1
|
Jones KK, Vijay V, Zenk SN. SchoolHEAT: Racial and Ethnic Inequity in School Temperature. J Urban Health 2024:10.1007/s11524-024-00919-y. [PMID: 39316310 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-024-00919-y] [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] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to high environmental temperature is detrimental to health through multiple pathways. This paper describes disparities in school-based high-temperature exposure at metropolitan schools in the United States. Using school location and sociodemographic data from the National Center for Education Statistics, neighborhood data from the US Census Bureau, and land surface temperature (LST) data from the Aqua Earth-observing satellite mission, we find that for every 10% more Black or Hispanic residents in the neighborhood, schools have LST 0.25 °C and 0.38 °C hotter, respectively. When the Black or Hispanic student population is greater than the neighborhood population, LST is an additional 0.20 °C and 0.40 °C for each 10% increase in students over neighborhood population, respectively. Black and Hispanic students are overrepresented in the hottest schools, making up 58.7% of students in the hottest 20% of schools, compared to only 30.0% of students in the coolest 20% of schools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelly K Jones
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute On Minority Health and Health Disparities, 6707 Democracy Blvd, Suite 800, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - Varsha Vijay
- Science Based Targets Network, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Shannon N Zenk
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute On Minority Health and Health Disparities, 6707 Democracy Blvd, Suite 800, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
- National Institute of Nursing Research, Bethesda, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Huang H, Lu Z, Fan X, Zhai W, Zhang L, Xu D, Liu Z, Li Y, Ye X, Qin H, Lanza K, Hang Y. Urban heatwave, green spaces, and mental health: A review based on environmental health risk assessment framework. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 948:174816. [PMID: 39019287 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Utilizing the framework of environmental health risk assessment and healing, the article reviews the effectiveness and potential of green space systems in mitigating the impact of high temperatures, promoting mental health, and improving the risk characteristics of high-temperature heat waves. We utilized CiteSpace software to conduct a time-zone analysis of the relationship between heatwaves, green spaces, and health using clustered data from 2001 to 2023. This study evaluates the role of green space systems in mitigating high temperatures and enhancing mental health within the environmental health risk assessment framework. Using CiteSpace software, we analyzed literature from 2001 to 2023, focusing on the interactions among heatwaves, green spaces, and health. Our results indicate that most existing research concentrates on hazard identification, with insufficient exploration of the dose-response relationships between green spaces and temperature reduction. Quantitative studies on green space design and spatial optimization are scarce, and guidance on effective configurations remains limited. Additionally, the health impacts of heatwaves vary by region, with a noticeable imbalance in research focus; Asia and Africa, in particular, are underrepresented in studies addressing heatwave effects. We conclude that effective mitigation strategies require: (1) a comprehensive environmental health risk assessment framework that integrates advanced methods like big data analysis and geospatial simulations to improve green space planning and design; (2) further theoretical exploration into the mechanisms by which green spaces regulate temperature and mental health, including detailed analysis of spatiotemporal patterns and the functional optimization of green space structures; and (3) the development of robust parameterized design guidance based on specific therapeutic dosages (green space stimulus) to optimize configurations and enhance the effectiveness of green spaces in mitigating adverse mental health impacts from deteriorating thermal environments. Future research should prioritize underrepresented regions, focusing on exposure levels, dose-response relationships, and high-temperature warning systems while fostering multidisciplinary collaboration to develop effective urban planning and climate adaptation strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huanchun Huang
- College of Landscape Architecture, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiang Su 210037, China; School of Architecture & Planning, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA; Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zefeng Lu
- College of Landscape Architecture, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiang Su 210037, China
| | - Xinmei Fan
- College of Landscape Architecture, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiang Su 210037, China
| | - Wei Zhai
- School of Architecture & Planning, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA.
| | - Linchun Zhang
- College of Landscape Architecture, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiang Su 210037, China
| | - Di Xu
- School of Geographical Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Zhifeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Yong Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiang Su 210029, China
| | - Xinyue Ye
- School of Architecture, Texas Agricultural and Mechanical University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Haoming Qin
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering and Construction Management, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Kevin Lanza
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yun Hang
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Barenie MJ, Howie EK, Weber KA, Thakur D, Murphy CM, Thomsen MR. Where the children play: Gender gaps in recess physical activity by age and playground area. Prev Med Rep 2024; 41:102699. [PMID: 38560596 PMCID: PMC10981088 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2024.102699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Recess contributes meaningfully to physical activity (PA), but recess time has declined. The study's purpose was to report PA by age, gender, and playground feature to inform potential playground configurations more conducive to PA during recess. Methods Using the System for Observing Play and Leisure Activity in the Youth, kindergarten through 5th grade recesses were observed on at least four days at four schools in Little Rock, Arkansas, United States during May 2023. Target playground features were ball courts, grass, pavement, play structures, and swings. To provide inferential analysis, a comparison of conditional means across playground features, age, and gender was conducted using linear regression with robust standard errors clustered by school. Results 3,356 playground scans (intercoder correlation = 0.93) were collected and aggregated by school, day, gender, age (grade), and target feature for a sample size of 292 observations. The gender gap was widest among 4-5th graders, 79 % (95 % CI: 72, 86) for males and 64 % (95 % CI: 58, 70) for females. Among females, PA was highest on swings [82 % (95 % CI: 77, 86)] and lowest on paved areas [56 % (95 % CI: 43, 69)]. Among males, it was highest on both swings [81 % (95 % CI: 75, 86)] and ball courts [83 % (95 % CI: 77, 89)] and lowest on grassy areas [64 % (95 % CI: 60, 67)]. Conclusion Swings, courts, and play structures were associated with a higher proportion of children being engaged in PA. Research is needed to identify whether physical improvements to facilitate access to these features increase PA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Barenie
- Center for the Study of Obesity, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham, Slot 820, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Erin K. Howie
- Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation, University of Arkansas, 155 Stadium Drive, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Kari A. Weber
- Department of Epidemiology, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham, Slot 82, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Deboleena Thakur
- Center for the Study of Obesity, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham, Slot 820, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Christopher M. Murphy
- Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation, University of Arkansas, 155 Stadium Drive, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Michael R. Thomsen
- Center for the Study of Obesity, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham, Slot 820, Little Rock, AR, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sanz-Mas M, Ubalde-López M, Borràs S, Brugueras S, Continente X, Daher C, Marí-Dell'Olmo M, López MJ. Adapting Schools to Climate Change with Green, Blue, and Grey Measures in Barcelona: Study Protocol of a Mixed-Method Evaluation. J Urban Health 2024; 101:141-154. [PMID: 38236429 PMCID: PMC10897086 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-023-00814-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Under the framework of the Urban Innovative Actions program of the European Commission, in 2020, 11 primary schools in Barcelona were transformed into climate shelters by implementing green, blue, and grey measures. Schoolyards were also opened to the local community to be used during non-school periods. Here we present the study protocol of a mixed-method approach to evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions in terms of improving environmental quality and health for users. We evaluated school level through the following: (1) quantitative pre-post quasi-experimental study, and (2) qualitative evaluation. The quantitative study included measures of (a) environmental variables (collected via low-cost and non-low-cost sensors), (b) students' health and well-being (collected via health questionnaires, attention levels test, and systematic observations), and (c) teachers' health and well-being (collected via thermal comfort measurements and health questionnaires). The qualitative methods evaluated the perceptions about the effects of the interventions among students (using Photovoice) and teachers (through focus groups). The impact of the interventions was assessed at community level during summer non-school periods through a spontaneous ethnographic approach. Data collection started in August 2019 and ended in July 2022. The evaluation provides the opportunity to identify those solutions that worked and those that need to be improved for future experiences, as well as improve the evaluation methodology and replication for these kinds of interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Sanz-Mas
- Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona (ASPB), Pl. Lesseps 1, 08023, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de La Salut (DCEXS), Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mònica Ubalde-López
- Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de La Salut (DCEXS), Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Av. Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Pabellón 11, Planta 0, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sílvia Borràs
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sílvia Brugueras
- Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona (ASPB), Pl. Lesseps 1, 08023, Barcelona, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Av. Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Pabellón 11, Planta 0, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Xavier Continente
- Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona (ASPB), Pl. Lesseps 1, 08023, Barcelona, Spain.
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Av. Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Pabellón 11, Planta 0, 28029, Madrid, Spain.
- Institut de Recerca Sant Pau (IR SANT PAU), Sant Quintí 77-79, 08041, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Carolyn Daher
- Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de La Salut (DCEXS), Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Av. Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Pabellón 11, Planta 0, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marc Marí-Dell'Olmo
- Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona (ASPB), Pl. Lesseps 1, 08023, Barcelona, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Av. Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Pabellón 11, Planta 0, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Pau (IR SANT PAU), Sant Quintí 77-79, 08041, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María José López
- Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona (ASPB), Pl. Lesseps 1, 08023, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de La Salut (DCEXS), Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Av. Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Pabellón 11, Planta 0, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Pau (IR SANT PAU), Sant Quintí 77-79, 08041, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Szeszulski J, Faro JM, Joseph RP, Lanza K, Lévesque L, Monroe CM, Pérez-Paredes EA, Soltero EG, Lee RE. How Societal Forces of Change Are Transforming Youth Physical Activity Promotion in North America. J Phys Act Health 2023; 20:1069-1077. [PMID: 37917976 DOI: 10.1123/jpah.2023-0167] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Climate change, increasing recognition of institutionalized discrimination, and the COVID-19 pandemic are large-scale, societal events (ie, forces of change) that affect the timing, settings, and modes of youth physical activity. Despite the impact that forces of change have on youth physical activity and physical activity environments, few studies consider how they affect physical activity promotion. METHODS The authors use 2 established frameworks, the ecological model of physical activity and the youth physical activity timing, how, and setting framework, to highlight changes in physical activity patterns of youth in North America that have resulted from contemporary forces of change. RESULTS North American countries-Canada, Mexico, and the United States-have faced similar but contextually different challenges for promoting physical activity in response to climate change, increasing recognition of institutionalized discrimination, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Innovative applications of implementation science, digital health technologies, and community-based participatory research methodologies may be practical for increasing and sustaining youth physical activity in response to these forces of change. CONCLUSIONS Thoughtful synthesis of existing physical activity frameworks can help to guide the design and evaluation of new and existing physical activity initiatives. Researchers, practitioners, and policymakers are encouraged to carefully consider the intended and unintended consequences of actions designed to respond to forces of change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Szeszulski
- Texas A&M Institute for Advancing Health Through Agriculture, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jamie M Faro
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Rodney P Joseph
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Kevin Lanza
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Lucie Lévesque
- School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Courtney M Monroe
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Elsa A Pérez-Paredes
- Forest Research Institute (Instituto de Investigaciones Forestales), Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, México
| | - Erica G Soltero
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rebecca E Lee
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Corcoran B, Bhatti P, Peters CE, Feldman F, Darvishian M. Impact of Playground Shade Structures on Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure and Physical Activity among Children at a Childcare Facility. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6306. [PMID: 37444153 PMCID: PMC10341691 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20136306] [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: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Canada, and rates continue to rise. While sunscreen and protective clothing remain critical strategies to reduce skin cancer risk, shade is generally the most effective way to control exposure. There remains a lack of data, particularly in British Columbia (BC), demonstrating the extent to which shade availability reduces ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure in a real-world setting and the potential impacts of shade provision on physical activity. We evaluated the impact of shade structures on UVR exposure and physical activity at a Vancouver-area childcare center with an outdoor play area with limited existing shade. 22 children, aged 3-5 years, participated in the study. Three removable shade sails were installed in the outdoor play space, and UVR and physical activity measurements were collected during the spring, summer, and fall months. Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation data was measured using UVB dosimeters, and physical activity data was measured using accelerometers. Data were collected during each season over a total of four days-two days with shade sails installed and two days with shade sails removed. Overall, with shade installation, UVR exposures and physical activity levels among children were reduced by 50% and 20%, respectively. This study supports the use of shade sails to significantly reduce UVR exposures among preschool-aged children in BC; however, the potential for decreased physical activity from shade sails should be further explored in future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Breann Corcoran
- Prevention, Screening & Hereditary Cancer Program, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1G1, Canada; (B.C.); (C.E.P.); (F.F.)
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada;
| | - Parveen Bhatti
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada;
- Cancer Control Research, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Cheryl E Peters
- Prevention, Screening & Hereditary Cancer Program, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1G1, Canada; (B.C.); (C.E.P.); (F.F.)
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada;
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4R4, Canada
| | - Fabio Feldman
- Prevention, Screening & Hereditary Cancer Program, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1G1, Canada; (B.C.); (C.E.P.); (F.F.)
| | - Maryam Darvishian
- Prevention, Screening & Hereditary Cancer Program, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1G1, Canada; (B.C.); (C.E.P.); (F.F.)
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada;
- Cancer Control Research, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
| |
Collapse
|