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Guo X, Su W, Wang X, Hu W, Meng J, Ahmed MA, Qu G, Sun Y. Assessing the effects of air pollution and residential greenness on frailty in older adults: a prospective cohort study from China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:9091-9105. [PMID: 38183550 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31741-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Many studies have established a correlation between air pollution and green space with age-related diseases, yet the relationship between air pollution, green space, and frailty among older adults is not fully understood. The primary objective of this investigation is to examine the longitudinal association among air pollution, green space, and frailty in older adults, as well as the potential interaction and mediating effect. Analyzed data were obtained from the multi-wave CLHLS investigation (2008-2018). The participants' environmental exposure was evaluated using six air pollutants (PM1, PM2.5, PM10, PM10-2.5, O3, and NO2), and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Annual ambient air pollutants were estimated using satellite-based spatiotemporal models. Time-varying Cox proportional risk models were employed to investigate the longitudinal relationships between air pollutants, greenness, and the onset of frailty in the elderly population. We conducted a variety of subgroup analyses, sensitivity analyses, and assessed potential interaction and causal mediating effects. A total of 6953 eligible elderly individuals were enrolled in our study. In the fully adjusted model, per IQR uptick in levels of PM1, PM2.5, PM10, PM10-2.5, O3, and NO2 corresponded to a 17% (95% CI 1.10-1.24), 25% (95% CI 1.17-1.34), 29% (95% CI 1.20-1.39), 35% (95% CI 1.24-1.47), 12% (95% CI 1.04-1.20), and 11% (95% CI 1.05-1.18) increase in frailty risk, respectively. For NDVI, increased IQR was significantly negatively associated with the risk of frailty (aHR 0.82, 95% CI 0.77-0.87). Our results revealed a significant interaction effect among O3, NO2, and residential greenness. PM1, PM2.5, PM10, and PM10-2.5 play a mediating role in the estimated relationship between residential greenness and frailty. In summary, our study reveals that PM1, PM2.5, PM10, PM10-2.5, O3, and NO2 correspond to elevated risks of frailty in the elderly. Residential greenness is associated with a lower risk of frailty in the elderly. Residential greenness can exert a positive impact on frailty by reducing particulate matter concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianwei Guo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Wenqi Su
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xingyue Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Wenjing Hu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Jia Meng
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Mubashir Ayaz Ahmed
- Division of Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Guangbo Qu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yehuan Sun
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
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Cândido LM, Vieira LA, de Avelar NCP, Danielewicz AL. Perceived Characteristics of the Built Neighborhood Environment and Negative Self-Rated Health in Brazilian Community-Dwelling Older Adults. Exp Aging Res 2023; 49:557-568. [PMID: 36239321 DOI: 10.1080/0361073x.2022.2133296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Research indicates that self-rated health is associated with worse health outcomes in older adults. Thus, it is important to assess the association between built neighborhoods and self-rated health to establish strategies to improve the quality of life in the older adult population. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association between the perceived characteristics of the built neighborhood and the negative self-rated health in Brazilian community-dwelling older adults. METHODS A cross-sectional study for finite random samples was performed with older adults who used the municipal public health service. The outcome was negative self-rated health using the question "How do you perceive your health?" The regular, bad, and very bad responses were grouped as negative self-perception. The exposure variables were the perceived characteristics of the built neighborhood, which was evaluated by the adapted version of the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale. RESULTS A total of 308 older adults were analyzed. Living close to food establishments (OR: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.25;0.85), fitness/bodybuilding gyms and/or clubs (OR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.28;0.93), and safety to walk during the day (OR: 0.37; 95% CI: 0.16;0.87) and night (OR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.26;0.84) were protective against negative self-rated health. CONCLUSION Therefore, living in neighborhoods with better characteristics was less associated with negative self-rated health, demonstrating the importance of promoting strategies to improve the neighborhood infrastructure and this population's perception of health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letícia Martins Cândido
- Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Araranguá, Brazil
| | - Luiza Alves Vieira
- Department of Health Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Araranguá, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Lúcia Danielewicz
- Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Araranguá, Brazil
- Department of Health Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Araranguá, Brazil
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Sun Q, Loveday M, Nwe S, Morris N, Boxall E. Green Social Prescribing in Practice: A Case Study of Walsall, UK. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6708. [PMID: 37681848 PMCID: PMC10487442 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20176708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents a case study of Green Social Prescribing (GSP) in Walsall, a medium-sized urban area located in the West Midlands, UK. GSP is a means of enabling health professionals to refer people to a range of local non-clinical nature-based activities, e.g., community gardening and conservation volunteering. As a new practice to address multiple challenges in health and sustainability, GSP has been promoted by the UK government and the NHS in the past few years. There is as yet limited evidence and knowledge about how this approach is implemented at a local level. This paper addresses this gap of knowledge, by exploring how GSP is implemented in Walsall as a case study. Based on extensive engagement and research activities with the local partners to collect data, this paper reveals the local contexts of GSP, the referral pathways, and people's lived experience, discussing the challenges, barriers, and opportunities in delivering GSP at the local level. This study suggests that a more collaborative and genuine place-based approach is essential, and alongside GSP, investment into infrastructure is needed to move the health paradigm further from 'prevention' to 'promotion' so that more people can benefit from what nature can offer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Sun
- School of Design, Royal College of Art, Kensington Gore, London SW7 2EU, UK; (M.L.)
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Passmore HA, Krause AN. The Beyond-Human Natural World: Providing Meaning and Making Meaning. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6170. [PMID: 37372757 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20126170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Much academic and media attention has been focused on how nature contributes to psychological health, yet, most of this focus has been on happiness or hedonic well-being. Although numerous writers and researchers have linked connecting with nature as a pathway to meaning in life, an integrated overview has not yet (to our knowledge) been offered. Our manuscript is thus of both theoretical and practical importance with respect to finding meaning in life. In this hybrid commentary/review paper, we examine the link between meaning in life and relating to the beyond-human natural world. Through presenting supportive empirical research and interdisciplinary insights, we make the case that connecting with the natural world provides us with meaning in various ways. We discuss how nature is a common source of meaning in people's lives and how connecting with nature helps to provide meaning by addressing our need to find coherence, significance/mattering, and purpose (the three aspects comprising the tripartite model of meaning life). We also consider how connecting with nature enhances our experiential appreciation for life, a fourth aspect of meaning in life recently proposed. Our discussion then expands to examining nature as a place of attachment. Going beyond how nature provides us with meaning, we consider how engaging in nature-based activities provides an avenue for many people to build meaningful lives. We close by considering how threats to nature are a threat to meaning in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holli-Anne Passmore
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University of Edmonton, AW 236, Allan Wachowich Centre for Science, Research, and Innovation, 7128 Ada Boulevard, Edmonton, AB T5B 4E4, Canada
| | - Ashley N Krause
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, 945 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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Garrett JK, Rowney FM, White MP, Lovell R, Fry RJ, Akbari A, Geary R, Lyons RA, Mizen A, Nieuwenhuijsen M, Parker C, Song J, Stratton G, Thompson DA, Watkins A, White J, Williams SA, Rodgers SE, Wheeler BW. Visiting nature is associated with lower socioeconomic inequalities in well-being in Wales. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9684. [PMID: 37322030 PMCID: PMC10272170 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35427-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural environments can promote well-being through multiple mechanisms. Many studies have investigated relationships between residential green/blue space (GBS) and well-being, fewer explore relationships with actual use of GBS. We used a nationally representative survey, the National Survey for Wales, anonymously linked with spatial GBS data to investigate associations of well-being with both residential GBS and time in nature (N = 7631). Both residential GBS and time spent in nature were associated with subjective well-being. Higher green-ness was associated with lower well-being, counter to hypotheses (predicting the Warwick and Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS): Enhanced vegetation index β = - 1.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) - 3.63, - 0.05) but time spent in nature was associated with higher well-being (four hours a week in nature vs. none β = 3.57, 95% CI 3.02, 4.13). There was no clear association between nearest GBS proximity and well-being. In support of the equigenesis theory, time spent in nature was associated with smaller socioeconomic inequalities in well-being. The difference in WEMWBS (possible range 14-70) between those who did and did not live in material deprivation was 7.7 points for those spending no time in nature, and less at 4.5 points for those spending time in nature up to 1 h per week. Facilitating access and making it easier for people to spend time in nature may be one way to reduce socioeconomic inequalities in well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne K Garrett
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, UK.
| | - Francis M Rowney
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, UK
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Mathew P White
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, UK
- Cognitive Science HUB, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rebecca Lovell
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, UK
| | - Rich J Fry
- Department of Population Data Science, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Ashley Akbari
- Department of Population Data Science, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Rebecca Geary
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ronan A Lyons
- Department of Population Data Science, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Amy Mizen
- Department of Population Data Science, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Mark Nieuwenhuijsen
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Chrissie Parker
- Department of Population Data Science, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | | | - Gareth Stratton
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, ASTEM Research Centre, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Daniel A Thompson
- Department of Population Data Science, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Alan Watkins
- Department of Population Data Science, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - James White
- Centre for Trials Research, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Sarah E Rodgers
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Benedict W Wheeler
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, UK
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Horstmann S, Hartig C, Kraus U, Palm K, Jacke K, Dandolo L, Schneider A, Bolte G. Consideration of sex/gender in publications of quantitative health-related research: Development and application of an assessment matrix. Front Public Health 2023; 11:992557. [PMID: 37081952 PMCID: PMC10110874 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.992557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
During the last years the need to integrate sex and gender in health-related research for better and fairer science became increasingly apparent. Various guidelines and checklists were developed to encourage and support researchers in considering the entangled dimensions of sex/gender in their research. However, a tool for the assessment of sex/gender consideration and its visualization is still missing. We aim to fill this gap by introducing an assessment matrix that can be used as a flexible instrument for comprehensively evaluating the sex/gender consideration in quantitative health-related research. The matrix was developed through an iterative and open process based on the interdisciplinary expertise represented in our research team and currently published guidelines. The final matrix consists of 14 different items covering the whole research process and the publication of results. Additionally, we introduced a method to graphically display this evaluation. By developing the matrix, we aim to provide users with a tool to systematically compare sex/gender consideration qualitatively between different publications and even different fields of study. This way, the assessment matrix represents a tool to identify research gaps and a basis for future research. In the long term, the implementation of this tool to evaluate the consideration of sex/gender should contribute to more sex/gender equitable health-related research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Horstmann
- Department of Social Epidemiology, Institute of Public Health and Nursing Research, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
- Health Sciences Bremen, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Sophie Horstmann,
| | - Christina Hartig
- Department of Social Epidemiology, Institute of Public Health and Nursing Research, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
- Health Sciences Bremen, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Ute Kraus
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Palm
- Gender and Science Research Unit, Institute of History, Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katharina Jacke
- Gender and Science Research Unit, Institute of History, Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lisa Dandolo
- Department of Social Epidemiology, Institute of Public Health and Nursing Research, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
- Health Sciences Bremen, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Alexandra Schneider
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Gabriele Bolte
- Department of Social Epidemiology, Institute of Public Health and Nursing Research, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
- Health Sciences Bremen, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
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Dandolo L, Telkmann K, Hartig C, Horstmann S, Pedron S, Schwettmann L, Selsam P, Schneider A, Bolte G. Do Multiple Sex/Gender Dimensions Play a Role in the Association of Green Space and Self-Rated Health? Model-Based Recursive Partitioning Results from the KORA INGER Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5241. [PMID: 37047857 PMCID: PMC10094300 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20075241] [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: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to green space has a positive impact on health. Whether sex/gender modifies the green space-health association has so far only been studied through the use of a binary sex/gender category; however, sex/gender should be considered more comprehensively as a multidimensional concept based on theoretical approaches. We therefore explored whether sex/gender, operationalized through multiple sex/gender- and intersectionality-related covariates, modifies the green space-self-rated health association. We collected data from participants involved in the German KORA study (Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg) in 2019. Self-rated health was assessed as a one-question item. The availability of green spaces was measured subjectively as well as objectively. The multiple sex/gender- and intersectionality-related covariates were measured via self-assessment. To analyze the data, we used model-based recursive partitioning, a decision tree method that can handle complex data, considering both multiple covariates and their possible interactions. We showed that none of the covariates operationalizing an individual sex/gender self-concept led to subgroups with heterogeneous effects in the model-based tree analyses; however, we found effect heterogeneity based on covariates representing structural aspects from an intersectionality perspective, although they did not show the intersectional structuring of sex/gender dimensions. In one identified subgroup, those with a lower education level or a feeling of discrimination based on social position showed a positive green space-self-rated health association, while participants with a higher education level or no feeling of discrimination based on social position had a high level of self-rated health regardless of the availability of green spaces. Model-based recursive partitioning has the potential to detect subgroups exhibiting different exposure-outcome associations, with the possibility of integrating multiple sex/gender- and intersectionality-related covariates as potential effect modifiers. A comprehensive assessment of the relevance of sex/gender showed effect heterogeneity based on covariates representing structural aspects from an intersectionality perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Dandolo
- Department of Social Epidemiology, Institute of Public Health and Nursing Research, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany
- Health Sciences Bremen, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Klaus Telkmann
- Department of Social Epidemiology, Institute of Public Health and Nursing Research, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany
- Health Sciences Bremen, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Christina Hartig
- Department of Social Epidemiology, Institute of Public Health and Nursing Research, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany
- Health Sciences Bremen, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Sophie Horstmann
- Department of Social Epidemiology, Institute of Public Health and Nursing Research, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany
- Health Sciences Bremen, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Sara Pedron
- Institute of Health Economics and Health Care Management, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Professorship of Public Health and Prevention, Technical University of Munich, 80992 Munich, Germany
| | - Lars Schwettmann
- Institute of Health Economics and Health Care Management, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Division for Health Economics, Department of Health Services Research, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Peter Selsam
- Department Monitoring and Exploration Technologies, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research—UFZ, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Alexandra Schneider
- Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Gabriele Bolte
- Department of Social Epidemiology, Institute of Public Health and Nursing Research, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany
- Health Sciences Bremen, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany
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Edwards JR, Gotschall JW, Clougherty JE, Schinasi LH. Associations of greenspace use and proximity with self-reported physical and mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280837. [PMID: 36857353 PMCID: PMC9977027 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Research has shown that the COVID-19 pandemic affected individual's mental and physical health. The aim of this study was to estimate associations between greenspace use and proximity with perceived mental and physical health during the COVID-19 pandemic. We surveyed metropolitan Philadelphia residents, October 20-December 1, 2020, about walking time to the nearest greenspace from their home, frequency of greenspace use in the past 30 days, change in frequency of greenspace use during the COVID-19 pandemic, and perceived physical and mental health outcomes. We ran unadjusted and adjusted log-binomial regression models to derive Risk Ratio (RR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) estimates of associations of loneliness, physical and mental health outcomes with: (1) self-reported walking time to nearest greenspace; (2) reported greenspace use frequency; and (3) changes in greenspace use frequency. Of 485 survey participants, 244 (51.4%) reported feeling lonelier, 147 (31.37%) reported higher perceived stress, 261 (54.9%) reported worsened mental health, and 137 (28.7%) reported worsened physical health during vs. before the start of pandemic-restrictions in mid-March of 2020. After adjustment for gender, age, and change in financial status, RR estimates suggested modest protective associations between visiting greenspaces more frequently during vs. before the pandemic and worsened mental (RR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.70-1.00), and physical health (RR 0.77, 95% CI: 0.56-1.10), and loneliness (RR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.75-1.1) and perceived stress (RR 0.83, 95% CI: 0.61-1.13). Shorter walking distances to the nearest greenspace were associated with reduced risk of reporting worsened physical health and higher perceived stress; however, living shorter walking distances from greenspace were not associated with protection against worsened mental health or loneliness. These results suggest that active greenspace use may provide mental and physical health protection, particularly during a stressful public health crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janelle R. Edwards
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Urban Health Collaborative, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Jeromy W. Gotschall
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jane E. Clougherty
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Leah H. Schinasi
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Urban Health Collaborative, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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Lin D, Sun Y, Yang Y, Han Y, Xu C. Urban park use and self-reported physical, mental, and social health during the COVID-19 pandemic: An on-site survey in Beijing, China. URBAN FORESTRY & URBAN GREENING 2023; 79:127804. [PMID: 36447619 PMCID: PMC9691510 DOI: 10.1016/j.ufug.2022.127804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented challenges for people's health. Studies have demonstrated the positive impact of urban green spaces, particularly urban parks, on physical and mental health. However, few studies have evaluated social health, which is a component of human health, and more understanding of the relationship between urban parks and human health during the COVID-19 pandemic is required. This study examined the effects of urban parks on people's health using a canonical correlation model. Physical, mental, and social health were the dependent health variables, and five factors related to urban parks were the independent variables. This study investigated 22 urban parks inside the Forth Ring Road in Beijing, China using a questionnaire survey. The results demonstrated a positive association between urban parks and human health during the pandemic. Distance to the parks, park area, and park size were positively correlated with physical, mental, and social health. Furthermore, frequency and duration of visits to urban parks were positively associated with mental health and contact with neighbors. The health effects of urban park use varied with park types and locations' urbanization background. These findings can provide insights for health-oriented urban park planning and construction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Lin
- The Key Laboratory for Silviculture and Conservation of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Silviculture and Forest Ecosystem of State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Research Center for Urban Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Sun
- The Key Laboratory for Silviculture and Conservation of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Silviculture and Forest Ecosystem of State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Research Center for Urban Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Yang
- The Key Laboratory for Silviculture and Conservation of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Silviculture and Forest Ecosystem of State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Research Center for Urban Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Han
- The Key Laboratory for Silviculture and Conservation of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Silviculture and Forest Ecosystem of State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Research Center for Urban Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Chengyang Xu
- The Key Laboratory for Silviculture and Conservation of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Silviculture and Forest Ecosystem of State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Research Center for Urban Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
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Hartig C, Bolte G, Jöckel KH, Moebus S, Riedel N. Neighbourhood socio-economic status and positive affectivity among older residents in Germany: a cross-sectional analysis with data from the Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:891. [PMID: 36418996 PMCID: PMC9682725 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-03459-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical and social neighbourhood characteristics can vary according to the neighbourhood socio-economic status (SES) and influence residents' perceptions, behaviours and health outcomes both positively and negatively. Neighbourhood SES has been shown to be predictive of mental health, which is relevant for healthy ageing and prevention of dementia or depression. Positive affectivity (PA) is an established indicator of mental health and might indicate a positive emotional response to neighbourhood characteristics. In this study, we focussed on the association of neighbourhood SES with PA among older residents in Germany and considered social integration and environmental perceptions in this association. METHODS We used questionnaire-based data of the ongoing population-based Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study for our cross-sectional analysis, complemented by secondary data on social welfare rates in the neighbourhood of residents' address. PA was assessed using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) in 2016. Linear regression models were performed to estimate the associations and adjusted for socio-demographic variables. RESULTS Higher social welfare rates were associated with lower PA scores. The strongest negative association from the crude model (b = -1.916, 95%-CI [-2.997, -0.835]) was reduced after controlling for socio-demographic variables (b = -1.429, 95%-CI [-2.511, -0.346]). Social integration factors (b = -1.199, 95%-CI [-2.276, -0.121]) and perceived environmental factors (b = -0.875, 95%-CI [-1.971, 0.221]) additionally diminished the association of social welfare rates with PA in the full model (b = -0.945, 95%-CI [-2.037, 0.147]). CONCLUSION Our results suggest that neighbourhoods have an influence on the occurrence and the extent of PA. Public health interventions that address socio-economic disadvantage in the neighbourhood environment could be an effective and far-reaching way to reduce the risk of depression and depressive symptoms due to low PA in older residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Hartig
- grid.7704.40000 0001 2297 4381Institute of Public Health and Nursing Research, Department of Social Epidemiology, University of Bremen, Grazer Straße 4, 28359 Bremen, Germany ,grid.7704.40000 0001 2297 4381Health Sciences Bremen, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Gabriele Bolte
- grid.7704.40000 0001 2297 4381Institute of Public Health and Nursing Research, Department of Social Epidemiology, University of Bremen, Grazer Straße 4, 28359 Bremen, Germany ,grid.7704.40000 0001 2297 4381Health Sciences Bremen, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Karl-Heinz Jöckel
- grid.410718.b0000 0001 0262 7331Institute of Medical Informatics, Biometry und Epidemiology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Susanne Moebus
- grid.5718.b0000 0001 2187 5445University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Institute for Urban Public Health, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Natalie Riedel
- grid.7704.40000 0001 2297 4381Institute of Public Health and Nursing Research, Department of Social Epidemiology, University of Bremen, Grazer Straße 4, 28359 Bremen, Germany ,grid.7704.40000 0001 2297 4381Health Sciences Bremen, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
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Klicnik I, Putman A, Doiron D, Barakat C, Ardern CI, Rudoler D, Dogra S. Neighborhood greenness, but not walkability, is associated with self-rated measures of health in older adults: An analysis of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging. Prev Med Rep 2022; 30:102018. [PMID: 36245807 PMCID: PMC9563631 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2022.102018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this analysis was to determine whether older Canadians residing in neighborhoods characterized by denser greenness or higher walkability have better self-reported health outcomes at 3-year follow-up. Data on self-reported chronic diseases (composite score of 10 conditions) and self-rated measures of health (general health, mental health, and healthy aging) from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) were used as outcomes. The CLSA database was linked with the Canadian Active Living Environments (Can-ALE), a measure of walkability, and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), a measure of greenness. The analytic sample consisted of adults aged 65 and older (n = 15339, age 72.9 ± 5.6, 50 % female). Crude and adjusted associations were assessed using Poisson regression and proportional odds regression modelling. The 4th quartile of greenness was associated with the chronic disease index and all three measures of self-rated health (general health, mental health, and healthy aging); living in a neighborhood with the highest greenness was associated with better health three years later when compared to those in the lowest quartile of greenness. After adjustment for covariates of age, sex, income, education, and physical activity levels, only the association for the 3rd quartile of greenness was significantly associated with general health (OR: 0.90, 95 %CI: 0.81–0.99) and mental health (OR: 0.88, 95 %CI: 0.79-0.97). Can-ALE was not associated with any of the outcomes assessed. Future research assessing perceived environmental walkability and geriatric relevant health outcomes rather than chronic disease may provide greater insight into our understanding of age-friendly environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irmina Klicnik
- University of Ontario Institute of Technology, 2000 Simcoe St N, Oshawa, Ontario L1G 0C5, Canada
| | - Andrew Putman
- University of Ontario Institute of Technology, 2000 Simcoe St N, Oshawa, Ontario L1G 0C5, Canada
| | - Dany Doiron
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 5252 De Maisonneuve, Montreal, Quebec H4A 3S5, Canada
| | - Caroline Barakat
- University of Ontario Institute of Technology, 2000 Simcoe St N, Oshawa, Ontario L1G 0C5, Canada
| | - Chris I. Ardern
- York University, 4700 Keele St, Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - David Rudoler
- University of Ontario Institute of Technology, 2000 Simcoe St N, Oshawa, Ontario L1G 0C5, Canada
| | - Shilpa Dogra
- University of Ontario Institute of Technology, 2000 Simcoe St N, Oshawa, Ontario L1G 0C5, Canada,Corresponding author.
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12
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Hautekiet P, Saenen ND, Aerts R, Martens DS, Roels HA, Bijnens EM, Nawrot TS. Higher buccal mtDNA content is associated with residential surrounding green in a panel study of primary school children. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 213:113551. [PMID: 35654156 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113551] [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: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mitochondria are known to respond to environmental stressors but whether green space is associated with mitochondrial abundance is unexplored. Furthermore, as exposures may affect health from early life onwards, we here evaluate if residential green space is associated with mitochondria DNA content (mtDNAc) in children. METHODS In primary schoolchildren (COGNAC study), between 2012 and 2014, buccal mtDNAc was repeatedly (three times) assessed using qPCR. Surrounding low (<3m), high (≥3m) and total (sum of low and high) green space within different radii (100m-1000m) from the residence and distance to the nearest large green space (>0.5ha) were estimated using a remote sensing derived map. Given the repeated measures design, we applied a mixed-effects model with school and subject as random effect while adjusting for a priori chosen fixed covariates. RESULTS mtDNAc was assessed in 246 children with a total of 436 measurements (mean age 10.3 years). Within a 1000m radius around the residential address, an IQR increment in low (11.0%), high (9.5%), and total (13.9%) green space was associated with a respectively 15.2% (95% CI: 7.2%-23.7%), 10.8% (95% CI: 4.5%-17.5%), and 13.4% (95% CI: 7.4%-19.7%) higher mtDNAc. Conversely, an IQR increment (11.6%) in agricultural area in the same radius was associated with a -3.4% (95% CI: 6.7% to -0.1%) lower mtDNAc. Finally, a doubling in distance to large green space was associated with a -5.2% (95% CI: 7.9 to -2.4%) lower mtDNAc. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating associations between residential surrounding green space and mtDNAc in children. Our results showed that green space was associated with a higher mtDNAc in children, which indicates the importance of the early life environment. To what extent these findings contribute to later life health effects should be further examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Hautekiet
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Gebouw D, BE-3590, Hasselt, Belgium; Risk and Health Impact Assessment, Sciensano (Belgian Institute of Health), Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, BE-1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nelly D Saenen
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Gebouw D, BE-3590, Hasselt, Belgium; Risk and Health Impact Assessment, Sciensano (Belgian Institute of Health), Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, BE-1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Raf Aerts
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Gebouw D, BE-3590, Hasselt, Belgium; Risk and Health Impact Assessment, Sciensano (Belgian Institute of Health), Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, BE-1050, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity Conservation, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Kasteelpark Arenberg 31-2435, BE-3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dries S Martens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Gebouw D, BE-3590, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Harry A Roels
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Gebouw D, BE-3590, Hasselt, Belgium; Louvain Centre for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, Université Catholique de Louvain, Av. Hippocrate 57, BE-1200, Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Belgium
| | - Esmée M Bijnens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Gebouw D, BE-3590, Hasselt, Belgium; Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, BE-9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Gebouw D, BE-3590, Hasselt, Belgium; Department of Public Health & Primary Care, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), O&N I Herestraat 49 - Bus 706, BE-3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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13
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Srivarathan A, Kristiansen M, Jørgensen TSH, Lund R. The association between social integration and neighborhood dissatisfaction and unsafety: a cross-sectional survey study among social housing residents in Denmark. Arch Public Health 2022; 80:190. [PMID: 35962422 PMCID: PMC9373542 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-022-00945-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Social integration and perceived neighborhood environment are recognized as important social determinants of health. However, little is known about the association between social integration and perceived neighborhood environment among underrepresented population groups, such as residents in disadvantaged neighborhoods, in public health research. The aim of this study is to: 1) Describe the levels of social integration and 2) Investigate the association between social integration and neighborhood dissatisfaction and unsafety among middle-aged and older social housing residents. Methods A multilingual face-to-face interviewer-administrated survey questionnaire was conducted among 206 residents aged 45 years and above (response rate: 34.1%) of various nationalities in disadvantaged socioeconomic positions in a social housing area in Denmark. The assessment of social integration was based on cohabitation status, frequency of face-to-face and non-face-to-face interaction with social relations and participation in local association activities. Neighborhood dissatisfaction measured the level of dissatisfaction with the neighborhood, and neighborhood unsafety assessed the level of unsafety being outdoors in the neighborhood. Descriptive statistics were conducted to illustrate respondent characteristics and the distribution of social integration among the study population. Logistic regression models were applied to analyze associations between social integration and neighborhood dissatisfaction and unsafety, adjusted for age, sex, country of origin, educational attainment and employment status. Results In total, 23.8% of the respondents reported low levels of social integration. A medium level of social integration was associated with higher odds of neighborhood dissatisfaction (OR: 2.36; 95% CI: 1.04–5.38) compared to the highest level of integration. A low frequency of face-to-face interaction was associated with higher odds of neighborhood dissatisfaction (OR: 2.65; 95% CI: 1.16–6.06) and neighborhood unsafety (OR: 2.41; 95% CI: 1.04–5.57) compared to the highest frequency of face-to-face interaction. Conclusions Almost one-fourth of respondents reported low levels of social integration. A medium level of social integration was associated with neighborhood dissatisfaction. A low frequency of face-to-face interaction was associated with neighborhood dissatisfaction and unsafety. The results suggest that targeted health promotion interventions designed to foster face-to-face interaction, hold potential to reduce neighborhood dissatisfaction and unsafety among residents in disadvantaged neighborhoods. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13690-022-00945-9.
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Effect of Environmental Planning on Elderly Individual Quality of Life in Severe Cold Regions: A Case Study in Northeastern China. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14063522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
With the development of urbanization and the ageing population, the improvement of the urban environment and the quality of life (QOL) of the elderly in cities with a cold climate have become critical issues to be addressed. However, only a few studies have focused on this aspect. According to a review of the literature, the contents of the built environment (BE) in severe cold regions are defined as thirteen key factors of four categories (density, environmental aesthetics, outdoor environment, and accessibility) and the QOL of old people consists of three aspects (residential, health, and social satisfaction). This study explores how BE variables are associated with the QOL of older adults by using ordered logit and gologit2 models. The data consist of the results of 1945 questionnaires from field surveys in 11 different residential areas, across two cities in northeastern China. The results show: (1) Walkability in winter, distance to a public park of 400–1000 m, outdoor shelters and seating, less than five buses available, and a mixture of evergreen and deciduous trees are five of the most important variables of BE that have a significant positive impact on QOL compared with other climatic regions; (2) “Pocket parks” and pedestrian walkway safety are appropriate approaches to improve wellbeing under local economic conditions. For public transportation, metro and rail transit systems are encouraged, and some rules are needed to reduce the number of buses in harsh weather conditions; (3) Compared with spatial distribution in other climates, the scope of a 15 min city should be less than 1km in severe cold areas. From the findings, we conclude that there are six possible pattern languages to improve the urban environment, and they can provide information for further study on environmental planning in severe cold regions.
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15
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Zhai X, Lange E. The Influence of Covid-19 on Perceived Health Effects of Wetland Parks in China. WETLANDS (WILMINGTON, N.C.) 2021; 41:101. [PMID: 34720329 PMCID: PMC8542502 DOI: 10.1007/s13157-021-01505-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Wetland parks are designed to support urban ecological protection, flood control and human well-being. Existing research mainly focuses on their influence on ecology and economy. However, their influence on human well-being and health is rarely studied. In China, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic (Peak), people were very concerned about health, while at the same time wetland parks which are generally considered beneficial to health were closed. Thus, this study explores the public's perception of the health effects of visiting wetland parks and the impact of the pandemic on the perception. From March 5th to 8th, 2020, before the Peak in China was over, 1,400 respondents participated in a nationwide online survey. It was found that the perceived benefits from visiting wetland parks were higher in terms of mental health than in physical health. Also, the perceived health benefits of wetland parks after the Peak were slightly higher than before the pandemic. The results highlight that wildlife habitat services were considered to be the most important ecosystem services that promote the perceived health benefits. Interestingly, the perceived health benefits of wetland parks by health experts appear to be lower than in other groups, indicating that the health benefits of visiting wetland parks may be overestimated by lay-people or underestimated by health experts. The results provide empirical evidence for managing ecosystem services as delivered by these urban wetlands, in the context of COVID-19 or potential future pandemics, for promoting public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuezhu Zhai
- Department of Landscape Architecture, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN UK
| | - Eckart Lange
- Department of Landscape Architecture, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN UK
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Comprehensive Evaluation of the Importance of Ecological Land in Arid Hilly Cities in Northwest China: A Case Study of the Core Urban Area of Lanzhou. LAND 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/land10090942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cities in hilly arid areas of northwest China have generally experienced a low level of economic development; they also have unique natural characteristics such as climate, soil, terrain, environment, and surface cover. High quality ecological lands are those that provide humans and the environment with relatively high levels of ecological services including soil, water, and air purification, adsorbing pollutants, or providing water or nutrients needed by plants. In this study, ecological lands were classified as woodland, grassland, water area, and bare land. The present study constructed an ecological land model designed to evaluate the importance of such land from the perspective of ecological service function and ecological demand intensity. Results revealed that: (1) This model can help researchers to better analyze the structure and spatial characteristics of ecological land in cities and also meet the needs of ecological protection and urban management in highly urbanized areas. (2) In terms of ecological service function and ecological demand intensity, the most important ecological land is mostly distributed in densely populated and urbanized areas, and the spread of urbanization is conducive to the improvement of land ecological value for the arid hilly area of northwest China. (3) Among all types of ecological land, the water area had the highest ecological value in the study area, while the grassland had the most potential for improvement, as careful planning and use can allow grassland to function as an ecological barrier while providing good, aesthetically pleasing space for leisure activities for the general public. (4) Qilihe and Xigu districts have more generally important graded areas of forest, grassland, and bare land, although the current ecological value of these lands is limited, though they have great potential for ecological improvement.
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Rodriguez-Loureiro L, Casas L, Bauwelinck M, Lefebvre W, Vanpoucke C, Vanroelen C, Gadeyne S. Social inequalities in the associations between urban green spaces, self-perceived health and mortality in Brussels: Results from a census-based cohort study. Health Place 2021; 70:102603. [PMID: 34166885 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2021.102603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
This study examines the associations between residential urban green spaces (UGS) and self-perceived health and natural cause mortality, applying an intersectional approach across gender, education and migrant background. We used data from the 2001 Belgian census linked to register data on emigration and mortality for the period 2001-2014, including 571,558 individuals aged 16-80 residing in Brussels (80% response rate). Residential UGS were assessed with the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) within a 300 m buffer from the residential address and perceived neighbourhood greenness. Multilevel logistic and Cox proportional hazards regression models were conducted to estimate associations between UGS and poor self-perceived health at baseline and natural cause mortality during follow-up. Residential UGS were inversely associated with both outcomes, but there were differences between groups. The strongest beneficial associations among women were found in the lower educated, regardless of their migrant background. For men the strongest association was found in those with tertiary education and Belgian origin. No significant beneficial associations were found in men originating from low and middle-income countries. Applying an intersectionality approach is crucial to understand health inequalities related to UGS exposure. Further research in different geographical contexts is needed to contrast our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lidia Casas
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Medical Sociology and Health Policy, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Mariska Bauwelinck
- Interface Demography, Department of Sociology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Wouter Lefebvre
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
| | | | - Christophe Vanroelen
- Interface Demography, Department of Sociology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium; Health Inequalities Research Group - Employment Conditions Network (GREDS-EMCONET), Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sylvie Gadeyne
- Interface Demography, Department of Sociology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
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Pharmacogenetic association of diabetes-associated genetic risk score with rapid progression of coronary artery calcification following treatment with HMG-CoA-reductase inhibitors -results of the Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2021; 394:1713-1725. [PMID: 34021798 PMCID: PMC8298241 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-021-02100-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
HMG-CoA-Reductase inhibitors (HMGRIs) are currently the most widely used group of drugs in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and are given preemptively to patients with high levels of cholesterol, including those with diabetes mellitus (DM). However, intake of HMGRIs also increases the progression of coronary artery calcification (CAC) and the risk of developing DM. This study aimed to investigate whether HMGRI intake interacts with the diabetes-associated genetic risk score (GRS) to affect CAC progression using data from the population-based Heinz Nixdorf Recall (HNR) study. CAC was measured in 3157 participants using electron-beam computed tomography twice, at baseline (CACb) and 5 years later (CAC5y). CAC progression was classified as slow, expected, or rapid based on predicted values. Weighted DM GRS was constructed using 100 diabetes mellitus-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We used log-linear regression to evaluate the interaction of HMGRI intake with diabetes-associated GRS and individual SNPs on CAC progression (rapid vs. expected/slow), adjusting for age, sex, and log(CACb + 1). The prevalence of rapid CAC progression in the HNR study was 19.6%. We did not observe any association of the weighted diabetes mellitus GRS with the rapid progression of CAC (relative risk (RR) [95% confidence interval (95% CI)]: 1.01 [0.94; 1.10]). Furthermore, no indication of an interaction between GRS and HMGRI intake was observed (1.08 [0.83; 1.41]). Our analyses showed no indication that the impact of HMGRIs on CAC progression is significantly more severe in patients with a high genetic risk of developing DM than in those with a low GRS.
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Lõhmus M, Stenfors CUD, Lind T, Lauber A, Georgelis A. Mental Health, Greenness, and Nature Related Behaviors in the Adult Population of Stockholm County during COVID-19-Related Restrictions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18063303. [PMID: 33806787 PMCID: PMC8004976 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18063303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
International data suggest that exposure to nature is beneficial for mental health and well-being. The restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic have created a setting that allows us to investigate the importance of greenness exposure on mental health during a period of increased isolation and worry. Based on 2060 responses from an online survey in Stockholm County, Sweden, we investigated: (1) whether the COVID-19 pandemic changed peoples’ lifestyle and nature-related habits, and (2) if peoples’ mental health differed depending on their exposure to greenness. Neighborhood greenness levels were quantified by using the average normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) within 50 m, 100 m, 300 m, and 500 m buffers surrounding the participant’s place of residence. We found that the number of individuals that reported that they visited natural areas “often” was significantly higher during the pandemic than before the pandemic. Higher levels of greenness surrounding one’s location of residence were in general associated with higher mental health/well-being and vitality scores, and less symptoms of depression, anxiety, and perceived and cognitive stress, after adjustments for demographic variables and walkability. In conclusion, the results from the present study provided support to the suggestion that contact with nature may be important for mental health in extreme circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mare Lõhmus
- Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Region Stockholm, 113 65 Stockholm, Sweden; (T.L.); (A.L.); (A.G.)
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Box 210, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- Correspondence:
| | - Cecilia U. D. Stenfors
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden;
- Aging Research Center, Department of Neurobiology, Care Science and Society, Karolinska Institute, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tomas Lind
- Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Region Stockholm, 113 65 Stockholm, Sweden; (T.L.); (A.L.); (A.G.)
| | - André Lauber
- Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Region Stockholm, 113 65 Stockholm, Sweden; (T.L.); (A.L.); (A.G.)
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Box 210, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Antonios Georgelis
- Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Region Stockholm, 113 65 Stockholm, Sweden; (T.L.); (A.L.); (A.G.)
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Box 210, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
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Liu T, Cai B, Peng W, Xiao L, Shi H, Wu X, Gao H, Jia X. Association of neighborhood greenness exposure with cardiovascular diseases and biomarkers. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2021; 234:113738. [PMID: 33752171 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113738] [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: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
AIM Living in areas with neighborhood greenness may be associated with the incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, little evidence in this regard has emerged from developing countries. In the present study, we examined neighborhood greenness associated with CVDs and the lipid accumulation product (LAP) and pulse pressure (PP) in China. METHODS We undertook our analysis using a community cross-sectional survey conducted in Longzihu District of Bengbu from July to August 2015. We measured triglyceride levels, waist circumference, and blood pressure. To assess exposure to neighborhood greenness, we used the average normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) at 1,000-, 1,500-, and 2,000-m buffers in the participant community. We employed generalized mixed models to determine the association among neighborhood greenness, CVDs, LAP, and PP. We conducted stratified analysis by age, gender, income, and education. We assessed the potential mediating effects of road proximity and physical activity on greenness and CVDs, PP, and LAP. RESULTS The highest tertiles of NDVI1500-m were steadily and significantly associated with lower odds of CVDs prevalence: the adjusted OR of such prevalence was 0.612 (95% CI, 0.462-0.811); higher NDVI was significantly associated with lower PP levels. The NDVI was strongly associated with CVDs prevalence among participants who were male and had high income. Ambient road proximity significantly mediated 9.7% of the estimated association between greenness and PP, there was no evidence of mediation effects for physical activity. CONCLUSIONS Higher neighborhood greenness could have a beneficial effect on CVDs and biomarkers. There were higher associations between residential greenness and CVDs among male and higher-income individuals; road proximity partially mediated the observed association between greenness and PP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Ben Cai
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Wenjia Peng
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Liping Xiao
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Hengyuan Shi
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Xuesen Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Huaiquan Gao
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China.
| | - Xianjie Jia
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We systematically reviewed the available observational evidence on the association between long-term exposure to residential outdoor greenspace and health at older age and rated the evidence as sufficient, limited, or inadequate. RECENT FINDINGS We identified 59 studies, ranging from poor to very good quality. The health outcomes included mental health (N = 12, of which three were longitudinal studies and eight were rated to be of good quality), cognitive function (N = 6; two longitudinal studies, five of good/very good quality), physical capability (N = 22; five longitudinal studies, six of good/very good quality), cardiometabolic risk (N = 9; one longitudinal study, five of good/very good quality), morbidity (N = 11; three longitudinal studies, six of good/very good quality) and perceived wellbeing (N = 9; all cross-sectional, two of good quality). The evidence for a beneficial association with greenspace was rated limited for morbidity and inadequate for mental health, cognitive function, physical capability, cardiometabolic risk and perceived wellbeing. The reviewed studies provided inadequate/limited but suggestive evidence for a beneficial association between greater long-term greenspace exposure and healthy ageing. This review highlights the need of longitudinal studies that assess the association between long-term greenspace exposure and the trajectory of objective indicators of ageing.
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Hautekiet P, Nawrot TS, Demarest S, Van der Heyden J, Van Overmeire I, De Clercq EM, Saenen ND. Environmental exposures and health behavior in association with mental health: a study design. Arch Public Health 2020; 78:105. [PMID: 33093954 PMCID: PMC7576706 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-020-00477-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Air pollution, green space and smoking are known to affect human health. However, less is known about their underlying biological mechanisms. One of these mechanisms could be biological aging. In this study, we explore the mediation of biomarkers of exposure and biological aging to explain the associations between environmental exposures, health behavior and mental health. METHODS The study population of this cross-sectional study (n = 1168) is a subsample of the Belgian 2018 Health Interview Survey (BHIS). Mental health indicators including psychological and severe psychological distress, life satisfaction, vitality, eating disorders, suicidal ideation, subjective health and depressive and anxiety disorders, demographics and health behavior such as smoking are derived from the BHIS. Urine and blood samples are collected to measure respectively the biomarkers of exposure (urinary black carbon (BC) and (hydroxy)cotinine) and the biomarkers of biological aging (mitochondrial DNA content (mtDNAc) and telomere length (TL)). Recent and chronic exposure (μg/m3) to nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5) and ≤ 10 μm (PM10) and BC at the participants' residence are modelled using a high resolution spatial temporal interpolation model. Residential green space is defined in buffers of different size (50 m - 5000 m) using land cover data in ArcGIS 10 software. For the statistical analysis multivariate linear and logistic regressions as well as mediation analyses are used taking into account a priori selected covariates and confounders. RESULTS As this study combined data of BHIS and laboratory analyses, not all data is available for all participants. Therefore, data analyses will be conducted on different subsets. Data on air pollution and green space exposure is available for all BHIS participants. Questions on smoking and mental health were answered by respectively 7829 and 7213 BHIS participants. For biomarker assessment, (hydroxy) cotinine, urinary BC and the biomarkers of biological aging are measured for respectively 1130, 1120 and 985 participants. CONCLUSION By use of personal markers of air pollution and smoking, as well as biological aging, we will gain knowledge about the association between environmental exposures, health behavior, and the mental health status. The results of the study can provide insights on the health of the Belgian population, making it a nationwide interesting study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Hautekiet
- Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan gebouw D, BE-3590 Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Tim S. Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan gebouw D, BE-3590 Hasselt, Belgium
- Centre for Environment and Health, Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | - Nelly D. Saenen
- Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan gebouw D, BE-3590 Hasselt, Belgium
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Peng W, Jiang M, Shi H, Li X, Liu T, Li M, Jia X, Wang Y. Cross-sectional association of residential greenness exposure with activities of daily living disability among urban elderly in Shanghai. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2020; 230:113620. [PMID: 32950769 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2020.113620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
AIM Residential greenness exposure is associated with many health outcomes, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, and mental disorders. However, few studies have assessed the effects of greenness exposure on activities of daily living (ADL). This study evaluated the relationship between greenness and ADL among elderly residents with long-term care insurance (LTCI) in Shanghai, China. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey using stratified random sampling among elderly residents with LTCI in six districts of Shanghai in August 2018. We quantitatively assessed residential greenness using satellite-derived normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) values with 250-, 500-, and 1000-m buffers around each participant's residential address. We calculated the walk score to assess neighborhood walkability. Physical function was assessed using basic ADL (BADL) and instrumental ADL (IADL). We performed binary logistic regression and restricted cubic splines with R software. RESULTS The study participants were 1067 adults with a mean age of 82.40 years (standard deviation, 7.68 years). The mean NDVI value was 0.311. In the fully adjusted model, being in the highest-tertile NDVI500-m had a significant protective effect on BADL mild to none disability (odds ratio, 2.143; 95% confidence interval, 1.489-3.084) compared with participants in the lowest-tertile NDVI500-m. Restricted cubic spline showed a non-linearity association between NDVI values and BADL and IADL mild to none disability. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate the importance of residential greenness exposure to physical function-especially for BADL disability. Well-designed longitudinal studies are needed to confirm our findings and investigate the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjia Peng
- Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Man Jiang
- Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hengyuan Shi
- Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Xinghui Li
- School of Public Health/Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Liu
- Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Mengying Li
- School of Public Health/Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianjie Jia
- Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Ying Wang
- School of Public Health/Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Djeudeu D, Engel M, Jöckel KH, Moebus S, Ickstadt K. Spatio-temporal analysis of the risk of depression at district-level and association with greenness based on the Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study. Spat Spatiotemporal Epidemiol 2020; 33:100340. [PMID: 32370935 DOI: 10.1016/j.sste.2020.100340] [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: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In urban health studies where spatial and temporal changes are of importance, spatio-temporal variations are usually neglected. For the Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study, we investigate spatio-temporal variation in analyses of effects of urban greenness on depression by including spatio-temporal random effect terms in a Poisson model on district level. Our results show negative associations between greenness and depression. The findings suggest strong temporal autocorrelation and weak spatial effects. Even if the weak spatial effects are suggestive of neglecting them, as in our case, spatio-temporal random effects should be taken into account to provide reliable inference in urban health studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Djeudeu
- Faculty of Statistics, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund 44221, Germany; Centre for Urban Epidemiology (CUE), Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology (IMIBE), University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, Essen 45122, Germany.
| | - M Engel
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology (IMIBE), University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, Essen 45122, Germany
| | - K-H Jöckel
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology (IMIBE), University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, Essen 45122, Germany
| | - S Moebus
- Centre for Urban Epidemiology (CUE), Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology (IMIBE), University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, Essen 45122, Germany
| | - K Ickstadt
- Faculty of Statistics, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund 44221, Germany
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25
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Neuroscience Application for the Analysis of Cultural Ecosystem Services Related to Stress Relief in Forest. FORESTS 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/f11020190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The paper presents an integrated methodology to assess psychological and physiological responses of people when exposed to forests, with the main objective of assessing the suitability of different stands for stress recovery on the basis of tree species and density. From the methodological viewpoint, the study applies both a Restoration Outcome Scale (ROS) questionnaire and a neuroscientific technique grounded on electro-encephalographic (EEG) measurement. Results show different outcomes for conifers and broadleaves as well as a statistical significance of density in the evaluation of an individual’s emotional state. A forest with a high density of conifers and low density of broadleaves seems to be the proper combination for stress recovery. The differences among psychological stated preferences and EEG trends highlights potential conflict among “needs” and “wants” of people in the topic of stress relief. Potential applications of the research for health care and territorial marketing operations are suggested.
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26
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Klompmaker JO, Janssen NAH, Bloemsma LD, Gehring U, Wijga AH, van den Brink C, Lebret E, Brunekreef B, Hoek G. Residential surrounding green, air pollution, traffic noise and self-perceived general health. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 179:108751. [PMID: 31557601 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Self-perceived general health (SGH) is one of the most inclusive and widely used measures of health status and a powerful predictor of mortality. However, only a limited number of studies evaluated associations of combined environmental exposures on SGH. Our aim was to evaluate associations of combined residential exposure to surrounding green, air pollution and traffic noise with poor SGH in the Netherlands. We linked data on long-term residential exposure to surrounding green based on the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and a land-use database (TOP10NL), air pollutant concentrations (including particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2)) and road- and rail-traffic noise with a Dutch national health survey, resulting in a study population of 354,827 adults. We analyzed associations of single and combined exposures with poor SGH. In single-exposure models, NDVI within 300 m was inversely associated with poor SGH [odds ratio (OR) = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.89, 0.94 per IQR increase], while NO2 was positively associated with poor SGH (OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.11 per IQR increase). In multi-exposure models, associations with surrounding green and air pollution generally remained, but attenuated. Joint odds ratios (JOR) of combined exposure to air pollution, rail-traffic noise and decreased surrounding green were higher than the odds ratios of single-exposure models. Studies including only one of these correlated exposures may overestimate the risk of poor SGH attributed to the studied exposure, while underestimating the risk of combined exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochem O Klompmaker
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands; Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Nicole A H Janssen
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Lizan D Bloemsma
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands; Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ulrike Gehring
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Alet H Wijga
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Carolien van den Brink
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Erik Lebret
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands; Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Bert Brunekreef
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Gerard Hoek
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Sex/Gender Differences in the Association between Residential Green Space and Self-Rated Health-A Sex/Gender-Focused Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16234818. [PMID: 31801219 PMCID: PMC6926795 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16234818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Though sex/gender is an important social determinant of health, sex/gender inequalities have not been considered comprehensively in environmental health research thus far. The aim of this systematic review was to clarify whether sex/gender theoretical concepts were addressed in studies on the impact of residential green space on self-rated health and whether effect modification by sex/gender was observed. Three electronic databases were searched to identify epidemiological studies on perceived or objective residential green/blue space and self-rated health. Necessary for study inclusion was mentioning at least one keyword for sex/gender in title or abstract, adult study participants and data on self-rated health and on availability and/or use of green/blue spaces. Decisive for study inclusion was consideration of sex/gender differences in the impact of perceived or objective residential green/blue spaces on self-rated health in the analysis and presentation of results. Seven studies were included. They presented an overall positive impact of green space on self-rated health. No consistent sex/gender differences in the impact of green space on self-rated health were found in these studies. However, all studies used a binary operationalization male/female without further theoretical foundation. Research quality could be enhanced by integrating sex/gender-theoretical concepts into study design and interpretation of results.
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28
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Rodgers J, Briesacher BA, Wallace RB, Kawachi I, Baum CF, Kim D. County-level housing affordability in relation to risk factors for cardiovascular disease among middle-aged adults: The National Longitudinal Survey of Youths 1979. Health Place 2019; 59:102194. [PMID: 31518890 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2019.102194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Housing is a fundamental social determinant of health yet housing affordability has diminished over much of the twenty-first century. Research on housing affordability as a determinant of health is limited, but studies to date have shown correlations with mental health. However, few studies have examined the relationship between housing affordability and risk factors for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among Americans. METHODS Using a nationally-representative sample of middle-aged adults from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youths 1979 (NLSY79) and exploiting quasi-experimental variation before and after the Great Recession, we estimated the associations between the change in median county-level percentage of household income spent on housing (rent/mortgage) between 2000 and 2008 and individual-level risks of incident hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and depression from 2008 to 2014. We employed conditional fixed effects logistic regression models to reduce bias due to time-invariant confounding. RESULTS Each percentage point increase in county-level median percentage of household income spent on housing was associated with a 22% increase in the odds of incident hypertension (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.06 to 1.42; p = 0.01), a 37% increased odds of obesity (OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.00-1.87; p = 0.049), and a 15% increased odds of depression (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.01-1.31; p = 0.03), controlling for individual- and area-level factors. These associations were stronger among renters than homeowners, and among men compared to women. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that lower levels of housing affordability contribute to worse risk profiles for cardiovascular disease. Policies that make housing more affordable may help to reduce the population burden of cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Rodgers
- Department of Health Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Becky A Briesacher
- Department of Pharmacy and Health Systems Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert B Wallace
- University of Iowa, College of Public Health, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Ichiro Kawachi
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Daniel Kim
- Department of Health Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
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29
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Rodgers J, Valuev AV, Hswen Y, Subramanian SV. Social capital and physical health: An updated review of the literature for 2007-2018. Soc Sci Med 2019; 236:112360. [PMID: 31352315 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2019.112360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Social capital is frequently indicated as a determinant of population health. Despite an increase in the frequency of public health studies including such measures, our understanding of social capital's effects on health remains unclear. In 2008, a systematic review of the "first decade" of research on social capital and health was published in the textbook Social Capital and Health. Our study intends to update and expand upon this original review to account for developments in the literature over the second decade of research on social capital and health. METHODS We employed a systematic review of empirical studies investigating the relationship between measures of social capital and physical health outcomes published between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2018. To identify potential studies, we conducted searches of PubMed, Embase, and PsychINFO databases in January 2019 using combinations of "social capital" and "physical health" search terms. RESULTS We identified 1,608 unique articles and reviewed 145 studies meeting our inclusion criteria. The most frequently examined health condition was self-reported health (57%), followed by mortality (12%), cardiovascular diseases (10%), obesity (7%), diabetes (6%), infectious diseases (5%), and cancers (3%). Of these studies, 127 (88%) reported at least partial support for a protective association between social capital and health. However, only 41 (28%) reported exclusively positive findings. The majority (59%) of results were mixed, suggesting a nuanced relationship between social capital and health. This finding could also be indicative of differences in study design, which showed substantial variation. CONCLUSIONS Despite limitations in the literature, our review chronicles an evolution in the field of social capital and health in terms of size and sophistication. Overall, these studies suggest that social capital may be an important protective factor for some physical health outcomes, but further research is needed to confirm and clarify these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Rodgers
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard University, 310 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Anna V Valuev
- Department of Global Health and Health Policy, Harvard University, 14 Story Street Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Yulin Hswen
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard University, 310 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - S V Subramanian
- Center for Population and Development Studies, Harvard University, 9 Bow Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
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30
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Bratman GN, Anderson CB, Berman MG, Cochran B, de Vries S, Flanders J, Folke C, Frumkin H, Gross JJ, Hartig T, Kahn PH, Kuo M, Lawler JJ, Levin PS, Lindahl T, Meyer-Lindenberg A, Mitchell R, Ouyang Z, Roe J, Scarlett L, Smith JR, van den Bosch M, Wheeler BW, White MP, Zheng H, Daily GC. Nature and mental health: An ecosystem service perspective. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2019. [PMID: 31355340 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aax0903/suppl_file/aax0903_sm.pdf] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
A growing body of empirical evidence is revealing the value of nature experience for mental health. With rapid urbanization and declines in human contact with nature globally, crucial decisions must be made about how to preserve and enhance opportunities for nature experience. Here, we first provide points of consensus across the natural, social, and health sciences on the impacts of nature experience on cognitive functioning, emotional well-being, and other dimensions of mental health. We then show how ecosystem service assessments can be expanded to include mental health, and provide a heuristic, conceptual model for doing so.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory N Bratman
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Center for Creative Conservation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Center for Conservation Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- The Natural Capital Project, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Christopher B Anderson
- Center for Conservation Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Marc G Berman
- Department of Psychology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Grossman Institute for Neuroscience, Quantitative Biology, and Human Behavior, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | | | - Sjerp de Vries
- Wageningen Environmental Research, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Jon Flanders
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Bat Conservation International, Austin, TX 78746, USA
| | - Carl Folke
- Global Economic Dynamics and the Biosphere, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Beijer Institute, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Howard Frumkin
- Wellcome Trust, London, UK
- School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - James J Gross
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Terry Hartig
- Institute for Housing and Urban Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Peter H Kahn
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Ming Kuo
- Landscape and Human Health Laboratory, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Joshua J Lawler
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Center for Creative Conservation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Phillip S Levin
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Center for Creative Conservation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- The Nature Conservancy, Seattle, WA 98121, USA
| | - Therese Lindahl
- Beijer Institute, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg
- Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim/University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Richard Mitchell
- Centre for Research on Environment, Society and Health, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Zhiyun Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jenny Roe
- Center for Design and Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | | | - Jeffrey R Smith
- Center for Conservation Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Matilda van den Bosch
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Benedict W Wheeler
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - Mathew P White
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - Hua Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Gretchen C Daily
- Center for Conservation Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- The Natural Capital Project, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Stanford Woods Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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31
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Bratman GN, Anderson CB, Berman MG, Cochran B, de Vries S, Flanders J, Folke C, Frumkin H, Gross JJ, Hartig T, Kahn PH, Kuo M, Lawler JJ, Levin PS, Lindahl T, Meyer-Lindenberg A, Mitchell R, Ouyang Z, Roe J, Scarlett L, Smith JR, van den Bosch M, Wheeler BW, White MP, Zheng H, Daily GC. Nature and mental health: An ecosystem service perspective. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2019; 5:eaax0903. [PMID: 31355340 PMCID: PMC6656547 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aax0903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 432] [Impact Index Per Article: 86.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
A growing body of empirical evidence is revealing the value of nature experience for mental health. With rapid urbanization and declines in human contact with nature globally, crucial decisions must be made about how to preserve and enhance opportunities for nature experience. Here, we first provide points of consensus across the natural, social, and health sciences on the impacts of nature experience on cognitive functioning, emotional well-being, and other dimensions of mental health. We then show how ecosystem service assessments can be expanded to include mental health, and provide a heuristic, conceptual model for doing so.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory N. Bratman
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Center for Creative Conservation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Center for Conservation Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- The Natural Capital Project, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Corresponding author. (G.N.B.); (G.C.D.)
| | - Christopher B. Anderson
- Center for Conservation Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Marc G. Berman
- Department of Psychology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Grossman Institute for Neuroscience, Quantitative Biology, and Human Behavior, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | | | - Sjerp de Vries
- Wageningen Environmental Research, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Jon Flanders
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Bat Conservation International, Austin, TX 78746, USA
| | - Carl Folke
- Global Economic Dynamics and the Biosphere, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Beijer Institute, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Howard Frumkin
- Wellcome Trust, London, UK
- School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - James J. Gross
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Terry Hartig
- Institute for Housing and Urban Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Peter H. Kahn
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Ming Kuo
- Landscape and Human Health Laboratory, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Joshua J. Lawler
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Center for Creative Conservation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Phillip S. Levin
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Center for Creative Conservation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- The Nature Conservancy, Seattle, WA 98121, USA
| | - Therese Lindahl
- Beijer Institute, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg
- Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim/University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Richard Mitchell
- Centre for Research on Environment, Society and Health, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Zhiyun Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jenny Roe
- Center for Design and Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | | | - Jeffrey R. Smith
- Center for Conservation Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Matilda van den Bosch
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Benedict W. Wheeler
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - Mathew P. White
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - Hua Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Gretchen C. Daily
- Center for Conservation Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- The Natural Capital Project, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Stanford Woods Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Corresponding author. (G.N.B.); (G.C.D.)
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32
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Yeager R, Riggs DW, DeJarnett N, Tollerud DJ, Wilson J, Conklin DJ, O'Toole TE, McCracken J, Lorkiewicz P, Xie Z, Zafar N, Krishnasamy SS, Srivastava S, Finch J, Keith RJ, DeFilippis A, Rai SN, Liu G, Bhatnagar A. Association Between Residential Greenness and Cardiovascular Disease Risk. J Am Heart Assoc 2018; 7:e009117. [PMID: 30561265 PMCID: PMC6405613 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.118.009117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background Exposure to green vegetation has been linked to positive health, but the pathophysiological processes affected by exposure to vegetation remain unclear. To study the relationship between greenness and cardiovascular disease, we examined the association between residential greenness and biomarkers of cardiovascular injury and disease risk in susceptible individuals. Methods and Results In this cross-sectional study of 408 individuals recruited from a preventive cardiology clinic, we measured biomarkers of cardiovascular injury and risk in participant blood and urine. We estimated greenness from satellite-derived normalized difference vegetation index ( NDVI ) in zones with radii of 250 m and 1 km surrounding the participants' residences. We used generalized estimating equations to examine associations between greenness and cardiovascular disease biomarkers. We adjusted for residential clustering, demographic, clinical, and environmental variables. In fully adjusted models, contemporaneous NDVI within 250 m of participant residence was inversely associated with urinary levels of epinephrine (-6.9%; 95% confidence interval, -11.5, -2.0/0.1 NDVI ) and F2-isoprostane (-9.0%; 95% confidence interval, -15.1, -2.5/0.1 NDVI ). We found stronger associations between NDVI and urinary epinephrine in women, those not on β-blockers, and those who had not previously experienced a myocardial infarction. Of the 15 subtypes of circulating angiogenic cells examined, 11 were inversely associated (8.0-15.6% decrease/0.1 NDVI ), whereas 2 were positively associated (37.6-45.8% increase/0.1 NDVI ) with contemporaneous NDVI . Conclusions Independent of age, sex, race, smoking status, neighborhood deprivation, statin use, and roadway exposure, residential greenness is associated with lower levels of sympathetic activation, reduced oxidative stress, and higher angiogenic capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ray Yeager
- Envirome InstituteUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY,Superfund Research CenterUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY
| | - Daniel W. Riggs
- Envirome InstituteUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY,Superfund Research CenterUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY,Department of Bioinformatics and BiostatisticsUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY
| | - Natasha DeJarnett
- Center for Public Health PolicyAmerican Public Health AssociationWashington D.C.
| | - David J. Tollerud
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health SciencesUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY
| | - Jeffrey Wilson
- Department of GeographyIndiana University ‐ Purdue University IndianapolisIndianapolisIN
| | - Daniel J. Conklin
- Envirome InstituteUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY,Superfund Research CenterUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY
| | - Timothy E. O'Toole
- Envirome InstituteUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY,Superfund Research CenterUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY
| | | | - Pawel Lorkiewicz
- Envirome InstituteUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY,Superfund Research CenterUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY
| | - Zhengzhi Xie
- Envirome InstituteUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY,Superfund Research CenterUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY
| | - Nagma Zafar
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY
| | - Sathya S. Krishnasamy
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism & DiabetesUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY
| | - Sanjay Srivastava
- Envirome InstituteUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY,Superfund Research CenterUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY
| | - Jordan Finch
- Envirome InstituteUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY
| | - Rachel J. Keith
- Envirome InstituteUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY,Superfund Research CenterUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY
| | - Andrew DeFilippis
- Envirome InstituteUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY,Division of Cardiovascular MedicineUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY
| | - Shesh N. Rai
- Department of Bioinformatics and BiostatisticsUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY,Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Shared FacilityJames Graham Brown Cancer CenterUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY
| | - Gilbert Liu
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY
| | - Aruni Bhatnagar
- Envirome InstituteUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY,Superfund Research CenterUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY
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33
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Boers S, Hagoort K, Scheepers F, Helbich M. Does Residential Green and Blue Space Promote Recovery in Psychotic Disorders? A Cross-Sectional Study in the Province of Utrecht, The Netherlands. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15102195. [PMID: 30297637 PMCID: PMC6210197 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15102195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Mental health is reportedly influenced by the presence of green and blue space in residential areas, but scientific evidence of a relation to psychotic disorders is scant. We put two hypotheses to the test: first, compared to the general population, psychiatric patients live in neighborhoods with less green and blue space; second, the amount of green and blue space is negatively associated with the duration of hospital admission. The study population consisted of 623 patients with psychotic disorders who had been admitted to the psychiatric ward of an academic hospital in Utrecht, The Netherlands from 2008 to 2016. Recovery was measured by length of stay. Structured patient data was linked to socio-economic status and the amount of green and blue space in the residential area. Associations were assessed by means of regression models controlling for confounding factors. Compared to the general population, psychiatric patients had a significantly lower amount of green space in their neighborhood. This result was not confirmed for blue space. Furthermore, no significant associations were found between green and blue space and the duration of hospital stay. In conclusion, previous studies focusing on other mental disorders, like anxiety or depression, found positive mental health effects of green and blue space in the neighborhood. We were not able to confirm significant effects among our study population on duration of admission, however. Future research focusing on psychotic patients could investigate the influence of exposure to green and blue space on other influences and outcomes on mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Boers
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Karin Hagoort
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Floortje Scheepers
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Marco Helbich
- Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Princetonlaan 8a, 3584 CB Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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34
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Fong KC, Hart JE, James P. A Review of Epidemiologic Studies on Greenness and Health: Updated Literature Through 2017. Curr Environ Health Rep 2018; 5:77-87. [PMID: 29392643 PMCID: PMC5878143 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-018-0179-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 271] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Many studies suggest that exposure to natural vegetation, or greenness, may be beneficial for a variety of health outcomes. We summarize the recent research in this area. RECENT FINDINGS We observed consistent and strong evidence of associations for higher greenness with improvements in birth weights and physical activity, as well as lower mortality rates. Recent studies also suggested that exposure to greenness may lower levels of depression and depressive symptoms. The evidence on greenness and cardiovascular health remains mixed. Findings are also inconsistent for greenness measures and asthma and allergies. Our knowledge of the impacts of greenness on a wide variety of health outcomes continues to evolve. Future research should incorporate information on specific species and some qualities of natural greenness that might drive health outcomes, integrate exposure assessments that incorporate personal mobility into analyses, and include prospective designs to add to the growing evidence that nature exposure positively affects health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelvin C Fong
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, 401 Park Dr, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
| | - Jaime E Hart
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, 401 Park Dr, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Peter James
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA
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35
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Fong KC, Hart JE, James P. A Review of Epidemiologic Studies on Greenness and Health: Updated Literature Through 2017. Curr Environ Health Rep 2018. [PMID: 29392643 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-018-0179-y.a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Many studies suggest that exposure to natural vegetation, or greenness, may be beneficial for a variety of health outcomes. We summarize the recent research in this area. RECENT FINDINGS We observed consistent and strong evidence of associations for higher greenness with improvements in birth weights and physical activity, as well as lower mortality rates. Recent studies also suggested that exposure to greenness may lower levels of depression and depressive symptoms. The evidence on greenness and cardiovascular health remains mixed. Findings are also inconsistent for greenness measures and asthma and allergies. Our knowledge of the impacts of greenness on a wide variety of health outcomes continues to evolve. Future research should incorporate information on specific species and some qualities of natural greenness that might drive health outcomes, integrate exposure assessments that incorporate personal mobility into analyses, and include prospective designs to add to the growing evidence that nature exposure positively affects health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelvin C Fong
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, 401 Park Dr, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
| | - Jaime E Hart
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, 401 Park Dr, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Peter James
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA
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36
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White MP, Yeo NL, Vassiljev P, Lundstedt R, Wallergård M, Albin M, Lõhmus M. A prescription for "nature" - the potential of using virtual nature in therapeutics. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2018; 14:3001-3013. [PMID: 30510422 PMCID: PMC6231506 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s179038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Many studies suggest that increased exposure to urban greenness is associated with better population health. Accessing nature can in some circumstances, however, be difficult, especially for individuals with mobility constraints. Therefore, a growing body of work is investigating the ways to replace the in vivo experience with forms of "virtual" contact, in order to provide these individuals with at least some benefits of the natural environment. The aim of this paper is to provide a review of previous use of virtual reality (VR) nature in health and care settings and contemplate the potential use of this technology in future. Our central question is whether engaging with virtual nature can contribute to enhanced physical and emotional well-being in housebound or mobility-constrained individuals. We conclude that while contact with real-world nature is preferred, VR use can be an alternative in cases when in vivo contact with nature is not possible. There are many possibilities for the use of VR technology in psychiatric and medical care; however, the risks, benefits, and cost efficiency of these attempts should be carefully assessed and the outcomes should be measured in a scientifically valid manner. The current review has nonetheless demonstrated that VR nature could play a role in each of the proposed mediating mechanisms linking natural environments and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew P White
- The European Centre for Environment & Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Knowledge Spa, Royal Cornwall Hospital Treliske, Truro, Cornwall TR1 3HD, UK
| | - Nicola L Yeo
- The European Centre for Environment & Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Knowledge Spa, Royal Cornwall Hospital Treliske, Truro, Cornwall TR1 3HD, UK
| | - Peeter Vassiljev
- Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51014 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Rikard Lundstedt
- Department of Design Science, Division of Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology, Lund University, 22100 Lund, Sweden
| | - Mattias Wallergård
- Department of Design Science, Division of Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology, Lund University, 22100 Lund, Sweden
| | - Maria Albin
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, 22363 Lund, Sweden, .,Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden, .,Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Stockholm County Council, 11365 Stockholm, Sweden,
| | - Mare Lõhmus
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, 22363 Lund, Sweden, .,Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden, .,Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Stockholm County Council, 11365 Stockholm, Sweden,
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37
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Reid CE, Clougherty JE, Shmool JLC, Kubzansky LD. Is All Urban Green Space the Same? A Comparison of the Health Benefits of Trees and Grass in New York City. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14111411. [PMID: 29156551 PMCID: PMC5708050 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14111411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Revised: 11/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Living near vegetation, often called “green space” or “greenness”, has been associated with numerous health benefits. We hypothesized that the two key components of urban vegetation, trees and grass, may differentially affect health. We estimated the association between near-residence trees, grass, and total vegetation (from the 2010 High Resolution Land Cover dataset for New York City (NYC)) with self-reported health from a survey of NYC adults (n = 1281). We found higher reporting of “very good” or “excellent” health for respondents with the highest, compared to the lowest, quartiles of tree (RR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.06–1.44) but not grass density (relative risk (RR) = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.86–1.17) within 1000 m buffers, adjusting for pertinent confounders. Significant positive associations between trees and self-reported health remained after adjustment for grass, whereas associations with grass remained non-significant. Adjustment for air pollutants increased beneficial associations between trees and self-reported health; adjustment for parks only partially attenuated these effects. Results were null or negative using a 300 m buffer. Findings imply that higher exposure to vegetation, particularly trees outside of parks, may be associated with better health. If replicated, this may suggest that urban street tree planting may improve population health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen E Reid
- Department of Geography, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA.
| | - Jane E Clougherty
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA.
| | - Jessie L C Shmool
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA.
| | - Laura D Kubzansky
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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38
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Gan DRY. Neighborhood effects for aging in place: a transdisciplinary framework toward health-promoting settings. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/08882746.2017.1393283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Rong Yao Gan
- Centre for Ageing Research in the Environment, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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