," "taking notice," "keep learning," and "giving." The questionnaire was validated using psychometric analyses and observed behaviors were mapped in real-time. RESULTS General pursuit of health behaviors was very similar in both areas but Accordia residents reported substantially greater levels of local activity. Validated testing of survey dataset (n = 256) showed support for a stronger Attitude to Neighborhood Life (connecting and giving locally) in Accordia and partial support of greater physical activity. Analyses of the behavior observation dataset (n = 7,298) support the self-reported findings. Mapped observations revealed a proliferation of activity within Accordia's innovative outdoor hard spaces. CONCLUSION Representation is limited to upper-middle class UK groups. However, Accordia was found to promote health behaviors compared a traditional neighborhood that demands considerably more land area. The positive role of home zone streets, hard-standing and semi-civic space highlights the principle of quality as well as quantity. The findings should be considered as part of three forthcoming locally led UK garden cities, to be built before 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Anderson
- Cambridge Well-Being Institute, University of Cambridge , Cambridge , UK ; Social Life (Social Enterprise Company) , London , UK ; Department of Architecture, University of Cambridge , Cambridge , UK
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Marquet O, Miralles-Guasch C. Neighbourhood vitality and physical activity among the elderly: The role of walkable environments on active ageing in Barcelona, Spain. Soc Sci Med 2015; 135:24-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2015.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Ruijsbroek A, Droomers M, Groenewegen PP, Hardyns W, Stronks K. Social safety, self-rated general health and physical activity: changes in area crime, area safety feelings and the role of social cohesion. Health Place 2014; 31:39-45. [PMID: 25463916 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2014.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2014] [Revised: 10/17/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine whether changes over time in reported area crime and perceived area safety were related to self-rated general health and physical activity (PA), in order to provide support for a causal relationship between social safety and health. Additionally, we investigated whether social cohesion protects the residents against the negative impact of unsafe areas on health and PA. Multilevel logistic regression analyses were performed on Dutch survey data, including 47,926 respondents living in 2974 areas. An increase in area level unsafety feelings between 2009 and 2011 was associated with more people reporting poor general health in 2012 in that area, but was not related to PA. Changes in reported area crime were not related to either poor general health or PA. The social cohesion in the area did not modify the effect of changes in social safety on health and PA. The results suggest that tackling feelings of unsafety in an area might contribute to the better general health of the residents. Because changes in area social safety were not associated with PA, we found no leads that such health benefits were achieved through an increase in physical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie Ruijsbroek
- Centre for Nutrition, Prevention and Health Services, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), PO Box 1, Bilthoven 3720 BA, The Netherlands.
| | - Mariël Droomers
- Department of Public Health, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, PO Box 22660, 1100 DD Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter P Groenewegen
- NIVEL (Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research), PO Box 1568, 3500 BN Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Human Geography and Department of Sociology, Utrecht University, PO Box 80115, 3508 TC Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Wim Hardyns
- Department of Penal Law and Criminology, Ghent University, Universiteitstraat 4, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Karien Stronks
- Department of Public Health, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, PO Box 22660, 1100 DD Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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