1
|
Dzhambov AM, Lercher P, Botteldooren D. Childhood sound disturbance and sleep problems in Alpine valleys with high levels of traffic exposures and greenspace. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 242:117642. [PMID: 37996006 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Sound disturbance and sleep problems are regarded as the most common adverse effects of environmental noise but evidence of the role of air pollution and greenspace is scant. This is especially true for children who find themselves in a sensitive developmental period and experience their environment differently than adults. This study examined the joint effects of traffic exposures and residential greenspace on child sound disturbance and sleep problems via perceptions of neighborhood quality. We used cross-sectional data for 1251 schoolchildren (8-12 years) in the Tyrol region of Austria/Italy. Questionnaires provided information on sociodemographic and housing factors, perceived neighborhood quality, sound disturbance in different situations, and sleep problems. Modelled acoustic indicators included day-evening-night sound levels and the highest percentile level, and night-time sound level and a bespoke sleep disturbance index. Nitrogen dioxide served as a proxy for traffic-related air pollution. The normalized difference vegetation index was calculated as a measure of residential greenspace, and presence of a domestic garden was self-reported. Results showed that higher level of traffic-related exposures was positively associated with sound disturbance and sleep problems, while living in a greener area, especially in a house with a garden, was associated with lower sound disturbance and less sleep problems even in the presence of traffic. Traffic exposures contributed to more unfavorable, and greenspace to more positive perceptions in terms of traffic-related stressors, opportunities for outdoor recreation, and general satisfaction with the neighborhood. This indirect path seemed more important for greenspace than for traffic exposures. In conclusion, it seems advantageous to combine traffic-related mitigation with improving access to greenspace in interventions for supporting the acoustic comfort of children during day and nighttime. Even highly nature-dominated environments could still benefit from proximal green infrastructure, especially from domestic gardens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angel M Dzhambov
- Environmental Health Division, Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Institute of Highway Engineering and Transport Planning, Graz University of Technology, Austria; Research Group "Health and Quality of Life in a Green and Sustainable Environment", Strategic Research and Innovation Program for the Development of MU - Plovdiv, Medical University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Department of Hygiene, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
| | - Peter Lercher
- Institute of Highway Engineering and Transport Planning, Graz University of Technology, Austria
| | - Dick Botteldooren
- Department of Information Technology, Research Group WAVES, Ghent University, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kodali HP, Hitch L, Dunlap AF, Starvaggi M, Wyka KE, Huang TT. A systematic review on the relationship between the built environment and children's quality of life. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2472. [PMID: 38082378 PMCID: PMC10714453 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17388-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence of the effects of the built environment on children has mainly focused on disease outcomes; however, quality of life (QoL) has gained increasing attention as an important health and policy endpoint itself. Research on built environment effects on children's QoL could inform public health programs and urban planning and design. OBJECTIVE We aimed to review and synthesize the evidence of the relationship between built environment features and children's QoL. METHODS Five research databases were searched for quantitative peer-reviewed studies on children between 2 and 18 years, published in English or German between January 2010 and August 2023. Only primary research was considered. Included studies (n = 17) were coded and methodologically assessed with the Joanna Briggs Critical Appraisal Checklists, and relevant data were extracted, analyzed, and synthesized, using the following built environment framework: (1) neighborhood green and blue space, (2) neighborhood infrastructure, and (3) neighborhood perception. RESULTS Green space was positively associated with children's QoL. Infrastructure yielded inconclusive results across all measured aspects. Overall neighborhood satisfaction was positively correlated with higher QoL but results on perceived environmental safety were mixed. CONCLUSIONS Most studies are correlational, making it difficult to infer causality. While the positive findings of green space on QoL are consistent, specific features of the built environment show inconsistent results. Overall perception of the built environment, such as neighborhood satisfaction, also shows more robust results compared to perceptions of specific features of the built environment. Due to the heterogeneity of both built environment and QoL measures, consistent measures of both concepts will help advance this area of research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanish P Kodali
- Center for Systems and Community Design and NYU-CUNY Prevention Research Center, Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lisa Hitch
- Center for Systems and Community Design and NYU-CUNY Prevention Research Center, Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ann F Dunlap
- Center for Systems and Community Design and NYU-CUNY Prevention Research Center, Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marc Starvaggi
- Center for Systems and Community Design and NYU-CUNY Prevention Research Center, Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Katarzyna E Wyka
- Center for Systems and Community Design and NYU-CUNY Prevention Research Center, Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Terry Tk Huang
- Center for Systems and Community Design and NYU-CUNY Prevention Research Center, Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Subiza-Pérez M, García-Baquero G, Fernández-Somoano A, Riaño I, González L, Delgado-Saborit JM, Guxens M, Fossati S, Vrijheid M, Fernandes A, Ibarluzea J, Lertxundi N. Social inequalities, green and blue spaces and mental health in 6-12 years old children participating in the INMA cohort. Health Place 2023; 83:103104. [PMID: 37611380 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2023.103104] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Availability of green and blue spaces in the area of residence has been related to various health outcomes during childhood, including mental health. These environmental exposures are not evenly distributed among socioeconomic groups, which may increase social inequalities in mental health. The mechanisms through which natural environments may promote mental health are numerous and diverse. This study aimed to explore 1) the potential associations of socioeconomic variables (SES and maternal education attainment) with mental health scores and residential greenness, blueness and NO2 metrics, and, 2) the association between greenness and blueness metrics and mental health scores of children in the Spanish INfancia y Medio Ambiente (INMA) birth cohort at two different time points. The study samples were composed of 1738 six-to eight-year-olds (49% female) and 1449 ten-to twelve-year-olds (living in Asturias, Gipuzkoa, Sabadell and Valencia, Spain. Individual Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) values in 100-, 300- and 500-m buffers and availability of green and blue spaces >5000 m2 in 300-m buffers were calculated using Geographic Information Systems software. Residential NO2 values were estimated using land use regression models. Internalizing, externalizing and total problems scores were obtained with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Linear and logistic mixed-effects models revealed unequal distribution of environmental exposures by SES and maternal education but did not show statistically significant associations between greenness and blueness metrics and mental health indicators. The protective effect of green and blue spaces on children's mental health could not be confirmed in this study and therefore further research is required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mikel Subiza-Pérez
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology and Research Methods, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Avenida Tolosa 70, 20018, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain; Bradford Institute for Health Research, Temple Bank House, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Duckworth Lane, BD9 6RJ, Bradford, UK; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, c/ Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Madrid, 280, Spain; Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Group of Environmental Epidemiology and Child Development, Paseo Doctor Begiristain s/n, 20014, Donostia- San Sebastián, Spain.
| | - Gonzalo García-Baquero
- Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Group of Environmental Epidemiology and Child Development, Paseo Doctor Begiristain s/n, 20014, Donostia- San Sebastián, Spain; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Avda Licenciado Méndez Nieto s/n, 37007, Salamanca, Spain.
| | - Ana Fernández-Somoano
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, c/ Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Madrid, 280, Spain; Unit of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, University Institute of Oncology of the Principality of Asturias (IUOPA), Department of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Julian Clavería Street s/n, 33006, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33001, Oviedo, Spain.
| | - Isolina Riaño
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, c/ Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Madrid, 280, Spain; Unit of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, University Institute of Oncology of the Principality of Asturias (IUOPA), Department of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Julian Clavería Street s/n, 33006, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33001, Oviedo, Spain; Servicio de Pediatría, Endocrinología pediátrica, HUCA, Roma Avenue s/n. 33001, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
| | - Llucia González
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, c/ Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Madrid, 280, Spain; Faculty of Nursing and Chiropody, University of Valencia, Avda Menéndez Pelayo, 19, 46010, Valencia, Spain; Joint Research Unit in Epidemiology, Environment and Health, FISABIO-University of Valencia-Universitat Jaume I, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Juana Maria Delgado-Saborit
- Joint Research Unit in Epidemiology, Environment and Health, FISABIO-University of Valencia-Universitat Jaume I, Valencia, Spain; Department of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Universitat Jaume I, Av. Vicent Sos Baynat, s/n, 12071, Castelló de la Plana, Spain.
| | - Mónica Guxens
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, c/ Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Madrid, 280, Spain; ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | | | - Martine Vrijheid
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, c/ Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Madrid, 280, Spain; ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Amanda Fernandes
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, c/ Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Madrid, 280, Spain; ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Jesús Ibarluzea
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, c/ Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Madrid, 280, Spain; Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Group of Environmental Epidemiology and Child Development, Paseo Doctor Begiristain s/n, 20014, Donostia- San Sebastián, Spain; Ministry of Health of the Basque Government, Sub Directorate for Public Health and Addictions of Gipuzkoa, 20013, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain; Faculty of Psychology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Avenida Tolosa 70, 20018, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain.
| | - Nerea Lertxundi
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology and Research Methods, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Avenida Tolosa 70, 20018, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, c/ Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Madrid, 280, Spain; Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Group of Environmental Epidemiology and Child Development, Paseo Doctor Begiristain s/n, 20014, Donostia- San Sebastián, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hitch L, Kodali H, Starvaggi M, Wyka KE, Huang TT. A systematic review on the relationship between the built environment and children's quality of life. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2828550. [PMID: 37163113 PMCID: PMC10168438 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2828550/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Background Evidence of the effects of the built environment on children has mainly focused on disease outcomes; however, quality of life (QoL) has gained increasing attention as an important health and policy endpoint itself. Research on built environment effects on children's QoL could inform public health programs and urban planning and design. Objective We aimed to review and synthesize the evidence of the relationship between built environment features and children's QoL. Methods Five research databases were searched for quantitative peer-reviewed studies on children between 2-18 years, published in English or German between 2010-2021. Only primary research was considered. Included studies (n=17) were coded and methodologically assessed with the Joanna Briggs Critical Appraisal Checklists, and relevant data were extracted, analyzed, and synthesized, using the following built environment thematic framework: 1) neighborhood natural environment, 2) neighborhood infrastructure, and 3) neighborhood perception. Results Green space was positively associated with children's QoL. Infrastructure yielded inconclusive results across all measured aspects. Overall neighborhood satisfaction was positively correlated with higher QoL but results on perceived environmental safety were mixed. Conclusions Most studies are correlational, making it difficult to infer causality. While the positive findings of green space on QoL are consistent, specific features of the built environment show inconsistent results. Overall perception of the built environment, such as neighborhood satisfaction, also shows more robust results compared to perceptions of specific features of the built environment. Due to the heterogeneity of both built environment and QoL measures, consistent definitions of both concepts will help advance this area of research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Hitch
- Center for Systems and Community Design and NYU-CUNY Prevention Research Center, Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy, City University of New York
| | - Hanish Kodali
- Center for Systems and Community Design and NYU-CUNY Prevention Research Center, Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy, City University of New York
| | - Marc Starvaggi
- Center for Systems and Community Design and NYU-CUNY Prevention Research Center, Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy, City University of New York
| | - Katarzyna E Wyka
- Center for Systems and Community Design and NYU-CUNY Prevention Research Center, Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy, City University of New York
| | - Terry Tk Huang
- Center for Systems and Community Design and NYU-CUNY Prevention Research Center, Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy, City University of New York
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Galán-Arroyo C, Mendoza-Muñoz DM, Pérez-Gómez J, Hernández-Mosqueira C, Rojo-Ramos J. Analysis of Self-Perceived Physical Fitness of Physical Education Students in Public Schools in Extremadura (Spain). CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:children10030604. [PMID: 36980162 PMCID: PMC10047493 DOI: 10.3390/children10030604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Adolescence is a stage of crucial physiological and psychological changes within the individual's life cycle, where fitness work is important. With self-perception being crucial in relation to adolescent health and well-being, a positive perception of fitness is directly related to increased practice or higher level of physical activity (PA). Thus, the aims were: (1) to analyze, with the Visual Analogue Fitness Perception Scale for Adolescents (FP VAS A), the self-perceived physical fitness (PF) of high school students, (2) to investigate if there are differences according to sex and school location, and (3) to study the correlations between the items of the FP VAS A with age and body mass index (BMI). For this purpose, a cross-sectional study was designed with a total of 961 participants, 48.8% boys and 51.2% girls in secondary education, where 31.9% studied in rural schools and 68.1% in urban schools. The FP VAS A scale was used to assess self-reported PF. Regarding the results, there were statistically significant differences between sexes (p < 0.001), with boys showing higher scores than girls in all the items of the FP VAS A scale, with the exception of global flexibility. Inverse, mean and significant correlations were established between BMI and self-perceived overall PF (r = -0.202; p < 0.001), cardiorespiratory endurance (r = -0.226; p < 0.001) and movement speed (r = -0.268; p < 0.001). Between age and self-perceived cardiorespiratory endurance (r = -0.138; p < 0.001) an inverse, mean and significant correlation was also observed. In conclusion, boys showed a better self-perception of PF than girls for all physical abilities, with the exception of flexibility. School location was not shown to influence students' self-perceived PF. In addition, most of the self-perceived PF abilities for overall fitness correlated inversely with BMI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Galán-Arroyo
- Physical and Health Literacy and Health-Related Quality of Life (PHYQoL), Faculty of Sport Science, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
| | - David Manuel Mendoza-Muñoz
- Physical Activity for Education, Performance and Health, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
| | - Jorge Pérez-Gómez
- Health Economy Motricity and Education (HEME), Faculty of Sport Science, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
| | | | - Jorge Rojo-Ramos
- Physical Activity for Education, Performance and Health, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Martin A, Clarke J, Johnstone A, McCrorie P, Langford R, Simpson SA, Kipping R. A qualitative study of parental strategies to enable pre-school children's outdoor and nature experiences during COVID-19 restrictions. Health Place 2023; 79:102967. [PMID: 36621065 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2023.102967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Outdoor and nature experiences including play have been shown to be beneficial for children's physical, cognitive, social and emotional development. Parents/carers play an important role in encouraging or impeding their child's access to the outdoor environment and participation in outdoor play. The COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions on free movement and social interactions placed an unprecedented pressure on families to manage the drastic change in their daily routines. This paper reports findings from two combined data sets generated in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and provides a deeper understanding of the interconnected nature of how contextual factors influence parenting processes and outcomes relating to young children's outdoor and nature experiences and subsequent child health. Findings have the potential to inform the messaging of existing outdoor play policies and the content of new interventions aiming to promote the exposure of children to the natural outdoor environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Martin
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, Institute for Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, 99 Barkley Street, Glasgow, G3 7HR, UK.
| | - Joanne Clarke
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Avril Johnstone
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, Institute for Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, 99 Barkley Street, Glasgow, G3 7HR, UK
| | - Paul McCrorie
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, Institute for Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, 99 Barkley Street, Glasgow, G3 7HR, UK
| | - Rebecca Langford
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK
| | - Sharon Anne Simpson
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, Institute for Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, 99 Barkley Street, Glasgow, G3 7HR, UK
| | - Ruth Kipping
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ye T, Yu P, Wen B, Yang Z, Huang W, Guo Y, Abramson MJ, Li S. Greenspace and health outcomes in children and adolescents: A systematic review. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 314:120193. [PMID: 36122655 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
An increasing body of evidence has linked greenspace and various health outcomes in children and adolescents, but the conclusions were inconsistent. For this review, we comprehensively summarized the measurement methods of greenspace, resultant health outcomes, and potential mechanisms from epidemiological studies in children and adolescents (aged ≤19 years). We searched for studies published and indexed in MEDLINE and EMBASE (via Ovid) up to April 11, 2022. There were a total of 9,291 studies identified with 140 articles from 28 countries finally assessed and included in this systematic review. Over 70% of the studies were conducted in highly urbanised countries/regions, but very limited research has been done in low-and middle-income countries and none in Africa. Measures of greenspace varied. Various health outcomes were reported, including protective effects of greenspace exposure on aspects of obesity/overweight, myopia, lung health, circulatory health, cognitive function, and general health in children and adolescents. The associations between greenspace exposure and other health outcomes were inconsistent, especially for respiratory health studies. We pooled odds ratios (OR) using random-effects meta-analysis for health outcomes of asthma (OR = 0.94, 95%CI: 0.84 to 1.06), allergic rhinitis (OR = 0.95; 95% CI: 0.73 to 1.25), and obesity/overweight (OR = 0.91, 95%CI: 0.84 to 0.98) with per 0.1 unit increase in normalized difference in vegetation index (NDVI). These associations have important implications for the assessment and management of urban environment and health in children and adolescents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Ye
- Climate, Air Quality Research Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Pei Yu
- Climate, Air Quality Research Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Bo Wen
- Climate, Air Quality Research Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Zhengyu Yang
- Climate, Air Quality Research Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Wenzhong Huang
- Climate, Air Quality Research Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Yuming Guo
- Climate, Air Quality Research Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Michael J Abramson
- Climate, Air Quality Research Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Shanshan Li
- Climate, Air Quality Research Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rodrigues A, Antunes H, Alves R, Correia AL, Lopes H, Sabino B, Marques A, Ihle A, Gouveia ÉR. Association between the Duration of the Active Commuting to and from School, and Cognitive Performance in Urban Portuguese Adolescents. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15692. [PMID: 36497762 PMCID: PMC9735698 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315692] [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: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to analyze the differences between active commuting to school (ACS) and non-ACS in cognitive performance (CP), and the association of ACS duration with CP. This cross-sectional study included 370 adolescents (males n = 170), with a mean age of 15.28 ± 2.25 years. CP was assessed through an interview, and ACS, extracurricular physical activity, and socioeconomic status was assessed by self-report. Body composition was assessed using the FitnessGram test battery. One in two adolescents did ACS (51.6%). ACS was associated with boys (53.9%), younger adolescents (14.91 ± 2.15 vs. 15.69 ± 2.29), those having school social support (55.0%), and those doing one or more extracurricular physical activities (53.6%), compared to non-ACS participants (p < 0.05). The analysis of covariance, after controlling for age, sex, school social support, and participation in extracurricular physical activity, showed an effect of ACS on the total cognitive score (F(2,362) = 3.304, p < 0.05). The CP was higher in adolescents with more than 30 min of ACS than non-ACS (p < 0.05). The influence of ACS duration can be seen in the dimensions of inductive reasoning (ß = 0.134, t = 2.587, p < 0.05) and working memory (ß = 0.130, t = 2.525, p < 0.05). The role of ACS for CP, as well as guidelines for future research, are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rodrigues
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Madeira, 9000-082 Funchal, Portugal
- Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health and Human Development (CIDESD), 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Hélio Antunes
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Madeira, 9000-082 Funchal, Portugal
- Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health and Human Development (CIDESD), 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Alves
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Madeira, 9000-082 Funchal, Portugal
| | - Ana Luísa Correia
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Madeira, 9000-082 Funchal, Portugal
| | - Helder Lopes
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Madeira, 9000-082 Funchal, Portugal
- Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health and Human Development (CIDESD), 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Bebiana Sabino
- Higher School of Education, Polytechnic Institute of Beja, 7800-295 Beja, Portugal
| | - Adilson Marques
- Interdisciplinary Centre for the Study of Human Performance (CIPER), Faculty of Human Kinetics, University of Lisbon, 1499-002 Cruz Quebrada, Portugal
- Environmental Health Institute (ISAMB), Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1649-020 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Andreas Ihle
- Department of Psychology, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Gerontology and Vulnerability, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research LIVES—Overcoming Vulnerability: Life Course Perspectives, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Élvio Rúbio Gouveia
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Madeira, 9000-082 Funchal, Portugal
- Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Gerontology and Vulnerability, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Robotics and Engineering Systems (LARSYS), Interactive Technologies Institute, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Boudier A, Markevych I, Jacquemin B, Abramson MJ, Accordini S, Forsberg B, Fuertes E, Garcia-Aymerich J, Heinrich J, Johannessen A, Leynaert B, Pin I, Siroux V. Long-term air pollution exposure, greenspace and health-related quality of life in the ECRHS study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 849:157693. [PMID: 35907524 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Associations of long-term exposure to air pollution and greenspace with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) are poorly studied and few studies have accounted for asthma-rhinitis status. OBJECTIVE To assess the associations of air pollution and greenspace with HRQOL and whether asthma and/or rhinitis modify these associations. METHODS The study was based on the participants in the second (2000-2002, n = 6542) and third (2011-2013, n = 3686) waves of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) including 19 centres. The mean follow-up time was 11.3 years. HRQOL was assessed by the SF-36 Physical and Mental Component Summary scores (PCS and MCS). NO2, PM2.5 and PM10 annual concentrations were estimated at the residential address from existing land-use regression models. Greenspace around the residential address was estimated by the (i) mean of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and by the (ii) presence of green spaces within a 300 m buffer. Associations of each exposure variable with PCS and MCS were assessed by mixed linear regression models, accounting for the multicentre design and repeated data, and adjusting for potential confounders. Analyses were stratified by asthma-rhinitis status. RESULTS The mean (SD) age of the ECRHS-II and III participants was 43 (7.1) and 54 (7.2) years, respectively, and 48 % were men. Higher NO2, PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations were associated with lower MCS (regression coefficients [95%CI] for one unit increase in the inter-quartile range of exposures were -0.69 [-1.23; -0.15], -1.79 [-2.88; -0.70], -1.80 [-2.98; -0.62] respectively). Higher NDVI and presence of forests were associated with higher MCS. No consistent associations were observed for PCS. Similar association patterns were observed regardless of asthma-rhinitis status. CONCLUSION European adults who resided at places with higher air pollution and lower greenspace were more likely to have lower mental component of HRQOL. Asthma or rhinitis status did not modify these associations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Boudier
- Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to the Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France; Pediatrics, CHU Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Iana Markevych
- Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Bénédicte Jacquemin
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail), UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Michael J Abramson
- School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Simone Accordini
- Unit of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Bertil Forsberg
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umea University, Umea, Sweden
| | - Elaine Fuertes
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Judith Garcia-Aymerich
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Joachim Heinrich
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Comprehensive Pneumology Center Munich (CPC-M), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Germany
| | - Ane Johannessen
- Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Isabelle Pin
- Pediatrics, CHU Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Valérie Siroux
- Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to the Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ahmed SM, Mishra GD, Moss KM, Mouly TA, Yang IA, Knibbs LD. Association between residential greenspace and health-related quality of life in children aged 0-12 years. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 214:113759. [PMID: 35753375 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Greenspaces generate several perceived health benefits, including an overall improvement in the quality of life. However, little is known about the effects of greenspaces through pregnancy and early childhood in promoting health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among children. METHOD Participants were from the Mothers and their Children's Health Study (MatCH), a 2016/17 sub-study of a national prospective study since 1996 known as the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH). Mothers (n=3,048) self-reported on their three youngest children aged under 13 years (n=5,799, mean=7.0 years, s.d=3.2 years) using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) to measure their HRQoL. Since 1996, annual exposure to green and non-green vegetation was measured using two remote sensing indicators: Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and fractional cover of non-photosynthetic vegetation (fNPV), respectively, for 100 m and 500 m buffer zone around maternal residential address. Multiple exposure windows were calculated including during pregnancy, the first year of life and child's lifetime exposure. Generalised estimating equations (GEE) models, adjusting for potential confounders, were used for analyses. RESULTS A 1 standard deviation increase in NDVI greenness within 500 m buffer around the home at early life and during childhood was positively associated with higher HRQoL in the total scores and psychological health summary scores in the crude model only. No association was found between fNPV (non-green vegetation) at 100 m and 500 m circular buffers and children's HRQoL. The overall findings from our models remained consistent based on a series of sensitivity analyses, including the impact of maternal residential mobility status and geocoding method on the effect estimates. CONCLUSION Our study revealed that surrounding residential greenspace was not associated with children's HRQoL. Further longitudinal studies are required to better understand the influence of greenspace at different periods of exposure on the health and wellbeing of children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Salma M Ahmed
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Gita D Mishra
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Katrina M Moss
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tafzila A Mouly
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ian A Yang
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Thoracic Medicine, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Luke D Knibbs
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Public Health Unit, Sydney Local Health District, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Rowley M, Topciu R, Owens M. A Systematic Review of Mechanisms Underpinning Psychological Change Following Nature Exposure in an Adolescent Population. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12649. [PMID: 36231949 PMCID: PMC9566701 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912649] [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: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This systematic review aimed to identify mechanisms of psychological change following exposure to nature within an adolescent population. Keyword searches within Scopus, PsychINFO and Web of Science were carried out to include articles published by 14 September 2021. Records were reviewed in line with inclusion criteria: samples with an average age of 24 and under, exposure to nature vs. control using an experimental or quasi-experimental design and outcomes of mental health and psychological status. The review resulted in 27 papers that were assessed for methodological quality and manually searched for mediation analyses. A range of psychological outcomes were identified and grouped into 10 categories: Mood and Affect, Mental Health, Wellbeing, Perceived Restoration, Stress, Energy, Cognitive Functioning, Resilience, Self-Concept and Pro-Social Behaviour. Only one formal mediation analysis was reported, highlighting a mediating role of belonging in increases in resilience. Limitations include the majority use of university student samples and over half of the papers being of low methodological quality. No firm conclusions on key mechanisms in an adolescent population were made due to insufficient evidence of mediating variables. The development of methodologically rigorous experimental studies with the inclusion of statistical pathway modelling is needed to test and specify plausible mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan Rowley
- CEDAR (Clinical Education Development and Research), University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QQ, UK
- The ROWAN Group, Exeter EX4 4QQ, UK
- Somerset Foundation Trust NHS, Taunton TA1 5DA, UK
| | - Raluca Topciu
- CEDAR (Clinical Education Development and Research), University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QQ, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QQ, UK
| | - Matthew Owens
- The ROWAN Group, Exeter EX4 4QQ, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QQ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Reagan R, Woodruff SJ, Seabrook JA, Gilliland J. A randomized control trial of a Canadian-based school food program on the home food environment. Health Promot Int 2022; 37:6648070. [PMID: 35862774 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daac087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Research provides evidence of take-home effects in school-based nutrition interventions, citing children as important influencers of family nutrition, acting as agents of change in the household and potentially influencing family food consumption. Therefore, the purpose of this randomized control trial was to examine whether implementation of a centrally procured school food program would produce changes in children's home food environment, including fruit and/or vegetable availability and parental modelling of fruit and/or vegetable consumption. A secondary objective was to investigate whether children's fruit and/or vegetable intake predicted their parent's fruit and/or vegetable intake. A total of 60 schools participated in the evaluation, including 2443 students (and their parents) in grades 5-8. Findings indicated that the intervention did not produce take-home effects on children's home availability of fruit (p = 0.52) and vegetables (p = 0.67) or parental modelling of fruit (p = 0.26) and vegetable consumption (p = 0.78), which may be related to the fact that only food provisions were given. However, children's fruit and vegetable consumption predicted parents' fruit and vegetable consumption (p < 0.001), thereby indicating that children may possess the capacity to influence home nutrition. Future school-based nutrition interventions are recommended to be multi-component (e.g. experiential learning, parent involvement) and that encourage nutrition leadership opportunities for children in the home context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Reagan
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave, Windsor, ON, N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Sarah J Woodruff
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave, Windsor, ON, N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Jamie A Seabrook
- School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Brescia University College at Western University, 1285 Western Rd, London, ON, N6G 1H2, Canada.,Department of Paediatrics, Western University, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada.,Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Western University, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Jason Gilliland
- Department of Paediatrics, Western University, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada.,Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Western University, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada.,Department of Geography, Western University, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada.,School of Health Studies, Western University, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Yin S, Kasraian D, van Wesemael P. Children and Urban Green Infrastructure in the Digital Age: A Systematic Literature Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19105906. [PMID: 35627443 PMCID: PMC9141241 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19105906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
In the digital age, time spent outdoor in green areas is significantly decreasing for children living in cities. With the advent of digital technology, a series of digital tools are gradually integrated into children’s lives and act as a double-edged sword: on the one hand, an increasing number of children tend to stay at home and play digital games instead of interacting with nature; on the other hand, new digital technology is increasingly being used to engage children with outdoor activities. A host of studies have investigated children’s behaviour in the natural environment. However, a systematic literature review of children’s interaction with the urban green infrastructure (UGI) and the respective role of digital environment, based on a theoretical framework that explicitly takes the multi-level determinants and individual-level mechanism of behaviour change into account does not exist yet. This work provides a conceptual framework that covers various determinants, such as motivation, capability, and opportunity related factors of children’s behaviour in terms of their UGI interaction at the city and neighbourhood levels, while taking into account the individual-level mechanism of behavioural change and the role of the digital environment. The framework is used to systematically review recent international empirical evidence on the determinants of children–UGI interaction. The results are useful for laying the theoretical foundation for future empirical research on children–UGI interaction, specifically in the presence of digital interventions. They also provide urban/digital intervention designers and policymakers with theory-based design and policy guidelines for the creation of child-friendly UGI.
Collapse
|
14
|
Jarvis I, Sbihi H, Davis Z, Brauer M, Czekajlo A, Davies HW, Gergel SE, Guhn M, Jerrett M, Koehoorn M, Nesbitt L, Oberlander TF, Su J, van den Bosch M. The influence of early-life residential exposure to different vegetation types and paved surfaces on early childhood development: A population-based birth cohort study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 163:107196. [PMID: 35339041 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Growing evidence suggests that exposure to green space is associated with improved childhood health and development, but the influence of different green space types remains relatively unexplored. In the present study, we investigated the association between early-life residential exposure to vegetation and early childhood development and evaluated whether associations differed according to land cover types, including paved land. METHODS Early childhood development was assessed via kindergarten teacher-ratings on the Early Development Instrument (EDI) in a large population-based birth cohort (n = 27,539) in Metro Vancouver, Canada. The residential surrounding environment was characterized using a high spatial resolution land cover map that was linked to children by six-digit residential postal codes. Early-life residential exposure (from birth to time of EDI assessment, mean age = 5.6 years) was calculated as the mean of annual percentage values of different land cover classes (i.e., total vegetation, tree cover, grass cover, paved surfaces) within a 250 m buffer zone of postal code centroids. Multilevel models were used to analyze associations between respective land cover classes and early childhood development. RESULTS In adjusted models, one interquartile range increase in total vegetation percentage was associated with a 0.33 increase in total EDI score (95% CI: 0.21, 0.45). Similar positive associations were observed for tree cover (β-coefficient: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.15, 0.37) and grass cover (β-coefficient: 0.12, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.22), while negative associations were observed for paved surfaces (β-coefficient: -0.35, 95% CI: -0.47, -0.23). CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that increased early-life residential exposure to vegetation is positively associated with early childhood developmental outcomes, and that associations may be stronger for residential exposure to tree cover relative to grass cover. Our results further indicate that childhood development may be negatively associated with residential exposure to paved surfaces. These findings can inform urban planning to support early childhood developmental health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Jarvis
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, Faculty of Forestry, The University of British Columbia, 2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hind Sbihi
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; BC Centre for Disease Control, 655 West 12(th) Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Zoë Davis
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, Faculty of Forestry, The University of British Columbia, 2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michael Brauer
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Agatha Czekajlo
- Department of Forest Resources Management, Faculty of Forestry, The University of British Columbia, 2424 Mail Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hugh W Davies
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sarah E Gergel
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, Faculty of Forestry, The University of British Columbia, 2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Martin Guhn
- Human Early Learning Partnership, School of Population and Public Health, The University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michael Jerrett
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California at Los Angeles, 650 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA, the United States; Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California at Los Angeles, 650 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA, the United States
| | - Mieke Koehoorn
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lorien Nesbitt
- Department of Forest Resources Management, Faculty of Forestry, The University of British Columbia, 2424 Mail Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Tim F Oberlander
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, 4480 Oak Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jason Su
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, 2121 Berkeley Way West, Berkeley, CA, the United States
| | - Matilda van den Bosch
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, Faculty of Forestry, The University of British Columbia, 2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; ISGlobal, Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona, Doctor Aiguader 88 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Plaça de la Mercè, 10-12, 08002 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Calle de Melchor, Fernández Almagro, 3, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Jia F, Sorgente A, Yu H. Parental Participation in the Environment: Scale Validation Across Parental Role, Income, and Region. Front Psychol 2022; 13:788306. [PMID: 35317012 PMCID: PMC8934388 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.788306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Parental participation has gained significant attention in environmental psychology, which has revealed a need for an instrument that can measure parental participation with children regarding environmental issues. The present study met this need by validating the parental participation in the environment (PPE) scale. This process began with 45 Chinese parents participating in an individual interview and group discussions, which helped generate a list of eighteen parent-child environmental activities. The activities were then modified and validated in the current study with a diverse group of 969 parents recruited from six major Chinese cities. Both score structure evidence and generalizability evidence were obtained within this sample, and psychometric tests suggested a single factor construct with nine items. Once the PPE scale was revised, it showed measurement invariance across the parent who responded to the items (mother vs. father), across the child’s primary caregiver (mother vs. father vs. grandparent), across the family’s living region (North China vs. South China), as well as across the family’s income group. Finally, evidence based on relations to other variables showed a relationship among parents’ PPE, pro-environmental behavior, and connectedness with nature. As a result, the study provided a novel measure to assess pro-environmental socialization via parental participation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fanli Jia
- Department of Psychology, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ, United States
- *Correspondence: Fanli Jia,
| | - Angela Sorgente
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Hui Yu
- School of Education, Harbin Normal University, Harbin, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Boraita RJ, Alsina DA, Ibort EG, Torres JMD. Quality of life related to health and habits: Differences between adolescents in rural and urban environments. ANALES DE PEDIATRÍA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2022; 96:196-202. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anpede.2020.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
|
17
|
Smith N, Georgiou M, King AC, Tieges Z, Chastin S. Factors influencing usage of urban blue spaces: A systems-based approach to identify leverage points. Health Place 2021; 73:102735. [PMID: 34933144 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2021.102735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Urban blue spaces may have salutogenic health benefits. It is crucial to understand the factors that influence the use of urban blue spaces so that urban populations can benefit equitably. A system map of factors influencing usage was developed by qualitatively analysing 203 intercept interviews conducted with people actively using the towpath along the canal in North Glasgow, Scotland. Network analysis was used to analyse the system map's structure identifying Exercise & Health and Urban Nature as key leverage points and Cleanliness & Maintenance as the key area for improvement. Findings could be used to inform the management, governance and revitalisation of urban blue spaces with the ultimate aim of maximising their potential to be equitable, sustainable and salutogenic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niamh Smith
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, Scotland, UK.
| | - Michail Georgiou
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, Scotland, UK.
| | - Abby C King
- Departments of Epidemiology & Population Health and Medicine (Stanford Prevention Research Centre), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Zoë Tieges
- Geriatric Medicine, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK; School of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, Scotland, UK.
| | - Sebastien Chastin
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, Scotland, UK; Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Fyfe-Johnson AL, Hazlehurst MF, Perrins SP, Bratman GN, Thomas R, Garrett KA, Hafferty KR, Cullaz TM, Marcuse EK, Tandon PS. Nature and Children's Health: A Systematic Review. Pediatrics 2021; 148:e2020049155. [PMID: 34588297 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2020-049155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Daily outdoor play is encouraged by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Existing evidence is unclear on the independent effect of nature exposures on child health. OBJECTIVE We systematically evaluated evidence regarding the relationship between nature contact and children's health. DATA SOURCES The database search was conducted by using PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsychInfo, ERIC, Scopus, and Web of Science in February 2021. STUDY SELECTION We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. In all searches, the first element included nature terms; the second included child health outcome terms. DATA EXTRACTION Of the 10 940 studies identified, 296 were included. Study quality and risk of bias were assessed. RESULTS The strongest evidence for type of nature exposure was residential green space studies (n = 147, 50%). The strongest evidence for the beneficial health effects of nature was for physical activity (n = 108, 32%) and cognitive, behavioral, or mental health (n = 85, 25%). Physical activity was objectively measured in 55% of studies, and 41% of the cognitive, behavioral, or mental health studies were experimental in design. LIMITATIONS Types of nature exposures and health outcomes and behaviors were heterogenous. Risk of selection bias was moderate to high for all studies. Most studies were cross-sectional (n = 204, 69%), limiting our ability to assess causality. CONCLUSIONS Current literature supports a positive relationship between nature contact and children's health, especially for physical activity and mental health, both public health priorities. The evidence supports pediatricians in advocating for equitable nature contact for children in places where they live, play, and learn.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amber L Fyfe-Johnson
- Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington
| | | | | | - Gregory N Bratman
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Rick Thomas
- National Academy of Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Kimberly A Garrett
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington
| | - Kiana R Hafferty
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington
| | - Tess M Cullaz
- Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington
| | | | - Pooja S Tandon
- Pediatrics
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Goldman RH, Zajac L, Geller RJ, Miller MD. Developing and implementing core competencies in children's environmental health for students, trainees and healthcare providers: a narrative review. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2021; 21:503. [PMID: 34560874 PMCID: PMC8464086 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-021-02921-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge of the health impacts of environmental exposures (such as pollution disasters, poor air quality, water contamination, climate change) on children's health has dramatically increased in the past 40 years. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that 23% of all deaths worldwide were attributable to the environment, and 26% of deaths in children less than 5 years old could be prevented with removal of environmental risks factors. Yet, little has permeated medical education, leaving pediatric providers ill equipped to address these issues. To address this gap, members from the Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units, a United States nationwide network of academically affiliated experts who have created numerous environmental health educational materials and programs, have identified fifteen core environmental health (EH) competencies needed by health care providers to enable them to effectively address environmental health concerns. These competencies can serve as the foundation for the development and implementation of relevant educational programs. The core EH competencies are based upon these foundational elements: 1) Definition of "children's environmental health" that describes how environmental exposures (positive and negative) in early life influence the health and development in childhood and across the entire human life span 2) Children are not "little adults" and so have unique vulnerabilities to environmental hazards; 3) Environmental health inequities exist, causing some children to have a disproportionate amount of unhealthy exposures and consequently a greater risk of adverse effects; 4) Climate change will translate to numerous adverse health effects that will particularly affect children worldwide. In this article, the authors describe the core environmental health competencies and provide resources, online tools, strategies, and examples targeted to all levels of training and practice to better enable leaders and educators to bring this important content to the forefront.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rose Hannah Goldman
- Department of Medicine, Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge Massachusetts, Cambridge Hospital, Macht Center 427, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Lauren Zajac
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Robert J Geller
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Mark D Miller
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, California, San Francisco, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Oakley J, Peters RL, Wake M, Grobler AC, Kerr JA, Lycett K, Cassim R, Russell M, Sun C, Tang MLK, Koplin JJ, Mavoa S. Backyard benefits? A cross-sectional study of yard size and greenness and children's physical activity and outdoor play. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1402. [PMID: 34266397 PMCID: PMC8283889 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11475-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The home environment is the most important location in young children's lives, yet few studies have examined the relationship between the outdoor home environment and child physical activity levels, and even fewer have used objectively measured exposures and outcomes. This study examined relationships between objectively assessed home yard size and greenness, and child physical activity and outdoor play. METHODS Data were drawn from the HealthNuts study, a longitudinal study of 5276 children in Melbourne, Australia. We used cross-sectional data from a sample at Wave 3 (2013-2016) when participants were aged 6 years (n = 1648). A sub-sample of 391 children had valid accelerometer data collected from Tri-axial GENEActive accelerometers worn on their non-dominant wrist for 8 consecutive days. Yard area and greenness were calculated using geographic information systems. Objective outcome measures were minutes/day in sedentary, light, and moderate-vigorous physical activity (weekday and weekend separately). Parent-reported outcome measures were minutes/day playing outdoors (weekend and weekday combined). Multi-level regression models (adjusted for child's sex, mother's age at the birth of child, neighbourhood socioeconomic index, maternal education, and maternal ethnicity) estimated effects of yard size and greenness on physical activity. RESULTS Data were available on outdoor play for 1648 children and usable accelerometer data for 391. Associations between yard size/greenness and components of physical activity were minimal. For example, during weekdays, yard size was not associated with daily minutes in sedentary behaviour (β: 2.4, 95% CI: - 6.2, 11.0), light physical activity (β: 1.4, 95% CI: - 5.7, 8.5) or MVPA (β: -2.4, 95% CI: - 6.5, 1.7), with similar patterns at weekends. There was no relationship between median annual yard greenness and physical activity or play. CONCLUSION In our study of young children residing in higher socio-economic areas of Melbourne yard characteristics did not appear to have a major impact on children's physical activity. Larger studies with greater variation in yard characteristics and identification of activity location are needed to better understand the importance of home outdoor spaces and guide sustainable city planning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Oakley
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Rachel L Peters
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Melissa Wake
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Anneke C Grobler
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Jessica A Kerr
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Kate Lycett
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - Raisa Cassim
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Melissa Russell
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Cong Sun
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Mimi L K Tang
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Suzanne Mavoa
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Martin G, Graat M, Medeiros A, Clark AF, Button BLG, Ferguson KN, Gilliland JA. Perceived neighbourhood safety moderates the relationship between active school travel and health-related quality of life. Health Place 2021; 70:102623. [PMID: 34265633 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2021.102623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
There is a dearth of studies examining associations between active school travel and children's health-related quality of life. Additionally, studies have not examined how perceived neighbourhood characteristics may moderate these associations. This study aims to examine the relationship between regular active school travel, children's physical and psychosocial health-related quality of life, and the potential moderating effects of their perceived neighbourhood safety (interpersonal and traffic). This cross-sectional study used data from Ontario schoolchildren (aged 8-14) as part of the Spatial Temporal Environment and Activity Monitoring (STEAM) Project. Results showed no significant direct relationship between regular active school travel and children's physical or psychosocial functioning; but the relationships were moderated by perceived neighbourhood safety. Regular active school travelers with high levels of perceived neighbourhood interpersonal safety, had higher physical and psychosocial functioning than regular active school travelers with low levels of perceived neighbourhood interpersonal safety. Additionally, at higher levels of perceived neighbourhood traffic safety, regular active school travelers had higher psychosocial functioning than regular active school travelers with lower perceived neighbourhood traffic safety. Interventions promoting active school travel should consider the environments through which children will be traveling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gina Martin
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2V5, Canada; Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada; Faculty of Health Disciplines, Athabasca University, Athabasca, AB T9S 3A3, Canada
| | - Megan Graat
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2V5, Canada; Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada
| | - Alina Medeiros
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2V5, Canada; Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada
| | - Andrew F Clark
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2V5, Canada; Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada
| | - Brenton L G Button
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2V5, Canada; Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada; Medical Education Research Lab in the North, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Thunder Bay, P7B 5E1, Canada
| | - Kendra Nelson Ferguson
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2V5, Canada; Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada
| | - Jason A Gilliland
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2V5, Canada; Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada; Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada; School of Health Studies, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; Department of Paediatrics, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Planning for Informal Urban Green Spaces in African Cities: Children’s Perception and Use in Peri-Urban Areas of Luanda, Angola. URBAN SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/urbansci5030050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Urbanization has placed considerable constraints on the preservation and maintenance of formal green spaces in African cities. This situation has given attention to the potentials of informal green spaces (IGS). While studies on IGS in African cities is only emerging, scholarly and policy attention to children’s perceptions and use of IGS within Africa’s spatially expansive urbanism is limited. This study explores children’s perceptions, use, barriers, willingness, and suggestions for improving IGS in the peri-urban area of Funda in Luanda. Based on semi-structured interviews and focused-group discussions, the study revealed that, while IGS offered different ecosystem services, not all IGS were accessible to children, due to safety concerns, maintenance conditions, and parental restrictions. Children’s interest in maintenance activities and suggestions for improving IGS reflected their independent identities, sense of place, and cognitive capacity to contribute to planning their community. The paper submits that the potential role of IGS in Africa’s peri-urban areas can be improved by taking into account children’s agency and experiential knowledge of community spaces. For this reason, there is a need to recognize and engage children as co-producers of community knowledge and interventions.
Collapse
|
23
|
Davis Z, Guhn M, Jarvis I, Jerrett M, Nesbitt L, Oberlander T, Sbihi H, Su J, van den Bosch M. The association between natural environments and childhood mental health and development: A systematic review and assessment of different exposure measurements. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2021; 235:113767. [PMID: 33989957 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies have assessed the relationship between exposure to natural environments (NEs) and childhood mental health and development. In most cases, a positive association has been found, but results are inconsistent, and the strength of association is unclear. This inconsistency may reflect the heterogeneity in measurements used to assess NE. OBJECTIVES This systematic review aims to identify the most common NE metrics used in childhood mental health and development research. Our second aim is to identify the metrics that are most consistently associated with health and assess the relative strength of association depending on type of NE exposure measurement, in terms of metric used (i.e., measurement technique, such as remote sensing), but also rate (i.e., spatial and temporal exposure). METHODS We used the PRISMA protocol to identify eligible studies, following a set of pre-defined inclusion criteria based on the PECOS strategy. A number of keywords were used for retrieving relevant articles from Medline, Embase, PsychINFO, and Web of Science databases between January 2000-November 2020. From these, we extracted data on type of NE measurement and relative association to a number of indicators of childhood mental health and development. We conducted a systematic assessment of quality and risk of bias in the included articles to evaluate the level of evidence. Case studies and qualitative studies were excluded. RESULTS After screening of title (283 studies included), abstract, and full article, 45 studies were included in our review. A majority of which were conducted in North America and Europe (n = 36; 80%). The majority of studies used land use or land covers (LULC, n = 24; 35%) to determine exposures to NEs. Other metrics included the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), expert measures (e.g., surveys of data collection done by experts), surveys (e.g., self-reported assessments), and use of NE (e.g., measures of a participant's use of NE such as through GPS tracts or parent reports). Rate was most commonly determined by buffer zones around residential addresses or postal codes. The most consistent association to health outcomes was found for buffers of 100 m, 250 m, 500 m, and within polygons boundaries (e.g., census tracts). Six health categories, academic achievement, prevalence of doctor diagnosed disorders, emotional and behavioral functioning, well-being, social functioning, and cognitive skills, were created post hoc. We found sufficient evidence between NDVI (Landsat) and emotional and behavioral well-being. Additionally, we found limited evidence between LULC datasets and academic achievement; use of NE, parent/guardian reported greenness, and expert measures of greenness and emotional and behavioral functioning; and use of NE and social functioning. DISCUSSION This review demonstrates that several NE measurements must be evaluated further before sufficient evidence for a potential association between distinct NE exposure metrics and childhood mental health and development can be established. Further, we suggest increased coordination between research efforts, for example, by replication of studies and comparing different NE measurements systematically, so that effect sizes can be confirmed for various health outcomes. Finally, we recommend implementing research designs that assess underlying pathways of nature-health relations and utilize measurement techniques that adequately assess exposure, access, use, and perception of NEs in order to contribute to a better understanding of health impacts of surrounding natural environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zoë Davis
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, Faculty of Forestry, University of British Columbia, 2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Martin Guhn
- Human Early Learning Partnership, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Ingrid Jarvis
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, Faculty of Forestry, University of British Columbia, 2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Michael Jerrett
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, 650 Charles E. Young Drive S, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States; Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, 650 Charles E. Young Drive S, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
| | - Lorien Nesbitt
- Department of Forest and Resource Management, Faculty of Forestry, University of British Columbia, 2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Tim Oberlander
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 4480 Oak St., Vancouver, BC, V6H 3V4, Canada
| | - Hind Sbihi
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 4480 Oak St., Vancouver, BC, V6H 3V4, Canada; BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, 950 W 28th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Jason Su
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, 2121 Berkeley Way #5302, Berkeley, CA, 94720, United States
| | - Matilda van den Bosch
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, Faculty of Forestry, University of British Columbia, 2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada; School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada; ISGlobal, Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona, Carrer de Dr. Aiguader, 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Plaça de La Mercè, 10-12, 08002, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Calle de Melchor Fernández Almagro, 3, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Jimenez MP, DeVille NV, Elliott EG, Schiff JE, Wilt GE, Hart JE, James P. Associations between Nature Exposure and Health: A Review of the Evidence. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18094790. [PMID: 33946197 PMCID: PMC8125471 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
There is extensive empirical literature on the association between exposure to nature and health. In this narrative review, we discuss the strength of evidence from recent (i.e., the last decade) experimental and observational studies on nature exposure and health, highlighting research on children and youth where possible. We found evidence for associations between nature exposure and improved cognitive function, brain activity, blood pressure, mental health, physical activity, and sleep. Results from experimental studies provide evidence of protective effects of exposure to natural environments on mental health outcomes and cognitive function. Cross-sectional observational studies provide evidence of positive associations between nature exposure and increased levels of physical activity and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, and longitudinal observational studies are beginning to assess long-term effects of nature exposure on depression, anxiety, cognitive function, and chronic disease. Limitations of current knowledge include inconsistent measures of exposure to nature, the impacts of the type and quality of green space, and health effects of duration and frequency of exposure. Future directions include incorporation of more rigorous study designs, investigation of the underlying mechanisms of the association between green space and health, advancement of exposure assessment, and evaluation of sensitive periods in the early life-course.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcia P. Jimenez
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA;
- Correspondence: (M.P.J.); (N.V.D.)
| | - Nicole V. DeVille
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (E.G.E.); (J.E.H.)
- Correspondence: (M.P.J.); (N.V.D.)
| | - Elise G. Elliott
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (E.G.E.); (J.E.H.)
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (J.E.S.); (G.E.W.)
| | - Jessica E. Schiff
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (J.E.S.); (G.E.W.)
| | - Grete E. Wilt
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (J.E.S.); (G.E.W.)
| | - Jaime E. Hart
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (E.G.E.); (J.E.H.)
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (J.E.S.); (G.E.W.)
| | - Peter James
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA;
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (E.G.E.); (J.E.H.)
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (J.E.S.); (G.E.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Pitt TM, Aucoin J, HubkaRao T, Goopy S, Cabaj J, Hagel B, McCormack GR. The Relationship of Urban Form on Children and Adolescent Health Outcomes: A Scoping Review of Canadian Evidence. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18084180. [PMID: 33920876 PMCID: PMC8071316 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18084180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Urban form can have an impact on health outcomes in children, and the synthesis of findings can identify gaps in the literature and regional reviews may help guide policymakers. This study aims to complete a scoping review of the research relating urban form to health outcomes in children and adolescents from urban Canadian settings. Thirteen online databases were searched to identify studies that had objective measures of urban form and health outcomes. Two research assistants independently reviewed 27,444 titles and abstracts, and 176 full-text articles, returning 32 unique studies with youth-specific data. The majority of the included studies were cross-sectional or ecological (n = 26). Six studies used Canada-wide data and the rest were from Ontario (n = 11), Alberta (n = 6), and Quebec (n = 6). Urban form characteristics included neighbourhood food environment (n = 11), parks/natural space/greenness (n = 10), road or intersection characteristics (n = 7), and aggregated urban form measures (n = 7). Studies examined a variety of health outcomes: the majority considered weight status (n = 16) and injury (n = 10). Although there is over-reliance on mainly cross-sectional study designs, there is evidence suggesting that urban form is associated with health outcomes in Canadian youth, with parks/greenspace, road connectivity, and road characteristics most consistently associated with health outcomes in youth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tona M. Pitt
- Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 28 Oki Drive NW, Calgary, AB T3B 6A8, Canada; (T.H.); (B.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-403-955-7517
| | - Janet Aucoin
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada; (J.A.); (J.C.); (G.R.M.)
| | - Tate HubkaRao
- Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 28 Oki Drive NW, Calgary, AB T3B 6A8, Canada; (T.H.); (B.H.)
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada; (J.A.); (J.C.); (G.R.M.)
| | - Suzanne Goopy
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada;
- Usher Institute, Old Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Teviot Place, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, Scotland, UK
| | - Jason Cabaj
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada; (J.A.); (J.C.); (G.R.M.)
- Alberta Health Services, 10301 Southport Lane SW, Calgary, AB T2W 1S7, Canada
| | - Brent Hagel
- Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 28 Oki Drive NW, Calgary, AB T3B 6A8, Canada; (T.H.); (B.H.)
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada; (J.A.); (J.C.); (G.R.M.)
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, 28 Oki Drive NW, Calgary, AB T3B 6A8, Canada
- Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- O’Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Gavin R. McCormack
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada; (J.A.); (J.C.); (G.R.M.)
- School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, 1-104 Totsukamachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-8050, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Jiménez Boraita R, Arriscado Alsina D, Gargallo Ibort E, Dalmau Torres JM. [Quality of life related to health and habits: Differences between adolescents in rural and urban environments]. An Pediatr (Barc) 2021; 96:S1695-4033(20)30510-5. [PMID: 33485826 DOI: 10.1016/j.anpedi.2020.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adolescence is a decisive stage in human development in which intense physical, psychological, emotional and social changes are experienced. There are many influential factors in health, highlighting among them the environment. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to analyse the lifestyle differences associated with the health of adolescents as a function of rural and urban environment. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 761 students (14.51±1.63 years) from 25 educational centers in a region of northern Spain, distributed between 650 urban and 111 rural students. Life habits and different indicators of physical, psychological and social health were evaluated, assessing the level of physical activity, maximum oxygen consumption, hours of night sleep, quality of life related to health, self-esteem, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, the environment and the socioeconomic level. RESULTS Adolescents in rural areas reported a greater number of hours of night sleep and higher levels of HRQL, both as a whole, and specifically in psychological well-being, school environment and autonomy and parents. Adolescents in urban areas reported higher levels of physical activity between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., and a higher consumption of fast food. CONCLUSIONS The results show the need for strategies aimed at counteracting the negative influence that physical and sociodemographic factors typical of urbanized areas exert on HRQL. On the other hand, in relation to lifestyle habits, a wider range of extracurricular physical activities in rural areas would be recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel Arriscado Alsina
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Educación, Universidad de La Rioja, Logroño, La Rioja, España
| | - Esther Gargallo Ibort
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Educación, Universidad de La Rioja, Logroño, La Rioja, España
| | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Sprague NL, Ekenga CC. The impact of nature-based education on health-related quality of life among low-income youth: results from an intervention study. J Public Health (Oxf) 2021; 44:394-401. [PMID: 33415330 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdaa243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nature experiences have been shown to promote physical, emotional, mental and overall health. However, low-income youth often face inequities in access to nature. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a 15-week nature-based education (NBE) intervention on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of low-income youth. METHODS A total of 362 low-income youth (ages 9-15) in St. Louis, MO, USA, participated in this study. Study participants completed a pre- and post-intervention survey that included validated measures of six HRQoL domains (Physical Activity, Emotional Health Functioning, School Functioning, Social Functioning, Family Functioning and overall HRQoL). Random effects analysis of covariance was used to test for significant differences in HRQoL scores between the intervention and control groups, after adjusting for school, age, previous nature exposure, and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics capacity. RESULTS After the intervention period, youth in the NBE intervention group experienced improvements in all HRQoL domain scores (P < 0.001), whereas youth in the control group experienced declines in HRQoL domain scores (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS NBE may have a positive impact on the HRQoL of low-income youth. Further investigations examining the influence of nature-based activities on youth health outcomes are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadav L Sprague
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, NY 10032, USA
| | - Christine C Ekenga
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Hsiao H. Characteristics of urban gardens and their accessibility to locals and non-locals in Taipei City, Taiwan. LANDSCAPE AND ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11355-020-00430-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|
29
|
Mygind L, Kurtzhals M, Nowell C, Melby PS, Stevenson MP, Nieuwenhuijsen M, Lum JAG, Flensborg-Madsen T, Bentsen P, Enticott PG. Landscapes of becoming social: A systematic review of evidence for associations and pathways between interactions with nature and socioemotional development in children. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 146:106238. [PMID: 33189991 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Existing research indicates that spending time in nature is associated with diverse aspects of children's health and wellbeing. Although fundamental to later life chances and health, no systematic reviews, to our knowledge, have focused specifically on the effects of interaction with nature on socioemotional functioning in childhood. OBJECTIVES Amongst children, what is the consistency of associations between the availability of or spending time in nature on socioemotional function and development? Furthermore, which child behaviours and states independently associate with socioemotional function and availability of or spending time in nature, and what is the consistency of associations between these behaviours and states and contact with nature? DATA SOURCES Embase, Environment Complete, MEDLINE, and APA PsycINFO. Eligible studies were backward and forward snowball-searched. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Studies investigating effects of, or associations between, availability of or interaction with nature on socioemotional or proximal outcomes in children under the age of 12 years were included in this review. STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS The internal validity of studies investigating socioemotional outcomes were based on assessments of elements of study design, conduct, and reporting to identify potential issues related to confounding or other biases. The number of analyses indicating positive, negative, and non-significant associations between availability or interaction with green space and the outcomes were summed. RESULTS A total of 223 eligible full-texts, of which 43 pertained to socioemotional outcomes and 180 to proximal outcomes, met eligibility criteria. Positive associations between availability of and spending time in green space were found with children's intra- and interpersonal socioemotional function and development. Proportions of positive findings ranged from 13.9% to 55% across experimental and observational research, exposures, populations, and contexts. Modifying and mediating factors were identified. We found consistent evidence for improved aspects of cognition and, for children over six years, reduced risk of obesity and overweight in association with green space; consistent links between movement behaviours in the experimental, but not observational research; tentative trends suggesting associations with play, motor skills, language, screen time, and communication skills; little evidence for positive associations between green space and mood, physical wellbeing, and stress; some evidence for associations with healthy birth outcomes, and little evidence for direct associations between availability of green space and asthma and allergy prevalence, however, mediation via, for example, air pollution was likely. LIMITATIONS We identified few studies without either probable or severe risk of bias in at least one item. Improved study quality may therefore result in different results. Restricting analyses to include only studies considered at low risk of bias indicated similar or slightly lower proportions of positive findings. Risk of bias in proximal outcomes was not assessed. CONCLUSIONS The empirical evidence for benefits of availability of and interaction green space for child socioemotional function and development must currently be considered limited. A number of proximal indicators were identified. Systematic review registration number. PROSPERO ID CRD42019135016.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lærke Mygind
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia; Unit of Medical Psychology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, The Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Mette Kurtzhals
- Health Promotion Research, Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, The Capital Region of Denmark, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Clare Nowell
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Paulina S Melby
- Section of Sport, Individual and Society, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Matt P Stevenson
- Health Promotion Research, Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, The Capital Region of Denmark, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Mark Nieuwenhuijsen
- ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Publica, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jarrad A G Lum
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Trine Flensborg-Madsen
- Unit of Medical Psychology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter Bentsen
- Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, The Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Geoscience and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Peter G Enticott
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Oswald TK, Rumbold AR, Kedzior SGE, Moore VM. Psychological impacts of "screen time" and "green time" for children and adolescents: A systematic scoping review. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237725. [PMID: 32886665 PMCID: PMC7473739 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Technological developments in recent decades have increased young people's engagement with screen-based technologies (screen time), and a reduction in young people's contact with nature (green time) has been observed concurrently. This combination of high screen time and low green time may affect mental health and well-being. The aim of this systematic scoping review was to collate evidence assessing associations between screen time, green time, and psychological outcomes (including mental health, cognitive functioning, and academic achievement) for young children (<5 years), schoolchildren (5-11 years), early adolescents (12-14 years), and older adolescents (15-18 years). Original quantitative studies were identified in four databases (PubMed, PsycInfo, Scopus, Embase), resulting in 186 eligible studies. A third of included studies were undertaken in Europe and almost as many in the United States. The majority of studies were cross-sectional (62%). In general, high levels of screen time appeared to be associated with unfavourable psychological outcomes while green time appeared to be associated with favourable psychological outcomes. The ways screen time and green time were conceptualised and measured were highly heterogeneous, limiting the ability to synthesise the literature. The preponderance of cross-sectional studies with broadly similar findings, despite heterogeneous exposure measures, suggested results were not artefacts. However, additional high-quality longitudinal studies and randomised controlled trials are needed to make a compelling case for causal relationships. Different developmental stages appeared to shape which exposures and outcomes were salient. Young people from low socioeconomic backgrounds may be disproportionately affected by high screen time and low green time. Future research should distinguish between passive and interactive screen activities, and incidental versus purposive exposure to nature. Few studies considered screen time and green time together, and possible reciprocal psychological effects. However, there is preliminary evidence that green time could buffer consequences of high screen time, therefore nature may be an under-utilised public health resource for youth psychological well-being in a high-tech era.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tassia K. Oswald
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Robinson Research Institute, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Alice R. Rumbold
- Robinson Research Institute, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- SAHMRI Women and Kids, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Sophie G. E. Kedzior
- Robinson Research Institute, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Vivienne M. Moore
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Robinson Research Institute, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Srugo SA, de Groh M, Jiang Y, Morrison HI, Hamilton HA, Villeneuve PJ. Assessing the Impact of School-Based Greenness on Mental Health Among Adolescent Students in Ontario, Canada. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16224364. [PMID: 31717373 PMCID: PMC6887786 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16224364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Neighbourhood greenness has been frequently associated with improved mental health in adulthood, yet its impact among youth is less clear. Additionally, though youth spend large portions of time at school, no study has investigated associations between school-based measures of greenness and students’ mental health in Canada. We addressed this gap by linking participant responses from the 2016–2017 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey to school-based features of the built environment. Our analyses included 6313 students, ages 11–20. Measures of greenness were the mean and max of the annual mean Normalized Difference Vegetation Index within 500 m and 1000 m from the centroid of the school postal code. Measures of mental health included: serious psychological distress (Kessler 6-item Psychological Distress Scale), self-rated mental health (using a five-point Likert scale), suicide ideation, and suicide attempt. In our study population, the prevalence of serious psychological distress and low self-rated mental health was 16.7% and 20.3%, respectively. Suicide ideation was reported by 13.5% of participants, while 3.7% reported a suicide attempt. Quantity of greenness was similar between schools in the lower and upper quartiles. In logistic regressions, we found no association between objective school-based greenness and mental health, as assessed by multiple measures, both before and after adjustment. Null findings held true after stratification by season, as well. Whether other characteristics of school greenness (such as type, quality, or access and use) are more impactful to students’ mental health should be a focus of future analyses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian A. Srugo
- Centre for Surveillance and Applied Research, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada; (S.A.S.); (M.d.G.); (Y.J.); (H.I.M.)
| | - Margaret de Groh
- Centre for Surveillance and Applied Research, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada; (S.A.S.); (M.d.G.); (Y.J.); (H.I.M.)
| | - Ying Jiang
- Centre for Surveillance and Applied Research, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada; (S.A.S.); (M.d.G.); (Y.J.); (H.I.M.)
| | - Howard I. Morrison
- Centre for Surveillance and Applied Research, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada; (S.A.S.); (M.d.G.); (Y.J.); (H.I.M.)
| | - Hayley A. Hamilton
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON M5S 2S1, Canada;
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3M7, Canada
| | - Paul J. Villeneuve
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-613-520-2600 (ext. 3359)
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Is active travel a breath of fresh air? Examining children's exposure to air pollution during the school commute. Spat Spatiotemporal Epidemiol 2019; 29:51-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sste.2019.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 01/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
33
|
Conceptualizing Youth Participation in Children's Health Research: Insights from a Youth-Driven Process for Developing a Youth Advisory Council. CHILDREN-BASEL 2018; 6:children6010003. [PMID: 30597913 PMCID: PMC6351912 DOI: 10.3390/children6010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Given the power asymmetries between adults and young people, youth involvement in research is often at risk of tokenism. While many disciplines have seen a shift from conducting research on youth to conducting research with and for youth, engaging children and teens in research remains fraught with conceptual, methodological, and practical challenges. Arnstein's foundational Ladder of Participation has been adapted in novel ways in youth research, but in this paper, we present a new rendering: a 'rope ladder.' This concept came out of our youth-driven planning process to develop a Youth Advisory Council for the Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, an interdisciplinary research laboratory focused on developing healthy communities for young people. As opposed to a traditional ladder, composed of rigid material and maintaining a static position, the key innovation of our concept is that it integrates a greater degree of flexibility and mobility by allowing dynamic movement beyond a 2D vertical plane. At the same time, the pliable nature of the rope makes it both responsive and susceptible to exogenous forces. We argue that involving youth in the design of their own participatory framework reveals dimensions of participation that are important to youth, which may not be captured by the existing participatory models.
Collapse
|
34
|
Taylor LG, Clark AF, Gilliland JA. Context Matters: Examining children's perceived barriers to physical activity across varying Canadian environments. Health Place 2018; 54:221-228. [PMID: 30368100 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2018.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Children's perceptions of their environment have been associated with their physical activity (PA) levels, however a better understanding of the formation of perceptions within different contexts is needed. This will help to inform decision making related to physical inactivity trends in Canadian children. We examined socio-ecological factors influencing children's perceptions of barriers to PA in Ontario, Canada. Binary logistic regression models measured the relationship between perceptions of barriers and PA for 892 children in Ontario. At the intrapersonal level, girls reported the most barriers to PA. Interpersonally, children whose mother was employed reported the most barriers. At the physical environment level, children in urban and suburban neighbourhoods of large cities, and rural areas reported the most barriers, differing relative to population size. The major contribution of this paper is a new perspective of environmental influences on children's perceptions of PA, using an urbanicity spectrum, and highlighting place specific needs of Canadian children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leah G Taylor
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Department of Geography, Western University, London, ON, Canada N6A 5C2; Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada N6C 2V5
| | - Andrew F Clark
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Department of Geography, Western University, London, ON, Canada N6A 5C2; Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada N6C 2V5
| | - Jason A Gilliland
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Department of Geography, Western University, London, ON, Canada N6A 5C2; Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada N6C 2V5; Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Health Studies, Western University, London, ON, Canada N6A 5B9; Department of Paediatrics, Western University, London, ON, Canada N6A 5C2; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, ON, Canada N6A 5C2.
| |
Collapse
|