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Iungman T, Khomenko S, Barboza EP, Cirach M, Gonçalves K, Petrone P, Erbertseder T, Taubenböck H, Chakraborty T, Nieuwenhuijsen M. The impact of urban configuration types on urban heat islands, air pollution, CO 2 emissions, and mortality in Europe: a data science approach. Lancet Planet Health 2024; 8:e489-e505. [PMID: 38969476 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(24)00120-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The world is becoming increasingly urbanised. As cities around the world continue to grow, it is important for urban planners and policy makers to understand how different urban configuration patterns affect the environment and human health. However, previous studies have provided mixed findings. We aimed to identify European urban configuration types, on the basis of the local climate zones categories and street design variables from Open Street Map, and evaluate their association with motorised traffic flows, surface urban heat island (SUHI) intensities, tropospheric NO2, CO2 per person emissions, and age-standardised mortality. METHODS We considered 946 European cities from 31 countries for the analysis defined in the 2018 Urban Audit database, of which 919 European cities were analysed. Data were collected at a 250 m × 250 m grid cell resolution. We divided all cities into five concentric rings based on the Burgess concentric urban planning model and calculated the mean values of all variables for each ring. First, to identify distinct urban configuration types, we applied the Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection for Dimension Reduction method, followed by the k-means clustering algorithm. Next, statistical differences in exposures (including SUHI) and mortality between the resulting urban configuration types were evaluated using a Kruskal-Wallis test followed by a post-hoc Dunn's test. FINDINGS We identified four distinct urban configuration types characterising European cities: compact high density (n=246), open low-rise medium density (n=245), open low-rise low density (n=261), and green low density (n=167). Compact high density cities were a small size, had high population densities, and a low availability of natural areas. In contrast, green low density cities were a large size, had low population densities, and a high availability of natural areas and cycleways. The open low-rise medium and low density cities were a small to medium size with medium to low population densities and low to moderate availability of green areas. Motorised traffic flows and NO2 exposure were significantly higher in compact high density and open low-rise medium density cities when compared with green low density and open low-rise low density cities. Additionally, green low density cities had a significantly lower SUHI effect compared with all other urban configuration types. Per person CO2 emissions were significantly lower in compact high density cities compared with green low density cities. Lastly, green low density cities had significantly lower mortality rates when compared with all other urban configuration types. INTERPRETATION Our findings indicate that, although the compact city model is more sustainable, European compact cities still face challenges related to poor environmental quality and health. Our results have notable implications for urban and transport planning policies in Europe and contribute to the ongoing discussion on which city models can bring the greatest benefits for the environment, climate, and health. FUNDING Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, State Research Agency, Generalitat de Catalunya, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en red Epidemiología y Salud Pública, and Urban Burden of Disease Estimation for Policy Making as a Horizon Europe project.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Iungman
- Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sasha Khomenko
- Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Evelise Pereira Barboza
- Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Cirach
- Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Karen Gonçalves
- Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Paula Petrone
- Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Thilo Erbertseder
- German Aerospace Center, Earth Observation Center, Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany
| | - Hannes Taubenböck
- German Aerospace Center, Earth Observation Center, Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany; Institute for Geography and Geology, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tirthankar Chakraborty
- Atmospheric, Climate, and Earth Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | - Mark Nieuwenhuijsen
- Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain.
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Michel S, Banwell N, Senn N. Mobility Infrastructures and Health: Scoping Review of studies in Europe. Public Health Rev 2024; 45:1606862. [PMID: 38841179 PMCID: PMC11150585 DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2024.1606862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Movement-friendly environments with infrastructure favouring active mobility are important for promoting physical activity. This scoping literature review aims at identifying the current evidence for links between mobility infrastructures and (a) behaviour regarding active mobility, (b) health outcomes and (c) co-benefits. Method This review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA scoping review guidelines using PubMed and EMBASE databases. Studies included in this review were conducted in Europe, and published between 2000 and March 2023. Results 146 scientific articles and grey literature reports were identified. Connectivity of sidewalks, walkability, and accessibility of shops, services and work are associated with walking. Cycling is positively associated with cycle-paths, separation of cycling from traffic and proximity to greenspaces, and negatively associated with traffic danger. Increased active transportation has a protective effect on cardiovascular and respiratory health, obesity, fitness, and quality of life. Co-benefits result from the reduction of individual motorized transportation including reduced environmental pollution and projected healthcare expenditure. Conclusion Mobility infrastructure combined with social and educational incentives are effective in promoting active travel and reducing future healthcare expenses. A shift to active transportation would increase both individual and community health and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Michel
- Department of Family Medicine, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicola Banwell
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Research in Ethics (CIRE), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Senn
- Department of Family Medicine, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Banwell N, Michel S, Senn N. Greenspaces and Health: Scoping Review of studies in Europe. Public Health Rev 2024; 45:1606863. [PMID: 38831866 PMCID: PMC11144923 DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2024.1606863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Access to greenspaces and contact with nature can promote physical activity and have positive effects on physical and mental health. This scoping literature review aims to examine current evidence linking greenspaces and (a) behaviour change, (b) health outcomes and (c) co-benefits. Methods This review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA scoping review guidelines. Searches were conducted through PubMed and EMBASE databases for studies published between 2000 and March 2023 with a focus on Europe. Results 122 scientific articles and grey literature reports were identified. Access to greenspaces is positively associated with physical and mental health, and reduced risk of all-cause mortality and some non-communicable diseases. Greenspace quality is associated with increased physical activity and reduced risk of obesity. Nature-based therapies or green prescription are effective in improving mental health outcomes and overall health. Importantly, numerous co-benefits of greenspaces are identified. Conclusion Increasing access to greenspaces for populations with particular attention to greenspace quality is important for co-benefits. Responsible governance and use of greenspaces are crucial to minimize public health risks and human disturbance of nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Banwell
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Research in Ethics (CIRE), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Michel
- Department of Family Medicine, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Senn
- Department of Family Medicine, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Ocaña-Ortiz A, Gea-Caballero V, Juárez-Vela R, Peiró R, Pérez-Sanz E, Santolalla-Arnedo I, Sufrate-Sorzano T, Garrote-Cámara ME, Paredes-Carbonell JJ. Health equity in urban and rural settings: implementation of the place standard tool in Spain. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1292032. [PMID: 38803816 PMCID: PMC11129683 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1292032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The physical, social, and economic characteristics of neighborhoods and municipalities determine the health of their residents, shaping their behaviors and choices regarding health and well-being. Addressing local environmental inequalities requires an intersectoral, participatory, and equity-focused approach. Community participation plays a vital role by providing deeper insights into local contexts, integrating community knowledge and values into processes, and promoting healthier, fairer, and more equitable actions. In recent years, various tools have been developed to assess places and transform them into health-promoting settings. One such tool, the Place Standard Tool (PST), facilitates discussions on Social Determinants of Health grouped into 14 themes, serving as a starting point for local health interventions. In this study, that took place between August 2019 and February 2020, we described the resident's perceptions of two municipalities in the Valencian Community, Spain, using the validated Spanish version of the PST. A mixed-method convergent-parallel design was used to gain a holistic insight into residents' experiences concerning their physical, economic, and social environment. A total of 356 individuals from both municipalities participated in the study through discussion groups, structured interviews, and online survey. Descriptive analysis of the individual questionnaire answers was conducted, and differences between municipalities were explored. Qualitative thematic analysis was conducted on structured interviews and discussion groups. Quantitative and qualitative data were integrated to facilitate their comparison and identify areas of convergence or divergence in the findings. Overall, rural areas received more favorable evaluations compared to urban ones. Public Transport as well as Work and Local Economy were consistently rated the lowest across all groups and contexts, while Identity and Belonging received the highest ratings. In the urban area, additional negative ratings were observed for Traffic and Parking, Housing and Community, and Care and Maintenance. Conversely, Identity and Belonging, Natural Spaces, Streets and Spaces, Social Interaction, and Services emerged as the highest-rated themes overall. In the rural context, positive evaluations were given to Walking or Cycling, Traffic and Parking, Housing and Community, and Influence and Sense of Control. Significant differences (p < 0.01) between urban and rural settings were observed in dimensions related to mobility, spaces, housing, social interaction, and identity and belonging. Our study illustrated the capacity of the PST to identifying aspects within local settings that influence health, revealing both positive and challenging factors. Successful implementation requires appropriate territorial delineation, support from local authorities, and effective management of expectations. Furthermore, the tool facilitated community participation in decision-making about local environments, promoting equity by connecting institutional processes with citizen needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Ocaña-Ortiz
- Local Action and Health Equity Group (ALES Group), Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region (FISABIO), Valencia, Spain
- Gandia Health Department, Gandia, Spain
| | - Vicente Gea-Caballero
- Faculty of Health Sciences, VIU Valencia International University, Valencia, Spain
- Research Group SALCOM Community Health and Care, Valencia International University, Valencia, Spain
| | - Raúl Juárez-Vela
- Department of Nursing, University of La Rioja, Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
- GRUPAC, University of La Rioja, Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
| | - Rosana Peiró
- Local Action and Health Equity Group (ALES Group), Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region (FISABIO), Valencia, Spain
- Publica Health General Directorate, Health Department, Generalitat Valenciana, Valencia, Spain
- CIBERESP ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Pérez-Sanz
- Local Action and Health Equity Group (ALES Group), Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region (FISABIO), Valencia, Spain
- Publica Health General Directorate, Health Department, Generalitat Valenciana, Valencia, Spain
| | - Iván Santolalla-Arnedo
- Department of Nursing, University of La Rioja, Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
- GRUPAC, University of La Rioja, Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
| | - Teresa Sufrate-Sorzano
- Department of Nursing, University of La Rioja, Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
- GRUPAC, University of La Rioja, Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
| | - María Elena Garrote-Cámara
- Department of Nursing, University of La Rioja, Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
- GRUPAC, University of La Rioja, Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
| | - Joan Josep Paredes-Carbonell
- Local Action and Health Equity Group (ALES Group), Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region (FISABIO), Valencia, Spain
- Public Health Center of Alzira, Valencia, Spain
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Rajagopalan S, Vergara-Martel A, Zhong J, Khraishah H, Kosiborod M, Neeland IJ, Dazard JE, Chen Z, Munzel T, Brook RD, Nieuwenhuijsen M, Hovmand P, Al-Kindi S. The Urban Environment and Cardiometabolic Health. Circulation 2024; 149:1298-1314. [PMID: 38620080 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.123.067461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Urban environments contribute substantially to the rising burden of cardiometabolic diseases worldwide. Cities are complex adaptive systems that continually exchange resources, shaping exposures relevant to human health such as air pollution, noise, and chemical exposures. In addition, urban infrastructure and provisioning systems influence multiple domains of health risk, including behaviors, psychological stress, pollution, and nutrition through various pathways (eg, physical inactivity, air pollution, noise, heat stress, food systems, the availability of green space, and contaminant exposures). Beyond cardiometabolic health, city design may also affect climate change through energy and material consumption that share many of the same drivers with cardiometabolic diseases. Integrated spatial planning focusing on developing sustainable compact cities could simultaneously create heart-healthy and environmentally healthy city designs. This article reviews current evidence on the associations between the urban exposome (totality of exposures a person experiences, including environmental, occupational, lifestyle, social, and psychological factors) and cardiometabolic diseases within a systems science framework, and examines urban planning principles (eg, connectivity, density, diversity of land use, destination accessibility, and distance to transit). We highlight critical knowledge gaps regarding built-environment feature thresholds for optimizing cardiometabolic health outcomes. Last, we discuss emerging models and metrics to align urban development with the dual goals of mitigating cardiometabolic diseases while reducing climate change through cross-sector collaboration, governance, and community engagement. This review demonstrates that cities represent crucial settings for implementing policies and interventions to simultaneously tackle the global epidemics of cardiovascular disease and climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Rajagopalan
- Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute, University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH (S.R., A.V.-M., J.Z., I.J.N., J.-E.D., Z.C.)
| | - Armando Vergara-Martel
- Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute, University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH (S.R., A.V.-M., J.Z., I.J.N., J.-E.D., Z.C.)
| | - Jeffrey Zhong
- Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute, University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH (S.R., A.V.-M., J.Z., I.J.N., J.-E.D., Z.C.)
| | - Haitham Khraishah
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (H.K.)
| | | | - Ian J Neeland
- Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute, University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH (S.R., A.V.-M., J.Z., I.J.N., J.-E.D., Z.C.)
| | - Jean-Eudes Dazard
- Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute, University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH (S.R., A.V.-M., J.Z., I.J.N., J.-E.D., Z.C.)
| | - Zhuo Chen
- Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute, University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH (S.R., A.V.-M., J.Z., I.J.N., J.-E.D., Z.C.)
| | - Thomas Munzel
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany (T.M.)
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Rhine Main (T.M.)
| | - Robert D Brook
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI (R.D.B.)
| | | | - Peter Hovmand
- Center for Community Health Integration, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH (P.H.)
| | - Sadeer Al-Kindi
- DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center, Houston Methodist, TX (S.A.-K.)
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Bereziartua A, Cabrera-León A, Subiza-Pérez M, García-Baquero G, Delís Gomez S, Ballester F, Estarlich M, Merelles A, Esplugues A, Irles MA, Barona C, Mas R, Font-Ribera L, Bartoll X, Pérez K, Oliveras L, Binter AC, Daponte A, García Mochon L, García Cortés H, Sánchez-Cantalejo Garrido MDC, Lacasaña M, Cáceres R, Rueda M, Saez M, Lertxundi A. Urban environment and health: a cross-sectional multiregional project based on population health surveys in Spain (DAS-EP project) - study protocol. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e074252. [PMID: 38553060 PMCID: PMC10982794 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-074252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The European Environment Agency estimates that 75% of the European population lives in cities. Despite the many advantages of city life, the risks and challenges to health arising from urbanisation need to be addressed in order to tackle the growing burden of disease and health inequalities in cities. This study, Urban environment and health: a cross-sectional multiregional project based on population health surveys in Spain (DAS-EP project), aims to investigate the complex association between the urban environmental exposures (UrbEEs) and health. METHODS AND ANALYSIS DAS-EP is a Spanish multiregional cross-sectional project that combines population health surveys (PHS) and geographical information systems (GIS) allowing to collect rich individual-level data from 17 000 adult citizens participating in the PHS conducted in the autonomous regions of the Basque Country, Andalusia, and the Valencian Community, and the city of Barcelona in the years 2021-2023. This study focuses on the population living in cities or metropolitan areas with more than 100 000 inhabitants. UrbEEs are described by objective estimates at participants' home addresses by GIS, and subjective indicators present in PHS. The health outcomes included in the PHS and selected for this study are self-perceived health (general and mental), prevalence of chronic mental disorders, health-related quality of life, consumption of medication for common mental disorders and sleep quality. We aim to further understand the direct and indirect effects between UrbEEs and health, as well as to estimate the impact at the population level, taking respondents' sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics, and lifestyle into consideration. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study was approved by the regional Research Ethics Committee of the Basque Country (Ethics Committee for Research Involving Medicinal Products in the Basque Country; PI2022138), Andalusia (Biomedical Research Ethics Committee of the Province of Granada; 2078-N-22), Barcelona (CEIC-PSMar; 2022/10667) and the Valencian Community (Ethics Committee for Clinical Research of the Directorate General of Public Health and Center for Advanced Research in Public Health; 20221125/04). The results will be communicated to the general population, health professionals, and institutions through conferences, reports and scientific articles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ainhoa Bereziartua
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
- Group of Environmental Epidemiology and Child Development, IIS Biogipuzkoa, Donostia-San Sebastian, Guipuzcoa, Spain
| | - Andrés Cabrera-León
- Andalusian School of Public Health, Granada, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Comunidad de Madrid, Spain
| | - Mikel Subiza-Pérez
- Group of Environmental Epidemiology and Child Development, IIS Biogipuzkoa, Donostia-San Sebastian, Guipuzcoa, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Comunidad de Madrid, Spain
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology and Research Methods, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Bilbao, País Vasco, Spain
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford, UK
| | - Gonzalo García-Baquero
- Group of Environmental Epidemiology and Child Development, IIS Biogipuzkoa, Donostia-San Sebastian, Guipuzcoa, Spain
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | | | - Ferran Ballester
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Comunidad de Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Nursing and Chiropody, University of Valencia, Valencia, Comunitat Valenciana, Spain
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valèncian Region, FISABIO-Public Health, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marisa Estarlich
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Comunidad de Madrid, Spain
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valèncian Region, FISABIO-Public Health, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
- Faculty of Nursing and Chiropody, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Comunitat Valenciana, Spain
| | - Antonio Merelles
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valèncian Region, FISABIO-Public Health, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
- Faculty of Nursing and Chiropody, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Comunitat Valenciana, Spain
| | - Ana Esplugues
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Comunidad de Madrid, Spain
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valèncian Region, FISABIO-Public Health, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
- Faculty of Nursing and Chiropody, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Comunitat Valenciana, Spain
| | | | - Carmen Barona
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Comunidad de Madrid, Spain
- General Directorate of Public Health, Valencia, Valencian Community, Spain
- Research group "Local Action on Health and Equity (ALES)", Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valèncian Region, FISABIO-Public Health, Valencia, Spain
| | - Rosa Mas
- General Directorate of Public Health, Valencia, Valencian Community, Spain
- Research group "Local Action on Health and Equity (ALES)", Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valèncian Region, FISABIO-Public Health, Valencia, Spain
| | - Laia Font-Ribera
- Agencia de Salut Publica de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacio Biomedica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), Barcelona, Spain
| | - X Bartoll
- Agencia de Salut Publica de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacio Biomedica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Katherine Pérez
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Comunidad de Madrid, Spain
- Agencia de Salut Publica de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacio Biomedica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Oliveras
- Agencia de Salut Publica de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacio Biomedica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anne-Claire Binter
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Comunidad de Madrid, Spain
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio Daponte
- Andalusian School of Public Health, Granada, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Comunidad de Madrid, Spain
| | - Leticia García Mochon
- Andalusian School of Public Health, Granada, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Comunidad de Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Helena García Cortés
- Andalusian School of Public Health, Granada, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Comunidad de Madrid, Spain
| | - María Del Carmen Sánchez-Cantalejo Garrido
- Andalusian School of Public Health, Granada, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Comunidad de Madrid, Spain
| | - Marina Lacasaña
- Andalusian School of Public Health, Granada, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Comunidad de Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Rocío Cáceres
- Nursing Department, University of Seville, Sevilla, Spain
- Research group PAIDI CTS-1050: "Complex Care, Chronicity and Health Outcomes", University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - María Rueda
- Department of Statistics and Operational Research, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Institute of Mathematics, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Marc Saez
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Comunidad de Madrid, Spain
- Research Group on Statistics, Econometrics and Health (GRECS), University of Girona, Girona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Aitana Lertxundi
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
- Group of Environmental Epidemiology and Child Development, IIS Biogipuzkoa, Donostia-San Sebastian, Guipuzcoa, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Comunidad de Madrid, Spain
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Nieuwenhuijsen M, de Nazelle A, Garcia-Aymerich J, Khreis H, Hoffmann B. Shaping urban environments to improve respiratory health: recommendations for research, planning, and policy. THE LANCET. RESPIRATORY MEDICINE 2024; 12:247-254. [PMID: 37866374 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(23)00329-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Urban areas carry a large burden of acute (infectious) and chronic respiratory diseases due to environmental conditions such as high levels of air pollution and high population densities. Car-dominated cities often lack walkable areas, which reduces opportunities for physical activity that are fundamentally important for healthy lungs. The already restricted amount of green space available-with often poorly selected plants-could produce pollen and subsequently provoke or worsen allergic diseases. Less affluent neighbourhoods often carry a larger respiratory disease burden. A multisectoral approach with more diverse policy measures and urban innovations is needed to reduce air pollution (eg, low emission zones), to increase public space for walking and cycling (eg, low traffic neighbourhoods, superblocks, 15-minute cities, and car-free cities), and to develop green cities (eg, planting of low-allergy trees). Stricter EU air quality guidelines can push these transformations to improve the respiratory health of citizens. Advocacy by medical respiratory societies can also make an important contribution to such changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Nieuwenhuijsen
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Audrey de Nazelle
- Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Judith Garcia-Aymerich
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Haneen Khreis
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Public Health Modelling Group, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Barbara Hoffmann
- Centre for Health and Society, Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Heinrich-Heine-University of Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
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Cerin E, Chan YK, Symmons M, Soloveva M, Martino E, Shaw JE, Knibbs LD, Jalaludin B, Barnett A. Associations of the neighbourhood built and natural environment with cardiometabolic health indicators: A cross-sectional analysis of environmental moderators and behavioural mediators. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 240:117524. [PMID: 37898226 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117524] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most studies examining the effects of neighbourhood urban design on cardiometabolic health focused solely on the built or natural environment. Also, they did not consider the roles of neighbourhood socio-economic status (SES) and ambient air pollution in the observed associations, and the extent to which these associations were mediated by physical activity and sedentary behaviours. METHODS We used data from the AusDiab3 study (N = 4141), a national cohort study of Australian adults to address the above-mentioned knowledge gaps. Spatial data were used to compute indices of neighbourhood walkability (population density, intersection density, non-commercial land use mix, commercial land use), natural environment (parkland and blue spaces) and air pollution (annual average concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and fine particulate matter <2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5)). Census indices were used to define neighbourhood SES. Clinical assessments collected data on adiposity, blood pressure, blood glucose and blood lipids. Generalised additive mixed models were used to estimate associations. RESULTS Neighbourhood walkability showed indirect beneficial associations with most indicators of cardiometabolic health via resistance training, walking and sitting for different purposes; indirect detrimental associations with the same indicators via vigorous gardening; and direct detrimental associations with blood pressure. The neighbourhood natural environment had beneficial indirect associations with most cardiometabolic health indicators via resistance training and leisure-time sitting, and beneficial direct associations with adiposity and blood lipids. Neighbourhood SES and air pollution moderated only a few associations of the neighbourhood environment with physical activity, blood lipids and blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS Within a low-density and low-pollution context, denser, walkable neighbourhoods with good access to nature may benefit residents' cardiometabolic health by facilitating the adoption of an active lifestyle. Possible disadvantages of living in denser neighbourhoods for older populations are having limited opportunities for gardening, higher levels of noise and less healthy dietary patterns associated with eating out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Cerin
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, 215 Spring St., Melbourne, VIC, Australia; School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, 7 Sassoon Rd., Sandy Bay, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Yih-Kai Chan
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, 215 Spring St., Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Mark Symmons
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, 215 Spring St., Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Maria Soloveva
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, 215 Spring St., Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Erika Martino
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Jonathan E Shaw
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Luke D Knibbs
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia; Public Health Unit, Sydney Local Health District, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.
| | - Bin Jalaludin
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia.
| | - Anthony Barnett
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, 215 Spring St., Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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Dzhambov AM, Dimitrova V, Germanova N, Burov A, Brezov D, Hlebarov I, Dimitrova R. Joint associations and pathways from greenspace, traffic-related air pollution, and noise to poor self-rated general health: A population-based study in Sofia, Bulgaria. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 231:116087. [PMID: 37169139 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is still known of how multiple urban exposures interact as health determinants. This study investigated various ways in which greenspace, traffic-related air pollution, and noise could operate together, influencing general health status. METHODS In 2022, a cross-sectional population-based survey was conducted in Sofia, Bulgaria. Included were 917 long-term adult residents who completed questionnaires on poor self-rated health (PSRH), total time spent in physical activity (PA), home garden presence, time spent in urban greenspace and nature, and sociodemographics. Residential greenspace was operationalized using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), tree cover density, number of trees, and access to local greenspace and parks. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) was modeled for the study area. Road traffic, railway, and aircraft day-evening-night sound levels (Lden) were extracted from EU noise maps. Area-level income and urbanicity were considered. Analyses included multivariate ordinal regressions, interactions, and structural equation modeling (SEM). RESULTS Associations with PSRH were per 0.10 NDVI 300 m: OR = 0.65 (0.42-1.01), home garden: OR = 0.72 (0.49-1.07), per 5 μg/m3 NO2: OR = 1.57 (1.00-2.48), per 5 dB(A) Lden road traffic: OR = 1.06 (0.91-1.23), railway: OR = 1.11 (1.03-1.20), and aircraft: OR = 1.22 (1.11-1.34). Spending >30 min/week in nature related to better health. In multi-exposure models, only associations with aircraft and railway Lden persisted. People with lower education and financial difficulties or living in poorer districts experienced some exposures stronger. In SEM, time spent in nature and PA mediated the effect of greenspace. CONCLUSIONS Greenspace was associated with better general health, with time spent in nature and PA emerging as intermediate pathways. NO2, railway, and aircraft noise were associated with poorer general health. These results could inform decision-makers, urban planners, and civil society organizations facing urban development problems. Mitigation and abatement policies and measures should target socioeconomically disadvantaged citizens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel M Dzhambov
- Department of Hygiene, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Research Group "Health and Quality of Life in a Green and Sustainable Environment", SRIPD, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Institute of Highway Engineering and Transport Planning, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria.
| | - Veronika Dimitrova
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Bulgaria
| | - Nevena Germanova
- Department of Spatial and Strategic Planning of Sofia Municipality - Sofiaplan, Bulgaria
| | - Angel Burov
- Research Group "Health and Quality of Life in a Green and Sustainable Environment", SRIPD, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Architecture, University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy, Bulgaria
| | - Danail Brezov
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Transportation Engineering, University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy, Bulgaria
| | - Ivaylo Hlebarov
- Clean Air Team, Environmental Association Za Zemiata, Bulgaria
| | - Reneta Dimitrova
- Department of Meteorology and Geophysics, Faculty of Physics, Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Bulgaria; National Institute of Geophysics, Geodesy and Geography, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Bulgaria
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Röhrbein H, Hilger-Kolb J, Heinrich K, Kairies H, Hoffmann K. An Iterative, Participatory Approach to Developing a Neighborhood-Level Indicator System of Health and Wellbeing. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1456. [PMID: 36674211 PMCID: PMC9859574 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Despite increased awareness of the essential role of neighborhood characteristics for residents' health and wellbeing, the development of neighborhood-level indicator systems has received relatively little attention to date. To address this gap, we describe the participatory development process of a small-area indicator system that includes information on local health needs in a pilot neighborhood in the German city of Mannheim. To identify relevant indicators, we partnered with representatives of the city's public health department and used an iterative approach that included multiple Plan-Do-Check-Act cycles with ongoing feedback from local key stakeholders. The described process resulted in a web-based indicator system with a total of 86 indicators. Additionally, 123 indicators were perceived as relevant by stakeholders but could not be included due to data unavailability. Overall, stakeholders evaluated the participatory approach as useful. Even though the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the lack of some data elements hindered instrument development, close collaboration with public health partners facilitated the process. To identify and target sub-national health inequalities, we encourage local public health stakeholders to develop meaningful and useful neighborhood-level indicator systems, building on our experiences from the applied development process and considering identified barriers and facilitators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Röhrbein
- Center for Preventive Medicine and Digital Health (CPD), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jennifer Hilger-Kolb
- Center for Preventive Medicine and Digital Health (CPD), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Kathrin Heinrich
- Youth Welfare Office and Public Health Department, Division for Youth Welfare Planning and Public Health Planning, 68161 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Holger Kairies
- Youth Welfare Office and Public Health Department, Division for Youth Welfare Planning and Public Health Planning, 68161 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Kristina Hoffmann
- Center for Preventive Medicine and Digital Health (CPD), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
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11
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Hu G, Wang Z, Jiang S, Tian Y, Deng Y, Liu Y. Community public health safety emergency management and nursing insurance service optimization for digital healthy urban environment construction. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1032758. [PMID: 36330115 PMCID: PMC9623175 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1032758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to promote the construction of digital healthy cities and improve the living standards of urban residents. Based on this, this paper analyzes the development of healthy cities, and studies community public health safety emergency management and nursing insurance service optimization methods for healthy urban environment construction. First, the concept of digital healthy urban environment construction is discussed. Then, the role of environmental health is discussed. Finally, two methods are designed to study the emergency management of public health safety and nursing insurance services in urban communities under the condition of environmental health. The results show that in the environmental health score of the city, the scores of X1 (the urban air quality excellent rate) and X6 (citizens' satisfaction with the environmental quality) were relatively low between 2016 and 2018, below 0.5 points. The scores for the remaining 3 years were relatively high, above 0.5. The scores of X2 (green coverage rate of built-up area), X3 (average grade sound effect of environmental noise in urban area), X4 (harmless treatment rate of domestic waste) and X5 (centralized treatment rate of domestic sewage) were relatively high from 2016 to 2018, above 0.5 points, and relatively low in the remaining 3 years, below 0.5 points. Meanwhile, residents are very satisfied with information collection and information management in public health and safety emergency management, and the number of very satisfied people is basically more than 40%. Satisfaction with resource allocation and privacy management is high, and the number of very satisfied people is basically above 30%. However, the satisfaction with risk perception and management measures is very low, and the number of very satisfied people is basically below 20%. It shows that the current construction of the community's public health and safety emergency management system is relatively poor in terms of X2-X5, while the development of X1 and X6 is relatively mature. The research not only provides a reference for the construction and improvement of a digital healthy city, but also contributes to the improvement of the healthy life of urban residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guosheng Hu
- School of Economics, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, China,School of Economics and Business Administration, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zeyu Wang
- School of Public Administration, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaoxiang Jiang
- National School of Development, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Tian
- Center for Enterprise Growth and National Economic Security Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Deng
- Institute of Quality Development Strategy, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China,Population and Health Research Center, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, China,*Correspondence: Yue Deng
| | - Yang Liu
- Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China,School of Economics and Management, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China,Yang Liu
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Properties of the Spanish Version of the Place Standard Tool. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159395. [PMID: 35954751 PMCID: PMC9367821 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
(1) Background: The social determinants that maintain health inequalities are organized in the physical, social, and economic contexts of neighborhoods and municipalities. Their characteristics influence the behaviors and choices of the people living in them, with an impact on their health and well-being. In recent years, several local applications and urban development tools have been designed to learn how to promote the development of health and wellness environments. Aim: The purpose was to test the properties of the Spanish adaptation of the Place Standard Tool through its implementation in a Valencian community municipality. (2) Methods: Metric properties were analyzed from a sample of 242 participants. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the sociodemographic data and to describe item responses. Cronbach’s alpha was used to provide a measure of the internal consistency, whereas the Kaiser–Meyer Olkin test was relied upon to study the relationship between different variables. (3) Results: The questionnaire showed an internal consistency index of 0.849 and a KMO of 0.842, with a single factor variance of 81.50%. (4) Conclusions: The Spanish adaptation of the Place Standard Tool is a valid tool for assessing neighborhoods and municipalities with a focus on social determinants of health and equity.
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Negev M, Zea-Reyes L, Caputo L, Weinmayr G, Potter C, de Nazelle A. Barriers and Enablers for Integrating Public Health Cobenefits in Urban Climate Policy. Annu Rev Public Health 2022; 43:255-270. [PMID: 34936826 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-publhealth-052020-010820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Urban climate policy offers a significant opportunity to promote improved public health. The evidence around climate and health cobenefits is growing but has yet to translate into widespread integrated policies. This article presents two systematic reviews: first, looking at quantified cobenefits of urban climate policies, where transportation, land use, and buildings emerge as the most studied sectors; and second, looking at review papers exploring the barriers and enablers for integrating these health cobenefits into urban policies. The latter reveals wide agreement concerning the need to improve the evidence base for cobenefits and consensus about the need for greater political will and leadership on this issue. Systems thinking may offer a way forward to help embrace complexity and integrate health cobenefits into decision making. Knowledge coproduction to bring stakeholders together and advance policy-relevant research for urban health will also be required. Action is needed to bring these two important policy agendas together.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Negev
- School of Public Health, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Leonardo Zea-Reyes
- Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; .,Research Area, Cónclave Consultora, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.,University Centre for the Arts, Architecture, and Design; University of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Livio Caputo
- Energy Futures Lab, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gudrun Weinmayr
- Institute of Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Clive Potter
- Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom;
| | - Audrey de Nazelle
- Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; .,MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London
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Assessing Environmental Performance of Micromobility Using LCA and Self-Reported Modal Change: The Case of Shared E-Bikes, E-Scooters, and E-Mopeds in Barcelona. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14074139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Micromobility is often thought of as a sustainable solution to many urban mobility challenges. The literature to date, however, has struggled to find consensus on the sustainability of shared and electric scooters, e-bikes, and e-mopeds. This paper uses a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach to calculate the impacts of micromobility modes in three categories: Global Warming Potential (GWP), Particulate Matter Formation, and Ozone Formation. It does so by incorporating the self-reported modal change of each transportation mode: shared e-moped, shared e-bicycle, shared bicycle, and personal e-scooter. The results show that modal change brought by the introduction of shared e-mopeds and shared e-bicycles caused an increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, while shared bicycles and personal electric scooters decreased GHG emissions. All micromobility modes except personal e-scooters increased particulate matter emissions, but decreased those which were emitted within the city, while they all decreased NOx. The findings of this study suggest new micromobility services are not always the best environmental solution for urban mobility, unless the eco-design of vehicles is improved, and they are strategically used and deployed as part of a holistic vision for transport policy.
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Nieuwenhuijsen MJ, Barrera-Gómez J, Basagaña X, Cirach M, Daher C, Pulido MF, Iungman T, Gasparrini A, Hoek G, de Hoogh K, Khomenko S, Khreis H, de Nazelle A, Ramos A, Rojas-Rueda D, Pereira Barboza E, Tainio M, Thondoo M, Tonne C, Woodcock J, Mueller N. Study protocol of the European Urban Burden of Disease Project: a health impact assessment study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e054270. [PMID: 35058262 PMCID: PMC8783806 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-054270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cities have long been known to be society's predominant engine of innovation and wealth creation, yet they are also hotspots of pollution and disease partly due to current urban and transport practices. The aim of the European Urban Burden of Disease project is to evaluate the health burden and its determinants related to current and future potential urban and transport planning practices and related exposures in European cities and make this evidence available for policy and decision making for healthy and sustainable futures. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Drawing on an established comparative risk assessment methodology (ie, Urban and Transport Planning Health Impact Assessment) tool), in nearly 1000 European cities we will (1) quantify the health impacts of current urban and transport planning related exposures (eg, air pollution, noise, excess heat, lack of green space) (2) and evaluate the relationship between current levels of exposure, health impacts and city characteristics (eg, size, density, design, mobility) (3) rank and compare the cities based on exposure levels and the health impacts, (4) in a number of selected cities assess in-depth the linkages between urban and transport planning, environment, physical activity and health, and model the health impacts of alternative and realistic urban and transport planning scenarios, and, finally, (5) construct a healthy city index and set up an effective knowledge translation hub to generate impact in society and policy. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION All data to be used in the project are publicly available data and do not need ethics approval. We will request consent for personal data on opinions and views and create data agreements for those providing information on current and future urban and transport planning scenarios.For dissemination and to generate impact, we will create a knowledge translation hub with information tailored to various stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xavier Basagaña
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
- Pompeu Fabra University Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Cirach
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carolyn Daher
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Foraster Pulido
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
- Ramon Llull University, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Gerard Hoek
- IRAS, Utrecht University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Kees de Hoogh
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- Basel University Faculty of Philosophy and Natural Sciences, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Haneen Khreis
- Texas A&M University System, College Station, Texas, USA
| | | | - Ana Ramos
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Marko Tainio
- SYKE, Helsinki, Finland
- Polish Academy of Sciences, Warszawa, Poland
| | | | - Cathryn Tonne
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - N Mueller
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
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16
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Nieuwenhuijsen MJ. New urban models for more sustainable, liveable and healthier cities post covid19; reducing air pollution, noise and heat island effects and increasing green space and physical activity. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 157:106850. [PMID: 34531034 PMCID: PMC8457623 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Cities are centres of innovation and wealth creation, but also hotspots of air pollution and noise, heat island effects and lack of green space, which are all detrimental to human health. They are also hotspots of COVID19. COVID19 has led to a rethink of urban public space. Therefore, is it time to re-think our urban models and reduce the health burden? We provide a narrative meta-review around a number of cutting edge and visionary urban models that that may affect health and that have been reported over the past few years. New urban concepts such as the Superblocks, the low traffic neighbourhood, 15 Minute city, Car free city or a mixture of these that may go some way in reducing the health burden related to current urban and transport practices. They will reduce air pollution and noise, heat island effects and increase green space and physical activity levels. What is still lacking though is a thorough evaluation of the effectiveness and acceptability of the schemes and the impacts on not only health, but also liveability and sustainability, although they are expected to be positive. Finally, the COVID19 pandemic may accelerate these developments and stimulus funding like the EU Next Generation funding should be used to make these changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J Nieuwenhuijsen
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Melbourne, Australia.
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