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Brousse O, Simpson CH, Poorthuis A, Heaviside C. Unequal distributions of crowdsourced weather data in England and Wales. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4828. [PMID: 38902290 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49276-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Personal weather stations (PWS) can provide useful data on urban climates by densifying the number of weather measurements across major cities. They do so at a lower cost than official weather stations by national meteorological services. Despite the increasing use of PWS data, little attention has yet been paid to the underlying socio-economic and environmental inequalities in PWS coverage. Using social deprivation, demographic, and environmental indicators in England and Wales, we characterize existing inequalities in the current coverage of PWS. We find that there are fewer PWS in more deprived areas which also observe higher proportions of ethnic minorities, lower vegetation coverage, higher building height and building surface fraction, and lower proportions of inhabitants under 65 years old. This implies that data on urban climate may be less reliable or more uncertain in particular areas, which may limit the potential for climate adaptation and empowerment in those communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Brousse
- University College London, Institute of Environmental Design and Engineering, London, UK.
| | - Charles H Simpson
- University College London, Institute of Environmental Design and Engineering, London, UK
| | - Ate Poorthuis
- Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Clare Heaviside
- University College London, Institute of Environmental Design and Engineering, London, UK
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2
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Martin L, White MP, Elliott LR, Grellier J, Astell-Burt T, Bratman GN, Lima ML, Nieuwenhuijsen M, Ojala A, Roiko A, van den Bosch M, Fleming LE. Mechanisms underlying the associations between different types of nature exposure and sleep duration: An 18-country analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 250:118522. [PMID: 38403148 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118522] [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: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Whilst green space has been linked to healthier sleep outcomes, the roles of specific types of nature exposure, potential underlying mechanisms, and between-country variations in nature-sleep associations have received little attention. Drawing on cross-sectional survey data from an 18-country sample of adults (N = 16,077) the current study examined: 1) the relative associations between six different types of nature exposure (streetscape greenery, blue view from home, green space within 1 km, coast within 1 km, green space visits, blue space visits) and insufficient sleep (<6 h vs. 7-10 h per day); 2) whether these relationships were mediated by better mental wellbeing and/or physical activity; and 3) the consistency of these pathways among the different countries. After controlling for covariates, neighbourhood nature measures (green space, coast within 1 km) were not significantly associated with insufficient sleep; but nature visible from home (streetscape greenery, blue views) and recreational visits to green and blue spaces were each associated with less insufficient sleep. Significant nature-sleep associations were mediated, to varying degrees, by better mental wellbeing, but not self-reported physical activity. Country-level heterogeneity in the strength of nature-sleep associations was observed. Increasing nature visible from the home may represent a promising strategy for promoting healthier sleep duration at the population level, whilst nature-based interventions encouraging individuals to spend time in local green/blue spaces may be an appropriate target to assist individuals affected by insufficient sleep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanne Martin
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, UK.
| | - Mathew P White
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, UK; Cognitive Science HUB & Urban and Environmental Psychology Group, University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Lewis R Elliott
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, UK
| | - James Grellier
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, UK; Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Thomas Astell-Burt
- Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab), NSW, Australia; School of Health and Society, Faculty of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Gregory N Bratman
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, USA
| | - Maria L Lima
- Department of Social and Organizational Psychology, ISCTE - University Institute of Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mark Nieuwenhuijsen
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ann Ojala
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Finland
| | - Anne Roiko
- School of Pharmacy & Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Australia
| | - Matilda van den Bosch
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Finland; School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Canada; Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lora E Fleming
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, UK
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Robinson JM, Breed AC, Camargo A, Redvers N, Breed MF. Biodiversity and human health: A scoping review and examples of underrepresented linkages. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 246:118115. [PMID: 38199470 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118115] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Mounting evidence supports the connections between exposure to environmental typologies(such as green and blue spaces)and human health. However, the mechanistic links that connect biodiversity (the variety of life) and human health, and the extent of supporting evidence remain less clear. Here, we undertook a scoping review to map the links between biodiversity and human health and summarise the levels of associated evidence using an established weight of evidence framework. Distinct from other reviews, we provide additional context regarding the environment-microbiome-health axis, evaluate the environmental buffering pathway (e.g., biodiversity impacts on air pollution), and provide examples of three under- or minimally-represented linkages. The examples are (1) biodiversity and Indigenous Peoples' health, (2) biodiversity and urban social equity, and (3) biodiversity and COVID-19. We observed a moderate level of evidence to support the environmental microbiota-human health pathway and a moderate-high level of evidence to support broader nature pathways (e.g., greenspace) to various health outcomes, from stress reduction to enhanced wellbeing and improved social cohesion. However, studies of broader nature pathways did not typically include specific biodiversity metrics, indicating clear research gaps. Further research is required to understand the connections and causative pathways between biodiversity (e.g., using metrics such as taxonomy, diversity/richness, structure, and function) and health outcomes. There are well-established frameworks to assess the effects of broad classifications of nature on human health. These can assist future research in linking biodiversity metrics to human health outcomes. Our examples of underrepresented linkages highlight the roles of biodiversity and its loss on urban lived experiences, infectious diseases, and Indigenous Peoples' sovereignty and livelihoods. More research and awareness of these socioecological interconnections are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake M Robinson
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia.
| | - Andrew C Breed
- Epidemiology and One Health Section, Department of Agriculture, Water, and the Environment, Canberra, ACT, Australia; School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld, Australia
| | | | - Nicole Redvers
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Martin F Breed
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
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Li J, Hou J, Zhang L, Dou S, Yang L, Teng V, Zhang C, Sun H, Lu P, Guo Y. Exposure to blue space surroundings and depressive symptoms in young Chinese adults: The mediating role of sleep. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 243:117765. [PMID: 38036206 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117765] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Existing evidence suggests that the natural environment can influence mental health. However, limited research has focused on the relationship between blue space and depressive symptoms in young adults. To investigate the association between blue space surroundings and depressive symptoms in young adults in China and explore the underlying mechanisms. METHODS The study was conducted between September and November 2019, including 2,743 young adults from China. We assessed the exposure to blue space around participants' living environments during June, July, and August 2019 using the Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI). Blue indexes were calculated for 300 m, 1000 m, and 3000 m circular buffer zones near residential environments. Logistic regression models were employed to explore the associations between blue space exposures (quartiles) and depressive symptoms, exploring potential mechanisms through structural equation modeling (SEM), while accounting for potential confounders. Stratification analysis was used to identify sensitive populations. RESULTS Depressive symptoms were found in 148 (5.3%) of the 2,743 young adults in the study. We observed a negative correlation between depressive symptoms and average MNDWIs at participants' addresses (OR: 0.84; 95%CI: 0.72-0.98), within 300m (OR: 0.81; 95%CI: 0.70-0.95), 1000m (OR: 0.80; 95%CI: 0.69-0.93), and 3000m (OR:0.77; 95%CI: 0.66-0.89) buffer zones. Within the 1000m buffer zone, sleep was found to mediate 21% of the relationship between the presence of blue space and depressive symptoms. The stratified analysis revealed a stronger association between low MNDWI levels within the 1000m buffer zone and depressive symptoms in females (P < 0.05). Additionally, average MNDWI levels within the 3000m buffer zone were associated with depressive symptoms in both females and males. CONCLUSIONS Blue space could improve depressive symptoms, particularly in females, with sleep playing a mediating role. Incorporating blue spaces into environmental planning is important for improving mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialian Li
- Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Jing Hou
- Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Siqi Dou
- Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Victor Teng
- Climate, Air Quality Research Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Hongwei Sun
- Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China.
| | - Peng Lu
- Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China.
| | - Yuming Guo
- Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China; Climate, Air Quality Research Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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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.
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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
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Fian L, White MP, Arnberger A, Thaler T, Heske A, Pahl S. Nature visits, but not residential greenness, are associated with reduced income-related inequalities in subjective well-being. Health Place 2024; 85:103175. [PMID: 38266374 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2024.103175] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Nature exposure can promote human health and well-being. Additionally, there is some, albeit mixed, evidence that this relationship is stronger for socio-economically disadvantaged groups (equigenesis). Using a cross-sectional survey of the Austrian population (N = 2300), we explored the relationships between both residential greenness and recreational nature visits, and affective (WHO-5 Well-Being Index) and evaluative (Personal Well-Being Index-7) subjective well-being. Partially supporting the equigenesis hypothesis, regression analyses controlling for potential confounders found that recreational visit frequency, but not residential greenness, moderated the effect of income-related disparities in both subjective well-being metrics. Results suggest that merely making neighborhoods greener may not itself help reduce inequalities in subjective well-being. Additionally, greater efforts are also needed to support individuals from all sectors of society to access natural settings for recreation as this could significantly improve the well-being of some of the poorest in society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Fian
- Urban and Environmental Psychology Group, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Mathew P White
- Urban and Environmental Psychology Group, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Cognitive Science HUB, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Environment and Climate Research HUB, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Arne Arnberger
- Institute of Landscape Development, Recreation and Conservation Planning, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Thaler
- Institute of Landscape Planning (ILAP), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anja Heske
- Urban and Environmental Psychology Group, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sabine Pahl
- Urban and Environmental Psychology Group, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Environment and Climate Research HUB, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Liang JH, Yang RY, Liu ML, Pu YQ, Bao WW, Zhao Y, Hu LX, Zhang YS, Huang S, Jiang N, Pu XY, Huang SY, Dong GH, Chen YJ. Urban green, blue spaces and their joint effect are associated with lower risk of emotional and behavior problem in children and adolescents, a large population-based study in Guangzhou, China. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 240:117475. [PMID: 37914012 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117475] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Extensive research has been conducted on the impact of urban Green and blue spaces (GBS) on mental health. However, there is a dearth of studies examining the potential influence of GBS on Emotion and behavior problems (EBP) in youth populations. This study seeks to address this research gap by examining the association between GBS exposure and EBP in youths, utilizing a large population-based survey. Exposure indicators were derived for each participant, taking into account the 1-m resolution land coverage percentage measurements at their residential and school locations, with buffer sizes of 500m and 800m. The study employed the parent-reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) as a measurement to EBP. To investigate this relationship, a Poisson linear mixed-effects model with comprehensive adjustment was utilized. Stratified analyses were conducted, taking into account demographic variables, while sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the reliability of the findings. The primary analysis encompassed a sample of 172,490 individuals, with an average age of 10.2 (standard deviation = 2.99), of whom 55.8% were male. Among young individuals residing within a 500-m radius of residential green spaces (GS), those in the second and third tertiles experienced a 5.0% and 7.6% decrease in the risk of developing total difficulties respectively, compared to those in the first tertile. Exposure to blue spaces (BS) around the residence yielded comparable results, with an AOR of 0.896 (95% CI: 0.866, 0.928) for the second tertile and an AOR of 0.991 (95% CI: 0.879, 0.943) for the third tertile, compared to the first tertile. The decrease in EBPs may also be linked to the joint effect of GS and BS. Young individuals were exposed to GS or BS, as well as the higher level of GS in conjunction with comparable BS, exhibited an inverse correlation with self-reported EBPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Hong Liang
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Ru-Yu Yang
- Northwest Land and Resource Research Center, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Mei-Ling Liu
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Ying-Qi Pu
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Wen-Wen Bao
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Yu Zhao
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Li-Xin Hu
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Yu-Shan Zhang
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Shan Huang
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Nan Jiang
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Xue-Ya Pu
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Shao-Yi Huang
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Guang-Hui Dong
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Ya-Jun Chen
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China.
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8
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Menhas R, Yang L, Danish Nisar R. Community-based social healthcare practices in China for healthy aging: a social prescription perspective analysis. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1252157. [PMID: 37849719 PMCID: PMC10578489 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1252157] [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: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The global population is aging, and the number of people suffering from chronic diseases is increasing. In response to these trends, community-enhanced social healthcare practices are a novel paradigm of social prescribing that aims to improve both the community's and the individual's level of health by combining community involvement, organizational change, and individual-level practice. Objective The study examined the state of community-based social healthcare practices using the lens of social prescription in China with an eye on promoting healthy aging there. Method Thematic analysis approach was used in this investigation. A social prescription lens was used to conduct an open-ended theme study of China's community-based social healthcare practices for healthy aging. The research was conducted in Yiwu in Zhejiang Province, P. R. China. A sample of 24 "comprehensive evaluation team members (CETM)" was chosen using a purposive selection strategy. Results In the context of the social prescription, we analyzed social healthcare practices for healthy aging at the community level. All the comprehensive evaluation team members described community social healthcare practices under the paradigm of social prescription. After analyzing the community social healthcare practices under the paradigm of social prescription, six main themes (E-Social Prescription, Nature-based Social Prescription, Healthy Living Social Prescription, Culture-based Social Prescription, Health Screening Social Prescription, and Health Education Social Prescription) emerged for healthy aging at the community level. Conclusion Social prescribing links individuals to non-clinical services and activities, typically provided by the nonprofit and community sectors. Community-based social healthcare practices under social prescription can be an efficient and cost-effective way to assist patients with chronic diseases in managing their illnesses and enhancing their overall health and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashid Menhas
- Department of Nursing, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lili Yang
- Department of Nursing, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang, China
| | - Rana Danish Nisar
- Department of Politics and International Relations (DPIR), University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan
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9
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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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10
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Liu H, Xu X, Tam VWY, Mao P. What is the "DNA" of healthy buildings? A critical review and future directions. RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS 2023; 183:113460. [PMID: 37359216 PMCID: PMC10280327 DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2023.113460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, buildings that provide improved performance have aroused extensive discussion. Nowadays, the connotation of healthy building is becoming complex, performance metrics for healthy buildings vary significantly from different regions in the world and there may be information asymmetry among stakeholders. Consequently, building health performance cannot be effectively achieved. However, previous studies have launched extensive reviews on green building, and there remains a lack of comprehensive and systematic reviews on healthy buildings. To address the above issues, therefore, this research aims to (1) conduct a thorough review of healthy building research and reveal its nature; and (2) identify the current research gaps and propose possible future research directions. Content analysis using NVivo were applied to review 238 relevant publications. A DNA framework of healthy buildings, which clarifies the characteristics, triggers, guides and actions, was then constructed for better understanding of the nature of them. Subsequently, the application of DNA framework and the directions of future research were discussed. Six future research directions were finally recommended, including life-cycle thinking, standard systems improvement, policies & regulations, awareness increase, healthy building examination, and multidisciplinary integration. This research differs from previous ones because it painted a panorama of previous healthy building research. Findings of this research contribute to reveal knowledge map of healthy buildings, guide researchers to fill existing knowledge gaps, provide a standardized platform for healthy building stakeholders, and promote high-quality development of healthy buildings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Liu
- School of Civil Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Long Pan Road, Nanjing, 210037, PR China
| | - Xiaoxiao Xu
- School of Civil Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Long Pan Road, Nanjing, 210037, PR China
| | - Vivian W Y Tam
- School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia
| | - Peng Mao
- School of Civil Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Long Pan Road, Nanjing, 210037, PR China
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11
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Carreño A, Fontdecaba E, Izquierdo A, Enciso O, Daunis-i-Estadella P, Mateu-Figueras G, Palarea-Albaladejo J, Gascon M, Vendrell C, Lloveras M, San J, Gómez S, Minuto S, Lloret J. Blue prescription: A pilot study of health benefits for oncological patients of a short program of activities involving the sea. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17713. [PMID: 37483694 PMCID: PMC10362171 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Performing outdoor activities in blue spaces can help improve human health and mental well-being by reducing stress and promoting social relationships. The number of people surviving cancer has increased globally to experience this disease as a life-changing and chronic condition with physical and psychosocial symptoms that have negative impacts on their quality of life. While there has been a growth of programs in green spaces to meet the needs of cancer patients, such as follow-up post-treatment care, support groups and physical activity programs, very few studies have examined the effects of activities involving the sea for the health and well-being of oncology patients. This is the first study to evaluate whether different outdoor activities in blue spaces can benefit oncological patients' physical and mental health using smartwatches, sphygmomanometers and Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaires. We assessed changes in blood pressure, heart rate, sleep quality and mental health of 16 patients after twelve sessions of three different activities (walking, beach and snorkelling) and four sessions of a control activity. While no significant differences between activities were observed in terms of the data gathered by the smartwatches, a gradient of positive results for human mental health was observed towards exposure to a blue space, assessed through POMS questionnaires. Results show that exposure to blue spaces contributes to tension and anger reduction and improves the vigour mood state of oncology patients. No significant increases in patients' heart rate were recorded after the beach and snorkelling activities, with results similar to the control activity, suggesting that the contribution may be to participants' relaxation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnau Carreño
- Sea Health, Oceans and Human Health Chair, Institute of Aquatic Ecology, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany 69, 17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Eva Fontdecaba
- Medicina de Familia, CAP Castelló D’Empúries, Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Angel Izquierdo
- Institut Català D'Oncologia, Hospital de Girona Dr. Josep Trueta, Avinguda de França S/n, 17007, Girona, Spain
| | - Olga Enciso
- Medicina de Familia, CAP Tossa de Mar, Corporació de Salut Del Maresme I La Selva, Girona, Spain
| | - Pepus Daunis-i-Estadella
- Dept. of Computer Science, Applied Mathematics and Statistics, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Gloria Mateu-Figueras
- Dept. of Computer Science, Applied Mathematics and Statistics, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | | | - Mireia Gascon
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB) Doctor Aiguader, 88 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Joan San
- Sea Health, Oceans and Human Health Chair, Institute of Aquatic Ecology, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany 69, 17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Sílvia Gómez
- Dep. Social Anthropology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Building B-Campus UAB, 08193, Bellaterra, (Cerdanyola Del Vallès) Barcelona, Spain
| | - Stefania Minuto
- Sea Health, Oceans and Human Health Chair, Institute of Aquatic Ecology, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany 69, 17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Josep Lloret
- Sea Health, Oceans and Human Health Chair, Institute of Aquatic Ecology, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany 69, 17003, Girona, Spain
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12
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Fontanarrosa MS, Gómez L, Avigliano L, Lavarello A, Zunino G, Sinistro R, Vera MS, Allende L. Land uses in cities and their impacts on the water quality of urban freshwater blue spaces in the Pampean region (Argentina). ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:648. [PMID: 37160623 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11216-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Freshwater blue spaces (FBS), such as ponds, are key elements of the urban landscape and are under strong anthropogenic pressure. Land-use types and diversity may exert a negative or positive impact on FBS' water quality depending on their nature and arrangement. The information available in this respect is remarkably scarcer for water bodies in the Global South than for the north. Thus, we aim to identify and quantify the land-use types in a 500-m buffer zone of urban ponds in the Pampean region (Argentina) to assess their impact on water quality. We based our study on 15 FBS located in neighborhoods of Buenos Aires province during cold and warm seasons. We analyzed physical, chemical, and biological variables, and estimated water conditions by means of water quality indexes (WQIs) and quality guidelines. We quantified the dominant land-use type and the diversity of uses in the ponds' buffer zones, and evaluated their relationships with WQIs. Our results showed that WQIs were negatively related to a high proportion of residential areas in the adjacent zone, while positively to recreational ones. The diversity of land uses did not influence the water quality. We propose a new WQIpond with fewer key response variables, and as sensitive as the currently used WQIobjetive. We conclude that water quality from urban ponds in the Pampean region can be affected by dominant land-use type in the adjacent area but also the quality of their water supply sources (superficial and/or underground), clandestine wastewater discharges, and non-point pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Soledad Fontanarrosa
- Instituto Multidisciplinario sobre Ecosistemas y Desarrollo Sustentable, Universidad Nacional del Centro de La Provincia de Buenos Aires - CICPBA, Tandil, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lorena Gómez
- Instituto del Conurbano, Área de Ecología, Universidad Nacional de General Sarmiento, Los Polvorines, Argentina
| | - Luciana Avigliano
- Instituto del Conurbano, Área de Ecología, Universidad Nacional de General Sarmiento, Los Polvorines, Argentina
| | - Agustina Lavarello
- Instituto del Conurbano, Área de Ecología, Universidad Nacional de General Sarmiento, Los Polvorines, Argentina
| | - Gabriel Zunino
- Instituto del Conurbano, Área de Ecología, Universidad Nacional de General Sarmiento, Los Polvorines, Argentina
| | - Rodrigo Sinistro
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Universidad de Buenos Aires - CONICET, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Solange Vera
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Universidad de Buenos Aires - CONICET, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luz Allende
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Instituto del Conurbano, Área de Ecología, Universidad Nacional de General Sarmiento, Los Polvorines, Argentina.
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13
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Liu M, Ye Z, He P, Yang S, Zhang Y, Zhou C, Zhang Y, Gan X, Qin X. Relations of residential green and blue spaces with new-onset chronic kidney disease. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 869:161788. [PMID: 36708837 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We investigated the associations of residential green and blue spaces with chronic kidney disease (CKD) incidence, which have rarely been examined. METHODS A total of 346,697 participants from UK Biobank without CKD at baseline were included. Land coverage percentages of residential green and blue spaces at 300 m and 1000 m buffer were estimated using land use data. The primary outcome was new-onset CKD ascertained through linkage to health administrative datasets. RESULTS During a median follow-up of 12.0 years, 10,101 new-onset CKD were documented. Overall, there were significant inverse associations of residential green space coverage at 300 m (per SD [21.7 %] increment, HR,0.96, 95%CI, 0.94-0.98) and 1000 m (per SD [20.7 %] increment, HR, 0.96, 95%CI, 0.94-0.98) buffer, and blue space at 300 m (per SD [1.1 %] increment, HR, 0.97, 95%CI, 0.95-1.00) and 1000 m (per SD [1.2 %] increment, HR, 0.97, 95%CI, 0.95-1.00) buffer with the risk of new-onset CKD. Moreover, at 300 m buffer, a significantly lower risk of new-onset CKD (HRs ranging from 0.88 to 0.90) was found in participants with both higher green space and higher blue space (both of them in the 2nd or 3rd tertile, and at least one in the 3rd tertile). At 1000 m buffer, a significantly lower risk of new-onset CKD (HRs ranging from 0.79 to 0.89) was found in participants with either higher green space or higher blue space (either one in the 2nd or 3rd tertile). Furthermore, PM2.5 did not significantly modify the association of exposure to green and blue space with the risk of CKD (all P for interactions >0.05). CONCLUSIONS Residential green and blue spaces, especially at larger buffer sizes, might be protective factors against new-onset CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyi Liu
- Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Renal Failure Research, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ziliang Ye
- Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Renal Failure Research, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Panpan He
- Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Renal Failure Research, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Sisi Yang
- Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Renal Failure Research, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yanjun Zhang
- Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Renal Failure Research, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Chun Zhou
- Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Renal Failure Research, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Renal Failure Research, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xiaoqin Gan
- Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Renal Failure Research, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xianhui Qin
- Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Renal Failure Research, Guangzhou 510515, China.
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14
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Applying an ecosystem services framework on nature and mental health to recreational blue space visits across 18 countries. Sci Rep 2023; 13:2209. [PMID: 36878999 PMCID: PMC9988977 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28544-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The effects of 'nature' on mental health and subjective well-being have yet to be consistently integrated into ecosystem service models and frameworks. To address this gap, we used data on subjective mental well-being from an 18-country survey to test a conceptual model integrating mental health with ecosystem services, initially proposed by Bratman et al. We analysed a range of individual and contextual factors in the context of 14,998 recreational visits to blue spaces, outdoor environments which prominently feature water. Consistent with the conceptual model, subjective mental well-being outcomes were dependent upon on a complex interplay of environmental type and quality, visit characteristics, and individual factors. These results have implications for public health and environmental management, as they may help identify the bluespace locations, environmental features, and key activities, that are most likely to impact well-being, but also potentially affect recreational demand on fragile aquatic ecosystems.
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15
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Luo S, Xie J, Furuya K. Effects of perceived physical and aesthetic quality of urban blue spaces on user preferences–A case study of three urban blue spaces in Japan. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15033. [PMID: 37095923 PMCID: PMC10121792 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Blue spaces, especially as important urban natural environments, provide various benefits. Despite the increasing number of relevant papers, most recent studies have focused on the association between blue space environmental quality and health, with limited research assessing the environmental quality and user preferences of urban blue spaces. This study establishes a relationship between preference and environmental quality by investigating visitors' perception of the environmental quality of urban blue spaces (physical and aesthetic). For this purpose, 296 questionnaires were collected from three urban blue spaces and a multiple linear regression analysis was executed. Model results indicated that six of nine environmental quality components had a significant effect on preference scores, with "harmony" demonstrating the highest and "visual spaciousness & diversity" the lowest effect. The current study shown that two scales provided were used to measure users' perceived levels of the physical and aesthetic quality of the Urban Blue Spaces were acceptable. These results can help in the effective use of these natural capitals in cities and provide guidance for the environmental design of blue spaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shixian Luo
- School of Architecture, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 611756, China
- Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University, Chiba, 271-8510, Japan
| | - Jing Xie
- Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University, Chiba, 271-8510, Japan
| | - Katsunori Furuya
- Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University, Chiba, 271-8510, Japan
- Corresponding author.
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Teixeira A, Gabriel R, Martinho J, Oliveira I, Santos M, Pinto G, Moreira H. Distance to Natural Environments, Physical Activity, Sleep, and Body Composition in Women: An Exploratory Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3647. [PMID: 36834342 PMCID: PMC9967458 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
A growing body of evidence indicates that living close to nature is associated with better health and well-being. However, the literature still lacks studies analyzing the benefits of this proximity for sleep and obesity, particularly in women. The purpose of this study was to explore how distance to natural spaces is reflected in women's physical activity, sleep, and adiposity levels. The sample consisted of 111 adult women (37.78 ± 14.70). Accessibility to green and blue spaces was assessed using a geographic-information-system-based method. Physical activity and sleep parameters were measured using ActiGraph accelerometers (wGT3X-BT), and body composition was assessed using octopolar bioimpedance (InBody 720). Nonlinear canonical correlation analysis was used to analyze the data. Our findings reveal that women living in green spaces close to their homes had lower levels of obesity and intra-abdominal adiposity. We also demonstrated that a shorter distance to green spaces seemed to correlate with better sleep onset latency. However, no relationship was found between physical activity and sleep duration. In relation to blue spaces, the distance to these environments was not related to any health indicator analyzed in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Teixeira
- Department of Sports Science, Exercise and Health, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ronaldo Gabriel
- Department of Sports Science, Exercise and Health, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production (Inov4Agro), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - José Martinho
- Department of Geology, Geociencies Centre (CGeo), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Irene Oliveira
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production (Inov4Agro), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Department of Mathematics, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Center for Computational and Stochastic Mathematics (CEMAT-IST), Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mário Santos
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production (Inov4Agro), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Laboratory of Fluvial and Terrestrial Ecology, Innovation and Development Center, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Laboratory of Ecology and Conservation, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Maranhão, Rua do Comercio, 100, Buriticupu 65393-000, MA, Brazil
| | - Graça Pinto
- Department of Sports Science, Exercise and Health, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Helena Moreira
- Department of Sports Science, Exercise and Health, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production (Inov4Agro), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
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Stanhope J, Maric F, Rothmore P, Weinstein P. Physiotherapy and ecosystem services: improving the health of our patients, the population, and the environment. Physiother Theory Pract 2023; 39:227-240. [PMID: 34904927 DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2021.2015814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The relevance of ecosystems to physiotherapy has traditionally been overlooked, despite its potential for health impacts relevant to conditions often managed by physiotherapists. PURPOSE The purpose of this article is to introduce the concept of ecosystem services to physiotherapists, and to discuss how understanding ecosystem services may improve patient care, and population and planetary health. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Physiotherapists with an understanding of ecosystem services may improve patient care by value-adding to management through patient education, empathy, advocacy, and broader population health approaches. Physiotherapists are also well placed to promote the conservation and restoration of ecosystem through participation, advocacy, and the development of public health measures, to the benefit of global sustainability and population health. Further research is required into how physiotherapists currently use nature-based interventions, and the barriers and enablers to their use. To be adequately prepared to meet the challenges that climate change and environmental degradation pose to patient care, population health and health systems, both current and future physiotherapists need to take a broader view of their practice. By including consideration of the potential role of the environment and green space exposure in particular on their patient's health, physiotherapists can ultimately contribute more to population and planetary health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Stanhope
- School of Allied Health Science and Practice, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Filip Maric
- Department of Health and Care Sciences, UiT the Arctic University of Norway (Tromsø), Tromsø, Norway
| | - Paul Rothmore
- School of Allied Health Science and Practice, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Philip Weinstein
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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Ojeda Sánchez C, García-Pérez J, Gómez-Barroso D, Domínguez-Castillo A, Pardo Romaguera E, Cañete A, Ortega-García JA, Ramis R. Exploring Urban Green Spaces' Effect against Traffic Exposure on Childhood Leukaemia Incidence. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2506. [PMID: 36767873 PMCID: PMC9915143 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several environmental factors seem to be involved in childhood leukaemia incidence. Traffic exposure could increase the risk while urban green spaces (UGS) exposure could reduce it. However, there is no evidence how these two factors interact on this infant pathology. OBJECTIVES to evaluate how residential proximity to UGS could be an environmental protective factor against traffic exposure on childhood leukaemia incidence. METHODS A population-based case control study was conducted across thirty Spanish regions during the period 2000-2018. It included 2526 incident cases and 15,156, individually matched by sex, year-of-birth, and place-of-residence. Using the geographical coordinates of the participants' home residences, a 500 m proxy for exposure to UGS was built. Annual average daily traffic (AADT) was estimated for all types of roads 100 m near the children's residence. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), UGS, traffic exposure, and their possible interactions were calculated for overall childhood leukaemia, and the acute lymphoblastic (ALL) and acute myeloblastic leukaemia (AML) subtypes, with adjustment for socio-demographic covariates. RESULTS We found an increment of childhood leukaemia incidence related to traffic exposure, for every 100 AADT increase the incidence raised 1.1% (95% CI: 0.58-1.61%). UGS exposure showed an incidence reduction for the highest exposure level, Q5 (OR = 0.63; 95% CI = 0.54-0.72). Regression models with both traffic exposure and UGS exposure variables showed similar results but the interaction was not significant. CONCLUSIONS Despite their opposite effects on childhood leukaemia incidence individually, our results do not suggest a possible interaction between both exposures. This is the first study about the interaction of these two environmental factors; consequently, it is necessary to continue taking into account more individualized data and other possible environmental risk factors involved.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Javier García-Pérez
- Cancer and Environmental Epidemiology Unit, Department of Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases, National Center for Epidemiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (Carlos III Institute of Health), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública—CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Diana Gómez-Barroso
- Centre for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública—CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- National Center for Epidemiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (Carlos III Institute of Health), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Domínguez-Castillo
- Cancer and Environmental Epidemiology Unit, Department of Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases, National Center for Epidemiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (Carlos III Institute of Health), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública—CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Pardo Romaguera
- Spanish Registry of Childhood Tumours (RETI-SEHOP), University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Adela Cañete
- Spanish Registry of Childhood Tumours (RETI-SEHOP), University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio Ortega-García
- Pediatric Environmental Health Speciality Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Environment and Human Health (EH2) Lab., Institute of Biomedical Research, IMIB-Arrixaca, Clinical University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, 30120 Murcia, Spain
- European and Latin American Environment, Survival and Childhood Cancer Network (ENSUCHICA), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Rebeca Ramis
- Cancer and Environmental Epidemiology Unit, Department of Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases, National Center for Epidemiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (Carlos III Institute of Health), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública—CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- European and Latin American Environment, Survival and Childhood Cancer Network (ENSUCHICA), 30120 Murcia, Spain
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Murrin E, Taylor N, Peralta L, Dudley D, Cotton W, White RL. Does physical activity mediate the associations between blue space and mental health? A cross-sectional study in Australia. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:203. [PMID: 36717841 PMCID: PMC9885582 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15101-3] [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: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research has begun to examine whether blue space is beneficial to mental health. While results are promising, it is difficult to know which aspects of mental health or mental ill-health may benefit most. Physical activity has been proposed as one potential mechanism via which blue space may be associated with better mental health. However, very few studies have examined mechanisms. We examined associations between blue space proximity and a range of mental health outcomes and examined which of these associations were mediated by physical activity. METHODS 350 participants (M = 38.74, SD = 14.92, 70% female) self-reported their weekly physical activity and completed measures of depression, anxiety, and psychological wellbeing. We then used GIS software to calculate blue space proximity (i.e., coastal and inland), and structural equation modelling with mediation paths to determine the role of physical activity in the associations between bluespace and mental health. RESULTS Physical activity partially mediated the associations between coastal proximity and depression (β = 0.02, 95% CI = 0.001, 0.05), anxiety (β = 0.03, 95% CI = 0.01, 0.06), and wellbeing (β = - 0.03, 95% CI = - 0.08, - 0.01), and fully mediated the associations between inland water proximity and depression (β = 0.02, 95% CI = 0.003, 0.05), anxiety (β = 0.03, 95% CI = 0.01, 0.07), and wellbeing (β = - 0.03, 95% CI = - 0.07, - 0.01). CONCLUSION While physical activity appears to explain associations between inland blue space and mental health outcomes, it only partially explains the association between coastal blue space and mental health, suggesting other mechanisms may play a role and even inactive exposure may be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Murrin
- grid.1029.a0000 0000 9939 5719School of Psychology, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, 2751 Penrith, NSW Australia
| | - Nicole Taylor
- grid.1029.a0000 0000 9939 5719School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, 2751 Penrith, NSW Australia
| | - Louisa Peralta
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XSydney School of Education and Social Work, The University of Sydney, 2006 Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Dean Dudley
- grid.1004.50000 0001 2158 5405Macquarie School of Education, Macquarie University, 2109 Macquarie Park, NSW Australia
| | - Wayne Cotton
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XSydney School of Education and Social Work, The University of Sydney, 2006 Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Rhiannon Lee White
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, 2751, Penrith, NSW, Australia.
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Zhu G, Yuan M, Ma H, Luo Z, Shao S. Restorative effect of audio and visual elements in urban waterfront spaces. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1113134. [PMID: 36949907 PMCID: PMC10025321 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1113134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Urban waterfront spaces are often composed of built infrastructures and nature elements. Though citizens could take advantage of these public spaces to relax from daily work, its restorative potential has not been paid enough attention. In this study, the restorative effect and mechanism of different audio and visual elements in urban waterfront spaces was systematically studied. Methods At the first stage, restorative potential of waterfront spaces was investigated and different elements with restorative effects were identified through an on-site survey, in which visual and auditory forms of environmental-nature, animal-nature, on-water human activities and on-shore human activities were identified. At the second stage, a series of laboratory experiments were conducted to explore the restorative function of the audio and visual elements. Results and discussion It is found that the degree of artificiality of waterfront space was a crucial factor influencing the restoration level of the space, and higher artificiality level of waterfront space resulted in lower level of perceived restoration. However it was available by adding visual and audio elements to the scene to facilitate the restorative effect in waterfront spaces with high-level artificiality. The effects of adding visual and auditory elements on psychophysiological restoration were explored, and elements that should be recommended and restrained were discussed. Prospects These findings would provide applicable suggestions for future design and rebuilding of urban waterfront spaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guofeng Zhu
- School of Architecture, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Minmin Yuan
- Research Institute of Highway Ministry of Transport, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Minmin Yuan,
| | - Hui Ma
- School of Architecture, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Hui Ma,
| | - Zhaoxin Luo
- School of Architecture, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shegang Shao
- Research Institute of Highway Ministry of Transport, Beijing, China
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Chen Y, Yuan Y, Zhou Y. Exploring the Association between Neighborhood Blue Space and Self-Rated Health among Elderly Adults: Evidence from Guangzhou, China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16342. [PMID: 36498412 PMCID: PMC9738962 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192316342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Blue spaces is associated with self-rated health (SRH), but little is known about the pathways underlying this association among Chinese urban elderly individuals. Based on neighborhood effect theory, this study examined the relationship between neighborhood blue spaces and SRH among elderly individuals using data from a questionnaire survey conducted in Guangzhou, remote sensing images, street views, and environmental information in the context of a Chinese megacity. In addition, multilevel linear model and mediating effect model empirical analyses were performed. Results showed that first, the SRH of the elderly was associated with individual- and neighborhood-level factors. Second, the multilevel mediation model revealed that multiple biopsychosocial pathways existed between neighborhood blue spaces and the SRH of the elderly, specifically, the blue space characteristics related to the SRH of the elderly via the mediating effect of stress. Third, owing to demographic characteristics and socioeconomic status, the stratified analyses also indicated a strong association between neighborhood blue spaces and SRH outcomes in the older and low-income groups. The mediating effect of stress in the age and income groups was also observed, and the mediation pathways and group differences were confirmed in the context of Chinese cities. This research enriches the empirical literature on blue spaces and elderly health from a multidisciplinary perspective and suggests the need for "healthy neighborhood" and "health-aging" planning in Chinese settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Chen
- School of Geographic and Biologic Information, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- School of Geography and Planning, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Urbanization and Geo-Simulation, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yuquan Zhou
- Department of Urban Planning and Spatial Analysis, Sol Price School of Public Policy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
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22
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Marini S, Mauro M, Grigoletto A, Toselli S, Maietta Latessa P. The Effect of Physical Activity Interventions Carried Out in Outdoor Natural Blue and Green Spaces on Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12482. [PMID: 36231779 PMCID: PMC9566520 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In the last few years, interest about the natural environment and its influences on health conditions has been growing. In particular, physical activity interventions carried out in blue and green environment are being investigated as a potential strategy to increase health outcomes in people with and without chronic conditions. Many recent studies reported positive results, but a high number of these studies were focused on people with mental or physical disorders. In this scenario, the present systematic review, conducted according to the PRISMA statement, was aimed at investigating the existing evidence regarding the effects of physical activity interventions carried out in green-blue space settings involving healthy people. A literature search was performed through PubMed, Cochrane, Cinahl, and Psychinfo, and the quality of each study was assessed. Out of 239 identified articles, 75 full texts were screened. Six eligible studies showed an improvement in health outcomes, such as well-being, mood, and physical performance, in the experimental group compared with the control group. No exhaustive conclusion can be drawn based on available evidence. However, this systematic review highlighted the need to extend this kind of intervention to reveal more robust evidence that green and blue exercises benefit health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Marini
- Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, 47921 Rimini, Italy
| | - Mario Mauro
- Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, 47921 Rimini, Italy
| | - Alessia Grigoletto
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefania Toselli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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Bollenbach L, Schmitz J, Niermann C, Kanning M. How do people feel while walking in the city? Using walking-triggered e-diaries to investigate the association of social interaction and environmental greenness during everyday life walking. Front Psychol 2022; 13:970336. [PMID: 36225697 PMCID: PMC9549356 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.970336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Light to moderate physical activity, which includes walking, is associated with positive effects on physical and mental health. However, concerning mental health, social and physical environmental factors are likely to play an important role in this association. This study investigates person-place interactions between environmental characteristics (greenness, social interaction) and momentary affective states during walking episodes. A within-subject design is implemented, in which affective states and environmental characteristics are assessed while participants are walking outside. Methods On smartphones, coupled with a motion sensor (move3), e-diaries were triggered as soon as people walked 100 m outside. E-diaries assessed momentary affective states (valence, calmness, energetic arousal), and social interaction (walking alone; seeing other people while walking; interacting with other people; walking with a known person) between 6 am and 10 pm over nine days. The percentage of greenness was determined afterward from recorded GPS and GIS data. Demographics were collected in advance via an online questionnaire. Multilevel models were calculated with R for 46 individuals (age = 41.2, ± 13.2; 52% female). Results Affective state dimension energetic arousal showed a significant association with social interaction and greenness, i.e., participants rated energetic arousal lower when walking alone, and if there was less greenness vs. when interacting shortly with someone while walking (β = 0.13, p = 0.02), and being in situations with more greenness (β = 0.08, p = 0.02). Furthermore, associations with social interaction and greenness were found for dimension calmness: walking together with someone was associated with higher calmness (β = 0.16, p = 0.02), and the higher the proportion of surrounding greenness during a walk, the higher calmness was rated, i.e., participants were calmer (β = 0.09, p = 0.01). Significant associations with valence were not present. Conclusion The findings indicate that the affective states varied significantly due to different social and physical environmental factors. In the future, the importance of environmental factors should be further investigated, e.g., by assessing environmental factors right in situations contrary to a subsequent imputation. Within-subject designs, and in particular triggered assessments with the addition of GPS, can aid in developing interventions for health-promoting urban environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Bollenbach
- Department of Health and Social Sciences in Sport Science, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Lukas Bollenbach,
| | - Julian Schmitz
- Research Institute for Regional and Urban Development gGmbH, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Christina Niermann
- Department of Health and Social Sciences in Sport Science, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
- Medical School Hamburg, Institute of Interdisciplinary Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martina Kanning
- Department of Health and Social Sciences in Sport Science, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
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Song J, Lu Y, Zhao Q, Zhang Y, Yang X, Chen Q, Guo Y, Hu K. Effect modifications of green space and blue space on heat-mortality association in Hong Kong, 2008-2017. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 838:156127. [PMID: 35605868 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite emerging recognition of the benefits of green and blue spaces on human health, evidence for their effect modifications on heat-mortality associations is limited. We aimed to investigate the effect modifications of green and blue spaces on heat-mortality associations among different age and sex groups and at different heat levels. METHODS Daily mortality and meteorological data from 2008 to 2017 in Hong Kong, China were collected. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index and distance to coast were used as proxies for green and blue space exposure, respectively. Time-series analyses was performed using fitting generalized linear mixed models with an interaction term between heat and levels of exposure to either green or blue space. Age-, sex-, and heat level-stratified analyses were also conducted. RESULTS With a 1 °C increase in temperature above the 90th percentile (29.61 °C), mortality increased by 5.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.6, 10.1%), 5.4% (1.4, 9.5%), and 4.6% (0.8, 8.9%) for low, medium and high levels of green space exposure, respectively, and by 7.5% (3.9, 11.2%) and 3.5% (0.3, 6.8%) for low and high levels of blue space exposure, respectively. Significant effect modifications of green and blue spaces were not observed for the whole population or any specific age and sex group, either at a moderate heat level or a heat level (Ps > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS No significant effect modifications of green and blue spaces on heat-related mortality risk were observed in Hong Kong. These findings challenge the existing evidence on the prominent protective role of green and blue spaces in mitigating heat-related mortality risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinglu Song
- Department of Urban Planning and Design, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou 215123, China.
| | - Yi Lu
- Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Qi Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.
| | - Yunquan Zhang
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China.
| | - Xuchao Yang
- Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan 316021, China.
| | - Qian Chen
- Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan 316021, China.
| | - Yuming Guo
- Climate, Air Quality Research Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia.
| | - Kejia Hu
- Department of Big Data in Health Science, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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Bergou N, Hammoud R, Smythe M, Gibbons J, Davidson N, Tognin S, Reeves G, Shepherd J, Mechelli A. The mental health benefits of visiting canals and rivers: An ecological momentary assessment study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271306. [PMID: 36044408 PMCID: PMC9432685 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Existing evidence shows positive effects of being in nature on wellbeing, but we know little about the mental health benefits of spending time near canals and rivers specifically. This study investigates the association between visits to canals and rivers and mental wellbeing. We addressed the following questions: Are visits to canals and rivers associated with higher levels of mental wellbeing? Does this association depend on age and gender? Does this association vary between people with and without a diagnosis on mental illness? We used Urban Mind, a flexible smartphone application for examining the impact of different aspects of the built and social environment on mental wellbeing, a strong predictor of mental health. Participants were invited to complete an ecological momentary assessment three times a day for fourteen days. Each assessment included questions about their surrounding environment and mental wellbeing. A total of 7,975 assessments were completed by 299 participants including 87 with a diagnosis of mental illness. Multilevel regression models were used to analyse the data. We found positive associations between visits to canals and rivers and mental wellbeing (p < .05) when compared to being anywhere else and when compared to being in green spaces. Increases in mental wellbeing were still evident after the visit had taken place. These effects remained significant after adjusting for age, gender, ethnicity and education, and were consistent in people with and without a diagnosis of mental illness. Spending time near canals and rivers is associated with better mental wellbeing. These findings have potential implications for mental health as well as urban planning and policy. Visits to canals and rivers could become part of social prescribing schemes, playing a role in preventing mental health difficulties and complementing more traditional interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicol Bergou
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ryan Hammoud
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Stefania Tognin
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Andrea Mechelli
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Health effects of outdoor water sports in chronic disease: a scoping review. SPORT SCIENCES FOR HEALTH 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11332-022-00989-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Although outdoor water sport activities are gaining increasing attention for their therapeutic potential in the social and care management of populations with chronic diseases, these practices are currently underutilised. Moreover, the available body of literature on the topic has not been critically and comprehensively assessed yet.
Aims
(1) To appraise the health effects of outdoor water sport activities for chronic disease populations; (2) to preliminarily assess the potential size and scope of the available research literature for this emerging field and identify potential gaps and avenues of development.
Methods
A literature search was performed scanning PubMed (including MEDLINE), Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) and Scopus from inception to December 2021. A scoping review was carried out by appraising all the available evidence on outdoor water sport interventions specifically designed for therapeutic purposes for individuals with chronic disease. The quality score of each study was calculated with the Tool for the assEssment of Study qualiTy and reporting in Exercise (TESTEX) tool.
Results
Fifteen studies (five RCTs, seven non-RCTs and three CTs with healthy subjects as controls) met the inclusion criteria and were assessed. Among the studies selected, two focused on canoa kayak, one on stand-up paddle, two on surfing, two on sailing activity, and eight on dragon boat padding. The median TESTEX score for study quality and reporting was 6/15, i.e., “very low” (range 5–8). Based on the qualitative analysis, the few individual studies that could be included reported generally positive results, ranging from improvements in antioxidant action and cardiovascular function for dragon boating, to beneficial effects on balance, postural control, and flexibility for on-water paddle board activities. Overall, outdoor water sport interventions were associated to higher rates of adherence than conventional trainings.
Conclusions
Very low to low quality evidence from a limited set of pilot studies seems to suggest beneficial effects of outdoor water sports for chronic disease populations. However, such preliminary findings need to be replicated through large, high-quality RCTs to be conducted in target populations. Avenues of development, scoping directions and translational perspectives for this specific research field are proposed and discussed.
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Freshwater Wild Swimming, Health and Well-Being: Understanding the Importance of Place and Risk. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14106364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Spending time in or around bodies of water or ‘blue spaces’ can benefit human health and well-being. A growing body of evidence suggests immersion in blue space, e.g., participating in ‘wild’ swimming, can be particularly beneficial for both physical and mental health. To date, wild swimming and health research has primarily focused on the experience of individuals who swim in the sea. Empirical studies of the health-promoting potential of swimming in freshwater environments, such as lochs and lakes, are lacking, despite the popularity of this practice in many countries and the vastly different physical and hydrological properties of freshwater and coastal environments. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between loch (lake) swimming and health and well-being for adults living in Scotland and determine the importance of perceptions of place and risk in this relationship. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve wild swimmers who regularly swim in lochs in Scotland. Interview data were analysed thematically using Nvivo. The findings suggest loch swimming has a variety of health and well-being benefits that can be categorised over three domains of health: physical, mental and social. Of these domains, mental health benefits e.g., mindfulness promotion, resilience building and increasing one’s ability to listen to their body, were particularly prominent. Our findings also highlight important physical and hydrological characteristics of loch environments, e.g., calm water conditions (relative to the sea), which contribute to positive wild swimming experiences. Finally, the perceived risks of loch swimming and mitigation strategies for these risks are established. Collectively, our findings further support the notion that wild swimming is a unique health-promoting practice. Our findings also highlight differences (in terms of experience and perceived risk) between swimming in freshwater and coastal environments, which can inform public health and water management policy.
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Exploring Blue Spaces' Effects on Childhood Leukaemia Incidence: A Population-Based Case-Control Study in Spain. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095232. [PMID: 35564626 PMCID: PMC9103937 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Blue spaces have been a key part of human evolution, providing resources and helping economies develop. To date, no studies have been carried out to explore how they may be linked to paediatric oncological diseases. Objectives: To explore the possible relationship of residential proximity to natural and urban blue spaces on childhood leukaemia. Methods: A population-based case–control study was conducted in four regions of Spain across the period 2000–2018. A total of 936 incident cases and 5616 controls were included, individually matched by sex, year of birth and place of residence. An exposure proxy with four distances (250 m, 500 m, 750 m, and 1 km) to blue spaces was built using the geographical coordinates of the participants’ home residences. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) for blue-space exposure were calculated for overall childhood leukaemia, and the acute lymphoblastic (ALL) and acute myeloblastic leukaemia (AML) subtypes, with adjustment for socio-demographic and environmental covariates. Results: A decrease in overall childhood leukaemia and ALL-subtype incidence was found as we came nearer to children’s places of residence, showing, for the study as a whole, a reduced incidence at 250 m (odds ratio (OR) = 0.77; 95%CI = 0.60–0.97), 500 m (OR = 0.78; 95%CI = 0.65–0.93), 750 m (OR = 0.80; 95%CI = 0.69–0.93), and 1000 m (OR = 0.84; 95%CI = 0.72–0.97). AML model results showed an increasing incidence at closest to subjects’ homes (OR at 250m = 1.06; 95%CI=0.63–1.71). Conclusions: Our results suggest a possible association between lower childhood leukaemia incidence and blue-space proximity. This study is a first approach to blue spaces’ possible effects on childhood leukaemia incidence; consequently, it is necessary to continue studying these spaces—while taking into account more individualised data and other possible environmental risk factors.
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Job S, Heales L, Obst S. Oceans of opportunity for universal beach accessibility: An integrated model for health and wellbeing in people with disability. Aust N Z J Public Health 2022; 46:252-254. [PMID: 35436019 DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.13246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sasha Job
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Central Queensland University Bundaberg, Queensland
| | - Luke Heales
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Central Queensland University Rockhampton, Queensland
| | - Steven Obst
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Central Queensland University Bundaberg, Queensland
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Chen C, Li H, Luo W, Xie J, Yao J, Wu L, Xia Y. Predicting the effect of street environment on residents' mood states in large urban areas using machine learning and street view images. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 816:151605. [PMID: 34838562 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Researchers have demonstrated that the built environment is associated with mental health outcomes. However, evidence concerning the effects of street environments on mood in fast-growing Asian cities is scarce. Traditional questionnaires and interview methods are labor intensive and time consuming and pose challenges for accurately and efficiently evaluating the impact of urban-scale street environments on mood. OBJECTIVE This study aims to use street view images and machine learning methods to model the impact of street environments on mood states in a large urban area in Guangzhou, China, and to assess the effect of different street view elements on mood. METHODS A total of 199,754 street view images of Guangzhou were captured from Tencent Street View, and street elements were extracted by pyramid scene parsing network. Data on six mood state indicators (motivated, happy, positive-social emotion, focused, relaxed, and depressed) were collected from 1590 participants via an online platform called Assessing the Effects of Street Views on Mood. A machine learning approach was proposed to predict the effects of street environment on mood in large urban areas in Guangzhou. A series of statistical analyses including stepwise regression, ridge regression, and lasso regression were conducted to assess the effects of street view elements on mood. RESULTS Streets in urban fringe areas were more likely to produce motivated, happy, relaxed, and focused feelings in residents than those in city center areas. Conversely, areas in the city center, a high-density built environment, were more likely to produce depressive feelings. Street view elements have different effects on the six mood states. "Road" is a robust indicator positively correlated with the "motivated" indicator and negatively correlated with the "depressed" indicator. "Sky" is negatively associated with "positive-social emotion" and "depressed" but positively associated with "motivated". "Building" is a negative predictor for the "focused" and "happy" indicator but is positively related to the "depressed" indicator, while "vegetation" and "terrain" are the variables most robustly and positively correlated with all positive moods. CONCLUSION Our findings can help urban designers identify crucial areas of the city for optimization, and they have practical implications for urban planners seeking to build urban environments that foster better mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chongxian Chen
- South China Agricultural University, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Haiwei Li
- South China Agricultural University, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Weijing Luo
- South China Agricultural University, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Jiehang Xie
- South China Agricultural University, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Jing Yao
- Urban Big Data Centre, School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Longfeng Wu
- Peking University, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100871, China.
| | - Yu Xia
- South China Agricultural University, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, Guangzhou 510642, China.
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Huang B, Feng Z, Pan Z, Liu Y. Amount of and proximity to blue spaces and general health among older Chinese adults in private and public housing: A national population study. Health Place 2022; 74:102774. [PMID: 35245891 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2022.102774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A growing body of research indicates that exposure to outdoor blue spaces is associated with better physical and mental health. However, few studies have explored the associations between different blue space indicators (e.g., amount of and proximity to freshwater and seawater) and general health. Moreover, research has rarely attempted to address the residential selection bias associated with the salutogenic effect of access to blue spaces. Therefore, this study explores the associations between the amount (percentage of blue space within a 1 km circular buffer) of and proximity (Euclidean distance to the edge of the nearest blue space) to blue space and older adults' general health across the entire country of China using the micro-data sample of one-percent national population sample survey in 2015. It adds to the existing literature by taking into account the neighbourhood selection mechanism for different housing tenures and examining the salutogenic effect of blue spaces separately for public housing residents and private housing residents. The results indicated that greater neighbourhood seawater coverage and living near a coastline were associated with better general health among older adults in both private and public housing, while the percentage of freshwater blue spaces within neighbourhoods and the distance to freshwater blue spaces were associated with better general health among private housing residents only. The blue spaces-general health associations were stronger among urban participants, participants in deprived neighbourhoods, males, participants aged under 80 years, and low- and medium-educated participants. Our findings indicated that living near the coast was beneficial to older adults' health, and residential selection bias confounded the association between freshwater blue spaces and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baishi Huang
- School of Geography and Planning, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory for Urbanization and Geo-simulation, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Public Security and Disaster, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Zhixin Feng
- School of Geography and Planning, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory for Urbanization and Geo-simulation, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Public Security and Disaster, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Zehan Pan
- School of Social Development and Public Policy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ye Liu
- School of Geography and Planning, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory for Urbanization and Geo-simulation, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Public Security and Disaster, Guangzhou, China.
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Zhang Z, Chen L, Qian ZM, Li H, Cai M, Wang X, McMillin SE, Vaughn MG, Liu K, Shao Z, Lin H. Residential green and blue space associated with lower risk of adult-onset inflammatory bowel disease: Findings from a large prospective cohort study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 160:107084. [PMID: 35030519 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated the associations between residential green space and blue space (water) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) incidence, which have rarely been examined. METHODS We performed a longitudinal analysis using data of the UK Biobank study, a large prospective cohort. Incident cases of IBD were ascertained through linkage to health administrative datasets. Residential green space, blue space and natural environment (land coverage percentage) were estimated using land use data. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to determine the associations between the exposures and IBD incidence with adjustment for a wide array of potential confounders. RESULTS A total of 216,868 participants without IBD at baseline were studied with an average follow-up of 11.7 years, contributing to 2.5 million person-years. During the follow-up, 1271 incident IBD cases were identified. In fully adjusted models, participants with green space coverage at 300 m buffer in the 2nd and 3rd tertiles had 18.2% [HR = 0.818, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.715, 0.936] and 15.4% (HR = 0.846, 95%CI: 0.736, 0.972) lower risks of incident IBD compared with those in the 1st tertile, respectively. Similar results were found for blue space [HR = 0.858 (95%CI: 0.750, 0.982) for 2nd vs 1st tertile; HR = 0.785 (95%CI: 0.685, 0.899) for 3rd vs 1st tertile]. Negative associations were also observed for natural environment. Stronger associations were observed in participants from more deprived areas. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that residential green space, blue space and natural environment might be protective factors against IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zilong Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lan Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhengmin Min Qian
- School of Social Work, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, St. Louise, MO, USA
| | - Haitao Li
- Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Miao Cai
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojie Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Stephen E McMillin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, St. Louise, MO, USA
| | - Michael G Vaughn
- School of Social Work, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, St. Louise, MO, USA
| | - Kun Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, School of Public Health, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhongjun Shao
- Department of Epidemiology, Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, School of Public Health, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Hualiang Lin
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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Brückner A, Falkenberg T, Heinzel C, Kistemann T. The Regeneration of Urban Blue Spaces: A Public Health Intervention? Reviewing the Evidence. Front Public Health 2022; 9:782101. [PMID: 35096741 PMCID: PMC8792750 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.782101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Research in recent years has demonstrated that urban surface waters (“urban blue spaces”) can provide beneficial effects on human health and wellbeing. Despite blue spaces prevailing on urban development agendas across the world, little investigation has been done whether and how the regeneration of such spaces is used as a (community-based) public health intervention. Therefore, a review was conducted to analyze urban blue space regeneration projects in terms of their significance for public health. Results show that the regeneration of urban blue spaces displays a diversity of intervention types and follows certain development trends seen in general urban regeneration: Similarities mainly arise in relation to objectives (multi-dimensional goals with increasing focus on environmental sustainability and economic interests), stakeholders (shift to multi-actor governance with a rise of partnerships and community participation), and funding (prevalence of mixed financial schemes and increasing reliance on external funding sources). Although threefold public health effects have been noted across the projects (i. behavioral changes toward healthier lifestyles, ii. healthier urban environments, iii. health policy changes), results of this review indicate that the potential to use urban blue regeneration as a community-based health intervention has yet to be realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Brückner
- Center for Development Research, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- *Correspondence: Anna Brückner
| | - Timo Falkenberg
- Center for Development Research, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Kistemann
- Center for Development Research, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Department of Geography, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Lõhmus M, Osooli M, Pilgaard FIH, Östergren PO, Olin A, Kling S, Albin M, Björk J. What makes children learn how to swim? - health, lifestyle and environmental factors associated with swimming ability among children in the city of Malmö, Sweden. BMC Pediatr 2022; 22:32. [PMID: 35012493 PMCID: PMC8744283 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-021-03094-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Swimming ability among children in the city of Malmö, Sweden is strongly affected by socioeconomic differences. We investigated to what extent mediating health and lifestyle factors, such as children's eating, sleeping and physical activity habits, as well as the characteristics of the social and working environment at both school and home, could explain the socioeconomic gradient in swimming ability. METHODS Our study population included children who started their first-grade school-year in 2012 or 2013 at any of the public primary schools of Malmö, Sweden. Cross-sectional, self-reported questionnaire-based data about health status and swimming ability in the fourth grade (age 10) were included from the Pupil Health Database (ELSA) for 3468 children. RESULTS Children's self-reported swimming ability was strongly associated with both individual- and school-based sociodemographic variables. Nine health, lifestyle and environmental variables were identified as potential mediators and included in the final model. Four of these variables, "Activity", "Outdoor time", "Social relationships at home and on the free time", and "Positivity about future", were significantly and positively associated with children's ability to swim. CONCLUSIONS Social support, optimism for the future and an active lifestyle were positively associated with children's swimming skills; however, compared to the socioeconomic factors, these health- and lifestyle factors contributed very little. It is possible, that interventions concerning children's swimming ability in lower socioeconomic neighbourhoods, should in addition to children's swimming lessons, target the whole families with the goal of increasing their possibilities for socialising and engaging in different kinds of recreational activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mare Lõhmus
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Stockholm, Region Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Mehdi Osooli
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Frida I H Pilgaard
- Division of Social Medicine and Global Health, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Per-Olof Östergren
- Division of Social Medicine and Global Health, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Anna Olin
- Primary School Administration, Department of Student Health, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Stefan Kling
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Lund University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Maria Albin
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Stockholm, Region Stockholm, Sweden
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jonas Björk
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Clinical Studies Sweden, Forum South, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
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Zhang C, Wang C, Chen C, Tao L, Jin J, Wang Z, Jia B. Effects of tree canopy on psychological distress: A repeated cross-sectional study before and during the COVID-19 epidemic. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 203:111795. [PMID: 34343556 PMCID: PMC8603199 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 epidemic period, people showed a stronger connection to the environment within their communities. Although tree canopy in residential areas has been shown to positively affect psychological distress, it is not clear whether the COVID-19 epidemic played a role in this process. Elucidation of the relationship between tree canopy and the impact on psychological distress during the COVID-19 epidemic could provide valuable information as to the best methods to help individuals cope with urban mental stress events. METHODS A total of 15 randomly selected residential areas of Beijing were enrolled in this repeated cross-sectional study. A total of 900 residents were included in the two-waves of the investigation (450 residents per wave) before and during the COVID-19 epidemic (i.e., May 2019 and May 2020). Psychological distress was estimated using the 12-question General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Tree canopy coverage (TCC) was measured through visual interpretation based on the 2013 data sources (World View 2 satellite imagery of Beijing urban areas with a resolution of 0.5 m). The demographic characteristics, distance to the nearest surrounding green or blue space, residential area house price, household density, and construction year were also collected in this study. A multivariate logistic regression, relative risk due to interaction (RERI), and synergy index (SI) were used to explore the relationships among tree canopy, COVID-19, and psychological distress. RESULTS The negative impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on mental health was significant, with the prevalence of psychological distress increased 7.84 times (aOR = 7.84, 95% CI = 4.67-13.95) during the COVID-19 epidemic period. Tree canopy coverage in the group without psychological distress was significantly higher than that of the psychologically distressed group (31.07 ± 11.38% vs. 27.87 ± 12.97%, P = 0.005). An increase in 1% of TCC, was related to a 5% decrease in the prevalence of psychological distress (aOR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.93-0.98). An antagonism joint action between tree canopy and the COVID-19 epidemic existed (RERI = 1.09, 95% CI = 0.72-1.47; SI = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.05-0.52), and persisted enhancing only in medium (26.45%-33.21%) and above TCC level. Correlation of GHQ items and TCC significantly differed between the COVID-19 non-epidemic and epidemic periods, with the effects of tree canopy on GHQ-12 items covering topics, such as social function and depression, presumably absent because of epidemic limitations. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates that the COVID-19 epidemic harmed mental health and verified the positive effects of residential tree canopy on psychological distress in Beijing. We suggest paying more attention to residents in areas of low TCC and dealing with psychological distress caused by public health stress events based on tree canopy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Zhang
- Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, 100091, China; Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation and Urban Forest Research Centre, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Beijing, 10091, China.
| | - Cheng Wang
- Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, 100091, China; Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation and Urban Forest Research Centre, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Beijing, 10091, China.
| | - Chao Chen
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital/Institute of Mental Health) and the Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health (Peking University), Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Liyuan Tao
- Research Center of Clinical Epidemiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Jiali Jin
- Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, 100091, China; Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation and Urban Forest Research Centre, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Beijing, 10091, China.
| | - Ziyan Wang
- Department of Landscape Architecture, School of Architecture, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Baoquan Jia
- Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, 100091, China; Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation and Urban Forest Research Centre, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Beijing, 10091, China.
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Abstract
Wetlands are a critical part of natural environments that offer a wide range of ecosystem services. In urban areas, wetlands contribute to the livability of cities through improving the water quality, carbon sequestration, providing habitats for wildlife species, reducing the effects of urban heat islands, and creating recreation opportunities. However, maintaining wetlands in urban areas faces many challenges, such as the reduction of hydrological functions, changed water regimes due to barriers, contamination by wastewater, habitat loss due to land-use change, and loss of biodiversity due to the entry of alien species. In this article, we review the theoretical background of wetlands in urban areas through the existing studies in the literature. We provide knowledge on urban wetlands and highlight the benefits of these wetlands in urban areas. These benefits include sustainability, biodiversity, urban heat islands, social perception, and recreation values. We also summarize the objectives, methodologies, and findings of the reviewed articles in five tables. In addition, we summarize the critical research gaps addressed in the reviewed articles. Our review study addresses the research gaps by performing a rigorous analysis to identify significant open research challenges, showing the path toward future research in the field. We further discuss and highlight the role of policymakers and stakeholders in preserving wetlands and finally present our conclusions.
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Zhang X, Zhang Y, Zhai J, Wu Y, Mao A. Waterscapes for Promoting Mental Health in the General Population. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:11792. [PMID: 34831547 PMCID: PMC8618438 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182211792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The WHO estimates that, with the development of urbanization, 25% of the population is suffering from psychological and mental distress. Preliminary evidence has suggested that aquatic environments and riparian areas, i.e., waterscapes, can benefit psychological and mental wellbeing. The aim of this study was to identify the processes of waterscape psychological and mental health promotion through aliterature review. We propose a design framework of waterscapes for achieving psychological and mental health in the general population that often visits waterscapes, which has the function of therapeutic landscapes through values of accessibility, versatility, habitats, and biodiversity. According to theories, waterscapes can improve psychological and mental health to divert negative emotions through mitigation (e.g., reduced urban heat island), instoration (e.g., physical activity and state of nature connectedness), and restoration (e.g., reduced anxiety/attentional fatigue). By accessing water (e.g., streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands, and the coast) and riparian areas, people can get in close contact with nature and spend more time in activities (e.g., walking, exploring, talking, and relaxing). Waterscapes with healing effects can enhance psychological resilience to promote people's psychological and mental health. Future research should focus on ensuring an adequate supply of waterscapes and promoting the efficiency of waterscape ecosystem services on mental health. Moreover, fora deep understanding of the complexity of nature-human health associations, it is necessary to explore more consistent evidence for therapeutic waterscapes considering the characteristics and functional mechanisms of waterscape quality, in terms of freshness, luminescence, rippling or fluidity, and cultural value, to benefit public health and biodiversity conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xindi Zhang
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Gold Mantis School of Architecture, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; (X.Z.); (J.Z.); (A.M.)
| | - Yixin Zhang
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Gold Mantis School of Architecture, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; (X.Z.); (J.Z.); (A.M.)
- China-Portugal Belt and Road Cooperation Laboratory of Cultural Heritage Conservation Science, Research Center of Landscape Protection and Ecological Restoration, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China;
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Architecture and Urban Environment of Soochow University-Suzhou Yuanke, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Jun Zhai
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Gold Mantis School of Architecture, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; (X.Z.); (J.Z.); (A.M.)
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Architecture and Urban Environment of Soochow University-Suzhou Yuanke, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yongfa Wu
- China-Portugal Belt and Road Cooperation Laboratory of Cultural Heritage Conservation Science, Research Center of Landscape Protection and Ecological Restoration, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China;
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Architecture and Urban Environment of Soochow University-Suzhou Yuanke, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Anyuan Mao
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Gold Mantis School of Architecture, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; (X.Z.); (J.Z.); (A.M.)
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Architecture and Urban Environment of Soochow University-Suzhou Yuanke, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
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Influence of the Belgian Coast on Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Psychol Belg 2021; 61:284-295. [PMID: 34621529 PMCID: PMC8462480 DOI: 10.5334/pb.1050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that blue spaces, particularly coastal environments, are beneficial for well-being. During the first-wave lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic in Belgium, access to the coast was restricted due to restraint in circulation. Making use of this unique opportunity, this study investigated whether access and visits to the coast were positively associated with well-being by using a quasi-experimental design. The emotions of awe and nostalgia were studied as potential mediators between coastal visits and well-being. A total of 687 Flemish adults took part in an online survey that was launched end of April until beginning of June 2020. After controlling for covariates, results showed that access to the coast, but not visit frequency, was positively associated with well-being. More specifically, coastal residents reported less boredom and worry, and more happiness than inland residents. Awe and nostalgia were not significantly associated with coastal visits, but awe was negatively correlated with boredom. The study suggests a potential buffer effect of residential proximity to the coast against negative psychological consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting the notion that the coast has a positive impact on well-being.
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The Role of Nature-Based Solutions for Improving Environmental Quality, Health and Well-Being. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su131910950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Nature-based solutions (NbS) have been positioned and implemented in urban areas as solutions for enhancing urban resilience in the face of a wide range of urban challenges. However, there is a lack of recommendations of optimal NbS and appropriate typologies fitting to different contexts and urban design. The analytical frameworks for NbS implementation and impact evaluation, that integrate NbS into local policy frameworks, socio-economic transition pathways, and spatial planning, remain fragmented. In this article, the NbS concept and its related terminologies are first discussed. Second, the types of NbS implemented in Europe are reviewed and their benefits over time are explored, prior to categorizing them and highlighting the key methods, criteria, and indicators to identify and assess the NbS’s impacts, co-benefits, and trade-offs. The latter involved a review of the websites of 52 projects and some relevant publications funded by EU Research and Innovation programs and other relevant publications. The results show that there is a shared understanding that the NbS concept encompasses benefits of restoration and rehabilitation of ecosystems, carbon neutrality, improved environmental quality, health and well-being, and evidence for such benefits. This study also shows that most NbS-related projects and activities in Europe use hybrid approaches, with NbS typically developed, tested, or implemented to target specific types of environmental–social–economic challenges. The results of this study indicate that NbS as a holistic concept would be beneficial in the context of climate action and sustainable solutions to enhance ecosystem resilience and adaptive capacity within cities. As such, this article provides a snapshot of the role of NbS in urban sustainability development, a guide to the state-of-the-art, and key messages and recommendations of this rapidly emerging and evolving field.
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Geneshka M, Coventry P, Cruz J, Gilbody S. Relationship between Green and Blue Spaces with Mental and Physical Health: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Observational Studies. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:9010. [PMID: 34501598 PMCID: PMC8431638 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18179010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
There is growing interest in the ways natural environments influence the development and progression of long-term health conditions. Vegetation and water bodies, also known as green and blue spaces, have the potential to affect health and behaviour through the provision of aesthetic spaces for relaxation, socialisation and physical activity. While research has previously assessed how green and blue spaces affect mental and physical wellbeing, little is known about the relationship between these exposures and health outcomes over time. This systematic review summarised the published evidence from longitudinal observational studies on the relationship between exposure to green and blue space with mental and physical health in adults. Included health outcomes were common mental health conditions, severe mental health conditions and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). An online bibliographic search of six databases was completed in July 2020. After title, abstract and full-text screening, 44 eligible studies were included in the analysis. Depression, diabetes and obesity were the health conditions most frequently studied in longitudinal relationships. The majority of exposures included indicators of green space availability and urban green space accessibility. Few studies addressed the relationship between blue space and health. The narrative synthesis pointed towards mixed evidence of a protective relationship between exposure to green space and health. There was high heterogeneity in exposure measures and adjustment for confounding between studies. Future policy and research should seek a standardised approach towards measuring green and blue space exposures and employ theoretical grounds for confounder adjustment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariya Geneshka
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York YO10 4DD, UK;
| | - Peter Coventry
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York YO10 4DD, UK;
- York Environmental Sustainability Institute, University of York, York YO10 4DD, UK
| | - Joana Cruz
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, York YO10 5NG, UK;
- Population, Policy and Practice, UCL Great Ormond St. Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Simon Gilbody
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York YO10 4DD, UK;
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Is Living in a U.S. Coastal City Good for One's Health? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18168399. [PMID: 34444150 PMCID: PMC8393764 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Background: Evidence suggests that living close to “blue spaces” (water features), particularly coastlines, has salutary effects on human health. Methods: We analyzed five years of annual, self-reported general health and unhealthy days data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for 165 urban areas across the contiguous U.S. We compared health self-reports for people living in coastal vs. non-coastal urban areas and for residents of the disaster-prone Gulf of Mexico region vs. other locations. Coastal urban areas were defined as those having ≥50% of their population living within 20 km of a coast. Results: We found no overall health advantage of residing in a coastal urban location when all urban areas were considered. However, residents from non-Gulf of Mexico coastal urban areas reported modestly better health than residents from non-coastal areas. In contrast, self-reported health of Gulf coastal urban residents was significantly poorer than that of residents from other urban areas. Conclusions: The frequency of disasters and history of health and socioeconomic disparities in the Gulf region may be responsible, at least in part, for the apparent lack of health promoting effects of coastal location there.
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Ballesteros-Olza M, Gracia-de-Rentería P, Pérez-Zabaleta A. Effects on general health associated with beach proximity in Barcelona (Spain). Health Promot Int 2021; 35:1406-1414. [PMID: 32105314 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daaa013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Health benefits of blue spaces have been less studied compared with other urban natural environments. As a type of blue space, beaches are also affected by this lack of evidence, despite their cultural and economic importance in lots of coastal regions all over the world. Based on secondary health data from 3192 participants of the Health Survey of Barcelona 2016, we conducted a logit regression analysis to explore the relationship between people's general health and beach proximity from their dwelling place, controlling for several health determinants. Our main results suggested that having good general health was less likely for a 1-km increase in the linear distance to the closest beach from people's dwelling places (OR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.87, 1.00). Moreover, the probability of having good general health was 45% higher for people living in the first 2 km from the beach (OR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.01, 2.09), relative to those living >5-10 km from it. Also, these health effects were stronger for people with a low family income. These findings contribute to grow the currently small body of research related to health benefits of beach spaces. Likewise, they encourage fostering the use of these spaces for health promotion in cities, as well as protecting them and improving their accessibility and safety. Further research should lean towards the underlying causes of these health benefits linked to people's exposure to beach spaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Ballesteros-Olza
- Aquae Chair in Water Economics, National Distance Education University (UNED), Paseo Senda del Rey, 11, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Gracia-de-Rentería
- Aquae Chair in Water Economics, National Distance Education University (UNED), Paseo Senda del Rey, 11, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Amelia Pérez-Zabaleta
- Aquae Chair in Water Economics, National Distance Education University (UNED), Paseo Senda del Rey, 11, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Ezhov VV. [Climate-therapy at seaside resorts in modern medical and wellness practice]. VOPROSY KURORTOLOGII, FIZIOTERAPII, I LECHEBNOĬ FIZICHESKOĬ KULTURY 2021; 98:60-66. [PMID: 34223756 DOI: 10.17116/kurort20219803160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A scientific review is devoted to the study of the coastal climate in the resort treatment role of patients with chronic diseases and its impact on the health and life quality of the population of the seacoasts. The sources were the Cochrane Library, PubMed MEDLINE, MedlinePlus, PedRO, Google Scholar, British Medical Journal, Elsevier, The Global Wellness Institute, eLIBRARY.ru. The review includes 40 publications including 22 domestic and 18 foreign ones on clinical and surrogate outcomes of climate-therapy at seaside resorts in the structure of spa treatment in patients with chronic diseases. The health problems among the population of the seacoasts are considered. The features of conducting evidence-based studies in assessing the effects of climate procedures are noted. The analysis of the therapeutic and health-improving effect results of the seaside climate and the associated forms of thalassotherapy - terrenkur, swimming, aqua gymnastics, sea bathing, heliotherapy, landscape therapy, and the use of maricultureis carried out. The article presents statistically reliable data on the favorable outcomes of treatment of chronic forms of musculoskeletal, skin, pulmonary and cardiac pathology under the influence of thalassotherapy methods. It was found that the effectiveness of climate-therapy in oncological practice, the treatment of pollinosis, the use of algae and other maricultures has been insufficiently proven: the possibility of percutaneous permeability to seawater and its components. The risk of developing negative meteorological reactions during climate-therapy was noted.
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Affiliation(s)
- V V Ezhov
- I.M. Sechenov Academic Research Institute for Physical Methods of Treatment, Medical Climatology and Rehabilitation, Yalta, Republic of Crimea, Russia
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The Importance of Water and Climate-Related Aspects in the Quality of Urban Life Assessment. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13126573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Global challenges such as urbanization, aging societies, climate change, and environmental and water crises are becoming increasingly important in terms of the impact they might have on the quality of life (QoL) in cities. Appraisal instruments for QoL assessment, such as rankings and guides, should therefore include these aspects. The aim of this research was to verify the significance of water and climate-related aspects in assessment tools. A comparative analysis of 24 selected QoL assessment tools shows to what extent these aspects are included in the domains, criteria, and indicators proposed in the instruments. The method of verification is a comparison of the position of winning cities in QoL rankings and city resilience rankings. The results show that water and climate-related aspects are still underestimated in the QoL rankings and guides, and only a few cities with the highest quality of life ranked highly in sustainability and climate resiliency ratings. Our results suggest that the tools for the evaluation and comparison of cities need remodeling, taking into account the most important global risks and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in order to create aging-friendly and climate-neutral cities.
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Mueller N, Daher C, Rojas-Rueda D, Delgado L, Vicioso H, Gascon M, Marquet O, Vert C, Martin I, Nieuwenhuijsen M. Integrating health indicators into urban and transport planning: A narrative literature review and participatory process. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2021; 235:113772. [PMID: 34102572 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Today, urban and transport planners face considerable challenges in designing and retrofitting cities that are prepared for increasing urban populations, and their service and mobility needs. When it comes to health-promoting urban and transport developments, there is also a lack of standardized, quantitative indicators to guide the integration of health components right from the outset, i.e. in the formal planning or zoning phase. We narratively reviewed the literature and organized stakeholder workshops to identify and tailor planning principles and indicators that can be linked to health outcomes. We defined four core planning objectives that previous authoritative studies have suggested to result in positive health outcomes among city dwellers, which are: I) development of compact cities, II) reduction of private motorized transport, III) promotion of active (i.e. walking and cycling) and public transport, IV) development of green and public open space. Built on the review and stakeholder consensus, we identified 10 urban and transport planning principles that work towards achieving the four core objectives thought to provide health benefits for European city dwellers. These 10 planning principles are: 1) land use mix, 2) street connectivity, 3) density, 4) motorized transport reductions, 5) walking, 6) cycling, 7) public transport, 8) multi-modality, 9) green and public open space, and 10) integration of all planning principles. A set of indicators was developed and tailored for each planning principle. The final output of this work is a checklist ready to be applied by urban and transport professionals to integrate health into urban and transport developments in urban environments right from the outset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Mueller
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carolyn Daher
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - David Rojas-Rueda
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, USA
| | - Laura Delgado
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Horacio Vicioso
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Mireia Gascon
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Oriol Marquet
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Vert
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene Martin
- Generalitat de Catalunya, Direcció General de Polítiques Ambientals i Medi Natural, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mark Nieuwenhuijsen
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.
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Marselle MR, Lindley SJ, Cook PA, Bonn A. Biodiversity and Health in the Urban Environment. Curr Environ Health Rep 2021; 8:146-156. [PMID: 33982150 PMCID: PMC8115992 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-021-00313-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Biodiversity underpins urban ecosystem functions that are essential for human health and well-being. Understanding how biodiversity relates to human health is a developing frontier for science, policy and practice. This article describes the beneficial, as well as harmful, aspects of biodiversity to human health in urban environments. RECENT FINDINGS Recent research shows that contact with biodiversity of natural environments within towns and cities can be both positive and negative to human physical, mental and social health and well-being. For example, while viruses or pollen can be seriously harmful to human health, biodiverse ecosystems can promote positive health and well-being. On balance, these influences are positive. As biodiversity is declining at an unprecedented rate, research suggests that its loss could threaten the quality of life of all humans. A key research gap is to understand-and evidence-the specific causal pathways through which biodiversity affects human health. A mechanistic understanding of pathways linking biodiversity to human health can facilitate the application of nature-based solutions in public health and influence policy. Research integration as well as cross-sector urban policy and planning development should harness opportunities to better identify linkages between biodiversity, climate and human health. Given its importance for human health, urban biodiversity conservation should be considered as public health investment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah J. Lindley
- Department of Geography, School of Environment, Education and Development, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL UK
| | - Penny A. Cook
- School of Health and Society, University of Salford, Salford, M6 6PU UK
| | - Aletta Bonn
- Department of Ecosystem Services, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biodiversity, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Dornburger Straße 159, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Department of Ecosystem Services, German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstr. 4, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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Börger T, Campbell D, White MP, Elliott LR, Fleming LE, Garrett JK, Hattam C, Hynes S, Lankia T, Taylor T. The value of blue-space recreation and perceived water quality across Europe: A contingent behaviour study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 771:145597. [PMID: 33663957 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study estimates the value of recreational visits to blue-space sites across 14 EU Member States, representing 78% of the Union's population. Across all countries surveyed, respondents made an average of 47 blue-space visits per person per year. Employing travel cost and contingent behaviour methods, the value of a visit is estimated at €41.32 which adds up to a recreational value of €631bn per year for the total adult population surveyed. Using the Bathing Water Directive's water quality designation, the analysis shows that a one-level improvement in water quality leads to 3.13 more visits (+6.67%), whereas a one-level deterioration leads to 9.77 fewer annual visits (-20.83%). This study provides valuations of benefits of recreation and changes of recreational values due to changes in surface water quality, which can be compared to the implementation and monitoring costs of efforts under the EU's Bathing Water, Water Framework and Marine Strategy Framework Directives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Börger
- Department of Business and Economics, Berlin School of Economics and Law, Germany; Applied Choice Research Group, University of Stirling Management School, United Kingdom.
| | - Danny Campbell
- Applied Choice Research Group, University of Stirling Management School, United Kingdom.
| | - Mathew P White
- Cognitive Science Hub, University of Vienna, Austria; European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, United Kingdom.
| | - Lewis R Elliott
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, United Kingdom.
| | - Lora E Fleming
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, United Kingdom.
| | - Joanne K Garrett
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, United Kingdom.
| | | | - Stephen Hynes
- Socio-Economic Marine Research Unit, Whitaker Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.
| | - Tuija Lankia
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (LUKE), Finland.
| | - Tim Taylor
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, United Kingdom.
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Oliver B. Cold water swimming for well-being. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC MENTAL HEALTH 2021. [DOI: 10.1108/jpmh-02-2021-0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the health and well-being benefits of outdoor, cold water swimming.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper describes the personal experience of one cold water swimmer. It also explores some of the research literature suggesting there is evidence of the benefits to the health and well-being of people of all ages.
Findings
The paper explores literature suggesting there is evidence of the benefits of “blue therapy” to the health and well-being of people of all ages.
Originality
This paper describes the personal experience of one cold water swimmer. However, a growing body of published literature suggests there is value in “blue therapy” informing future social prescribing programmes.
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Associations between green/blue spaces and mental health across 18 countries. Sci Rep 2021; 11:8903. [PMID: 33903601 PMCID: PMC8076244 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87675-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Living near, recreating in, and feeling psychologically connected to, the natural world are all associated with better mental health, but many exposure-related questions remain. Using data from an 18-country survey (n = 16,307) we explored associations between multiple measures of mental health (positive well-being, mental distress, depression/anxiety medication use) and: (a) exposures (residential/recreational visits) to different natural settings (green/inland-blue/coastal-blue spaces); and (b) nature connectedness, across season and country. People who lived in greener/coastal neighbourhoods reported higher positive well-being, but this association largely disappeared when recreational visits were controlled for. Frequency of recreational visits to green, inland-blue, and coastal-blue spaces in the last 4 weeks were all positively associated with positive well-being and negatively associated with mental distress. Associations with green space visits were relatively consistent across seasons and countries but associations with blue space visits showed greater heterogeneity. Nature connectedness was also positively associated with positive well-being and negatively associated with mental distress and was, along with green space visits, associated with a lower likelihood of using medication for depression. By contrast inland-blue space visits were associated with a greater likelihood of using anxiety medication. Results highlight the benefits of multi-exposure, multi-response, multi-country studies in exploring complexity in nature-health associations.
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Wilkie L, Arroyo P, Conibeer H, Kemp AH, Fisher Z. The Impact of Psycho-Social Interventions on the Wellbeing of Individuals With Acquired Brain Injury During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Psychol 2021; 12:648286. [PMID: 33841287 PMCID: PMC8027334 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.648286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) suffer chronic impairment across cognitive, physical and psycho-social domains, and the experience of anxiety, isolation and apathy has been amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitative evaluation was conducted of 14 individuals with ABI who had participated in series of COVID adapted group-based intervention(s) that had been designed to improve wellbeing. Eight themes were identified: Facilitating Safety, Fostering Positive Emotion, Managing and Accepting Difficult Emotions, Promoting Meaning, Finding Purpose and Accomplishment, Facilitating Social Ties, (Re)Connecting to Nature, and Barriers to Efficacy. Findings are discussed with respects to recent theoretical developments in positive psychology and wellbeing science and support the use of online and outdoor interventions to enhance wellbeing in individuals living with ABI during the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper makes a unique contribution to second wave positive psychology (PP2.0) through the application of recent advances in wellbeing science to an ABI population during the COVID-19 pandemic. In doing so, this paper lays the foundation for new interventions that not only reduce impairment and distress, but also create opportunities for meaning and enhanced wellbeing in people living with chronic conditions and those individuals living with ABI in particular.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lowri Wilkie
- Department of Psychology, College of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
- Community Brain Injury Service, Morriston Hospital, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Pamela Arroyo
- Department of Psychology, College of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
- Community Brain Injury Service, Morriston Hospital, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Harley Conibeer
- Department of Psychology, College of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
- Community Brain Injury Service, Morriston Hospital, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Haddon Kemp
- Department of Psychology, College of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
- Community Brain Injury Service, Morriston Hospital, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Zoe Fisher
- Community Brain Injury Service, Morriston Hospital, Swansea, United Kingdom
- Health and Wellbeing Academy, College of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
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