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Rivera Olsson S, Elldér E. Are bicycle streets cyclist-friendly? Micro-environmental factors for improving perceived safety when cycling in mixed traffic. Accid Anal Prev 2023; 184:107007. [PMID: 36806076 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2023.107007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
A bicycle street is a mixed traffic street where motor vehicles are forced to adapt their speed to bicycle traffic, for example by encouraging cycling in the middle of the street using centered bicycle lanes. The objective safety of cyclists increases with lower vehicle speeds and fewer motor vehicles. Despite this, cyclists' perception of their safety is often reduced in mixed traffic streets. Subjective unsafety and risk constitute a major barrier to increased cycling. This study investigates how the design of the micro-environment of bicycle streets can improve cyclists' perceived safety in mixed traffic. A quasi-experimental survey in which 371 participants rated their perceived safety in photo-manipulated bicycle streets was conducted. 52% of the participants were male, the mean age was 43 (20-77) years, and 76% reported that they cycle 4-5 days a week or more. The focus was on evaluating micro-environmental factors such as different designs of centered bicycle lanes, road markings, signs, traffic volume, and parked cars. It is concluded that the micro-environment has important effects on the perceived safety of cyclists. Important gains in subjective safety can be achieved with fairly simple design efforts. Many participants felt safe when there were clearly demarcated red-colored bicycle lanes in the center of the street accompanied by road markings for cyclists. The strongest effect, however, comes from reducing traffic volume. Most participants felt safe in micro-environments in which the traffic volume had been reduced, including those where no design changes had been made. Important differences between different groups of cyclists were also found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Rivera Olsson
- Department of Economy and Society, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Earth Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Erik Elldér
- Department of Economy and Society, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
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2
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Sourelli AM, Welsh R, Thomas P. User preferences, driving context or manoeuvre characteristics? Exploring parameters affecting the acceptability of automated overtaking. Appl Ergon 2023; 109:103959. [PMID: 36652874 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2022.103959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Future user acceptance will be a requirement for the AVs to accomplish their estimated safety benefits, highlighting the importance of acceptable driving behaviour. This study aims to investigate the parameters that affect the acceptability of highly automated overtaking. 237 respondents participated in a video based online survey, rating different motorway flying overtaking scenarios based on their preferences. The scores were analysed using a variety of methods (statistical tests, Principal Component Analysis, Linear Mixed Models). Long pull-out distances and manoeuvre duration values, as well as lower speeds were preferred by the participants, with some limited impact of the driving situation. Overall, behaviour simulating an average, cautious human driver is likely to positively influence acceptability and suggests the value of further research on context-adaptive automated driving to account for subjective risk perception. These findings can contribute towards user-centred systems that assist or autonomously perform overtaking manoeuvres, supporting their uptake and thus the realisation of their safety benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Maria Sourelli
- Transport Safety Research Centre, School of Design & Creative Arts, Loughborough University, Epinal Way, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, UK.
| | - Ruth Welsh
- Transport Safety Research Centre, School of Design & Creative Arts, Loughborough University, Epinal Way, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, UK
| | - Pete Thomas
- Transport Safety Research Centre, School of Design & Creative Arts, Loughborough University, Epinal Way, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, UK
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3
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Soveri A, Karlsson LC, Antfolk J, Mäki O, Karlsson L, Karlsson H, Nolvi S, Karukivi M, Lindfelt M, Lewandowsky S. Spillover effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on attitudes to influenza and childhood vaccines. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:764. [PMID: 37098527 PMCID: PMC10126550 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15653-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The current study sought to determine whether public perceptions of other vaccines and diseases than COVID-19 have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We longitudinally examined whether there had been a change from before the COVID-19 pandemic to during the pandemic in: (a) influenza vaccination behaviour and intentions; (b) the perceived benefit of childhood vaccines and influenza vaccines; (c) the perceived safety of childhood vaccines and influenza vaccines; (d) the perceived severity of measles and influenza; and (e) trust in healthcare professionals in two samples of Finnish adults (N = 205 in Study 1 and N = 197 in Study 2). The findings showed that during the pandemic, more people than before had received or wanted to receive the influenza vaccine. The respondents also believed that influenza was more dangerous during the pandemic and that vaccinations were safer and more beneficial. On the other hand, for childhood vaccines only perceived safety increased. Finally, in one of the studies, people had more confidence in medical professionals during the pandemic than they had before. Together, these findings imply a spillover of the COVID-19 pandemic on how people view other vaccines and illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Soveri
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turun Yliopisto, 20014, Finland.
| | - Linda C Karlsson
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turun Yliopisto, 20014, Finland
| | - Jan Antfolk
- Department of Psychology, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Otto Mäki
- Department of Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Linnea Karlsson
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turun Yliopisto, 20014, Finland
- Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Hasse Karlsson
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turun Yliopisto, 20014, Finland
- Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- Department of Psychiatry, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Saara Nolvi
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turun Yliopisto, 20014, Finland
- Department of Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology, Turku Institute for Advanced Studies, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Max Karukivi
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turun Yliopisto, 20014, Finland
- Department of Adolescent Psychiatry, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Mikael Lindfelt
- Department of Theological Ethics, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Stephan Lewandowsky
- School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
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Edelmann A, Stümper S, Petzoldt T. The interaction between perceived safety and perceived usefulness in automated parking as a result of safety distance. Appl Ergon 2023; 108:103962. [PMID: 36634461 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2022.103962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Improved safety and traffic efficiency are among the proclaimed benefits of automated driving functions. In many scenarios, traffic safety and efficiency can be somewhat contradictory, especially in the perception of a user. In order for potential users to accept the automated system, it is necessary to find the optimal system configuration. Therefore, it is important to understand how the factors underlying acceptance develop and interact. In this study, seven safety distances of an automated parking system were implemented resulting in parking manoeuvres of varying efficiency (in terms of required moves). Participants experienced each configuration twice and rated their perceived safety and perceived usefulness. The results show that maximizing safety distances results in high perceived safety, yet also a diminished perceived usefulness due to reduced efficiency. On the other hand, maximum efficiency leads to a lower perceived safety and thus, a reduced rating of perceived usefulness. Furthermore, in some participants, perceived safety increased gradually, while for others, a threshold effect could be observed. The results demonstrate that the specification of a sole system characteristic can have multiple effects. These have to be considered to maximize acceptance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Edelmann
- AUDI AG, 85045 Ingolstadt, Germany; Technische Universität Dresden, Chair of Traffic and Transportation Psychology, Hettnerstraße 1, 01069 Dresden, Germany.
| | | | - Tibor Petzoldt
- Technische Universität Dresden, Chair of Traffic and Transportation Psychology, Hettnerstraße 1, 01069 Dresden, Germany.
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Juul V, Nordbø ECA. Examining activity-friendly neighborhoods in the Norwegian context: green space and walkability in relation to physical activity and the moderating role of perceived safety. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:259. [PMID: 36747160 PMCID: PMC9903513 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15170-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the well-known health benefits of regular physical activity, inactivity remains a major public health concern. Understanding how the built environment can encourage physical activity is therefore important to inform current policy strategies for creating activity-friendly neighborhoods. This study aimed to examine whether neighborhood walkability and greenness were associated with physical activity, and if perceived safety moderated any such relations, among adult citizens in Norway. METHODS This cross-sectional study included a sample of 5670 adults aged ≥ 18 years living in urban areas of Stavanger. Information on physical activity (PA) levels, perceived neighborhood safety, and socio-demography were obtained from questionnaire data collected in the Norwegian county public health survey of Rogaland. Geographic information systems were utilized to compute walkability, vegetation scores and proportion of green space within postcode areas, which subsequently were linked to the survey data. Hierarchical linear regression models were fitted to examine associations between walkability, amount of vegetation, proportion of green space and weekly minutes of PA, and to estimate main and interaction effects of perceived safety on these relationships. RESULTS The adults were on average physically active 148.3 min/week. The amount of green vegetation in the neighborhood was positively related to physical activity when adjusting for potential confounders. No such relations were observed for proportion of green space and walkability. Perceived neighborhood safety was significantly related to increased levels of physical activity, but no moderating role of perceived safety was observed. CONCLUSION Although our findings should be interpreted with caution, the results point towards the importance of policymakers, planners, and public health professionals to advocate for safe environments with green vegetation for physical activity in the neighborhood.
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Böcker L, Olsson LE, Priya Uteng T, Friman M. Pandemic impacts on public transport safety and stress perceptions in Nordic cities. Transp Res D Transp Environ 2023; 114:103562. [PMID: 36573213 PMCID: PMC9772826 DOI: 10.1016/j.trd.2022.103562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 has brought severe disruption and demand suppression to mobility, especially to public transport (PT). A key challenge now is to restore trust that PT is safe again. This paper investigates pandemic impacts on PT safety and stress perceptions in three Nordic cities, drawing on 2018 and 2020 survey data analysed in structural equation models. While finding modest pandemic effects on safety and stress perceptions overall, strong heterogeneities exist across gender, age and geographic categories. Women perceive less PT safety and more stress, especially during the pandemic. Older adults reduced PT more during the pandemic and perceived no stress reduction like younger adults. Stockholm travellers feel less safe and more stressed than in Oslo and Bergen, whilst pandemic PT use and perceived safety reductions are least in Bergen. The paper discusses the long-term implications for theory and policy across multiple mobility scenarios accounting for modal change and travel demand uncertainties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Böcker
- Institute of Transport Economics, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lars E Olsson
- CTF Service Research Center, Karlstad University, Sweden
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Huber BD, Kim B, Chaix B, Regan SD, Duncan DT. Objective and Subjective Neighborhood Crime Associated with Poor Sleep among Young Sexual Minority Men: a GPS Study. J Urban Health 2022; 99:1115-1126. [PMID: 35931941 PMCID: PMC9727059 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-022-00674-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Sleep disparities in sexual minority male (SMM) populations have received relatively little attention but they may be critical to explaining other health disparities seen among SMM, via neural or hormonal pathways. Recent research suggests that crime may be a psychosocial stressor that contributes to sleep disparities but that finding has been based on subjective measures of crime. We conducted the P18 Neighborhood Study of 250 SMM in New York City, including 211 with adequate GPS tracking data. We used the GPS tracking data to define daily path area activity spaces and tested the associations of violent crime in those activity spaces and in the subject's residential neighborhood, perceived neighborhood safety, and witnessing crime with a subjective measure of sleep. Using quasi-Poisson regression, adjusted for individual and neighborhood socio-demographics, we found that SMM who witnessed more types of crime experienced significantly more nights of poor sleep over the course of a month (RR: 1.16, 95%CI: 1.05-1.27, p-value: < 0.01). We did not find any associations between violent crime rates in either the activity area or residential area and sleep. Our findings support the conclusion that personal exposure to crime is associated with sleep problems and provide further evidence for the pathway between stress and sleep. The lack of association between neighborhood crime levels and sleep suggests that there must be personal experience with crime and ambient presence is insufficient to produce an effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D Huber
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia Spatial Epidemiology Lab, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Byoungjun Kim
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia Spatial Epidemiology Lab, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 550 1st Ave, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Basile Chaix
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie Et de Santé Publique IPLESP, Nemesis team, F75012, Paris, France
| | - Seann D Regan
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia Spatial Epidemiology Lab, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Dustin T Duncan
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia Spatial Epidemiology Lab, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
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Shum C, Ghosh A. Safety or service? Effects of employee prosocial safety-rule-breaking on consumer satisfaction. Int J Hosp Manag 2022; 103:103225. [PMID: 35946038 PMCID: PMC9352442 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhm.2022.103225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic makes restaurants implement new safety rules. However, because of consumers' and employees' resistance, employees may break these rules to improve the service experience. This paper examines how employees' prosocial safety-rule-breakings (PSRB) affect consumer satisfaction. We propose that PSRB has two competing effects on consumers' (including both requesters and bystanders) satisfaction via the mediating roles of service performance and perceived safety. We tested our proposed model in two experiments, adopting a 2 (Consumer role: Requesters vs. Bystanders) × 2 (PSRB level: Low vs. High) between-subject experimental design. Our findings suggest that PSRB has a strong negative relationship with bystanders' service performance rating. PSRB harms both requesters' and bystanders' perceived safety. PSRB reduces consumer satisfaction, and the relationship is stronger for bystanders (vs. requesters). This study demonstrates the importance for hospitality organizations to ensure safety rule compliance during and after the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cass Shum
- William F. Harrah College of Hospitality, University of Nevada Las Vegas, 4505 Maryland Parkway Box 456013, Las Vegas, NV 89154-6021, USA
| | - Ankita Ghosh
- William F. Harrah College of Hospitality, University of Nevada Las Vegas, 4505 Maryland Parkway Box 456013, Las Vegas, NV 89154-6021, USA
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Jamal S, Chowdhury S, Newbold KB. Transport preferences and dilemmas in the post-lockdown (COVID-19) period: Findings from a qualitative study of young commuters in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Case Stud Transp Policy 2022; 10:406-416. [PMID: 35036315 PMCID: PMC8744405 DOI: 10.1016/j.cstp.2022.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
At the start of the pandemic in early 2020, many cities went to complete or partial lockdown to minimize the mass transmission of COVID-19. Consequently, personal travel patterns have changed throughout the world. This study explores the transport mode preferences and associated dilemmas that commuters face in Dhaka, Bangladesh, in the post-lockdown period. We conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews of 20 young commuters residing in Dhaka. We followed a deductive reasoning approach, and the transcriptions were analyzed following thematic analysis. Findings suggest that despite the perceived high risk of COVID-19 transmission in certain modes, all commuters don't have the ease and flexibility to switch to their preferred safer mode, with commuters trading-off between health risk, affordability and availability of suitable modes, along with other challenges. However, the country's sustainable goals can still be achieved if proper actions, such as removing the challenges commuters face while switching to a sustainable and safe mode during COVID-19 are taken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaila Jamal
- School of Earth, Environment and Society, McMaster University, Canada
| | - Sadia Chowdhury
- Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh
| | - K Bruce Newbold
- School of Earth, Environment and Society, McMaster University, Canada
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Cao J, Lin L, Zhang J, Zhang L, Wang Y, Wang J. The development and validation of the perceived safety of intelligent connected vehicles scale. Accid Anal Prev 2021; 154:106092. [PMID: 33765495 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2021.106092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Whether the public feels psychologically safe about intelligent connected vehicles (ICVs) is crucial for this new technology to prevail. While researchers have realized the importance of perceived safety, a direct and psychometrically sound measure is still needed. This paper aimed to develop and validate a scale to measure the perceived safety of ICVs. In Study 1, an 8-item scale of the perceived safety was developed based on a literature review and used with a sample from Beijing (n = 373), among the people who are very likely to be the first wave of users. Exploratory factor analysis retained six items and found that a two-dimensional model (three items for cognitive safety and three items for emotional safety) best suited the data. Correlational analyses suggested that the two components may have unique causes and consequences. In Study 2, using a different sample from Shenzhen (n = 352), confirmatory factor analysis consolidated the two-factor model. Further correlational analyses showed that the scale had good criterion-related validity. Across two studies, cognitive safety was related to perceived controllability, the tendency to seek new technologies, ICV driving experience, perceived government support, drive intention and intention to be other road users. Emotional safety was correlated with social support, familiarity, benefit perception, purchase and recommend intention. These results suggest that the scale developed in this study is a useful and reliable tool to measure perceived safety. Implications for future studies and relevant policies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianqin Cao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, China; Department of Psychology, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
| | - Li Lin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, China; Department of Psychology, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
| | - Jingyu Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, China; Department of Psychology, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, China.
| | - Liang Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, China; Department of Psychology, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, China.
| | - Ya Wang
- Baidu Intelligent Driving Experience Design Center, Beijing, China
| | - Jifang Wang
- Baidu Intelligent Driving Experience Design Center, Beijing, China
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Mukamurigo J, Berg M, Nyirazinyoye L, Bogren M, Dencker A. Women's childbirth experience emphasizing own capacity and safety: A cross-sectional Rwandan study. Women Birth 2021; 34:e146-e152. [PMID: 32192910 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2020.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
PROBLEM AND AIM Women's childbirth experience is central when assessing intrapartum care quality. This study accordingly measures women's childbirth experience in Rwandan health facilities, focusing on own capacity and perceived safety. METHODS A cross-sectional health facility-based study was conducted December 2014 to January 2015 in Kigali City and the Northern Province. Childbirth experience was assessed before discharge using an overall assessment and two subscales, Own capacity and Perceived safety, of the Childbirth Experience Questionnaire, with high scores reflecting a good experience. The questionnaire was translated from English into Kinyarwanda. Reliability was tested using Cronbach's alpha; and mean scores between groups were compared using Mann-Whitney U test. FINDINGS All invited women (n = 817) agreed to participate after informed consent. Mean age was 27.8 years and 63.6% were multiparous. A majority of women (82.3%) reported an overall positive childbirth experience (≥8 out of 10). Cronbach's alpha indicated good reliability for Own capacity (0.78) and Perceived safety (0.76). In both subscales multiparous women had higher mean scores than primiparous, married women scored higher than unmarried, older women (>35) scored higher than younger (<35), and women with higher level of education scored higher than those with lower level. Women with HIV scored lower on perceived safety. CONCLUSION A majority of the women reported a positive overall childbirth experience. Own capacity and perceived safety are important dimensions of childbirth experience and should be addressed in building high-quality intrapartum care. Further research is needed and should include exploration of specific groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Mukamurigo
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health and Care Sciences, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Rwanda, Rwanda.
| | - Marie Berg
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Obstetric Unit, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Laetitia Nyirazinyoye
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health and Care Sciences, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Rwanda, Rwanda
| | - Malin Bogren
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna Dencker
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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12
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Zougheibe R, Xia JC, Dewan A, Gudes O, Norman R. Children's outdoor active mobility behaviour and neighbourhood safety: a systematic review in measurement methods and future research directions. Int J Health Geogr 2021; 20:2. [PMID: 33413433 PMCID: PMC7792091 DOI: 10.1186/s12942-020-00254-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous studies have examined the association between safety and primary school-aged children's forms of active mobility. However, variations in studies' measurement methods and the elements addressed have contributed to inconsistencies in research outcomes, which may be forming a barrier to advancing researchers' knowledge about this field. To assess where current research stands, we have synthesised the methodological measures in studies that examined the effects of neighbourhood safety exposure (perceived and measured) on children's outdoor active mobility behaviour and used this analysis to propose future research directions. METHOD A systematic search of the literature in six electronic databases was conducted using pre-defined eligibility criteria and was concluded in July 2020. Two reviewers screened the literature abstracts to determine the studies' inclusion, and two reviewers independently conducted a methodological quality assessment to rate the included studies. RESULTS Twenty-five peer-reviewed studies met the inclusion criteria. Active mobility behaviour and health characteristics were measured objectively in 12 out of the 25 studies and were reported in another 13 studies. Twenty-one studies overlooked spatiotemporal dimensions in their analyses and outputs. Delineations of children's neighbourhoods varied within 10 studies' objective measures, and the 15 studies that opted for subjective measures. Safety perceptions obtained in 22 studies were mostly static and primarily collected via parents, and dissimilarities in actual safety measurement methods were present in 6 studies. The identified schematic constraints in studies' measurement methods assisted in outlining a three-dimensional relationship between 'what' (determinants), 'where' (spatial) and 'when' (time) within a methodological conceptual framework. CONCLUSIONS The absence of standardised measurement methods among relevant studies may have led to the current diversity in findings regarding active mobility, spatial (locality) and temporal (time) characteristics, the neighbourhood, and the representation of safety. Ignorance of the existing gaps and heterogeneity in measures may impact the reliability of evidence and poses a limitation when synthesising findings, which could result in serious biases for policymakers. Given the increasing interest in children's health studies, we suggested alternatives in the design and method of measures that may guide future evidence-based research for policymakers who aim to improve children's active mobility and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roula Zougheibe
- School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia.
| | - Jianhong Cecilia Xia
- School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Ashraf Dewan
- School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Ori Gudes
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, UNSW Medicine, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Richard Norman
- School of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
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13
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Pyrialakou VD, Gkartzonikas C, Gatlin JD, Gkritza K. Perceptions of safety on a shared road: Driving, cycling, or walking near an autonomous vehicle. J Safety Res 2020; 72:249-258. [PMID: 32199570 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2019.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION While improved safety is a highly cited potential benefit of autonomous vehicles (AVs), at the same time a frequently cited concern is the new safety challenges that AVs introduce. The literature lacks a rigorous exploration of the safety perceptions of road users who will interact with AVs, including vulnerable road users. Addressing this gap is essential because the successful integration of AVs into transportation systems hinges on an understanding of how all road users will react to their presence. METHODS A stated preference survey of the Phoenix, Arizona, metropolitan statistical area (Phoenix MSA) was conducted in July 2018. A series of ordered probit models was estimated to analyze the survey responses and identify differences between various population groups with respect to the perceived safety of driving, cycling, and walking near AVs. RESULTS Greater exposure to and awareness of AVs are not uniformly associated with increases in perceived safety. Various attitudinal factors, level of AV automation, and other intrinsic and extrinsic factors are related to safety perceptions of driving, walking, and cycling near AVs. Socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, such as gender, age, income, employment, and automobile usage and ownership, have various relationships with perceived safety. CONCLUSIONS Cycling near an AV was perceived as the least safe activity, followed by walking and then driving near an AV. Both similarities and differences were observed among the factors associated with the perceived safety of different travel alternatives. Practical Applications: Public perception will guide the development and adoption of AVs directly and indirectly. To help maintain control of public perception, transportation planners, decision makers, and other stakeholders should consider more deliberate and targeted messaging to address the concerns of different road users. In addition, more careful pilot testing and more direct attention to vulnerable road users may help avoid a backlash that could delay the rollout of this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Dimitra Pyrialakou
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, United States.
| | - Christos Gkartzonikas
- Lyles School of Civil Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States.
| | - J Drew Gatlin
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, United States.
| | - Konstantina Gkritza
- Lyles School of Civil Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States.
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Putrik P, van Amelsvoort L, Mujakovic S, Kunst AE, van Oers H, Kant IJ, Jansen MW, De Vries NK. Assessing the role of criminality in neighbourhood safety feelings and self-reported health: results from a cross-sectional study in a Dutch municipality. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:920. [PMID: 31288774 PMCID: PMC6617657 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7197-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neighbourhood safety has repeatedly been shown to be associated with the health and well-being of the residents. Criminality is often seen as one of the key factors affecting neighbourhood safety. However, the relationship between crime, fear of crime and feelings of safety remains underexplored. Methods Data on socio-demographic, health and safety perceptions was extracted from the Maastricht municipality survey (the Netherlands) (n = 9656 adults) and merged with data on official neighbourhood crime rates from the Police Registry. Pearson correlation coefficients and multilevel logistic regression models were computed to assess the association between aspects of objective and perceived criminality, individuals’ feelings of safety and health. Results The correlation between the police recorded crime and residents’ perceptions of the neighbourhood crime rates was weak (0.14–0.38), with the exception of violent crime (0.59), which indicates that other factors contribute to the perceptions of safety. In turn, the perception of higher rates of violent crime and more nuisance (on the scale 0–10) but not other types of crime or nuisance was positively associated with feeling unsafe (OR 1.27 [1.22;1.32] and 1.39 [1.33;1.46], respectively). Lower general feelings of safety at both the individual and neighbourhood level were consistently associated with worse self-rated health. Among different indicators of safety, the general feelings of safety had the most pronounced association with health, while subjective or objective measures of crime showed limited to no direct relationship with health. Conclusions Public health policies targeting safety as a social determinant of health should consider prioritizing areas of violent crime and nuisance to improve general feelings of safety. Further research is needed to understand which factors aside from criminality are driving residents’ feelings of safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polina Putrik
- Department of Health Promotion, School for Public Health and Primary Care (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Peter Debyeplein 1, 6229HA, Maastricht, The Netherlands. .,Academic Collaborative Centre for Public Health Limburg, Public Health Service Southern Limburg, Heerlen, The Netherlands.
| | - Ludovic van Amelsvoort
- Department of Epidemiology, School for Public Health and Primary Care (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Suhreta Mujakovic
- Academic Collaborative Centre for Public Health Limburg, Public Health Service Southern Limburg, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Anton E Kunst
- Public Health, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hans van Oers
- National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands.,Tranzo Scientific Centre for Care and Welfare, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - IJmert Kant
- Department of Epidemiology, School for Public Health and Primary Care (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Maria W Jansen
- Academic Collaborative Centre for Public Health Limburg, Public Health Service Southern Limburg, Heerlen, The Netherlands.,Department of Health Services Research, School for Public Health and Primary Care (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Nanne K De Vries
- Department of Health Promotion, School for Public Health and Primary Care (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Peter Debyeplein 1, 6229HA, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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15
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Nissen A, Hansen MB, Nielsen MB, Knardahl S, Heir T. Employee safety perception following workplace terrorism: a longitudinal study. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2019; 10:1478584. [PMID: 30728916 PMCID: PMC6352948 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2018.1478584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Terrorism at the workplace represents an extreme form of workplace violence potentially affecting large numbers of individuals. Evidence suggests that workplace violence adversely affects employees' health and work functioning by increasing perceived threat and decreasing perceived safety. The objective of this study was to explore longitudinal associations between perceived safety at work among employees exposed to a workplace terrorist attack and their views on security measures and emergency preparedness. The study comprised a three-wave follow-up of earlier cross-sectional studies on perceived safety at work in ministerial employees exposed to a terrorist attack in Oslo, Norway, in 2011 (N = 3065). Linear mixed-effects modelling was used to explore how perceived safety at work was associated with employees' perceptions on the prioritization of security measures at work, their knowledge of evacuation procedures, and the extent of escape and evacuation training. The more employees believed security measures were sufficiently prioritized at work and the better their knowledge of evacuation procedures, the higher they rated perceived safety at work. These findings applied both across employees (between-subject effects) and within employees across time (within-subject effects). Employees' views on the extent of escape and evacuation training were not strongly associated with perceived safety at work. Secondary analysis showed that post-traumatic stress reactions were negatively associated with perceived safety at work, and that the positive association between knowledge of evacuation procedures and perceived safety at work was weaker in women and more educated employees. In conclusion, following terrorism at the workplace, employees' perceived safety at work might be increased if employers prioritize security measures and provide good information on evacuation procedures. For employees with high levels of post-traumatic stress reactions, adequate treatment of these reactions will be likely to lead to enhanced perceived safety at work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Nissen
- Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Morten Birkeland Nielsen
- Department of Work Psychology and Physiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Stein Knardahl
- Department of Work Psychology and Physiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trond Heir
- Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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16
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Pugliese-Garcia M, Heyerdahl LW, Mwamba C, Nkwemu S, Chilengi R, Demolis R, Guillermet E, Sharma A. Factors influencing vaccine acceptance and hesitancy in three informal settlements in Lusaka, Zambia. Vaccine 2018; 36:5617-5624. [PMID: 30087047 PMCID: PMC6143480 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.07.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Revised: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Heterogeneous coverage threatens to compromise the effectiveness of immunization programs in Zambia. Demand-creation initiatives are needed to address this; however, there is incomplete understanding of why vaccine coverage is suboptimal. We investigated overarching perceptions on vaccine acceptability, hesitancy, and accessibility at three informal settlements in Lusaka, Zambia. METHODS Nested within a cholera vaccination uptake study, we sought to understand overarching perceptions on vaccines' hesitancy in three informal settlements in Lusaka, Zambia. We conducted 48 focus group discussions with a convenience sample of laypersons, lay healthcare workers, neighbourhood health committee members and vaccinators. RESULTS Both laypersons and community-based health actors reported high vaccine acceptance though several sources of hesitancy were reported. Traditional remedies, alcohol use and religious beliefs emerged as drivers of vaccine hesitancy, likely reinforced by a background of distrust towards western medicine. Also mentioned were previous adverse events, fear of injections and low perceived need for immunization. Limited understanding of how vaccines work and overlapping local terms for vaccine and other medical concepts created confusion and inaccurate views and expectations. Some reported refusing injections to avoid pain and perceived risk of infection. Discussants emphasised the importance of education and preferred mobile immunization campaigns, with weekend to reach those with poor access and delivered by a combination of professional and volunteer workers. CONCLUSIONS Vaccine hesitancy in Zambia is underpinned by many factors including personal experiences with vaccinations, alternative belief models, limited knowledge, deep misunderstanding about how vaccines work, and barriers to access. To overcome these, community-driven models that incorporate factual communication by professionals and operate outside of traditional hours, may help. Better research to understand community preferences for vaccine uptake could inform interventions to improve immunization coverage in Zambia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Pugliese-Garcia
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Plot # 34620, P.O. Box 34681, Lusaka 10101, Zambia.
| | | | - Chanda Mwamba
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Plot # 34620, P.O. Box 34681, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
| | - Sharon Nkwemu
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Plot # 34620, P.O. Box 34681, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
| | - Roma Chilengi
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Plot # 34620, P.O. Box 34681, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
| | | | | | - Anjali Sharma
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Plot # 34620, P.O. Box 34681, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
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Abstract
Perceived safety from crime and objectively-measured crime rates may be associated with physical inactivity. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to estimate the odds of accumulating high levels of physical activity (PA) when the perception of safety from crime is high and when objectively-measured crime is high. Peer-reviewed studies were identified through PubMed, Web of Science, ProQuest Criminal Justice, and ScienceDirect from earliest record through 2016. Included studies measured total PA, leisure-time PA, or walking in addition to perceived safety from crime or objective measures of crime. Mean odds ratios were aggregated with random effects models, and meta-regression was used to examine effects of potential moderators: country, age, and crime/PA measure. Sixteen cross-sectional studies yielded sixteen effects for perceived safety from crime and four effects for objective crime. Those reporting feeling safe from crime had a 27% greater odds of achieving higher levels of physical activity (OR=1.27 [1.08, 1.49]), and those living in areas with higher objectively-measured crime had a 28% reduced odds of achieving higher levels of physical activity (OR=0.72 [0.61, 0.83]). Effects of perceived safety were highly heterogeneous (I2=94.09%), but explored moderators were not statistically significant, likely because of the small sample size. Despite the limited number of effects suitable for aggregation, the mean association between perceived safety and PA was significant. As it seems likely that perceived lack of safety from crime constrains PA behaviors, future research exploring moderators of this association may help guide public health recommendations and interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Rees-Punia
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
| | - Elizabeth D Hathaway
- Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN, USA
| | - Jennifer L Gay
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA; Department of Health Promotion and Behavior, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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18
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Richardson AS, Troxel WM, Ghosh-Dastidar M, Hunter GP, Beckman R, Colabianchi N, Collins RL, Dubowitz T. Pathways through which higher neighborhood crime is longitudinally associated with greater body mass index. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2017; 14:155. [PMID: 29121957 PMCID: PMC5679366 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-017-0611-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although crime and perceived safety are associated with obesity and body mass index (BMI), the pathways are less clear. Two likely pathways by which crime and perceived safety may impact obesity are through distress and physical activity. METHODS We examined data from 2013 to 2014 for 644 predominantly African-American adults (mean age 57 years; 77% female) living in low-income Pittsburgh, PA neighborhoods, including self-reported perceptions of safety and emotional distress, interviewer-measured height/weight, and physical activity measured via accelerometry. We used secondary data on neighborhood crime from 2011 to 2013. We built a structural equation model to examine the longitudinal direct and indirect pathways from crime to BMI through perceived safety, distress and physical activity. RESULTS Long-term exposure to crime was positively associated with lack of perceived safety (β = 0.11, p = 0.005) and lack of perceived safety was positively associated with BMI (β = 0.08, p = 0.03). The beneficial association between physical activity and BMI (β = -0.15, p < 0.001) was attenuated by a negative association between crime and physical activity (β = -0.09, p = 0.01). Although crime was associated with distress we found no evidence of a path from crime to BMI via distress. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest decrements in perceived safety and physical activity are important processes that might explain why neighborhood crime is associated with greater BMI.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wendy M. Troxel
- RAND Corporation, Health Division, 4570 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
| | | | - Gerald P. Hunter
- RAND Corporation, Health Division, 4570 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
| | - Robin Beckman
- RAND Corporation, Health Division, 4570 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
| | | | - Rebecca L. Collins
- RAND Corporation, Health Division, 4570 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
| | - Tamara Dubowitz
- RAND Corporation, Health Division, 4570 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
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19
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Sampson N, Nassauer J, Schulz A, Hurd K, Dorman C, Ligon K. Landscape care of urban vacant properties and implications for health and safety: Lessons from photovoice. Health Place 2017; 46:219-28. [PMID: 28570993 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2017.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Revised: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Care of vacant properties in urban environments is of particular interest to planners and residents alike. We report on a photovoice project completed by community leaders, researchers, and residents in two Detroit neighborhoods experiencing longtime systemic disinvestment. Participants photographed and discussed examples of care in a series of three focus groups in each neighborhood. Analyses highlight how acts of landscape care and visible cues to care contribute to changes in physical and social environments, and explore various links to health. We suggest theoretical and practical applications of residents' perspectives on landscape care and identify implications for well-being and neighborhood stability.
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20
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Brosschot JF, Verkuil B, Thayer JF. Exposed to events that never happen: Generalized unsafety, the default stress response, and prolonged autonomic activity. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 74:287-296. [PMID: 27471146 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Revised: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Based on neurobiological and evolutionary arguments, the generalized unsafety theory of stress (GUTS) hypothesizes that the stress response is a default response, and that chronic stress responses are caused by generalized unsafety (GU), independent of stressors or their cognitive representation. Three highly prevalent conditions are particularly vulnerable to becoming 'compromised' in terms of GU, and carry considerable health risks: Thus, GUTS critically revises and expands stress theory, by focusing on safety instead of threat, and by including risk factors that have hitherto not been attributed to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jos F Brosschot
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 52, 2333AK Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Bart Verkuil
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 52, 2333AK Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Julian F Thayer
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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21
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Brosschot JF, Verkuil B, Thayer JF. The default response to uncertainty and the importance of perceived safety in anxiety and stress: An evolution-theoretical perspective. J Anxiety Disord 2016; 41:22-34. [PMID: 27259803 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2016.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Revised: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
From a combined neurobiological and evolution-theoretical perspective, the stress response is a subcortically subserved response to uncertainty that is not 'generated' but 'default': the stress response is 'always there' but as long as safety is perceived, the stress response is under tonic prefrontal inhibition, reflected by high vagally mediated heart rate variability. Uncertainty of safety leads to disinhibiting the default stress response, even in the absence of threat. Due to the stress response's survival value, this 'erring on the side of caution' is passed to us via our genes. Thus, intolerance of uncertainty is not acquired during the life cycle, but is a given property of all living organisms, only to be alleviated in situations of which the safety is learned. When the latter is deficient, generalized unsafety ensues, which underlies chronic anxiety and stress and their somatic health risks, as well as other highly prevalent conditions carrying such risks, including loneliness, obesity, aerobic unfitness and old age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jos F Brosschot
- Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, 2300 RB Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Bart Verkuil
- Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, 2300 RB Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Julian F Thayer
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, 1835 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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Brown BB, Werner CM, Smith KR, Tribby CP, Miller HJ. Physical activity mediates the relationship between perceived crime safety and obesity. Prev Med 2014; 66:140-4. [PMID: 24963894 PMCID: PMC4134936 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2014.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2014] [Revised: 06/12/2014] [Accepted: 06/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The current cross-sectional study tests whether low perceived crime safety is associated with body mass index (BMI) and obesity risk and whether less moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) accounts for part of this relationship. METHOD Adults (n=864) from a relatively low-income and ethnically mixed neighborhood in Salt Lake City UT (2012) were assessed for perceived crime safety, objective physical activity, and BMI measures. RESULTS This neighborhood had lower perceived safety than for other published studies utilizing this safety measure. In a mediation test, lower perceived crime safety was significantly associated with higher BMI and greater risk of obesity, net of control variables. Residents with lower perceived safety had less MVPA. Lower MVPA partially explained the relationship between less safety and both elevated BMI and higher obesity risk, suggesting that perceiving less crime safety limits MVPA which, in turn, increases weight. CONCLUSION In this neighborhood, with relatively low perceived safety from crime, residents' low perceived safety is related to more obesity and higher BMI; lower MVPA among residents explained part of this relationship. If residents are to become more active in their neighborhood it may be important to address perceived crime safety as part of broader efforts to enhance active living.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara B Brown
- Department of Family and Consumer Studies, Cancer Control and Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, 225 S 1400 E RM 228, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Carol M Werner
- Department of Psychology, 380S. 1530 E., RM 502 BSB, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Ken R Smith
- Department of Family and Consumer Studies, Cancer Control and Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, 225 S 1400 E RM 228, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Calvin P Tribby
- Department of Geography; University of Utah. Present address 1036 Derby Hall, 154 N. Oval Mall, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Harvey J Miller
- Department of Geography; University of Utah. Present address 1036 Derby Hall, 154 N. Oval Mall, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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