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Zhang F, Qian H. A comprehensive review of the environmental benefits of urban green spaces. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 252:118837. [PMID: 38570129 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118837] [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: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
This detailed analysis highlights the numerous environmental benefits provided by urban green spaces, emphasizing their critical role in improving urban life quality and advancing sustainable development. The review delves into critical themes such as the impact of urban green spaces on human health, the complex interplay between urban ecology and sustainability, and the evaluation of ecosystem services using a comprehensive review of existing literature. The investigation thoroughly examines various aspects of green infrastructure, shedding light on its contributions to social cohesion, human well-being, and environmental sustainability in general. The analysis summarizes the study's findings and demonstrates the critical role of urban green spaces in urban ecology, which significantly mitigates environmental challenges. The intricate links between these green spaces and human health are thoroughly investigated, with benefits ranging from enhanced mental and physical well-being to comprehensive mental health. Furthermore, the analysis emphasizes how green spaces benefit urban development by increasing property values, boosting tourism, and creating job opportunities. The discussion also considers possible futures, emphasizing the integration of technology, the advancement of natural solutions, and the critical importance of prioritizing health and well-being in the design of urban green spaces. To ensure that urban green spaces are developed and maintained as essential components of resilient and sustainable urban environments, the assessment concludes with practical recommendations for communities, urban planners, and legislators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Zhang
- College of Landscape Architecture, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China.
| | - Haochen Qian
- College of Landscape Architecture, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
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2
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Lu X, Xie Z, Zhu P, Dai X, Zhang Y, Tao W, Wang S. Comparative evaluation of soundscapes in human activities spatial contexts of pedestrian spaces adjacent to arterial roads. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 928:172198. [PMID: 38580114 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Pedestrian spaces adjacent to arterial roads are characterized by the dominance of traffic noise alongside various human activities. Research on the impact of traffic noise on the soundscape evaluation of pedestrian spaces has not considered human activities spatial contexts. To address this research gap, the present study constructed auditory environments for pedestrian spaces in the contexts of commuting, residential, and commercial activities. A total of seven auditory environments were subjected to laboratory auditory evaluations, including perceived dominance of sound source, acoustic comfort, and perceived affective quality of the soundscape. The results indicated that in pedestrian spaces with constant traffic noise, the presence of significant human activity sounds led to a decreased perceived dominance of traffic noise and an increased acoustic comfort, despite the higher acoustic energy. Thus, pedestrian spaces with a variety of human activity received better soundscape evaluations. The elements that reflected the human activities spatial contexts, including the types and intensity of human activities, played a crucial role in soundscape evaluations. Better acoustic comfort was reported in pedestrian spaces characterized by low-intensity residential activities and high-intensity commercial activities. Additionally, pedestrian spaces with more intense activities offered an actively engaging soundscape. The findings can provide reference for a more accurate evaluation of the soundscape in pedestrian spaces and guide the soundscape design of pedestrian environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Lu
- School of Architecture and Fine Arts, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Zhuangxiu Xie
- School of Architecture and Fine Arts, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Peisheng Zhu
- School of Architecture and Fine Arts, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Xiaoling Dai
- School of Design and Architecture, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310023, China.
| | - Yuan Zhang
- School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Shenyang Jianzhu University, Shengyang 110168, China
| | - Wanqi Tao
- School of Architecture and Fine Arts, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Shiyuan Wang
- School of Architecture and Fine Arts, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116023, China
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3
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Tuomola EM, Keskinen KE, Viljanen A, Rantanen T, Portegijs E. Neighborhood Walkability, Walking Difficulties, and Participation in Leisure Activities Among Older People: A Cross-Sectional Study and 4-Year Follow-Up of a Subsample. J Aging Health 2024; 36:367-378. [PMID: 37482698 PMCID: PMC11025300 DOI: 10.1177/08982643231191444] [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] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: To study cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between objectively assessed neighborhood walkability, walking difficulties, and participation in leisure activities among older people. Methods: Self-reported 2 km walking difficulty (intact, modifications, difficulties) at baseline and participating in organized group, outdoor recreation and cultural activities at baseline and follow-up were studied in community-dwelling persons (N = 848) aged 75-90. A walkability index, calculated using a geographic information system, was categorized into tertiles (lowest, middle, highest). Results: Residence in the highest walkability areas was associated with higher participation in cultural activities and lower participation in outdoor recreation, while the latter was most frequently reported by residents in the lowest walkability areas. Those reporting no difficulties were more likely than those reporting difficulties to participate in all studied activities. Residence in the middle or highest walkability areas predicted higher participation in cultural activities at follow-up. Discussion: Older persons activity profiles associate with neighborhood walkability and walking difficulties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Essi-Mari Tuomola
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences and Gerontology Research Center, University of Jyvaskyla, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Kirsi E. Keskinen
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences and Gerontology Research Center, University of Jyvaskyla, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Anne Viljanen
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences and Gerontology Research Center, University of Jyvaskyla, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Taina Rantanen
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences and Gerontology Research Center, University of Jyvaskyla, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Erja Portegijs
- University Medical Center Groningen, Center for Human Movement Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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4
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Developing an Objective Framework to Evaluate Street Functions. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14127184] [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
Urban street networks are a vital part of urban areas and have a remarkable influence over quality of life and the use of sustainable modes. They make up about 80% of public space and shape urban activities and identity. Therefore, it is crucial to design, develop, and maintain streets in such a way as to make the most of this large and important space in a sustainable manner. Streets have three main functions: to provide access to adjoining properties, to allow transit of users on their way from their origin to their destination, and to provide space for social activities. As such, there is a need to develop indicators, methods, and tools to evaluate how streets fulfill their functions. However, most of the previously developed frameworks rely on measuring the physical environment and transportation facilities, which reflect the potential use of streets, as opposed to their actual use. To address this gap, the main objective of this paper is to propose a holistic and objective framework to evaluate streets based on their actual use by all users. The proposed framework is developed based on direct user observation to assess the various street functions (i.e., transit, access, and place) using objective indicators at a microscopic (individual) level. The developed framework and tools build on street use evaluation by diverse disciplines such as transportation engineering, urban planning, and public health. It will help transportation agencies and urban planners to manage streets and public spaces so that they fulfill their expected functions while minimizing the negative impacts.
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Levinger P, Cerin E, Milner C, Hill KD. Older people and nature: the benefits of outdoors, parks and nature in light of COVID-19 and beyond- where to from here? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2022; 32:1329-1336. [PMID: 33682531 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2021.1879739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a significant toll on people's health and wellbeing globally. In the pandemic, parks, gardens and other local green spaces have been recognised as vital to people's physical and mental health. Emerging global evidence shows increased access to local parks and recreational activities and a new appreciation of the natural surroundings. Various movements and organisations globally have called for actions to embrace recent trends and changes in relation to the planning of public spaces and urban built environments to enable better access to parks and nature. The crisis, however, has exposed the inequities around access to green space where vulnerable populations such as older people and those in low socioeconomic areas are particularly affected. The crisis presents an opportunity to positively impact on society, and an opportunity to consolidate new emerging trends to better integrate nature into the architecture, infrastructure, and public spaces of urban areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pazit Levinger
- National Ageing Research Institute, Melbourne Australia
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne Australia
- Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living (RAIL) Research Centre, Monash University, Melbourne Australia
| | - Ester Cerin
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne Australia
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Colin Milner
- International Council on Active Aging, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Keith D Hill
- Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living (RAIL) Research Centre, Monash University, Melbourne Australia
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6
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Investigating the Association between Environmental Quality Characteristics and Mental Well-Being in Public Open Spaces. URBAN SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/urbansci6010020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The issues related to the urban environment and mental well-being have become increasingly important in recent decades. Although this association has been mainly investigated in developed countries, there is limited knowledge on whether similar results can be acquired in the urban environments of developing countries like Iran. This study intends to present a new dynamic and active approach to determine the environmental quality characteristics that influence the mental well-being of urban residents and to engage people to healthy urban public environments. In this respect, the research is directed by both qualitative and quantitative surveys in the public open spaces of Kermanshah, Iran. Firstly, the data are collected by Grounded Theory (GT) to identify significant environmental quality characteristics related to mental well-being by applying 24 semi-structured interviews. Secondly, the questionnaire survey based on Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) is applied to examine the association between each characteristic of the developed conceptual framework. The results reveal that the environmental quality characteristics of public open spaces, directly and indirectly, relate to users’ mental well-being. It should be noted that the public open spaces with unique functional and intrinsic features seem to have different impacts on mental well-being.
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7
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Stroope J. Active transportation and social capital: The association between walking or biking for transportation and community participation. Prev Med 2021; 150:106666. [PMID: 34087322 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2021.106666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Active transportation provides benefits to communities and individuals, yet little is known about its relationship with social capital. This study examined relationships between active transportation behavior and three indices of social capital (community participation, sense of community, and sociopolitical control). Linear regression was used to assess cross-sectional data (N = 1700) from the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin, a population-based representative sample collected in 2014, 2015, and 2016. Active transportation was associated with greater levels of community participation (p = 0.012). The association between active transportation and community participation was the third largest in terms of standardized coefficient (β = 0.07), following only age and college degree or greater educational attainment. Active transportation was not significantly associated with sense of community or sociopolitical control. All models controlled for confounding background characteristics. These findings are important for policy and planning work, as designing supportive environments and removing barriers to active transportation can foster social capital through bolstering community participation. The benefits of active transportation may be broader than previously understood and underscore the need to promote active transportation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Stroope
- Louisiana State University AgCenter, 202G Knapp Hall, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA.
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8
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Romagon J, Jabot F. The challenge of assessing social cohesion in health impact assessment. Health Promot Int 2021; 36:753-764. [PMID: 33057627 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daaa067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Health impact assessment (HIA) is a method by which a policy, programme or project falling outside traditional health fields, may be judged as to its potential effects on the health of a population to mitigate negative impacts and strengthen the positive ones. Proposals are analysed from the perspective of all the determinants of health. In France, HIAs are mainly applied to urban development projects where social cohesion (SCo) is a major issue. Although the HIA method is well structured as a step-by-step process, there are no guidelines for assessing SCo. This article opens with literature review to clarify the concept of SCo and to understand how the built environment influences SCo and how social environment influence health. Drawing on this work, this paper presents an analytical framework to assess SCo, integrating both the spatial and physical dimensions of urban design and the perceptions of the neighbourhood characteristics. Following a brief overview of the key findings from applying this framework to HIA of an urban development project, the paper discusses its related strengths and weaknesses. The framework could be a useful tool for HIA as it embraces knowledge from both urban planning and social sciences. It also allows for an overall analysis of all the indicators without relying on a checklist. Nevertheless, it should be tested further to improve its validity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francoise Jabot
- Univ Rennes, EHESP, CNRS, ARENES -UMR 6051, F-35000 Rennes, France
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9
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Hassen N. Leveraging built environment interventions to equitably promote health during and after COVID-19 in Toronto, Canada. Health Promot Int 2021; 37:6356324. [PMID: 34423362 PMCID: PMC8499784 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daab128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
A key public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic is the mandate to stay home and practice physical distancing. In Canada, with essential activities such as grocery shopping, outdoor exercise and transportation, people need to be able to safely navigate dense, urban spaces while staying at least two metres or six feet apart. This pandemic has exacerbated the health inequities across neighbourhoods in cities like Toronto, Canada which are often segregated along racial and income lines. These inequities impact who has access to urban infrastructure that promotes health and quality of life. Safety in a time of COVID-19 goes beyond just exposure to the virus, it is complicated by notions of who belongs where, and who has access to what resources. The built environment has a role in maintaining and promoting physical and mental health during this pandemic and beyond it. This paper puts forwards three considerations for built environment interventions to promote health equitably: (i) addressing structural determinants of health and embedding anti-racist intersectional principles, (ii) revisiting tactical urbanism as a health promotion tool and (iii) rethinking community engagement processes through equity-based placemaking. This paper outlines four built environment interventions in Toronto, Canada that seek to address the challenges in navigating urban space safely in the short term, including street design that prioritizes pedestrians, protected cycling infrastructure, access to inclusive green space and safe, affordable housing. Longer-term strategies to create health-promoting urban environments that are equitable are discussed and may be valuable to other cities with similar urban equity concerns.
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10
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Shin JH, Dennis S, Mohammed H. Mental Health Outcome Measures in Environmental Design Research: A Critical Review. HERD-HEALTH ENVIRONMENTS RESEARCH & DESIGN JOURNAL 2021; 14:331-357. [PMID: 33942674 DOI: 10.1177/1937586721999787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
AIM During the last several decades, researchers have produced abundant evidence of the environmental impacts on stress, attention, and physical activity. More recently, scholars have turned their focus to the influence environments have on mental wellness. Therefore, a critical review of this more recent research is both timely and crucial for setting the future research agenda. METHODS In this article, we examined 65 papers published between 2008 and 2019 that examined the environmental correlates of a wide variety of mental health outcomes. We coded each study by type of environment, research design, mental health measurement scale used, and p-value. RESULTS We categorized the research studies into six groups based on mental health outcomes: emotions, moods, vitality, executive function, stress, and general well-being. Our review revealed several trends among the studies, including a heavy focus on nature and outdoor environments with little attention to workplace or residential environments; a lack of consensus on how to operationalize the environment; a heavy reliance on self-reported ratings using a wide variety of scales, many focused on the same outcome; and a disproportionate focus on short-term health effects. CONCLUSIONS There is a need for greater consensus on research constructs and health outcome measurements, focused on a wider variety of environmental settings and scales, in order to better inform evidence-based environmental design practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Hye Shin
- Department of Design Studies, 5228University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Samuel Dennis
- Department of Planning and Landscape Architecture, 5228University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Hassnaa Mohammed
- Department of Design Studies, 5228University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
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11
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Ron S, Dimitri N, Ginzburg SL, Reisner E, Martinez PB, Zamore W, Echevarria B, Brugge D, Martinez LS. Health Lens Analysis: A Strategy to Engage Community in Environmental Health Research in Action. SUSTAINABILITY 2021; 13. [PMID: 33981451 DOI: 10.3390/su13041748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Health Lens Analysis is a tool to facilitate collaboration among diverse community stakeholders. We employed HLA as part of a community based participatory research (CBPR) and action study to mitigate the negative health effects of TRAP and ultrafine particles (UFPs) in Somerville, MA. HLA is a Health in All Policies tool with previously limited implementation in a North American context. As part of the HLA, community and academic partners engaged residents from across near-highway neighborhoods in a series of activities designed to identify health concerns and generate recommendations for policies and projects to improve health over an 18-month planning period. Noise barriers, which may reduce TRAP exposure among residents in addition to reducing traffic noise, were seen as an acceptable solution by community stakeholders. We found HLA to be an effective means to engage stakeholders from across sectors and diverse community residents in critical discourse about the health impacts of near-roadway exposures. The iterative process allowed the project team to fully explore the arguments for noise barriers and preferred health interventions, while building a stakeholder base interested in the mitigation of TRAP, thus, creating a shared language and understanding of the issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Ron
- Metropolitan Area Planning Council 60 Temple Place, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Noelle Dimitri
- Boston University School of Social Work 264 Bay State Rd., Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Shir Lerman Ginzburg
- UConn Health, Department of Public Health Sciences 263 Farmington Ave., Farmington, CT 06032, USA
| | - Ellin Reisner
- Somerville Transportation Equity Partnership, Somerville, MA 02145, USA
| | - Pilar Botana Martinez
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Ave., Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Wig Zamore
- Somerville Transportation Equity Partnership, Somerville, MA 02145, USA
| | - Ben Echevarria
- The Welcome Project, 530 Mystic Ave., Somerville, MA, 02145, USA
| | - Doug Brugge
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Connecticut School of Medicine 263 Farmington Ave., Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Linda Sprague Martinez
- Macro Department, Boston University School of Social Work, 264 Bay State Rd., Boston, MA 02215, USA
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12
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Raerino K, Macmillan A, Field A, Hoskins R. Local-Indigenous Autonomy and Community Streetscape Enhancement: Learnings from Māori and Te Ara Mua-Future Streets Project. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:865. [PMID: 33498366 PMCID: PMC7931096 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18030865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In settler countries, attention is now extending to the wellbeing benefits of recognising and promoting the Indigenous cultural identity of neighbourhoods as a contributing factor to more equitable and healthier communities. Re-indigenisation efforts to (re)implement cultural factors into urban design can be challenging and ineffective without the leadership and collaboration of local-Indigenous peoples. Undertaken in Aotearoa New Zealand, Te Ara Mua - Future Street project, demonstrated that co-design has critical potential in the reclamation of Indigenous autonomy, increased local-Indigenous presence and revitalisation of cultural identity. Employing a Kaupapa Māori (Māori-centred) research approach, we focused on the workings and perspectives of mana whenua (local-Indigenous peoples) and community stakeholder engagement in Te Ara Mua. An Indigenous theoretical framework, Te Pae Mahutonga, was utilised in the data analysis to explore perspectives of Indigenous collective agency, empowerment, and wellbeing. Our research demonstrates that developing capacity amongst Indigenous communities is integral for effective engagement and that the realisation of autonomy in urban design projects has broader implications for Indigenous sovereignty, spatial justice and health equity. Significantly, we argue that future community enhancement strategies must include not only re-designing and re-imagining initiatives, but also re-indigenising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimiora Raerino
- Ngāti Awa & Ngāti Rangiwewehi, SHORE & Whariki Research Centre, Mackie Research & Massey University, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Alex Macmillan
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand;
| | - Adrian Field
- Dovetail Consulting Ltd., Auckland 1245, New Zealand;
| | - Rau Hoskins
- Ngāpuhi, DesignTRIBE Architects, Auckland 1021, New Zealand;
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13
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Lee KH. Mental Health and Recreation Opportunities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17249338. [PMID: 33327395 PMCID: PMC7764908 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17249338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The environment has direct and indirect effects on mental health. Previous studies acknowledge that the poor design of communities and social environments leads to increased psychological distress, but methodological issues make it difficult to draw clear conclusions. Recent public health, leisure and recreation studies have tried to determine the relationship between recreation opportunities and mental health. However, previous studies have heavily focused on individual contexts rather than national or regional levels; this is a major limitation. It is difficult to reflect the characteristics of community environments effectively with such limited studies, because social environments and infrastructure should be analyzed using a spatial perspective that goes beyond an individual’s behavioral patterns. Other limitations include lack of socioeconomic context and appropriate data to represent the characteristics of a local community and its environment. To date, very few studies have tested the spatial relationships between mental health and recreation opportunities on a national level, while controlling for a variety of competing explanations (e.g., the social determinants of mental health). To address these gaps, this study used multi-level spatial data combined with various sources to: (1) identify variables that contribute to spatial disparities of mental health; (2) examine how selected variables influence spatial mental health disparities using a generalized linear model (GLM); (3) specify the spatial variation of the relationships between recreation opportunities and mental health in the continental U.S. using geographically weighted regression (GWR). The findings suggest that multiple factors associated with poor mental health days, particularly walkable access to local parks, showed the strongest explanatory power in both the GLM and GWR models. In addition, negative relationships were found with educational attainment, racial/ethnic dynamics, and lower levels of urbanization, while positive relationships were found with poverty rate and unemployment in the GLM. Finally, the GWR model detected differences in the strength and direction of associations for 3109 counties. These results may address the gaps in previous studies that focused on individual-level scales and did not include a spatial context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Hee Lee
- Department of Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services Administration, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, USA
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14
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Artigues G, Mateo S, Ramos M, Cabeza E. Validation of the Urban Walkability Perception Questionnaire (UWPQ) in the Balearic Islands. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E6631. [PMID: 32932944 PMCID: PMC7557802 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17186631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Within the context of promoting the "healthy routes" program, the aim of this study was to validate the urban walkability perception questionnaire (UWPQ) in the Balearic Islands to determine the characteristics of the urban environment that promote walking among the population. The UWPQ measures pedestrian facilities, infrastructures of the environment, perception of safety and a participant's general opinion. This process was performed in 12 routes predefined by a community participation program and set around the primary health centers. Degree of correlation between the items was calculated. The final internal consistency was 0.8 in all blocks according to the Cronbach's alpha test (p < 0.01). Goodman and Kruskal-gamma correlation coefficient (γ) between the item measuring the general opinion and the rest of the items was significant. The items from the perception of safety and pedestrian facilities blocks were the ones that most affected the final assessment. Those regarding the pedestrianonly pavements, clearly marked pavements, noise, traffic density and parks condition obtained the lowest coefficients. To conclude, the results showed that the UWPQ is a suitable instrument to assess the degree of adequacy of the urban environment for walking. It could contribute to create healthy environments as well as to improve public policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillem Artigues
- Balearic Islands Public Health Department, Balearic Islands Public Health Research Group (GISPIB), Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), 07010 Palma, Spain; (S.M.); (M.R.); (E.C.)
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15
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Buregeya JM, Loignon C, Brousselle A. Contribution analysis to analyze the effects of the health impact assessment at the local level: A case of urban revitalization. EVALUATION AND PROGRAM PLANNING 2020; 79:101746. [PMID: 31835151 DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2019.101746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The health impact assessment (HIA) is a tool used to estimate the potential impact on health of non-health-related proposals prior to implementation. While it is increasingly used in Quebec, Canada, studies have not analyzed its medium-term impacts and potential long-term impacts. We conducted a contribution analysis using in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, as well as documents, observation and images related to HIA in order to analyze its impacts on the revitalization of road infrastructure, parks and green spaces, and residential housing. Our analysis not only reflects on the decision-making process through the adoption and implementation of HIA recommendations, but also on the link between actions implemented in the field and health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Marie Buregeya
- Université de Sherbrooke, Centre de recherche Charles-Le Moyne-Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean sur les innovations en santé, Canada.
| | - Christine Loignon
- Université de Sherbrooke, Centre de recherche Charles-Le Moyne-Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean sur les innovations en santé, Canada
| | - Astrid Brousselle
- Université de Sherbrooke, Centre de recherche Charles-Le Moyne-Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean sur les innovations en santé, Canada
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Seebacher F, Krause J. Epigenetics of Social Behaviour. Trends Ecol Evol 2019; 34:818-830. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2019.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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A Comparative Study of User Behaviors on Unimproved and Improved Street Spaces in Da Nang, Vietnam. SUSTAINABILITY 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/su11123457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The shortage of open spaces in developing countries in Asia such as Vietnam has been a thorny question for urbanists. Due to a poor history of public spaces, people tend to use street spaces as open spaces and other functions that bring chaos and danger onto the streets. Although developed countries in the West have overcome the dangers of life on street spaces to some extent, Vietnam, with its low quality of life, retains its inherent street bustle. Street improvements have been carried out to enhance the quality of urban life. This research aims at comparing improved and unimproved street spaces in various aspects, including user behavior and the environment-behavior relationship within street spaces and their surroundings. The findings contribute to the future improvement of street spaces in Vietnam and other developing countries based on theories of Environment-Behavior Studies. Through this research, the street renovation and development idea can be processed in a distinctive manner that appreciates the cultural and social context instead of being derived from the arbitrary or intuitive ideas of designers. By using various observation methods such as centered behavioral mapping (PcBM) and visual encounter surveys (VES), and statistical analysis such as principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA), the findings show that a total of eight physical attributes need consideration during street renovations or development processes. Improved and unimproved street spaces share two attributes and differ in six attributes. Additionally, three environment-behavior patterns support the implications detailed in this paper. Finally, a suggestion for street space development and management is made to support related authorities and urbanists in future projects; it is hope that this research will contribute to creating more livable and sustainable street environments.
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Wilkie S, Townshend T, Thompson E, Ling J. Restructuring the built environment to change adult health behaviors: a scoping review integrated with behavior change frameworks. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 2:198-211. [PMID: 31650034 PMCID: PMC6777541 DOI: 10.1080/23748834.2019.1574954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Built environment restructuring can improve public health through increased opportunity for healthy behaviors. Behavioral science targets individual health behaviors within place, suggesting the potential to integrate these approaches. This scoping review was one of the first to summarise the impact built environment restructuring has on health outcomes and behaviors and integrate these findings with the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behavior model and Theoretical Domains Framework of behavior change. Potential studies were identified from 12 academic databases in urban design, psychology and public health. Search parameters involved 50 environment types, for example green space or healthy cities, combined with both an intervention (e.g. green infrastructure, active transport) and a measurable health outcome (e.g. exercise, wellbeing). Searches were limited to North America, Europe, or Australia/New Zealand. Of 536 potential studies reviewed against defined inclusion/exclusion criteria, 23 contributed to the findings. Evidence supported the positive influence of restructuring on varied health outcomes, many of which were drivers and domains of health behavior. Most studies indicated a clear contribution to increased physical activity. Recommendations include the need for explicit communication of theories guiding restructuring project design, consideration of health outcomes beyond physical activity, and better investigation of unanticipated barriers to health behaviors arising from built environment restructuring projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Wilkie
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Sunderland, Sunderland, UK
| | - Tim Townshend
- School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Emine Thompson
- Department of Architecture and Built Environment, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jonathan Ling
- School of Nursing and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Sunderland, Sunderland, UK
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An Analysis of Relationship between the Environment and User’s Behavior on Unimproved Streets: A Case Study of Da Nang City, Vietnam. SUSTAINABILITY 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/su11010083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
One of the most insoluble problems confronted by urban areas in developing countries is the shortage of open space; street space allows daily human activities, promotes social interaction, and is seen as a precondition for the sustainable development of the community. Although some seemingly public space is also built up in Vietnam, street space is often where resident’s go to perform activities. This research aims at studying behaviors of users in old street space and the interaction with existing physical settings; as an input to future renovation and the development of street space in a manner that respects the cultural and social context of the Vietnamese people. User’s behaviors in streets and physical characteristics of space were collected and processed in accordance with theories of behavior setting and proxemics using some methods including place-centered behavioral mapping (PcBM) and visual encounter surveys (VES). The analysis showed that three types of behavior, including (1) Type A where various frequent activities occurred, (2) Type B which discouraged most human activities, and (3) Type C where neither frequent nor infrequent behaviors can represent environmental behavior patterns in the old street spaces of Vietnam and for each of these types of patterns improvements have been proposed by organizing street and pavements layouts detailed in this paper. The proposed improvements are based on the relationship between human behaviors and properties of the street space to assist designers, administers, and authorities in renovating and developing better and more sustainable street space.
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Sharpe RA, Taylor T, Fleming LE, Morrissey K, Morris G, Wigglesworth R. Making the Case for "Whole System" Approaches: Integrating Public Health and Housing. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:E2345. [PMID: 30355973 PMCID: PMC6267345 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15112345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 10/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Housing conditions have been an enduring focus for public health activity throughout the modern public health era. However, the nature of the housing and health challenge has changed in response to an evolution in the understanding of the diverse factors influencing public health. Today, the traditional public health emphasis on the type and quality of housing merges with other wider determinants of health. These include the neighbourhood, community, and "place" where a house is located, but also the policies which make access to a healthy house possible and affordable for everyone. Encouragingly, these approaches to policy and action on housing have the potential to contribute to the "triple win" of health and well-being, equity, and environmental sustainability. However, more effective housing policies (and in public health in general) that adopt more systemic approaches to addressing the complex interactions between health, housing, and wider environment are needed. This paper illustrates some of the key components of the housing and health challenge in developed countries, and presents a conceptual model to co-ordinate activities that can deliver the "triple win." This is achieved by offering a perspective on how to navigate more effectively, inclusively and across sectors when identifying sustainable housing interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Sharpe
- Public Health, Cornwall Council, Truro TR1 3AY, UK.
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Truro TR1 3HD, UK.
| | - Tim Taylor
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Truro TR1 3HD, UK.
| | - Lora E Fleming
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Truro TR1 3HD, UK.
| | - Karyn Morrissey
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Truro TR1 3HD, UK.
| | - George Morris
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Truro TR1 3HD, UK.
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