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Figueroa LP, Poskey GA, Rose KK, Pickens ND. Mechanisms of Change in Nature-Based Pediatric Occupational Therapy: The Ecology of Change in Outdoor Therapy Model. Occup Ther Health Care 2024:1-22. [PMID: 38957003 DOI: 10.1080/07380577.2024.2372739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative constructivist grounded theory study was to develop a model to explain potential mechanisms of change in the nature-based pediatric occupational therapy process, based on analysis of the perspectives of occupational therapy practitioners currently engaging in nature-based practice with children. Using 27 photos and interview data from 22 participants the Ecology of Change in Outdoor Therapy (ECO-Therapy) Model was developed. The model suggests mechanisms of change in nature-based pediatric occupational therapy may involve six iterative phases: Longing for Freedom, Embarking on Adventure, Dancing with Nature, Claiming Self-Agency, Braving Real-Life Challenges, and Growing Adaptive Capacity. The practitioner and child experiencing these phases throughout the nature-based occupational therapy process may lead to improved participation and performance in the child's daily life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gail A Poskey
- Occupational Therapy, Texas Woman's University, Dallas, TX, USA
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Lyons R, Colbert A, Browning M, Jakub K. The relationship between urban greenspace perception and use within the adolescent population: A focused ethnography. J Adv Nurs 2024; 80:2869-2879. [PMID: 37859499 DOI: 10.1111/jan.15905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Greenspace is beneficial for improving adolescent mental health, yet healthcare professionals still do not understand the connection between the built environment and subjective mental well-being. We also need to understand how this population uses greenspace and how they feel when in it. AIM The aim of this qualitative study was threefold: to understand why adolescents use greenspace, to identify how they use greenspace and to explore how they feel when they are in greenspace. DESIGN Focused ethnography. METHODS Data were collected between June 2022 and August 2022 using participant observation, photo elicitation and semi-structured interviews. Braun and Clarke's (2006) six phases of thematic analysis were used to guide data collection and analysis. RESULTS A total of 11 adolescents between ages 12 and 18 who resided in and around Newark, NJ, were recruited. Three themes were identified from the data: (1) A tranquil space in an unsafe place; (2) Park means family connection with burgeoning independence; and (3) My park: Sense of ownership and responsibility. CONCLUSIONS This study deepens the understanding between subjective mental well-being and urban greenspace exposure. Adolescents accepted responsibility for maintaining "my park", which strengthens community cohesion, detailing the importance of youth input during urban planning. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Implications from this study suggest that environmental interventions may help ameliorate an ongoing mental health care crisis among adolescents. Healthcare providers should consider the built environment as another approach to promoting mental health. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION None other than research participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Lyons
- Montclair State University, Montclair, New Jersey, USA
| | - Alison Colbert
- Duquesne University School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Matthew Browning
- Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, Clemson University, South Carolina, Clemson, USA
| | - Karen Jakub
- Duquesne University School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Redvers N, Hartmann-Boyce J, Tonkin-Crine S. Nature Prescriptions and Indigenous Peoples: A Qualitative Inquiry in the Northwest Territories, Canada. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:806. [PMID: 38929052 PMCID: PMC11203734 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21060806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Nature prescription programs have become more common within healthcare settings. Despite the health benefits of being in nature, nature prescriptions within the context of Indigenous Peoples have received little attention. We therefore sought to answer the following question: What are circumpolar-based physicians' and Indigenous Elders' views on nature prescribing in the Northwest Territories, Canada? We carried out thirteen semi-structured interviews with physicians between May 2022 and March 2023, and one sharing circle with Indigenous Elders in February 2023. Separate reflexive thematic analysis was carried out to generate key themes through inductive coding of the data. The main themes identified from the physician interviews included the importance of cultural context; barriers with nature prescriptions in the region; and the potential for nature prescriptions in the North. Reflections shared by the Elders included the need for things to be done in the right way; the sentiment that the Land is not just an experience but a way of life; and the importance of traditional food as a connection with Nature. With expanding nature prescription programs, key considerations are needed when serving Indigenous communities. Further investigation is warranted to ensure that nature prescriptions are appropriate within a given context, are inclusive of supporting Land-based approaches to health and wellbeing, and are considered within the context of Indigenous self-determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Redvers
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6G 2M1, Canada
- Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 2JA, UK
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK; (J.H.-B.); (S.T.-C.)
| | - Jamie Hartmann-Boyce
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK; (J.H.-B.); (S.T.-C.)
- Department of Health Policy and Promotion, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Sarah Tonkin-Crine
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK; (J.H.-B.); (S.T.-C.)
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Ryan SC, Runkle JD, Wertis L, Sugg MM. Place-Based Differences in the Association Between Greenspace and Suicide-Related Outcomes Among Young People. J Adolesc Health 2024:S1054-139X(24)00173-3. [PMID: 38842987 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2024.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study investigated place-based differences in the association between greenspace and suicide-related outcomes (SROs) among young people, guided by the following two objectives: (1) Contextualize place-based differences in the association between greenspace and SRO prevalence among young people at the community level in five different urbanities (urban, suburban, micropolitan, small towns, and rural/isolated communities) and (2) identify which greenspace metrics (quantity, quality, or accessibility) are most protective for SROs at the community level. METHODS Publicly available greenspace datasets were used to derive greenspace quantity, quality, and accessibility metrics. SRO emergency department visits for young people were identified from 2016-2019 in North Carolina, USA. Generalized linear models investigated the association between greenspace metrics and community-level drivers of SRO prevalence. Shapely additive explanations confirmed the most important greenspace variables in accurately predicting community-level SRO prevalence. RESULTS The prevalence of SROs was highest in communities with the least amount of public greenspace; this association was most pronounced in suburban communities, with SROs 27% higher in suburban communities with low quantities of greenspace (PRRUrban: 1.11, confidence interval [CI]: 1.08-1.13; PRRSuburban: 1.27, CI: 1.10-1.46; PRRSmallTowns: 1.21, CI: 1.05-1.39), and in communities with the worst greenspace accessibility (i.e., furthest distance to nearest greenspace) (PRRUrban: 1.07, CI: 1.04-1.10; PRRRural&Isolated: 1.95, CI: 1.54-2.49). DISCUSSION Our analysis provides place-based, community-specific findings to guide targeted greenspace interventions aimed at addressing the rising prevalence of SROs among young people. Our findings suggest that greenspace quantity interventions may be most effective in urban, suburban, and small-town communities, and greenspace accessibility interventions may be most useful in urban and rural/isolated communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia C Ryan
- Department of Geography and Planning, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina.
| | - Jennifer D Runkle
- North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies, Asheville, North Carolina
| | - Luke Wertis
- Department of Geography and Planning, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina
| | - Margaret M Sugg
- Department of Geography and Planning, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina
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Rook GAW. Evolution and the critical role of the microbiota in the reduced mental and physical health associated with low socioeconomic status (SES). Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 161:105653. [PMID: 38582194 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
The evolution of the gut-microbiota-brain axis in animals reveals that microbial inputs influence metabolism, the regulation of inflammation and the development of organs, including the brain. Inflammatory, neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders are more prevalent in people of low socioeconomic status (SES). Many aspects of low SES reduce exposure to the microbial inputs on which we are in a state of evolved dependence, whereas the lifestyle of wealthy citizens maintains these exposures. This partially explains the health deficit of low SES, so focussing on our evolutionary history and on environmental and lifestyle factors that distort microbial exposures might help to mitigate that deficit. But the human microbiota is complex and we have poor understanding of its functions at the microbial and mechanistic levels, and in the brain. Perhaps its composition is more flexible than the microbiota of animals that have restricted habitats and less diverse diets? These uncertainties are discussed in relation to the encouraging but frustrating results of attempts to treat psychiatric disorders by modulating the microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham A W Rook
- Centre for Clinical Microbiology, Department of infection, UCL (University College London), London, UK.
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Ordóñez C, Kendal D, Davern M, Conway T. Having a tree in front of one's home is associated with GREATER subjective wellbeing in adult residents in Melbourne, Australia, and Toronto, Canada. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 250:118445. [PMID: 38360163 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118445] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
While urban trees can be important determinants of human health and wellbeing in world cities, the specific influence of nearby urban trees upon human wellbeing has not been adequately explored. While many studies have associated urban greenery abundance with wellbeing scores, many measures of urban greenery do not specify the type of vegetation or the impact of co-location. Here we fill this gap by associating self-reported measures of the presence of nearby trees (tree in front of one's home) with validated subjective wellbeing (SWB) scores. We also tested for the mediating role of what people thought about trees and nature, with a focus on the values people associate with urban trees and nature relatedness (NR). We used electronic panel survey data based on a demographic and geographical representative sample of more than 3400 residents living in Toronto, Canada, and Melbourne, Australia. We analysed these data using regression-based mediation and path analyses. We found that having a tree in front of one's home was strongly and positively associated with SWB scores in both cities with similar results (Melbourne, β = 0.17, p < 0.05; Toronto, β = 0.18, p < 0.05), while accounting for NR, values associated with urban trees, and demographics (e.g., age, education, home ownership). The mediating role of NR and values was small. The specific pathways of association between tree in front of one's home, SWB, NR, and values, varied by city, when accounting for demographics. We discuss how increasing the abundance of nearby urban trees in cities may also increase human wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilo Ordóñez
- Department of Geography, Geomatics and Environment, University of Toronto at Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada; School of Ecosystem and Forest Science, Burnley campus, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, 500 Yarra Boulevard, Richmond, Victoria, 3121, Australia.
| | - Dave Kendal
- Future in Nature Pty Ltd, Australia; Melbourne School of Design, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Melanie Davern
- Health Place and Society, Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University, 124 La Trobe Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Tenley Conway
- Department of Geography, Geomatics and Environment, University of Toronto at Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
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Bolanis D, Orri M, Vergunst F, Bouchard S, Robitaille É, Philippe F, Ouellet-Morin I, Girard A, Paquin V, Gauvin L, Côté S, Geoffroy MC. Increased urban greenspace in childhood associated with lower inattention deficit among adolescents. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2024; 59:947-956. [PMID: 37837487 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-023-02575-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE There is a growing interest in assessing the benefits of exposure to urban greenspace on mental health due to the increased urbanization of youth and concerns for their mental health. We investigated the prospective associations of residential greenspace in childhood and mental health in adolescence. Use of a well-characterized birth cohort permitted adjustment for a range of potential confounding factors including family and neighborhood characteristics in addition to prior mental health problems, and exploration of moderation effects by sex and family socioeconomic status. METHODS We analyzed longitudinal data collected from 742 urban-dwelling participants of the Quebec Longitudinal Study of Children Development. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) within 250, 500, and 1000 m buffer zones surrounding the home residence was used to indicate childhood exposure to greenspace. Six self-reported mental health problems at 15/17 years were examined using the Mental Health and Social Inadaptation questionnaire: inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, conduct, depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. RESULTS Childhood urban greenspace was associated with lower inattention problems in both females and males. We observed a 0.14 reduced standard deviation (SD) (β = - 0.14, SE = 0.05, p < 0.01) in relation to an interquartile range (IQR) increase of NDVI (0.15) at the 250 m buffer zone, and similar results were found in 500 m and 1000 m buffer zones. These associations only slightly attenuated after adjustment for individual (sex, childhood mental health), family (family SES, maternal age at birth, parental mental health, family composition), and neighborhood (material and social deprivation) characteristics (β = - 0.13, SE = 0.06, p = 0.03). No association was found for other mental health problems, and no moderation associations of sex or family socioeconomic status were observed. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that increasing residential greenspace in cities may be associated with modest benefits in attentional capacities in youth, necessitating further research to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Despina Bolanis
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | | | - Samantha Bouchard
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Éric Robitaille
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Frederick Philippe
- Department of Psychology, University of Quebec at Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Alain Girard
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Vincent Paquin
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Lise Gauvin
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sylvana Côté
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Tian M, Liu C, Xi J, Wang L, Zhang P, Liu C, Zhao K, Wu Y, Li R, Jia X, Yu Y. Effects of greenness in university campuses on test anxiety among Chinese university students during COVID-19 lockdowns: a correlational and mediation analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024; 34:2605-2617. [PMID: 37820697 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2023.2263382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate the correlations of greenness exposure with test anxiety among university students during COVID-19 lockdowns and to explore their mechanisms. We conducted a cross-sectional study with 2609 university students in Anhui and Shandong provinces, China. We assessed perceived campus greenness using a five-point Likert scale for quality, visibility, abundance, usage, and accessibility. Objective greenness was estimated via average normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) in 1,000-, 1,500-, and 2,000-m radius zones around each of the campuses. A generalised linear mixed model examined the associations between greenness and test anxiety and to evaluate the mediation effects of physical activity, body mass index (BMI), and air pollution. Results showed that higher NDVI1500-m correlated with lower test anxiety (OR = 0.871; 95% CI: 0.851, 0.891), physical activity may partially mediate this association. Increased campus greenness may alleviate test anxiety among Chinese university students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meihui Tian
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Chengrong Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Jingwen Xi
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Liya Wang
- Department of Physiology, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Peiyao Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Ke Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Yue Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Rong Li
- Department of Physiology, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Xianjie Jia
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ying Yu
- Department of Physiology, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
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Grover S, Varadharajan N, Venu S. Urbanization and psychosis: an update of recent evidence. Curr Opin Psychiatry 2024; 37:191-201. [PMID: 38441163 DOI: 10.1097/yco.0000000000000931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Urbanization, a complex global phenomenon, has a significant bearing on schizophrenia/psychosis burden through various socioeconomic and environmental factors. This review focuses on recent evidence (2019-2023) linking urbanization, schizophrenia, and the role of green space. RECENT FINDINGS This review analyzed 43 articles that examined the correlation between urban birth or upbringing, urban living (urbanicity), and various schizophrenia/psychosis-related outcomes such as incidence, psychotic experiences, etc. The studies showed differing results across geographical locations. Socioeconomic factors like area deprivation, migrant status (ethnic density) and social fragmentation were independently associated with the risk of schizophrenia/psychosis irrespective of urbanicity. More recently, environmental factors such as green space reduction and air pollution have been explored in urban living conditions and were positively associated with an increased risk of schizophrenia/psychosis. SUMMARY There is a need for further investigation in low and middle-income countries. The impact of urbanization-related factors and green space on the risk of schizophrenia/psychosis calls for appropriate governmental commitments toward structured and healthy urban planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Grover
- Department of Psychiatry, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, Punjab
| | - Natarajan Varadharajan
- Department of Psychiatry, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER)
| | - Sandesh Venu
- Department of Psychiatry, Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Kalapet, Puducherry, India
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Towe-Goodman N, McArthur KL, Willoughby M, Swingler MM, Wychgram C, Just AC, Kloog I, Bennett DH, Berry D, Hazlehurst MF, James P, Jimenez MP, Lai JS, Leve LD, Gatzke-Kopp L, Schweitzer JB, Bekelman TA, Calub C, Carnell S, Deoni S, D’Sa V, Kelly C, Koinis-Mitchell D, Petriello M, Thapaliya G, Wright RJ, Zhang X, Kress AM. Green Space and Internalizing or Externalizing Symptoms Among Children. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e245742. [PMID: 38598238 PMCID: PMC11007572 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.5742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Evidence suggests that living near green space supports mental health, but studies examining the association of green space with early mental health symptoms among children are rare. Objective To evaluate the association between residential green space and early internalizing (eg, anxiety and depression) and externalizing (eg, aggression and rule-breaking) symptoms. Design, Setting, and Participants Data for this cohort study were drawn from the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes cohort; analysis was conducted from July to October 2023. Children born between 2007 and 2013 with outcome data in early (aged 2-5 years) and/or middle (aged 6-11 years) childhood who resided in 41 states across the US, drawing from clinic, hospital, and community-based cohorts, were included. Cohort sites were eligible if they recruited general population participants and if at least 30 children had outcome and residential address data to measure green space exposure. Nine cohorts with 13 sites met these criteria. Children diagnosed with autism or developmental delay were excluded, and 1 child per family was included. Exposures Green space exposure was measured using a biannual (ie, summer and winter) Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, a satellite image-based indicator of vegetation density assigned to monthly residential history from birth to outcome assessment. Main Outcome and Measures Child internalizing and externalizing symptoms were assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist for Ages 1½ to 5 or 6 to 18. The association between green space and internalizing and externalizing symptoms was modeled with multivariable linear regression using generalized estimating equations, adjusting for birthing parent educational level, age at delivery, child sex, prematurity, and neighborhood socioeconomic vulnerability. Models were estimated separately for early and middle childhood samples. Results Among 2103 children included, 1061 (50.5%) were male; 606 (29.1%) identified as Black, 1094 (52.5%) as White, 248 (11.9%) as multiple races, and 137 (6.6%) as other races. Outcomes were assessed at mean (SD) ages of 4.2 (0.6) years in 1469 children aged 2 to 5 years and 7.8 (1.6) years in 1173 children aged 6 to 11 years. Greater green space exposure was associated with fewer early childhood internalizing symptoms in fully adjusted models (b = -1.29; 95% CI, -1.62 to -0.97). No associations were observed between residential green space and internalizing or externalizing symptoms in middle childhood. Conclusions and Relevance In this study of residential green space and children's mental health, the association of green space with fewer internalizing symptoms was observed only in early childhood, suggesting a sensitive period for nature exposure. Policies protecting and promoting access to green space may help alleviate early mental health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nissa Towe-Goodman
- Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill
| | - Kristen L. McArthur
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Michael Willoughby
- Education and Workforce Development, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Margaret M. Swingler
- Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill
| | - Cara Wychgram
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Allan C. Just
- Department of Epidemiology, Institute at Brown for Environment and Society, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Itai Kloog
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Deborah H. Bennett
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, Sacramento
| | - Daniel Berry
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | - Marnie F. Hazlehurst
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Peter James
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Marcia Pescador Jimenez
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jin-Shei Lai
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Leslie D. Leve
- Prevention Science Institute, University of Oregon, Eugene
| | - Lisa Gatzke-Kopp
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park
| | - Julie B. Schweitzer
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, Sacramento
| | - Traci A. Bekelman
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
| | - Catrina Calub
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, Sacramento
| | - Susan Carnell
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sean Deoni
- Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Discovery & Tools, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, Washington
| | - Viren D’Sa
- Department of Pediatrics, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Carrie Kelly
- Department of Pediatrics, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Daphne Koinis-Mitchell
- Department of Pediatrics, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Michael Petriello
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Gita Thapaliya
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Rosalind J. Wright
- Department of Epidemiology, Institute at Brown for Environment and Society, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
- Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Xueying Zhang
- Education and Workforce Development, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Amii M. Kress
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
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Franzoi D, Bockting CL, Bennett KF, Odom A, Lucassen PJ, Pathania A, Lee A, Brouwer ME, van de Schoot R, Wiers RW, Breedvelt JJ. Which individual, social, and urban factors in early childhood predict psychopathology in later childhood, adolescence and young adulthood? A systematic review. SSM Popul Health 2024; 25:101575. [PMID: 38125276 PMCID: PMC10731668 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2023.101575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background A comprehensive picture is lacking of the impact of early childhood (age 0-5) risk factors on the subsequent development of mental health symptoms. Objective In this systematic review, we investigated which individual, social and urban factors, experienced in early childhood, contribute to the development of later anxiety and depression, behavioural problems, and internalising and externalising symptoms in youth. Methods Embase, MEDLINE, Scopus, and PsycInfo were searched on the 5th of January 2022. Three additional databases were retrieved from a mega-systematic review source that focused on the identification of both risk and protective indicators for the onset and maintenance of prospective depressive, anxiety and substance use disorders. A total of 46,450 records were identified and screened in ASReview, an AI-aided systematic review tool. We included studies with experimental, quasi-experimental, prospective and longitudinal study designs, while studies that focused on biological and genetical factors, were excluded. Results Twenty studies were included. The majority of studies explored individual-level risk factors (N = 16). Eleven studies also explored social risk factors and three studied urban risk factors. We found evidence for early predictors relating to later psychopathology measures (i.e., anxiety and depression, behavioural problems, and internalising and externalising symptoms) in childhood, adolescence and early adulthood. These were: parental psychopathology, exposure to parental physical and verbal violence and social and neighbourhood disadvantage. Conclusions Very young children are exposed to a complex mix of risk factors, which operate at different levels and influence children at different time points. The urban environment appears to have an effect on psychopathology but it is understudied compared to individual-level factors. Moreover, we need more research exploring the interaction between individual, social and urban factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Franzoi
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health (APH), Amsterdam University Medical Centres, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Claudi L. Bockting
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health (APH), Amsterdam University Medical Centres, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Annick Odom
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health (APH), Amsterdam University Medical Centres, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Paul J. Lucassen
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Marlies E. Brouwer
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health (APH), Amsterdam University Medical Centres, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rens van de Schoot
- Department of Methodology and Statistics, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - Reinout W. Wiers
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Josefien J.F. Breedvelt
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health (APH), Amsterdam University Medical Centres, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- The National Centre for Social Research, London, UK
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
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12
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Ryan SC, Sugg MM, Runkle JD, Thapa B. Advancing Understanding on Greenspace and Mental Health in Young People. GEOHEALTH 2024; 8:e2023GH000959. [PMID: 38455233 PMCID: PMC10918609 DOI: 10.1029/2023gh000959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Mental distress among young people has increased in recent years. Research suggests that greenspace may benefit mental health. The objective of this exploratory study is to further understanding of place-based differences (i.e., urbanity) in the greenspace-mental health association. We leverage publicly available greenspace data sets to operationalize greenspace quantity, quality, and accessibility metrics at the community-level. Emergency department visits for young people (ages 24 and under) were coded for: anxiety, depression, mood disorders, mental and behavioral disorders, and substance use disorders. Generalized linear models investigated the association between greenspace metrics and community-level mental health burden; results are reported as prevalence rate ratios (PRR). Urban and suburban communities with the lowest quantities of greenspace had the highest prevalence of poor mental health outcomes, particularly for mood disorders in urban areas (PRR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.16-1.21), and substance use disorders in suburban areas (PRR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.28-1.43). In urban, micropolitan, and rural/isolated areas further distance to greenspace was associated with a higher prevalence of poor mental health outcomes; this association was most pronounced for substance use disorders (PRRUrban: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.29-1.32; PRRMicropolitan: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.43-1.51; PRRRural 2.38: 95% CI: 2.19-2.58). In small towns and rural/isolated communities, poor mental health outcomes were more prevalent in communities with the worst greenspace quality; this association was most pronounced for mental and behavioral disorders in small towns (PRR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.24-1.35), and for anxiety disorders in rural/isolated communities (PRR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.43-1.82). The association between greenspace metrics and mental health outcomes among young people is place-based with variations across the rural-urban continuum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia C. Ryan
- Department of Geography and PlanningAppalachian State UniversityBooneNCUSA
| | - Margaret M. Sugg
- Department of Geography and PlanningAppalachian State UniversityBooneNCUSA
| | | | - Bhuwan Thapa
- Department of Geography and PlanningAppalachian State UniversityBooneNCUSA
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13
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Zhang Y, Wu T, Yu H, Fu J, Xu J, Liu L, Tang C, Li Z. Green spaces exposure and the risk of common psychiatric disorders: A meta-analysis. SSM Popul Health 2024; 25:101630. [PMID: 38405164 PMCID: PMC10885792 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2024.101630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To explore the effects of green spaces exposure on common psychiatric disorders. Methods PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and MEDLINE were screened and articles published prior to November 15, 2023 were included. Analyses were performed on common psychiatric disorders, categorized into depression, anxiety, dementia, schizophrenia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). And the subgroup analyses were conducted for depression, anxiety, dementia, and schizophrenia. Results In total, 2,0064 studies were retrieved, 59 of which were included in our study; 37 for depression, 14 for anxiety, 8 for dementia, 7 for schizophrenia and 5 for ADHD. Green spaces were found to benefit the moderation of psychiatric disorders (OR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.89 to 0.92). Green spaces positively influence depression (OR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.86 to 0.93), regardless of the cross-sectional or cohort studies. Green spaces can also help mitigate the risk of anxiety (OR = 0.94, 95%CI:0.92 to 0.96). As an important index for measuring green spaces, a higher normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) level related to a lower level of depression (OR = 0.95, 95%CI:0.91 to 0.98) and anxiety (OR = 0.95, 95%:0.92 to 0.98). The protection was also found in dementia (OR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.93 to 0.96), schizophrenia (OR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.67 to 0.82), and ADHD (OR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.86 to 0.92) results. Conclusion Green spaces decrease the risk of psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, dementia, schizophrenia, and ADHD. Further studies on green spaces and psychiatric disorders are needed, and more green spaces should be considered in city planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimin Zhang
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Tongyan Wu
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Hao Yu
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Urology, The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianfei Fu
- Department of Medical Records and Statistics, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Jin Xu
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Liya Liu
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Chunlan Tang
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Zhen Li
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
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14
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Tondelli M, Chiari A, Vinceti G, Galli C, Salemme S, Filippini T, Carbone C, Minafra C, De Luca C, Prandi R, Tondelli S, Zamboni G. Greenness and neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 242:117652. [PMID: 37980996 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117652] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES It is acknowledged that living in a green environment may help mental well-being and this may be especially true for vulnerable people. However, the relationship between greenness and neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia has not been explored yet. METHODS We collected clinical, neuropsychiatric, and residential data from subjects with dementia living in the province of Modena, Northern Italy. Neuropsychiatric symptoms were measured with the Neuropsychiatry Inventory, a questionnaire administered to the caregiver who assesses the presence and severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms, including delusions, hallucinations, agitation/aggression, dysphoria/depression, anxiety, euphoria/elation, apathy/indifference, disinhibition, irritability/lability, aberrant motor behaviors, sleep disturbances, and appetite/eating changes. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was used as a proxy of greenness. Regression models were constructed to study the association between greenness and neuropsychiatric features. RESULTS 155 patients with dementia were recruited. We found that greenness is variably associated with the risk of having neuropsychiatric symptoms. The risk of apathy was lower with lower levels of greenness (OR = 0.42, 95% CI 0.19-0.91 for NDVI below the median value). The risk of psychosis was higher with lower levels of greenness but with more imprecise values (OR = 1.77, 95% CI 0.84-3.73 for NDVI below the median value). CONCLUSION Our results suggest a possible association between greenness and neuropsychiatric symptoms in people with dementia. If replicated in larger samples, these findings will pave the road for identifying innovative greening strategies and interventions that can improve mental health in dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Tondelli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Neurology Unit, Baggiovara Hospital, AOU Modena, Modena, Italy.
| | - Annalisa Chiari
- Neurology Unit, Baggiovara Hospital, AOU Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Giulia Vinceti
- Neurology Unit, Baggiovara Hospital, AOU Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Chiara Galli
- Primary Care Department, AUSL Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Simone Salemme
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Tommaso Filippini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center (CREAGEN), Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Chiara Carbone
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Claudia Minafra
- Department of Architecture, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudia De Luca
- Department of Architecture, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Riccardo Prandi
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BiGeA), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Simona Tondelli
- Department of Architecture, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanna Zamboni
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Neurology Unit, Baggiovara Hospital, AOU Modena, Modena, Italy
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15
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Yang Y, Liao H, Zhao L, Wang X, Yang X, Ding X, Li X, Jiang Z, Zhang X, Zhang Q, He H, Guo L, Lin H, Dong G, Spencer B, He M, Congdon N, Morgan IG, Lin H. Green Space Morphology and School Myopia in China. JAMA Ophthalmol 2024; 142:115-122. [PMID: 38175641 PMCID: PMC10767644 DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2023.6015] [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: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Importance China has experienced both rapid urbanization and major increases in myopia prevalence. Previous studies suggest that green space exposure reduces the risk of myopia, but the association between myopia risk and specific geometry and distribution characteristics of green space has yet to be explored. These must be understood to craft effective interventions to reduce myopia. Objective To evaluate the associations between myopia and specific green space morphology using novel quantitative data from high-resolution satellite imaging. Design, Setting, and Participants This prospective cohort study included students grades 1 to 4 (aged 6 to 9 years) in Shenzhen, China. Baseline data were collected in 2016-2017, and students were followed up in 2018-2019. Data were analyzed from September 2020 to January 2022. Exposures Eight landscape metrics were calculated using land cover data from high-resolution Gaofen-2 satellite images to measure area, aggregation, and shape of green space. Main Outcome and Measures The 2-year cumulative change in myopia prevalence at each school and incidence of myopia at the student level after 2 years were calculated as main outcomes. The associations between landscape metrics and school myopia were assessed, controlling for geographical, demographic, and socioeconomic factors. Principal component analyses were performed to further assess the joint effect of landscape metrics at the school and individual level. Results A total of 138 735 students were assessed at baseline. Higher proportion, aggregation, and better connectivity of green space were correlated with slower increases in myopia prevalence. In the principal component regression, a 1-unit increase in the myopia-related green space morphology index (the first principal component) was negatively associated with a 1.7% (95% CI, -2.7 to -0.6) decrease in myopia prevalence change at the school level (P = .002). At the individual level, a 1-unit increase in myopia-related green space morphology index was associated with a 9.8% (95% CI, 4.1 to 15.1) reduction in the risk of incident myopia (P < .001), and the association remained after further adjustment for outdoor time, screen time, reading time, and parental myopia (adjusted odds ratio, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.80 to 0.97; P = .009). Conclusions and Relevance Structure of green space was associated with a decreased relative risk of myopia, which may provide guidance for construction and renovation of schools. Since risk estimates only indicate correlations rather than causation, further interventional studies are needed to assess the effect on school myopia of urban planning and environmental designs, especially size and aggregation metrics of green space, on school myopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huipeng Liao
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
- Guangzhou Urban Planning and Design Survey Research Institute, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lanqin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, China
| | - XiaoWei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohu Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuelong Li
- Centre for OPTical IMagery Analysis and Learning (OPTIMAL), Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Zhiyu Jiang
- Centre for OPTical IMagery Analysis and Learning (OPTIMAL), Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xingying Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Radiometric Calibration and Validation for Environmental Satellites (LRCVES/CMA), National Satellite Meteorological Center, China Meteorological Administration (NSMC/CMA), Beijing, China
| | - Qingling Zhang
- School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huagui He
- Guangzhou Urban Planning and Design Survey Research Institute, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liang Guo
- Guangzhou Urban Planning and Design Survey Research Institute, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hualiang Lin
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guanghui Dong
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bryan Spencer
- Department of Management, College of Business, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Mingguang He
- PolyU School of Optometry, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Nathan Congdon
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, China
- Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
- Orbis International, New York, New York
| | - Ian George Morgan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, China
- Research School of Biology, College of Medicine, Biology and Environment, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Haotian Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, China
- Hainan Eye Hospital and Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Haikou, China
- Centre for Precision Medicine, Department of Genetics and Biomedical Informatics, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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16
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Goldblatt R, Holz N, Tate G, Sherman K, Ghebremicael S, Bhuyan SS, Al-Ajlouni Y, Santillanes S, Araya G, Abad S, Herting MM, Thompson W, Thapaliya B, Sapkota R, Xu J, Liu J, Schumann G, Calhoun VD. "Urban-Satellite" estimates in the ABCD Study: Linking Neuroimaging and Mental Health to Satellite Imagery Measurements of Macro Environmental Factors. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2023.11.06.23298044. [PMID: 37986844 PMCID: PMC10659457 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.06.23298044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
While numerous studies over the last decade have highlighted the important influence of environmental factors on mental health, globally applicable data on physical surroundings are still limited. Access to such data and the possibility to link them to epidemiological studies is critical to unlocking the relationship of environment, brain and behaviour and promoting positive future mental health outcomes. The Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study is the largest ongoing longitudinal and observational study exploring brain development and child health among children from 21 sites across the United States. Here we describe the linking of the ABCD study data with satellite-based "Urban-Satellite" (UrbanSat) variables consisting of 11 satellite-data derived environmental indicators associated with each subject's residential address at their baseline visit, including land cover and land use, nighttime lights, and population characteristics. We present these UrbanSat variables and provide a review of the current literature that links environmental indicators with mental health, as well as key aspects that must be considered when using satellite data for mental health research. We also highlight and discuss significant links of the satellite data variables to the default mode network clustering coefficient and cognition. This comprehensive dataset provides the foundation for large-scale environmental epidemiology research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nathalie Holz
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim / Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Garrett Tate
- New Light Technologies, Inc., Washington, DC 20012
| | - Kari Sherman
- New Light Technologies, Inc., Washington, DC 20012
| | | | - Soumitra S Bhuyan
- Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, Rutgers University- New Brunswick
| | - Yazan Al-Ajlouni
- New York Medical College School of Medicine, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
| | | | | | - Shermaine Abad
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, 92093
| | - Megan M. Herting
- University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA, 90089
| | - Wesley Thompson
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 74136, USA
| | - Bishal Thapaliya
- Tri-institutional Center for Translational Research in Neuroimaging and Data Science (TReNDS), Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Emory, Atlanta, GA 30303
| | - Ram Sapkota
- Tri-institutional Center for Translational Research in Neuroimaging and Data Science (TReNDS), Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Emory, Atlanta, GA 30303
| | - Jiayuan Xu
- Department of Radiology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Imaging, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Jingyu Liu
- Tri-institutional Center for Translational Research in Neuroimaging and Data Science (TReNDS), Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Emory, Atlanta, GA 30303
| | | | - Gunter Schumann
- Centre for Population Neuroscience and Stratified Medicine (PONS), ISTBI, Fudan University Shanghai, P.R. China
- PONS Centre, Dept. of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, CCM, Charite University Medicine Berlin, Germany
| | - Vince D. Calhoun
- Tri-institutional Center for Translational Research in Neuroimaging and Data Science (TReNDS), Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Emory, Atlanta, GA 30303
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17
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Sleurs H, Silva AI, Bijnens EM, Dockx Y, Peusens M, Rasking L, Plusquin M, Nawrot TS. Exposure to Residential Green Space and Bone Mineral Density in Young Children. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2350214. [PMID: 38175647 PMCID: PMC10767584 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.50214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Bone mass accrual is influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors. Targeted interventions at the early stages of life might decrease fracture and/or osteoporosis risk later in life. Objective To investigate whether early-life exposure to residential surrounding green space is associated with a change in bone mineral density in young children. Design, Setting, and Participants In this prospective birth cohort study (ENVIRONAGE [Environmental Influence on Aging in Early Life]), mother-child pairs from Flanders, Belgium, were recruited at birth and followed up for 4 to 6 years, between October 1, 2014, and July 31, 2021. Data analysis was conducted between January and February 2022. Exposures Green space was estimated for high green (>3 m vegetation height), low green (≤3 m vegetation height ), and total green (sum of high and low) within several radii (100-3000 m) around the residence after geocoding of the addresses. Main Outcomes and Measures Radial bone mineral density was assessed using quantitative ultrasound measurement at follow-up, measured as the mean of the axially transmitted speed of sound in meters per second. Multiple linear and logistic regression models were used while accounting for relevant covariates and potential confounders. Results The study population comprised 327 children (180 [55.0%] female; mean [SD] age, 4.6 [0.4] years at the follow-up evaluation). Early-life exposure to residential green space was associated with increased childhood bone health. An IQR increment in total green (21.2%) and high green (19.9%) space within 500 m was associated with an increase of 27.38 m/s (95% CI, 9.63-45.13 m/s) and 25.30 m/s (95% CI, 7.93-42.68 m/s) in bone mineral density, respectively. Additionally, an IQR increase in total (25.2%) and high (23.2%) green space within 1000 m was associated with a 67% (odds ratio, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.17-0.61) and 61% (odds ratio, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.18-0.75) lower risk of having a bone density lower than the sex-specific 10th percentile (3567.6 m/s for girls and 3522.8 m/s for boys). Conclusions and Relevance In this study of children aged 4 to 6 years, higher bone mineral density and a lower risk of having low bone density were associated with higher residential green space exposure during childhood. These findings highlight the importance of early-life exposure to residential green space on bone health during critical periods of growth and development, with long-term implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanne Sleurs
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Ana Inês Silva
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Esmée M. Bijnens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Open University, Heerlen, the Netherlands
| | - Yinthe Dockx
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Martien Peusens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Leen Rasking
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Michelle Plusquin
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Tim S. Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium
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18
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Mitiku KW, Tegegne E, Amsalu M, Habtegiorgis SD, Melaku B. Mental illness in children and its determinants in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis, 2023. Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry 2024; 29:168-186. [PMID: 37864448 DOI: 10.1177/13591045231209078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Young people are at risk of developing mental health disorders. Depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems are among the primary causes of illness and impairment among teenagers. Suicide is the fourth highest cause of mortality in those aged 15 to 29. This study aimed to assess the determinants of mental health among children in Ethiopia. METHODS Online databases were searched from inception until March 2023. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 was used in this review. Subgroup analysis, I2 test, funnel plot, and Egger's test were performed. Pooled odds ratios (OR) were calculated. RESULT Fourteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of mental illnesses among Ethiopian children was 24.68% (95% CI: 19.99%-32.38%). Having previous child abuse history (OR: 5.65; 95% CI: 4.32-7.39), poor socio-economic status (OR: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.24-3.04), urban residence (OR: 1.93; 95% CI:1.39-2.67), and being male (OR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.15-2.38) were determinants of childhood mental illness in Ethiopia. CONCLUSION and Recommendations: Mental disorders are highly prevalent in children with a history of child abuse, and a strong legislative body must be established to prosecute child abusers. Interventions that focus on gender equality in education and the creation of a safe environment for poor urban children are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalkidan Worku Mitiku
- Department of Public Health, College of health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Eniyew Tegegne
- Department of Environmental health, College of health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Menichil Amsalu
- Department of Public Health, College of health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Samuel Derbie Habtegiorgis
- Department of Public Health, College of health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Birhanu Melaku
- School of Medicine and Health Science, Department of Public Health, GAMBY Medical and Business College, Bahirdar, Ethiopia
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19
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Chen Y, Chen G, Liu Y, Dong GH, Yang BY, Li S, Huang H, Jin Z, Guo Y. Exposure to greenness during pregnancy and the first three years after birth and autism spectrum disorder: A matched case-control study in shanghai, China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 340:122677. [PMID: 37827355 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Causes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have not been fully understood. Previous studies have linked environmental factors with ASD. However, evidence for the greenness-ASD association is limited, especially in China. To fill this gap, we conducted a matched case-control study to examine the association between greenness and ASD in China. Participants in this study were 84,934 children aged 3-12 years in Shanghai, China, selected using a multi-stage cluster sampling method. ASD cases were firstly screened by questionnaires completed by both children's parents and teachers, and were then confirmed by clinical examinations. Further, 10 healthy controls were randomly selected to match each ASD case by age and sex. The final analyses included 146 ASD cases and 1460 healthy controls. Participants' exposure to greenness before and after birth was assessed by normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and enhanced vegetation index (EVI) from NASA's Earth Observing System according to their residential locations. We used conditional logistic regression to examine the ASD-greenness association. Per interquartile range (IQR) increase in EVI500m and NDVI500m during the year before birth were associated with lower risks of ASD with adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of 0.96 (95%CI: 0.946, 0.975, IQR = 0.074) and 0.937 (95%CI: 0.915, 0.959, IQR = 0.101). Exposure to greenness during the first 3 years after birth was also significantly associated with lower risk of ASD [IQR ORs for EVI500m and NDVI500m were 0.935 (95%CI: 0.91, 0.962, IQR = 0.06) and 0.897 (95%CI: 0.861, 0.935, IQR = 0.09), respectively]. Air pollution showed mediation effects on thegreenness-ASD association. Greenness was observed to have stronger beneficial effects on children without historical diseases and term birth. More greenness exposure before and after birth were significantly associated with lower risks of ASD in children. Our results highlight the importance of greenness in urban planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Chen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Gongbo Chen
- Climate, Air Quality Research Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Yuewei Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Guang-Hui Dong
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Bo-Yi Yang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Shanshan Li
- Climate, Air Quality Research Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Hong Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Zhijuan Jin
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200127, China.
| | - Yuming Guo
- Climate, Air Quality Research Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
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20
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Karaba Bäckström M, Lundgreen E, Slaug B. Mitigating the effects of climate change in children's outdoor play environments. Scand J Occup Ther 2024; 31:1-13. [PMID: 38014493 DOI: 10.1080/11038128.2023.2275697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND For many children, public playgrounds represent environments that are playful and important in developing good health. Without efforts to facilitate climate change adaptation of outdoor playgrounds there may be a negative impact on children's health and well-being. AIM With a special focus on play value, to explore the reasoning and described strategies among professionals responsible for development, planning and solutions concerning outdoor playgrounds in the context of climate change. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eight semi-structured interviews were held with purposefully selected interviewees. Analysis was conducted with manifest content analysis. RESULTS Four themes with supporting categories; 1: a new design paradigm for outdoor play environments, 2: a need for updated regulation- and security guidelines for outdoor play environments, 3: nature-based play environments are more climate change resilient, and 4: maintenance and construction of nature-based outdoor play environments. The findings showed an overall awareness and a will to use innovative and nature-based strategies and planning to deal with climate change implications for outdoor play environments. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE The findings suggest that the strategies employed lean towards implementation of increased ecosystem services and natural elements. Ensuring strengthened resilience against hazardous climate change effects may positively facilitate diverse play activities with high play value.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Björn Slaug
- Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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21
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Bole A, Bernstein A, White MJ. The Built Environment and Pediatric Health. Pediatrics 2024; 153:e2023064773. [PMID: 38105697 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-064773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Buildings, parks, and roads are all elements of the "built environment," which can be described as the human-made structures that comprise the neighborhoods and communities where people live, work, learn, and recreate (https://www.epa.gov/smm/basic-information-about-built-environment). The design of communities where children and adolescents live, learn, and play has a profound impact on their health. Moreover, the policies and practices that determine community design and the built environment are a root cause of disparities in the social determinants of health that contribute to health inequity. An understanding of the links between the built environment and pediatric health will help to inform pediatricians' and other pediatric health professionals' care for patients and advocacy on their behalf. This technical report describes the range of pediatric physical and mental health conditions influenced by the built environment, as well as historical and persistent effects of the built environment on health disparities. The accompanying policy statement outlines community design solutions that can improve pediatric health and health equity, including opportunities for pediatricians and the health care sector to incorporate this knowledge in patient care, as well as to play a role in advancing a health-promoting built environment for all children and families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Bole
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Aaron Bernstein
- Department of General Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, and Center for Climate, Health and the Global Environment, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Michelle J White
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
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22
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Bolanis D, Vergunst F, Mavoa S, Schmelefske E, Khoury B, Turecki G, Orri M, Geoffroy MC. Association between greenspace exposure and suicide-related outcomes across the lifespan: A systematic review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167451. [PMID: 37777126 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
A growing number of studies have linked greenspace exposure to suicide, but findings are inconsistent. We conducted a systematic review on the associations between greenspace exposure and suicide-related outcomes (namely, suicide mortality, self-harm, and suicidal ideation) up until January 6, 2023. We used the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (or MMAT) to assess the quality of the included studies. In total, 23 studies met our inclusion criteria, consisting of 14 ecological, four cross-sectional, three longitudinal, and two experimental studies. Most studies were published in 2022 and conducted in Europe (n = 10), Asia (n = 7), and North America (n = 5), with one worldwide analysis. Various indicators were used to assess greenspace exposure including objective measures (e.g., level of surrounding greenness, quantity, structural features, tree canopy coverage), and greenspace use (e.g., duration and frequency). Suicide mortality was the most studied outcome (n = 14). Quality assessment showed that most (87 %) of the included observational studies used representative samples. Protective associations of exposure to greenspace were reported for suicide mortality (9/14 or 64 %), self-harm (n = 3/5 or 60 %) and suicidal ideation (n = 4/6 or 67 %), with nine or 36 % studies reporting no association. Most of the included studies adjusted for key covariates such as age, sex, and socioeconomic status at various aggregate levels (e.g., household, city). For greenspace exposure and suicide mortality, studies stratified by sex (n = 10) showed larger protective associations for females (n = 7) than for males (n = 4). However, the included studies showed high heterogeneity in terms of exposure indicators and greenspace definitions. Experimental studies and studies using youth samples were rare. While more research is warranted, preliminary findings suggest protective associations between greenspace exposure and suicide-related outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Despina Bolanis
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Francis Vergunst
- Department of Special Needs Education, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Suzanne Mavoa
- Melbourne School of Population & Global Health, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3011, Australia; Environmental Public Health Branch, Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria 3053, Australia
| | - Emma Schmelefske
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Bassam Khoury
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Gustavo Turecki
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Massimiliano Orri
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Quebec, Canada; Danish Research Institute for Suicide Prevention, Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Marie-Claude Geoffroy
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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23
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Addas A. Telepresence robots as facilitators of physical exercise during COVID-19: a feasibility and acceptance study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1277479. [PMID: 38222084 PMCID: PMC10787647 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1277479] [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: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions on mobility and access to green space have disrupted exercise habits worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1.4 billion adults were insufficiently physically active in 2016, with detrimental impacts on health. The proposed study investigated the use of telepresence-robot-based personal trainers to facilitate remote exercise during the pandemic-related lockdowns. Several adults aged 18-65 were recruited for a four-week intervention and thorough research investigation. The intervention involved one-hour outdoor exercise sessions held three times per week in a local park with a human instructor connected via a telepresence robot. Surveys assessed perceptions of social presence, usability, the intention to use the robot and the psychological benefits of access to green space. System logs tracked participation and technical errors. At baseline, 30% of the participants met the WHO physical activity (PA) recommendations, compared to 80% after the intervention. The study shows significant increases in many parameters. These are perceived in social presence (p < 0.021), usability (p < 0.04), intentions for long-term use (p < 0.05), and the mental health benefits of accessing green spaces (p < 0.013). Attendance was found to be 90%, with a 7% technical failure rate. This investigation demonstrates the promise of telepresence robots for safely providing remote access to green spaces. They can be used to facilitate exercise during public health crises, overcoming the barriers to maintaining PA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Addas
- Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia
- Landscape Architecture Department, Faculty of Architecture and Planning, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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24
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Gu X, Zheng H, Tse CS. Contact with nature for emotion regulation: the roles of nature connectedness and beauty engagement in urban young adults. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21377. [PMID: 38049530 PMCID: PMC10695948 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48756-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Contact with nature has emotional benefits, but the psychological mechanism and potential moderator underlying the association between nature contact and emotion regulation remain unclear. The present study investigated how self-reported frequency of nature contact is associated with the use of emotion regulation strategies and explored the mediating role of nature connectedness (i.e., psychological connection to nature) and the moderating role of engagement with natural beauty. Employing mediation and moderated mediation analyses, in a cross-sectional sample of 2097 young adults aged 18-35 years old (M = 24.01, SD = 4.80) residing in urban China, we obtained three major findings. First, nature connectedness mediated the associations between direct/indirect nature contact and cognitive reappraisal as well as expressive suppression. Second, engagement with natural beauty moderated the path from direct/indirect nature contact to cognitive reappraisal in the mediation models. Third, engagement with natural beauty moderated the path from indirect nature contact to nature connectedness in the mediation models. Our study is the first to reveal mediating and moderating factors in the relationships among direct/indirect contact with nature, nature connectedness, engagement with natural beauty, and emotion regulation strategies. These findings provide support for the emotional health of nature contact and have implications for nature-based education and urban planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Gu
- Department of Social Work, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
- Center for Animal Protection Studies, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
- Department of Applied Psychology, Guangdong University of Finance and Economics, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Hailin Zheng
- Department of Applied Psychology, Guangdong University of Finance and Economics, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chi-Shing Tse
- Department of Educational Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Centre for Learning Sciences and Technology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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25
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White MP, Hartig T, Martin L, Pahl S, van den Berg AE, Wells NM, Costongs C, Dzhambov AM, Elliott LR, Godfrey A, Hartl A, Konijnendijk C, Litt JS, Lovell R, Lymeus F, O'Driscoll C, Pichler C, Pouso S, Razani N, Secco L, Steininger MO, Stigsdotter UK, Uyarra M, van den Bosch M. Nature-based biopsychosocial resilience: An integrative theoretical framework for research on nature and health. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 181:108234. [PMID: 37832260 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Nature-based solutions including urban forests and wetlands can help communities cope better with climate change and other environmental stressors by enhancing social-ecological resilience. Natural ecosystems, settings, elements and affordances can also help individuals become more personally resilient to a variety of stressors, although the mechanisms underpinning individual-level nature-based resilience, and their relations to social-ecological resilience, are not well articulated. We propose 'nature-based biopsychosocial resilience theory' (NBRT) to address these gaps. Our framework begins by suggesting that individual-level resilience can refer to both: a) a person's set of adaptive resources; and b) the processes by which these resources are deployed. Drawing on existing nature-health perspectives, we argue that nature contact can support individuals build and maintain biological, psychological, and social (i.e. biopsychosocial) resilience-related resources. Together with nature-based social-ecological resilience, these biopsychosocial resilience resources can: i) reduce the risk of various stressors (preventive resilience); ii) enhance adaptive reactions to stressful circumstances (response resilience), and/or iii) facilitate more rapid and/or complete recovery from stress (recovery resilience). Reference to these three resilience processes supports integration across more familiar pathways involving harm reduction, capacity building, and restoration. Evidence in support of the theory, potential interventions to promote nature-based biopsychosocial resilience, and issues that require further consideration are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathew P White
- Cognitive Science HUB, University of Vienna, Austria; European Centre for Environment & Human Health, University of Exeter, UK.
| | - Terry Hartig
- Institute for Housing and Urban Research, Uppsala University, Sweden; Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Leanne Martin
- European Centre for Environment & Human Health, University of Exeter, UK
| | - Sabine Pahl
- Urban and Environmental Psychology Group, University of Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Nancy M Wells
- Department of Human Centered Design, College of Human Ecology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | | | - Angel M Dzhambov
- Department of Hygiene, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Environmental Health Division, Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Lewis R Elliott
- European Centre for Environment & Human Health, University of Exeter, UK
| | | | - Arnulf Hartl
- Institute of Ecomedicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | | | - Jill S Litt
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; Ciber on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Rebecca Lovell
- European Centre for Environment & Human Health, University of Exeter, UK
| | - Freddie Lymeus
- Institute for Housing and Urban Research, Uppsala University, Sweden; Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | | | - Christina Pichler
- Institute of Ecomedicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Sarai Pouso
- AZTI, Marine Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Herrera Kaia, Portualdea z/g, 20110 Pasaia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
| | - Nooshin Razani
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Laura Secco
- Department of Territorio e Sistemi Agro-Forestali (TESAF), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Ulrika K Stigsdotter
- Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maria Uyarra
- AZTI, Marine Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Herrera Kaia, Portualdea z/g, 20110 Pasaia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
| | - Matilda van den Bosch
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; Ciber on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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26
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Aghabozorgi K, van der Jagt A, Bell S, Brown C. Assessing the impact of blue and green spaces on mental health of disabled children: A scoping review. Health Place 2023; 84:103141. [PMID: 37951182 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2023.103141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
During recent decades, there has been a growing consideration of the role of blue and green spaces on mental health of children, but there is insufficient attention in the literature to the mental health of children with disabilities. This paper presents an overview of the evidence on how blue and green spaces affect the mental health of children with various disabilities. A database search found twenty studies eligible for the review, after several consecutive screening stages. Most studies used a cross-sectional design and were carried out in Europe. The results consistently indicate that blue and green space can reduce emotional, behavioral, and social problems in disabled children. A protective association was found between the level of blue or greenness and depressive and anxiety symptoms. Moreover, in most of the studies there were no significant changes in the result after adjusting for socioeconomic confounders. Generally, there is an identified need for more short-term exposure studies in this area, focusing on the impact of landscape design elements on mental health of disabled children. The findings of this scoping review call on urban planners, health care workers and decision makers to consider appropriate measures and interventions providing more blue and green space exposure to disabled children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koorosh Aghabozorgi
- School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Alexander van der Jagt
- School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Simon Bell
- Chair of landscape architecture, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 56/1, Tartu, 51009, Estonia
| | - Caroline Brown
- School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
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27
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Owens M, Bunce H. The effect of brief exposure to virtual nature on mental wellbeing in adolescents. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17769. [PMID: 37853074 PMCID: PMC10584913 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44717-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Adolescence is a time of multiple transitions and a vulnerability period for mental health difficulties. There are many barriers to the treatment of mental health conditions which is one reason for developing alternatives to help improve efficacy in treatment and prevention. One approach is to use nature-based interventions (NBIs) to improve mental wellbeing. In this experimental proof-of-principle intervention study, we randomly allocated a sample of adolescents to brief exposure (6 min) to either a virtual woodland nature video or a busy train journey and tested the effect on mental wellbeing. Results showed beneficial effects in the nature condition on several self-reported outcomes including stress, relaxation, affect, mood, attention, nature connection and nature spirituality. The intervention was mainly acceptable and feasible to do suggesting that overall brief virtual nature interventions may have utility in a range of mental health contexts for adolescents including as self-help universal or targeted prevention strategies, adjunct to psychological therapy and as preparation for more intensive NBIs. Additionally, brief virtual nature interventions support accessibility for those who may be limited on time, unable to access real-life nature or who may be more biophobic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Owens
- Department of Psychology, The Mood Disorders Centre, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4QQ, UK.
- The ROWAN Group, Exeter, UK.
| | - Hannah Bunce
- The ROWAN Group, Exeter, UK
- Somerset Foundation Trust NHS, Taunton, TA1 5DA, UK
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28
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Li H, Li Y, Wang Z, Zhang G. Green physical activity for leisure connects perceived residential greenspace and mental well-being. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1254185. [PMID: 37869186 PMCID: PMC10585364 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1254185] [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: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Physical activity serves as a pivotal mediator in previous theoretical frameworks that link greenspace and human health. However, it remains unclear whether the domain of physical activity within and around greenspaces can alter the pathway. The present study recruited 668 participants online and examined a conceptual framework that explores the associations between residential greenspace and mental well-being, with a particular focus on the mediation effect of green physical activity (physical activity undertaken in and around greenspaces). Moreover, socio-demographic characteristics, including gender, age, household income, education status, marital status, and student status, were controlled for during the examination. The investigated green physical activities included leisure activities, transportation walking, and transportation cycling, and they were measured by a pre-established questionnaire. Meanwhile, mental well-being was measured by the WHO-5 well-being index, and residential greenspace was indicated by self-reported perceived greenspace and mean Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) values within 500 meters (m) of residential radius. We found that both perceived greenspace (B = 1.852, p < 0.001) and NDVI 500 m (B = 3.230, p = 0.038) were positively associated with mental well-being. However, only perceived greenspace, not NDVI 500 m, exhibited positive associations with the three green physical activity items. Furthermore, only green physical activity for leisure (B = 0.223, p < 0.001), not for transportation (p > 0.05), mediated the relationship between perceived greenspace and mental well-being. Our findings reinforce previous studies on "greenspace-health" frameworks and underline the importance of leisure physical activity in promoting mental well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hansen Li
- College of Physical Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yun Li
- College of Physical Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhenhuan Wang
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS), Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Guodong Zhang
- College of Physical Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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29
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Geary RS, Thompson DA, Garrett JK, Mizen A, Rowney FM, Song J, White MP, Lovell R, Watkins A, Lyons RA, Williams S, Stratton G, Akbari A, Parker SC, Nieuwenhuijsen MJ, White J, Wheeler BW, Fry R, Tsimpida D, Rodgers SE. Green-blue space exposure changes and impact on individual-level well-being and mental health: a population-wide dynamic longitudinal panel study with linked survey data. PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH 2023; 11:1-176. [PMID: 37929711 DOI: 10.3310/lqpt9410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cross-sectional evidence suggests that living near green and blue spaces benefits mental health; longitudinal evidence is limited. Objectives To quantify the impact of changes in green and blue spaces on common mental health disorders, well-being and health service use. Design A retrospective, dynamic longitudinal panel study. Setting Wales, UK. Participants An e-cohort comprising 99,682,902 observations of 2,801,483 adults (≥ 16 years) registered with a general practice in Wales (2008-2019). A 5312-strong 'National Survey for Wales (NSW) subgroup' was surveyed on well-being and visits to green and blue spaces. Main outcome measures Common mental health disorders, general practice records; subjective well-being, Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale. Data sources Common mental health disorder and use of general practice services were extracted quarterly from the Welsh Longitudinal General Practice Dataset. Annual ambient greenness exposure, enhanced vegetation index and access to green and blue spaces (2018) from planning and satellite data. Data were linked within the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage Databank. Methods Multilevel regression models examined associations between exposure to green and blue spaces and common mental health disorders and use of general practice. For the National Survey for Wales subgroup, generalised linear models examined associations between exposure to green and blue spaces and subjective well-being and common mental health disorders. Results and conclusions Our longitudinal analyses found no evidence that changes in green and blue spaces through time impacted on common mental health disorders. However, time-aggregated exposure to green and blue spaces contrasting differences between people were associated with subsequent common mental health disorders. Similarly, our cross-sectional findings add to growing evidence that residential green and blue spaces and visits are associated with well-being benefits: Greater ambient greenness (+ 1 enhanced vegetation index) was associated with lower likelihood of subsequently seeking care for a common mental health disorder [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.80, 95% confidence interval, (CI) 0.80 to 0.81] and with well-being with a U-shaped relationship [Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale; enhanced vegetation index beta (adjusted) -10.15, 95% CI -17.13 to -3.17; EVI2 beta (quadratic term; adj.) 12.49, 95% CI 3.02 to 21.97]. Those who used green and blue spaces for leisure reported better well-being, with diminishing extra benefit with increasing time (Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale: time outdoors (hours) beta 0.88, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.24, time outdoors2 beta -0.06, 95% CI -0.11 to -0.01) and had 4% lower odds of seeking help for common mental health disorders (AOR 0.96, 95% CI 0.93 to 0.99). Those in urban areas benefited most from greater access to green and blue spaces (AOR 0.89, 95% CI 0.89 to 0.89). Those in material deprivation benefited most from leisure time outdoors (until approximately four hours per week; Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale: time outdoors × in material deprivation: 1.41, 95% CI 0.39 to 2.43; time outdoors2 × in material deprivation -0.18, 95% CI -0.33 to -0.04) although well-being remained generally lower. Limitations Longitudinal analyses were restricted by high baseline levels and limited temporal variation in ambient greenness in Wales. Changes in access to green and blue spaces could not be captured annually due to technical issues with national-level planning datasets. Future work Further analyses could investigate mental health impacts in population subgroups potentially most sensitive to local changes in access to specific types of green and blue spaces. Deriving green and blue spaces changes from planning data is needed to overcome temporal uncertainties. Funding This project was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Public Health Research programme (Project number 16/07/07) and will be published in full in Public Health Research; Vol. 11, No. 10. Sarah Rodgers is part-funded by the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration North West Coast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca S Geary
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Joanne K Garrett
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Truro, UK
| | - Amy Mizen
- Department of Health Data Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Francis M Rowney
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Truro, UK
| | - Jiao Song
- Department of Health Data Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Mathew P White
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Truro, UK
| | - Rebecca Lovell
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Truro, UK
| | - Alan Watkins
- Department of Health Data Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Ronan A Lyons
- Department of Health Data Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | | | | | - Ashley Akbari
- Department of Health Data Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Sarah C Parker
- Department of Health Data Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | | | - James White
- Centre for Trials Research, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Benedict W Wheeler
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Truro, UK
| | - Richard Fry
- Department of Health Data Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Dialechti Tsimpida
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sarah E Rodgers
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Bouter DC, Ravensbergen SJ, Lakerveld J, Hoogendijk WJG, Grootendorst-van Mil NH. Associations between the urban environment and psychotic experiences in adolescents. Schizophr Res 2023; 260:123-131. [PMID: 37639836 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2023.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In 2050 two-thirds of the world's population is predicted to live in cities, which asks for a better understanding of how the urban environment affects mental health. Urbanicity has repeatedly been found to be a risk factor, in particular for psychosis. Here, we explored what factors of the urban exposome underlie the association between urban characteristics and psychotic experiences (PE) in adolescents. METHODS Participants were 815 adolescents (mean age 14.84 years, SD 0.78) from an at-risk cohort (greater Rotterdam area, the Netherlands) oversampled on their self-reported emotional and behavioral problems. We used linear regression analysis to examine the association with detailed geodata on urbanicity (surrounding address density), green space density (high and low vegetation), and mixed noise levels (road, rail, air, industry, and wind power) with PE in adolescents. Analyses were adjusted for multiple socio-economic and parental confounders. Furthermore, we explored sex-interaction effects. RESULTS Higher surrounding address density and low greenspace density were each independently associated with more PE (B = 0.18, 95 % CI 0.02; 0.34 and B = 0.17, 95 % CI 0.01; 0.32, respectively). High mixed noise levels were only associated with more PE in boys (B = 0.23, 95 % CI 0.01; 0.46). A sex-interaction effect was found for high urbanicity (B = -0.46, 95 % CI -0.77; -0.14) and low greenspace density (B = -0.49, 95 % CI -0.73; -0.11), illustrating that these associations with PE were specific for boys. CONCLUSION Multiple characteristics of living in an urban area are associated with more PE in adolescent boys. Our observations provide leads for prevention of mental health problems via urban designing.
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Affiliation(s)
- D C Bouter
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - S J Ravensbergen
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - J Lakerveld
- Amsterdam UMC, location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Epidemiology and Data Science, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - W J G Hoogendijk
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - N H Grootendorst-van Mil
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Epidemiological and Social Psychiatric Research Institute (ESPRi), Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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Rook GAW. The old friends hypothesis: evolution, immunoregulation and essential microbial inputs. FRONTIERS IN ALLERGY 2023; 4:1220481. [PMID: 37772259 PMCID: PMC10524266 DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2023.1220481] [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: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In wealthy urbanised societies there have been striking increases in chronic inflammatory disorders such as allergies, autoimmunity and inflammatory bowel diseases. There has also been an increase in the prevalence of individuals with systemically raised levels of inflammatory biomarkers correlating with increased risk of metabolic, cardiovascular and psychiatric problems. These changing disease patterns indicate a broad failure of the mechanisms that should stop the immune system from attacking harmless allergens, components of self or gut contents, and that should terminate inappropriate inflammation. The Old Friends Hypothesis postulates that this broad failure of immunoregulation is due to inadequate exposures to the microorganisms that drive development of the immune system, and drive the expansion of components such as regulatory T cells (Treg) that mediate immunoregulatory mechanisms. An evolutionary approach helps us to identify the organisms on which we are in a state of evolved dependence for this function (Old Friends). The bottom line is that most of the organisms that drive the regulatory arm of the immune system come from our mothers and family and from the natural environment (including animals) and many of these organisms are symbiotic components of a healthy microbiota. Lifestyle changes that are interrupting our exposure to these organisms can now be identified, and many are closely associated with low socioeconomic status (SES) in wealthy countries. These insights will facilitate the development of education, diets and urban planning that can correct the immunoregulatory deficit, while simultaneously reducing other contributory factors such as epithelial damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham A. W. Rook
- Centre for Clinical Microbiology, Department of Infection, UCL (University College London), London, United Kingdom
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Asri AK, Yeh CH, Chang HT, Lee HY, Lung SCC, Spengler JD, Wu CD. Greenspace related to bipolar disorder in Taiwan: Quantitative benefits of saving DALY loss and increasing income. Health Place 2023; 83:103097. [PMID: 37595541 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2023.103097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Scientific evidence reported that surrounding greenspace could promote better mental health. Considering bipolar disorder as the health outcome, this study aimed to investigate the association between greenspace and bipolar disorder in Taiwan and quantified the benefits of greenspace on bipolar disorder adjusted for the international greenspace availability standard. By examining datasets across 348 townships, two quantitative measures (i.e., disability-adjusted life year loss and income) were used to represent the benefits. The incidence rate of bipolar disorder was obtained from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. Normalized different vegetation index (NDVI) was measured as a proxy for the greenspace availability. A generalized additive mixed model coupled with a sensitivity test were applied to evaluate the statistical association. The prevented fraction for the population (PFP) was then applied to develop a scenario for quantifying benefit. The result showed a significant negative association between greenspace and bipolar disorder in Taiwan. Compared to low greenspace, areas with medium and high greenspace may reduce the bipolar risk by 21% (RR = 0.79; 95% CI = 0.76-0.83) and 51% (RR = 0.49; 95% CI = 0.45-0.53). Calculating benefits, we found that the development of a scenario by increasing greenspace adjusted for availability indicator in township categorized as low greenspace could save in DALY loss due to bipolar disorder up to10.97% and increase in income up to 11.04% from the current situation. Lastly, this was the first study in Asia-Pacific to apply a customized greenspace increment scenario to quantify the benefits to a particular health burden such as bipolar disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aji Kusumaning Asri
- Department of Geomatics, College of Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan.
| | - Chia-Hao Yeh
- Department of Geomatics, College of Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan.
| | - Hao-Ting Chang
- Department of Geomatics, College of Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan.
| | - Hsiao-Yun Lee
- Department of Leisure Industry and Health Promotion, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, 112, Taiwan.
| | - Shih-Chun Candice Lung
- Research Center for Environmental Changes, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan; Department of Atmospheric Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - John D Spengler
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States.
| | - Chih-Da Wu
- Department of Geomatics, College of Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan; National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, 35053, Taiwan; Innovation and Development Center of Sustainable Agriculture, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City, 402, Taiwan.
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Sanz-Junoy G, Gavín-Chocano Ó, Ubago-Jiménez JL, Molero D. Differential Magnitude of Resilience between Emotional Intelligence and Life Satisfaction in Mountain Sports Athletes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6525. [PMID: 37569065 PMCID: PMC10419084 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20156525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
The field of mountain sports has its own characteristics, different from other sports modalities. Emotional intelligence and resilience not only refer to the adaptive capacity that can be developed after an adverse experience, but can also be factors that positively affect sporting performance in extreme conditions. In this study, 4818 athletes from the Spanish Federation of Mountain Sports and Climbing participated; 2696 were men (67.1%) and 1322 were women (32.9%), with a mean age of 49.42 years (±11.9). The Resilience Scale (RS-14), Wong Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS-S) and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) were used. The aim was to provide evidence for the potential for resilience (personal competence and acceptance of self and life) among EI and life satisfaction in mountain and climbing athletes. The results showed that the coefficients of determination of personal competence [(Q2 = 0.286); (R2 = 0.578)], acceptance of self [(Q2 = 0.310); (R2 = 0.554)] and life satisfaction [(Q2 = 0.299); (R2 = 0.421)] for the estimation of the measurement model indicated a good model fit. In the future, it would be necessary to carry out specific studies discriminating by sport modality and methods for this area, with a large number of athletes and disciplines, as well as evaluating its possible applications for the improvement of emotional factors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Óscar Gavín-Chocano
- Department of Pedagogy, Lagunillas Campus, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain;
| | - José L. Ubago-Jiménez
- Department of Didactics of Musical, Plastic and Corporal Expression, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain;
| | - David Molero
- Department of Pedagogy, Lagunillas Campus, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain;
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Ramli FF, Syed Hashim SA. The Health Argument of Climate Action during COP26: Commentaries on Mental Health Issues. Int J Med Sci 2023; 20:1163-1164. [PMID: 37575272 PMCID: PMC10416714 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.86368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Fitri Fareez Ramli
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Research Group, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK
| | - Syed Alhafiz Syed Hashim
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, Franklin-Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford Street, London, SE1 9NH, UK
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Schoenweger P, Kirschneck M, Biersack K, Di Meo AF, Reindl-Spanner P, Prommegger B, Ditzen-Janotta C, Henningsen P, Krcmar H, Gensichen J, Jung-Sievers C. Community indicators for mental health in Europe: a scoping review. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1188494. [PMID: 37538274 PMCID: PMC10396773 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1188494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Community indicators may predict and influence individuals` mental health, and support or impede mental health management. However, there is no consensus on which indicators should be included in predictions, prognostic algorithms, or management strategies for community-based mental health promotion and prevention approaches. Therefore, this scoping review provides an overview of relevant community-level indicators for mental health in the general as well as risk populations in a European context. Methods We conducted a scoping review in the following electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, and PsycInfo. Eligible studies focused on context factors such as either the physical or social environment, reporting at least one mental health outcome and referring to a European population. Publications between 2012 and March 8, 2022 are considered. Results In total, the search yielded 12,200 identified records. After the removal of duplicates, 10,059 records were screened against the eligibility criteria. In total, 169 studies were included in the final analysis. Out of these included studies, 6% focused on pan-European datasets and 94% on a specific European country. Populations were either general or high-risk populations (56 vs. 44%, respectively) with depressive disorder as the main reported outcome (49%), followed by general mental health (33%) and anxiety (23%). Study designs were cross-sectional studies (59%), longitudinal (27%), and others (14%). The final set of indicators consisted of 53 indicators, which were grouped conceptually into 13 superordinate categories of community indicators. These were divided into the domains of the physical and social environment. The most commonly measured and reported categories of community indicators associated with mental health outcomes were social networks (n = 87), attitudinal factors toward vulnerable groups (n = 76), and the characteristics of the built environment (n = 56). Conclusion This review provides an evidence base of existing and novel community-level indicators that are associated with mental health. Community factors related to the physical and social environment should be routinely recorded and considered as influencing factors or potentially underestimated confounders. The relevance should be analyzed and included in clinical outcomes, data, monitoring and surveillance as they may reveal new trends and targets for public mental health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Schoenweger
- Institute of Medical Data Processing, Biometrics and Epidemiology (IBE), Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Pettenkofer School of Public Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Michaela Kirschneck
- Institute of Medical Data Processing, Biometrics and Epidemiology (IBE), Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Pettenkofer School of Public Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Katharina Biersack
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Anna-Francesca Di Meo
- Institute of Medical Data Processing, Biometrics and Epidemiology (IBE), Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Pettenkofer School of Public Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Philipp Reindl-Spanner
- TUM School of Computation, Information and Technology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Barbara Prommegger
- TUM School of Computation, Information and Technology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Claudia Ditzen-Janotta
- Institute of Medical Data Processing, Biometrics and Epidemiology (IBE), Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Pettenkofer School of Public Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Henningsen
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Helmut Krcmar
- TUM School of Computation, Information and Technology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jochen Gensichen
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, University Hospital of Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Caroline Jung-Sievers
- Institute of Medical Data Processing, Biometrics and Epidemiology (IBE), Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Pettenkofer School of Public Health, Munich, Germany
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Pool U, Kenyon A, Froggett L, Dooris M. Beside the Seaside: Reflections on Local Green and Blue Spaces from Adults Aged over 50 in a Coastal Community. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6355. [PMID: 37510587 PMCID: PMC10380071 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20146355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
This qualitative study examined the perceptions of potential wellbeing benefits of local green and blue spaces for adults aged over 50 years in a coastal town in North West England. At a population level, living close to green and blue spaces is associated with better mental and physical health, with the strength of the benefits being inversely related to the economic prosperity of an area. However, living in economically disadvantaged coastal communities may be associated with poorer health and wellbeing, particularly for older adults, despite the proximity to blue (and often green) space. Exploring this apparent paradox was the aim of the present study. Through semi-structured interviews with members of a community group, we gained insight into lived experiences of local green and blue spaces. The main themes we developed from analysis of the conversations were accessibility, amenities, social connections, quality of environment, and recuperation and escape. Our findings illustrate that participants valued natural spaces that were local and accessible, particularly when they felt connected to them, and were less likely to visit spaces that were further away and that were perceived as being less welcoming or accessible. This study provides insights into the experiences of adults aged over 50 living in coastal areas and suggests that policies and interventions aimed at promoting wellbeing in this demographic should consider the value of hyper-local green and blue spaces and their potential to promote connectedness to nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursula Pool
- Healthy and Sustainable Settings Unit, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK
| | - Anna Kenyon
- School of Medicine, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK
| | - Lynn Froggett
- School of Social Work, Care and Community, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK
| | - Mark Dooris
- Healthy and Sustainable Settings Unit, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK
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Gebhard U. [Nature experience and mental health in children-theoretical approaches and selected empirical findings]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2023:10.1007/s00103-023-03729-w. [PMID: 37280441 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-023-03729-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The widely documented beneficial effects of children's experiences with nature make it plausible to assume that an environment close to nature also has a positive effect on health in childhood, that is, that it can also contribute to health maintenance and prevention. The findings on health-promoting effects of nature are remarkable and are accentuated and theoretically substantiated here with a focus on mental health.The basis is a so-called three-dimensional personality model, according to which mental development is not only a function of the subject's relationship to other people, but also to the world of things, including nature. In addition, three explanatory approaches for the health effects of nature experiences are outlined: (1) the anthropologically based "Stress Recovery Theory," (2) the "Attention Restoration Theory," and (3) the assumption that nature as a symbolic storehouse for self- and world interpretations can accompany the meaning constitution of the subjects ("Therapeutic Landscapes").The health effects of accessible open spaces close to nature are discussed, whereby the state of research for adults is much richer than for children. With regard to mental health or its influencing variables, the following dimensions are elaborated with empirical results: stress reduction, antidepressant and mood enhancing effects, prosocial behavior, attention and ADHD, cognitive development, self-esteem and self-regulation, nature experience, and exercise. From a salutogenetic perspective, nature does not have a deterministic effect on health, but rather, in a sense, an incidental effect when open spaces close to nature are accessible and used. This casualness of the effect of nature experiences has to be considered in possible therapeutic or educational interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Gebhard
- Fakultät für Erziehungswissenschaft, AG 4, Universität Bielefeld, Postfach 10 01 31, 33501, Bielefeld, Deutschland.
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Šorytė D, Rosa CD, Collado S, Pakalniškienė V. The effects of nature-based interventions on individuals' environmental behaviors: protocol for a systematic review of controlled trials. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1145720. [PMID: 37333586 PMCID: PMC10275608 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1145720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The paper presents the rationale and methods of the planned systematic review to understand the effects of nature-based interventions on individuals' environmental behaviors. There is ample evidence that experiences in nature not only enhance human well-being but also help promote people's pro-environmentalism. Nevertheless, synthesized evidence regarding the effects of nature-based interventions on individuals' environmental behaviors is lacking. Methods This protocol follows the Preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines. The planned literature search will be conducted by using APA PsycInfo, APA PsyArticles, PubMed, ERIC, Education Source, GreenFILE, OpenDissertations, Scopus, and WEB of Science. In the protocol, we present search strategies for each specific database. Data items that we will seek to obtain from the selected publications are described in detail and cover general information about included studies, information about studies' methodology and participants, outcomes of the studies, and nature-based and comparative interventions. The outcomes will be behavioral, including aggregated and specific types of environmental behaviors, as well as reported and observed behaviors. Furthermore, the protocol provides a description of the prospective assessment of the risk of bias in both randomized and non-randomized studies. If studies appear sufficiently homogeneous, we will conduct a meta-analysis using the inverse-variance method. Details of the data synthesis are likewise provided in the paper. Results Dissemination of the results of the planned review will be carried out via a peer-reviewed open-access journal publication. Implications Given the great need to address current environmental issues, understanding what encourages people to act pro-environmentally is critical. It is expected that the findings of the planned review will provide valuable insights for researchers, educators, and policymakers who are involved in understanding and promoting human environmental behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dovilė Šorytė
- Faculty of Philosophy, Institute of Psychology, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Claudio D. Rosa
- Department of Development and Environment, State University of Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, Brazil
| | - Silvia Collado
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, Universidad de Zaragoza, Teruel, Spain
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Nigg C, Petersen E, MacIntyre T. Natural environments, psychosocial health, and health behaviors in a crisis - A scoping review of the literature in the COVID-19 context. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 88:102009. [PMID: 37065613 PMCID: PMC10082968 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2023.102009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 outbreak led to major restrictions globally, affecting people's psychosocial health and their health behaviors. Thus, the purpose of this scoping review was to summarize the available research regarding nature and health in the COVID-19 context. Keywords relating to natural environments and COVID-19 were combined to conduct a systematic online search in six major databases. Eligibility criteria were a) published since 2020 with data collected in the COVID-19 context b) peer-reviewed, c) original empirical data collected on human participants, d) investigated the association between natural environments and psychosocial health or health behaviors, and e) English, German, or Scandinavian languages. Out of 9126 articles being screened, we identified 188 relevant articles, representing 187 distinct studies. Most research focused on adults in the general population and was predominantly conducted in the USA, Europe, and China. Overall, the findings indicate that nature may mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on psychological health and physical activity. Through a systematic thematic analysis of the extracted data, three primary themes were identified: 1) type of nature assessed, 2) psychosocial health and health behaviors investigated, and 3) heterogeneity in the nature-health relationship. Research gaps in the COVID-19 context were identified regarding I) nature characteristics that promote psychosocial health and health behaviors, II) investigations of digital and virtual nature, III) psychological constructs relating to mental health promotion, IV) health-promoting behaviors other than physical activity, V) underlying mechanisms regarding heterogeneity in the nature-health relationship based on human, nature, and geographic characteristics, and VI) research focusing on vulnerable groups. Overall, natural environments demonstrate considerable potential in buffering the impact of stressful events on a population level on mental health. However, future research is warranted to fill the mentioned research gaps and to examine the long-term effects of nature exposure during COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Nigg
- Institute of Sport Science, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 145, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
- Institute of Sports and Sports Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Engler-Bunte-Ring 15, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Evi Petersen
- Department of Sports, Physical Education and Outdoor Life, University of South-Eastern Norway, 3800, Bø i, Telemark, Norway
- Department of Early Childhood Education, Oslo Metropolitan University, Pilestredet 42, 0167, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tadhg MacIntyre
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science & Engineering, Maynooth University, North Campus, W23 F2K8, Maynooth, Ireland
- Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics, Maynooth University, North Campus, W23 F2k8, Maynooth, Ireland
- TechPA Research Group, Department of Public Health and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Social and Health Sciences, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Elverum, Norway
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Chen THK, Horsdal HT, Samuelsson K, Closter AM, Davies M, Barthel S, Pedersen CB, Prishchepov AV, Sabel CE. Higher depression risks in medium- than in high-density urban form across Denmark. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadf3760. [PMID: 37224254 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adf3760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Urban areas are associated with higher depression risks than rural areas. However, less is known about how different types of urban environments relate to depression risk. Here, we use satellite imagery and machine learning to quantify three-dimensional (3D) urban form (i.e., building density and height) over time. Combining satellite-derived urban form data and individual-level residential addresses, health, and socioeconomic registers, we conduct a case-control study (n = 75,650 cases and 756,500 controls) to examine the association between 3D urban form and depression in the Danish population. We find that living in dense inner-city areas did not carry the highest depression risks. Rather, after adjusting for socioeconomic factors, the highest risk was among sprawling suburbs, and the lowest was among multistory buildings with open space in the vicinity. The finding suggests that spatial land-use planning should prioritize securing access to open space in densely built areas to mitigate depression risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzu-Hsin Karen Chen
- School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale Institute for Biospheric Studies, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Urban Design and Planning, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Big Data Centre for Environment and Health (BERTHA), Aarhus University, Aarhus V, Denmark
- Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management (IGN), University of Copenhagen, København V, Denmark
| | - Henriette Thisted Horsdal
- Big Data Centre for Environment and Health (BERTHA), Aarhus University, Aarhus V, Denmark
- The National Centre for Register-based Research, Business and Social Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus V, Denmark
| | - Karl Samuelsson
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Building Engineering, Energy Systems and Sustainability Science, University of Gävle, Gävle, Sweden
- Department of Geospatial and Computer Sciences, University of Gävle, Gävle, Sweden
| | - Ane Marie Closter
- Big Data Centre for Environment and Health (BERTHA), Aarhus University, Aarhus V, Denmark
- The National Centre for Register-based Research, Business and Social Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus V, Denmark
| | - Megan Davies
- Big Data Centre for Environment and Health (BERTHA), Aarhus University, Aarhus V, Denmark
- Section of Epidemiology, University of Copenhagen, København K, Denmark
| | - Stephan Barthel
- Department of Building Engineering, Energy Systems and Sustainability Science, University of Gävle, Gävle, Sweden
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carsten Bøcker Pedersen
- Big Data Centre for Environment and Health (BERTHA), Aarhus University, Aarhus V, Denmark
- The National Centre for Register-based Research, Business and Social Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus V, Denmark
- Centre for Integrated Register-based Research (CIRRAU), Aarhus University, Aarhus V, Denmark
| | - Alexander V Prishchepov
- Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management (IGN), University of Copenhagen, København V, Denmark
| | - Clive E Sabel
- Big Data Centre for Environment and Health (BERTHA), Aarhus University, Aarhus V, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus V, Denmark
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Wang Y, Crowe M, Knibbs LD, Fuller-Tyszkiewicz M, Mygind L, Kerr JA, Wake M, Olsson CA, Enticott PG, Peters RL, Daraganova G, Mavoa S, Lycett K. Greenness modifies the association between ambient air pollution and cognitive function in Australian adolescents, but not in mid-life adults. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 324:121329. [PMID: 36822308 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Exposure to ambient air pollution has been associated with reduced cognitive function in childhood and later life, with too few mid-life studies to draw conclusions. In contrast, residential greenness has been associated with enhanced cognitive function throughout the lifecourse. Here we examine the extent to which (1) ambient air pollution and residential greenness predict later cognitive function in adolescence and mid-life, and (2) greenness modifies air pollution-cognitive function associations. PARTICIPANTS 6220 adolescents (51% male) and 2623 mid-life adults (96% mothers) from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. MEASURES Exposures: Annual average particulate matter <2.5 μm (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and greenness (Normalised Difference Vegetation Index) for residential addresses from validated land-use regression models over a 10-13-year period. OUTCOMES Cognitive function from CogState tests of attention, working memory and executive function, dichotomised into poorer (worst quartile) versus not poor. ANALYSES Adjusted mixed-effects generalised linear models with residential greenness assessed as an effect modifier (high vs. low divided at median). The annual mean for PM2.5 and NO2 across exposure windows was 6.3-6.8 μg/m3, and 5.5-7.1 ppb, respectively. For adolescents, an IQR increment of NO2 was associated with 19-24% increased odds of having poorer executive function across all time windows, while associations weren't observed between air pollution and other outcomes. For adults, high NO2 predicted poorer cognitive function across all outcomes, while high PM2.5 predicted poorer attention only. There was little evidence of associations between greenness and cognitive function in adjusted models for both generations. Interactions were found between residential greenness, air pollutants and cognitive function in adolescents, but not adults. The magnitude of effects was similar across generations and exposure windows. Findings highlight the potential benefits of cognitive health associated with the regulation of air pollution and urban planning strategies for increasing green spaces and vegetation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichao Wang
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia; Population Health Theme, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
| | - Mallery Crowe
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
| | - Luke D Knibbs
- School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia; Public Health Unit, Sydney Local Health District, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia
| | - Matthew Fuller-Tyszkiewicz
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
| | - Lærke Mygind
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia; Unit of Medical Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 1353, Denmark; Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, The Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, 2000, Denmark
| | - Jessica A Kerr
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia; Population Health Theme, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia; Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Melissa Wake
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia; Population Health Theme, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia; Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Craig A Olsson
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia; Population Health Theme, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia; Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Peter G Enticott
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia
| | - Rachel L Peters
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia; Population Health Theme, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Galina Daraganova
- Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia; Business Intelligence, South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network, Melbourne, VIC, 3202, Australia
| | - Suzanne Mavoa
- Population Health Theme, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia; Environmental Public Health Branch, Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Melbourne, VIC, 3001, Australia; Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Kate Lycett
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia; Population Health Theme, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
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Pearson AL, Brown CD, Reuben A, Nicholls N, Pfeiffer KA, Clevenger KA. Elementary Classroom Views of Nature Are Associated with Lower Child Externalizing Behavior Problems. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20095653. [PMID: 37174172 PMCID: PMC10177887 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20095653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to nature views has been associated with diverse mental health and cognitive capacity benefits. Yet, much of this evidence was derived in adult samples and typically only involves residential views of nature. Findings from studies with children suggest that when more greenness is available at home or school, children have higher academic performance and have expedited attention restoration, although most studies utilize coarse or subjective assessments of exposure to nature and largely neglect investigation among young children. Here, we investigated associations between objectively measured visible nature at school and children's behavior problems (attention and externalizing behaviors using the Brief Problem Monitor Parent Form) in a sample of 86 children aged seven to nine years old from 15 classrooms across three schools. Images of classroom windows were used to quantify overall nature views and views of specific nature types (sky, grass, tree, shrub). We fitted separate Tobit regression models to test associations between classroom nature views and attention and externalizing behaviors, accounting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, residential deprivation score, and residential nature views (using Google Street View imagery). We found that higher levels of visible nature from classroom windows were associated with lower externalizing behavior problem scores, after confounder adjustment. This relationship was consistent for visible trees, but not other nature types. No significant associations were detected for attention problems. This initial study suggests that classroom-based exposure to visible nature, particularly trees, could benefit children's mental health, with implications for landscape and school design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber L Pearson
- Department of Geography, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Catherine D Brown
- Department of Geography, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Aaron Reuben
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Natalie Nicholls
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Karin A Pfeiffer
- Department of Kinesiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Kimberly A Clevenger
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Science, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
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Shareck M, Aubé E, Sersli S. Neighborhood Physical and Social Environments and Social Inequalities in Health in Older Adolescents and Young Adults: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20085474. [PMID: 37107756 PMCID: PMC10139110 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20085474] [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: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Poor health and well-being are prevalent among young people. Neighborhoods may play a role in promoting good health. Little is known on if and how neighborhood characteristics affect health, and social inequalities therein, among young people. In this scoping review, we asked: (1) what features of the neighborhood physical and social environments have been studied in association with the physical and mental health and well-being of young people 15 to 30 years old; and (2) to what extent have social differentials in these associations been studied, and how? We identified peer-reviewed articles (2000 to 2023) through database and snowball searches. We summarized study characteristics, exposure(s), outcome(s) and main findings, with an eye on social inequalities in health. Out of the 69 articles reviewed, most were quantitative, cross-sectional, conducted among 18-year-olds and younger, and focused on the residential neighborhood. Neighborhood social capital and mental health were the most common exposure and outcome studied, respectively. Almost half of the studies examined social inequalities in health, mostly across sex/gender, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity. Evidence gaps remain, which include exploring settings other than residential neighborhoods, studying the older age stratum of young adulthood, and assessing a broader range of social inequalities. Addressing these gaps can support research and action on designing healthy and equitable neighborhoods for young people.
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Lemberg GM, Riso EM, Fjørtoft I, Kjønniksen L, Kull M, Mäestu E. School Children's Physical Activity and Preferred Activities during Outdoor Recess in Estonia: Using Accelerometers, Recess Observation, and Schoolyard Mapping. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:children10040702. [PMID: 37189951 DOI: 10.3390/children10040702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Studies about recess have found that children have higher physical activity (PA) during outdoor recess compared to indoor recess, and well-constructed schoolyards play an important role in stimulating PA in children. This study aimed at investigating the affordances of schoolyards and outdoor recess PA in two urban and two rural primary schools in Estonia. Schoolyards were described with the geographical mapping method, children's activities during outdoor recess were registered by using observations, and PA levels were measured with accelerometers. Students from grades two to six (8-13-year-olds) were included in the study. All observed schoolyards had different spaces including various ball game areas, climbing facilities, and slacklines. The natural environment dominated in the rural schools, and artificial surfaces dominated in the urban schools. Boys in the study tended to enjoy more sport-related activities, whereas girls preferred more social and less active activities. Students participating in outdoor recess spent about twice as much time (20.4%) on moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) compared to indoor recess (9.5%), although boys were more active than girls (22.9% vs. 17.3%). All schoolyards afforded more MVPA during outdoor recess compared to indoor recess, whereas schoolyards with more space per child and natural environment elements generated more varied PA and higher MVPA. These findings confirm the importance of schoolyard design and quality for the variety and intensity of students' PA during outdoor recess.
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Affiliation(s)
- Getter Marie Lemberg
- Institute of Sport Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, 51008 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Eva-Maria Riso
- Institute of Sport Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, 51008 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ingunn Fjørtoft
- Department of Sports, Physical Education and Outdoor Studies, Faculty of Humanities, Sports and Educational Science, University of South-Eastern Norway, 3679 Notodden, Norway
| | - Lise Kjønniksen
- Department of Sports, Physical Education and Outdoor Studies, Faculty of Humanities, Sports and Educational Science, University of South-Eastern Norway, 3679 Notodden, Norway
| | - Merike Kull
- Institute of Sport Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, 51008 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Evelin Mäestu
- Institute of Sport Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, 51008 Tartu, Estonia
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M H, N B, L M, J W, J K, R T, T R, J B, H T, S H, B M. The environment a young person grows up in is associated with their mental health: A nationwide geospatial study using the integrated data infrastructure, New Zealand. Soc Sci Med 2023; 326:115893. [PMID: 37119566 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.115893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental health conditions often arise during adolescence, are multifaceted in aetiology, and may be related to the type of environment in which young people reside. This study used nationwide population-level data to investigate whether the environment a young person grows up in is associated with their mental health. METHOD Data were extracted from the Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI), a large nationwide research repository, for 917,211 young people (aged 10-24 years) including sociodemographic and mental health data (i.e. emotional, behavioural, substance problems, and self-harm). Environmental data were sourced from the nationwide area-based Healthy Location Index (HLI), which has comprehensive data on the location of several health-constraining (i.e. fast-food outlets) and health-promoting features (i.e. physical activity facilities). Environments were classified as: i) health-promoting, ii) health-constraining, or iii) neither. Associations between the HLI and mental health were investigated using multi-level mixed effects logistic regression modelling. RESULTS Overall, there was evidence of an association between the environment a young person resided in and their mental health. Young people residing in health-constraining environments had higher odds of any mental health condition (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 1.020 [1.001, 1.040]) and any emotional condition (AOR = 1.037 [1.012, 1.062]). Young people residing in health-promoting environments had lower odds of substance problems (AOR = 0.950 [0.905, 0.997]). There were no significant effects of the environment on behavioural conditions. CONCLUSION Our study utilises a large national sample of almost one million young people to confirm the importance of environmental determinants for mental health. It is possible that leverage points for improving the mental health of young people, and reducing the burden to the health system of mental health, can be sought in upstream environmental based interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hobbs M
- Faculty of Health, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand; GeoHealth Laboratory, Geospatial Research Institute, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand.
| | - Bowden N
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Marek L
- GeoHealth Laboratory, Geospatial Research Institute, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
| | - Wiki J
- GeoHealth Laboratory, Geospatial Research Institute, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
| | - Kokaua J
- Va'a O Tautai - Centre for Pacific Health, Health Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Theodore R
- National Centre for Lifecourse Research, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Ruhe T
- Va'a O Tautai - Centre for Pacific Health, Health Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Boden J
- Christchurch Health and Development Study, Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Thabrew H
- The Werry Centre, Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Hetrick S
- The Werry Centre, Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Milne B
- Centre of Methods and Policy Application in the Social Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Saenen ND, Nawrot TS, Hautekiet P, Wang C, Roels HA, Dadvand P, Plusquin M, Bijnens EM. Residential green space improves cognitive performances in primary schoolchildren independent of traffic-related air pollution exposure. Environ Health 2023; 22:33. [PMID: 36998070 PMCID: PMC10061992 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-023-00982-z] [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: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive performances of schoolchildren have been adversely associated with both recent and chronic exposure to ambient air pollution at the residence. In addition, growing evidence indicates that exposure to green space is associated with a wide range of health benefits. Therefore, we aimed to investigate if surrounding green space at the residence improves cognitive performance of primary schoolchildren while taking into account air pollution exposure. METHODS Cognitive performance tests were administered repeatedly to a total of 307 primary schoolchildren aged 9-12y, living in Flanders, Belgium (2012-2014). These tests covered three cognitive domains: attention (Stroop and Continuous Performance Tests), short-term memory (Digit Span Forward and Backward Tests), and visual information processing speed (Digit-Symbol and Pattern Comparison Tests). Green space exposure was estimated within several radii around their current residence (50 m to 2000 m), using a aerial photo-derived high-resolution (1 m2) land cover map. Furthermore, air pollution exposure to PM2.5 and NO2 during the year before examination was modelled for the child's residence using a spatial-temporal interpolation method. RESULTS An improvement of the children's attention was found with more residential green space exposure independent of traffic-related air pollution. For an interquartile range increment (21%) of green space within 100 m of the residence, a significantly lower mean reaction time was observed independent of NO2 for both the sustained-selective (-9.74 ms, 95% CI: -16.6 to -2.9 ms, p = 0.006) and the selective attention outcomes (-65.90 ms, 95% CI: -117.0 to -14.8 ms, p = 0.01). Moreover, green space exposure within a large radius (2000 m) around the residence was significantly associated with a better performance in short-term memory (Digit-Span Forward Test) and a higher visual information processing speed (Pattern Comparison Test), taking into account traffic-related exposure. However, all associations were attenuated after taking into account long-term residential PM2.5 exposure. CONCLUSIONS Our panel study showed that exposure to residential surrounding green space was associated with better cognitive performances at 9-12 years of age, taking into account traffic-related air pollution exposure. These findings support the necessity to build attractive green spaces in the residential environment to promote healthy cognitive development in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelly D Saenen
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leuven University, Louvain, Belgium
| | - Pauline Hautekiet
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Risk and Health Impact Assessment, Sciensano (Belgian Institute of Health), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Congrong Wang
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Harry A Roels
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Louvain Centre for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Payam Dadvand
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Ciber On Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Michelle Plusquin
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Esmée M Bijnens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium.
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Open University, Heerlen, The Netherlands.
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Crank PJ, Hondula DM, Sailor DJ. Mental health and air temperature: Attributable risk analysis for schizophrenia hospital admissions in arid urban climates. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 862:160599. [PMID: 36513225 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Health researchers have examined the physiological impacts of extreme air temperature on the human body. Yet, the mental health impacts of temperature have been understudied. Research has shown that the environment can create circumstances that exacerbate mental health issues. This may be particularly challenging for some of the fastest growing cities, located in hot, dry climates. Given the theoretical relationship between air temperature and mental health, we seek to measure the association between temperature and schizophrenia hospital admissions in an arid urban climate and quantify the associated public health burden. We collected 86,672 hospitalization records for schizophrenia from 2006 to 2014 in Maricopa County, Arizona, USA. Using a distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM), we tested for a statistical association between temperature and schizophrenia hospital admissions after controlling for year, season, weekends, and holidays. We calculated the cumulative attributable risk of nighttime temperature on schizophrenia for the entire dataset as well as among demographic subgroups. The relative risk of schizophrenia hospital admissions increased with both high and low temperatures. Statistical models using daily minimum temperature were more strongly associated with hospitalization than those using mean or maximum. Schizophrenia hospital admissions increased on days with minimum temperatures above 30 °C and below 3 °C, with some subgroups experiencing higher rates of hospitalization. The total fraction of schizophrenia hospital admissions attributable to non-optimal minimum temperature is 3.45 % (CI: -4.91-10.80 %) and high minimum temperature is 0.28 % (CI: -1.18-1.78 %). We found that non-whites and males appear to be at a slightly increased risk than the general population, although there did not appear to be a statistically significant difference. A conservative estimate of healthcare costs annually from non-optimal temperature attributed schizophrenia hospitalization is $1.95 million USD. Therefore, nighttime cooling strategies and efforts could increase the accessibility of shelters to reduce overnight exposure to extreme air temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Crank
- Department of Geography, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA.
| | - David M Hondula
- Urban Climate Research Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA; School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - David J Sailor
- Urban Climate Research Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA; School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
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Dai X, Zhang J, Sun X, Li J, Liu B. Differentiation Governance of Rural Human Settlement Environments in China: Knowledge Mapping and Visualization. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4209. [PMID: 36901220 PMCID: PMC10001484 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054209] [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: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
To further promote the effective governance of rural human settlements in China, it is necessary to summarize and organize the research on rural human settlements that has been undertaken in the last decade. This paper analyzes the current status of rural human settlements research from the perspectives of Chinese literature and English literature. It takes the core documents included in WOS (Web of Science) and CNKI (Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure) as samples, and produces a visual analysis of the authors, institutions, disciplines, and research hotspots for rural human settlements research with the help of CiteSpace V and other measurement software, focus on identifying the similarities and differences between CNKI and WOS in the study of rural human settlements. The results show that the number of papers is increasing; cooperation between Chinese researchers and institutions needs to be further strengthened; the existing research has achieved interdisciplinary integration; the research hotspots are converging, but China pays more attention to the study of the hard environment, such as the macro level of rural human settlements and the natural ecological environments of residence, and lacks insight into the soft environment, such as the main body of residences, social relations, and individual needs in the urban fringe. This study is conducive to promoting the integrated development of urban and rural areas in China, promoting the revitalization and development of rural areas in China, and achieving social equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Dai
- Institute of Marxism Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Beijing 100732, China
| | - Junying Zhang
- School of Public Administration, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
- Hebei Public Policy Evaluation and Research Center, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
| | - Xuehang Sun
- School of Public Administration, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
- Hebei Public Policy Evaluation and Research Center, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
| | - Junjie Li
- School of Public Administration, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
- Hebei Public Policy Evaluation and Research Center, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
| | - Bangfan Liu
- School of Public Administration, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
- Hebei Public Policy Evaluation and Research Center, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
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Vuong NX, Woods NK. On the Relationship Between Stakeholder Affiliation and Attitudes Toward Behavioral Health Reform in Kansas. Kans J Med 2023; 16:28-34. [PMID: 36845265 PMCID: PMC9957591 DOI: 10.17161/kjm.vol16.18542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The lack of access to behavioral health care, trends in behavioral health issues, and the impact of social determinants of health underlie the need for behavioral health reform in Kansas. However, stakeholders may affect progress toward behavioral health reform. This study examined stakeholders' attitudes toward behavioral health reform. Methods The authors analyzed data from a survey administered to elected officials, members of health advocacy groups, state employees, and payers in Kansas. Main outcome measures included attitudes toward the perceived benefit of certain behavioral health and social determinants of health policies and the perceived performance of the primary care and behavioral health care systems in Kansas. Results Payers perceived legislation to improve insurance coverage for behavioral health issues as less beneficial than state employees and members of health advocacy groups. Elected officials perceived legislation to address various social determinants of health as less beneficial than health advocates. Members of health advocacy groups rated the behavioral health care system more poorly than elected officials did. Conclusions Preliminary findings reflected both the barriers and facilitators to behavioral health reform in Kansas. However, several limitations undermined the generalizability of these findings. Future studies should consider more representative sample sizes, additional variables in behavioral health and social determinants of health policies, and more comprehensive, validated measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngoc X. Vuong
- Dorothy and Bill Cohen Honors College, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS
| | - Nikki K. Woods
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Wichita, KS,Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, Wichita, KS
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Protocol for the Open Sky School: a two-arm clustered randomized controlled trial to test the effectiveness of a nature-based intervention on mental health of elementary school children. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:236. [PMID: 36737725 PMCID: PMC9896439 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15033-y] [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: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This article outlines the protocol for a trial to test the effectiveness of a nature-based intervention called Open Sky School to reduce mental health problems among elementary school children. Experimental studies show that contact with nature (e.g. walks in parks) improve mental health. A growing number of teachers have been applying outdoor education within the regular school curriculum and evidence suggests that such teaching methods could improve students' mental health but a randomized controlled trial has never been conducted. METHODS A two-arm clustered randomized controlled trial will be conducted in elementary schools across Québec, Canada. Following informed consent by teachers, parents and students, schools will be randomly assigned 1:1 to the intervention or the control group with a total of 2500 5-6th grade students and 100 teachers expected to participate. The intervention will take place outdoors in a green-space (2 h per week for 12 weeks) and include a toolkit of 30 activities to foster well-being (e.g. mindfulness) and academic competencies (e.g. mathematics). Questionnaires will be administered to teachers and students before, immediately after and 3 months after the intervention. The primary outcome will be reductions of mental health problems in children from pre-to-post test (Social Behavior Questionnaire: self and teacher reports). Secondary outcomes include depression, positive and negative affect, nature connectedness, and pro-environmental behaviors among children. We will explore, immediate benefits on teacher's well-being and positive and negative affect and sustained benefits among students at 3 months follow-up. For the primary outcome, we will explore moderators including child's sex, child's disability status, the green-space of neighbourhoods, the school's socio-economic position and teacher's experience. DISCUSSION In conducting the first randomized controlled trial of the Open Sky School, our results could provide empirical evidence on the effectiveness of nature-based interventions in reducing mental health problems among elementary school children. TRIAL REGISTRATION This study was registered with clinicaltrials.gov: NCT05662436 on December 22, 2022.
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