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Bolanis D, Orri M, Vergunst F, Bouchard S, Robitaille É, Philippe F, Ouellet-Morin I, Girard A, Paquin V, Gauvin L, Côté S, Geoffroy MC. Increased urban greenspace in childhood associated with lower inattention deficit among adolescents. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2024; 59:947-956. [PMID: 37837487 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-023-02575-0] [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: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE There is a growing interest in assessing the benefits of exposure to urban greenspace on mental health due to the increased urbanization of youth and concerns for their mental health. We investigated the prospective associations of residential greenspace in childhood and mental health in adolescence. Use of a well-characterized birth cohort permitted adjustment for a range of potential confounding factors including family and neighborhood characteristics in addition to prior mental health problems, and exploration of moderation effects by sex and family socioeconomic status. METHODS We analyzed longitudinal data collected from 742 urban-dwelling participants of the Quebec Longitudinal Study of Children Development. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) within 250, 500, and 1000 m buffer zones surrounding the home residence was used to indicate childhood exposure to greenspace. Six self-reported mental health problems at 15/17 years were examined using the Mental Health and Social Inadaptation questionnaire: inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, conduct, depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. RESULTS Childhood urban greenspace was associated with lower inattention problems in both females and males. We observed a 0.14 reduced standard deviation (SD) (β = - 0.14, SE = 0.05, p < 0.01) in relation to an interquartile range (IQR) increase of NDVI (0.15) at the 250 m buffer zone, and similar results were found in 500 m and 1000 m buffer zones. These associations only slightly attenuated after adjustment for individual (sex, childhood mental health), family (family SES, maternal age at birth, parental mental health, family composition), and neighborhood (material and social deprivation) characteristics (β = - 0.13, SE = 0.06, p = 0.03). No association was found for other mental health problems, and no moderation associations of sex or family socioeconomic status were observed. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that increasing residential greenspace in cities may be associated with modest benefits in attentional capacities in youth, necessitating further research to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Despina Bolanis
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | | | - Samantha Bouchard
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Éric Robitaille
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Frederick Philippe
- Department of Psychology, University of Quebec at Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Alain Girard
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Vincent Paquin
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Lise Gauvin
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sylvana Côté
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Methorst J. Positive relationship between bird diversity and human mental health: an analysis of repeated cross-sectional data. Lancet Planet Health 2024; 8:e285-e296. [PMID: 38729669 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(24)00023-8] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An increasing body of research has examined the link between biodiversity of birds and human mental health, but most studies only use cross-sectional data. Few studies have used longitudinal or repeated cross-sectional data to investigate the mental health benefits of bird diversity. The aim of this study is to analyse the relationship between bird diversity and mental health at the national level using a unique repeated cross-sectional dataset. METHODS I used repeated cross-sectional health data from the German National Cohort health study, collected between March, 2014, and September, 2019, and annual bird citizen science data to investigate the effects of bird-diversity exposure on mental health. Mental health was measured using the summary score of the Patient Health Questionnaire depression module 9 (SumPHQ) and the Short Form Health Survey-12 Mental Health Component Scale. As a proxy for bird diversity, I created a unique indicator called reporting-rate richness and combined it with the health data. Reporting-rate richness measures the number of bird species within postcode areas across Germany in probabilities while accounting for variation in survey efforts. Alternative indicators of bird diversity, such as bird-species richness or abundance, were also calculated. Associations between bird diversity and mental health were estimated using linear regression with region and time fixed effects, adjusted for a range of sociodemographic and environmental confounders and spatial autocorrelation. Interaction terms between income levels and reporting-rate richness were also analysed to examine the moderating effect of socioeconomic status. FINDINGS I did the analyses for an unbalanced (n=176 362) and balanced (n=125 423) dataset, with the balanced dataset comprising only regions (postcode areas) in which health data were available for each year. The linear fixed-effects regression analysis indicated a significant negative association between reporting-rate richness and SumPHQ, as observed in both the unbalanced dataset (β -0·02, p=0·017) and the balanced dataset (β -0·03, p=0·0037). Similarly, regression results with both datasets showed a positive relationship between reporting-rate richness and Mental Health Component Scale (MCS; unbalanced β 0·02, p=0·0086; balanced β 0·03, p=0·0018). The moderator analyses revealed a significant influence of socioeconomic status on the relationship between reporting-rate richness and mental health. The robustness of these findings was confirmed through sensitivity analyses. INTERPRETATION The results suggest that a greater likelihood of having many different bird species in a person's area of residence might positively contribute to mental health, especially for people with lower socioeconomic status. These findings could have implications for biodiversity conservation and health policy decisions, as governments are facing challenges such as global biodiversity loss and growing public mental health problems. FUNDING None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Methorst
- Helmut-Schmidt University, Holstenhofweg, Hamburg, Germany; Hamburg Institute of International Economics, Hamburg, Germany.
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Eisen AM, Bratman GN, Olvera-Alvarez HA. Susceptibility to stress and nature exposure: Unveiling differential susceptibility to physical environments; a randomized controlled trial. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301473. [PMID: 38630650 PMCID: PMC11023441 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging epidemiological evidence indicates nature exposure could be associated with greater health benefits among groups in lower versus higher socioeconomic positions. One possible mechanism underpinning this evidence is described by our framework: (susceptibility) adults in low socioeconomic positions face higher exposure to persistent psychosocial stressors in early life, inducing a pro-inflammatory phenotype as a lifelong susceptibility to stress; (differential susceptibility) susceptible adults are more sensitive to the health risks of adverse (stress-promoting) environments, but also to the health benefits of protective (stress-buffering) environments. OBJECTIVE Experimental investigation of a pro-inflammatory phenotype as a mechanism facilitating greater stress recovery from nature exposure. METHODS We determined differences in stress recovery (via heart rate variability) caused by exposure to a nature or office virtual reality environment (10 min) after an acute stressor among 64 healthy college-age males with varying levels of susceptibility (socioeconomic status, early life stress, and a pro-inflammatory state [inflammatory reactivity and glucocorticoid resistance to an in vitro bacterial challenge]). RESULTS Findings for inflammatory reactivity and glucocorticoid resistance were modest but consistently trended towards better recovery in the nature condition. Differences in recovery were not observed for socioeconomic status or early life stress. DISCUSSION Among healthy college-age males, we observed expected trends according to their differential susceptibility when assessed as inflammatory reactivity and glucocorticoid resistance, suggesting these biological correlates of susceptibility could be more proximal indicators than self-reported assessments of socioeconomic status and early life stress. If future research in more diverse populations aligns with these trends, this could support an alternative conceptualization of susceptibility as increased environmental sensitivity, reflecting heightened responses to adverse, but also protective environments. With this knowledge, future investigators could examine how individual differences in environmental sensitivity could provide an opportunity for those who are the most susceptible to experience the greatest health benefits from nature exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron M. Eisen
- School of Nursing, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States of America
| | - Gregory N. Bratman
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
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4
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Derrien MM, Bratman GN, Cerveny LK, Levy C, Blahna DJ, Frank P, Serio N. Public nature and health for homeless populations: Professionals' perceptions of contingent human benefits and harms. Soc Sci Med 2024; 347:116764. [PMID: 38513561 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116764] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
This article investigates relationships between public nature and health for unsheltered homeless populations. It examines perceptions of health benefits and harms for people living in public natural areas including local, state, and national forests and parks in the Seattle metropolitan area (USA). Interviews with environmental, social service, and law enforcement professionals who regularly interact with this vulnerable population were conducted and thematically analyzed to understand perceptions of physical and mental health outcomes. Results show professionals' perspectives on the health benefits and detriments of time spent in natural environments and the contextual factors perceived to influence health. Interviewees' observations about the variability of personal circumstances and biophysical, social, and weather conditions encourage the nuanced consideration of how contingent therapeutic landscapes provide deeply needed benefits, but for a population with a diminished capacity to adapt when conditions change. We conclude with insights for future research that directly assesses homeless populations' exposures and health outcomes of living in public natural areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika M Derrien
- US Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, Seattle, WA, 98103, USA.
| | - Gregory N Bratman
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA; Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Lee K Cerveny
- US Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, Seattle, WA, 98103, USA
| | - Chaja Levy
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Dale J Blahna
- US Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, Seattle, WA, 98103, USA
| | - Paulo Frank
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Naomi Serio
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
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5
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Park H, Brown CD, Pearson AL. A systematic review of audit tools for evaluating the quality of green spaces in mental health research. Health Place 2024; 86:103185. [PMID: 38340496 PMCID: PMC10957304 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2024.103185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Research showing the relationship between exposure to green space and health has yielded conflicting results, possibly due to the oversight of green space quality in quantitative studies. This systematic review, guided by the PRISMA framework (registered under Prospero ID CRD42023279720), focused on audit tools for green space quality in mental health research. From 4028 studies, 13 were reviewed, with 77 % linking better mental health outcomes to higher green space quality. Eight tools, especially Public Open Space and Dillen et al. tools demonstrated strong correlations with mental health. Certain green space qualities like grass, pathways, and water elements showed positive health associations. Future research should aim for standardized quality metrics and robust methodologies to support causal inferences and efficient assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunseo Park
- Department of Geography, Environment & Spatial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Catherine D Brown
- Department of Geography, Environment & Spatial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Amber L Pearson
- Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand; CS Mott Department of Public Health, Michigan State University, Flint, MI, USA.
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Biglieri S, Hartt M. The 'Double Risk' of Aging: Examining Vulnerability and (Un)supportive Built Environments in Canadian Cities. Can J Aging 2024; 43:99-113. [PMID: 37665016 DOI: 10.1017/s0714980823000429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The confluence of rapid population aging and the overwhelming desire of older adults to age in place begs the question: Do our cities support the health and well-being of aging populations? Using a neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood approach, this macro-scale investigation explores the "double risk" that many older adults live with - the potential of being disadvantaged by socio-demographic risk factors (being older, living alone, low income) and by living in an unsupportive built environment. It is an integration of what we know about supportive built form for older adults and applies this knowledge to Canadian cities, using a spectrum approach to classifying built environments. We found that most older adults with socio-demographic risk factors are living in unsupportive built environments in Canada; however, the distribution between built environments along the spectrum and between municipalities reveals a variegated landscape of double risk. Previous research suggests that unsupportive built environments can be supplemented with services, small-scale improvements in the built environment, and larger-scale retrofitting of neighbourhoods. Since the spatial distribution of vulnerability varies greatly within the 33 Canadian cities analysed, it highlights the need for this kind of inquiry to target age-friendly policy interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Biglieri
- School of Urban and Regional Planning, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Maxwell Hartt
- School of Urban and Regional Planning, Department of Geography and Planning, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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Bratman GN, Mehta A, Olvera-Alvarez H, Spink KM, Levy C, White MP, Kubzansky LD, Gross JJ. Associations of nature contact with emotional ill-being and well-being: the role of emotion regulation. Cogn Emot 2024:1-20. [PMID: 38362747 DOI: 10.1080/02699931.2024.2316199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Nature contact has associations with emotional ill-being and well-being. However, the mechanisms underlying these associations are not fully understood. We hypothesised that increased adaptive and decreased maladaptive emotion regulation strategies would be a pathway linking nature contact to ill-being and well-being. Using data from a survey of 600 U.S.-based adults administered online in 2022, we conducted structural equation modelling to test our hypotheses. We found that (1) frequency of nature contact was significantly associated with lesser emotional ill-being and greater emotional well-being, (2) effective emotion regulation was significantly associated with lesser emotional ill-being and greater emotional well-being, and (3) the associations of higher frequency of nature contact with these benefits were partly explained via emotion regulation. Moreover, we found a nonlinear relationship for the associations of duration of nature contact with some outcomes, with a rise in benefits up to certain amounts of time, and a levelling off after these points. These findings support and extend previous work that demonstrates that the associations of nature contact with emotional ill-being and well-being may be partly explained by changes in emotion regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory N Bratman
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ashish Mehta
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Chaja Levy
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Mathew P White
- Cognitive Science Hub, University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Laura D Kubzansky
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James J Gross
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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8
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Finning K, Haeffner A, Patel S, Longdon B, Hayes R, Ukoumunne OC, Ford T. Is neighbourhood deprivation in primary school-aged children associated with their mental health and does this association change over 30 months? Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024:10.1007/s00787-024-02385-y. [PMID: 38356042 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-024-02385-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
As both socioeconomic deprivation and the prevalence of childhood mental health difficulties continue to increase, exploring the relationship between them is important to guide policy. We aimed to replicate the finding of a mental health gap that widened with age between those living in the most and least deprived areas among primary school pupils. We used data from 2075 children aged 4-9 years in the South West of England recruited to the STARS (Supporting Teachers and childRen in Schools) trial, which collected teacher- and parent-reported Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) at baseline, 18-month and 30-month follow-up. We fitted multilevel regression models to explore the relationship between Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) quintile and SDQ total difficulties score and an algorithm-generated "probable disorder" variable that combined SDQ data from teachers and parents. Teacher- and parent-reported SDQ total difficulties scores indicated worse mental health in children living in more deprived neighbourhoods, which was attenuated by controlling for special educational needs and disabilities but remained significant by parent report, and there was no interaction year group status (age) at baseline. We did not detect an association between probable disorder and IMD although an interaction with time was evident (p = 0.003). Analysis by study wave revealed associations at baseline (odds ratio 1.94, 95% confidence interval 0.97-3.89) and 18 months (1.96, 1.07-3.59) but not 30 months (0.94, 0.54-1.57). These findings augment the existing, highly compelling evidence demonstrating worse mental health in children exposed to socioeconomic deprivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Finning
- Public Policy Analysis, Office for National Statistics, Newport, UK
| | - Amy Haeffner
- Exeter Medical school, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Sohum Patel
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Bryony Longdon
- Department of Health and Community Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Rachel Hayes
- Department of Health and Community Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Obioha C Ukoumunne
- Department of Health and Community Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Tamsin Ford
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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9
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Fian L, White MP, Arnberger A, Thaler T, Heske A, Pahl S. Nature visits, but not residential greenness, are associated with reduced income-related inequalities in subjective well-being. Health Place 2024; 85:103175. [PMID: 38266374 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2024.103175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Nature exposure can promote human health and well-being. Additionally, there is some, albeit mixed, evidence that this relationship is stronger for socio-economically disadvantaged groups (equigenesis). Using a cross-sectional survey of the Austrian population (N = 2300), we explored the relationships between both residential greenness and recreational nature visits, and affective (WHO-5 Well-Being Index) and evaluative (Personal Well-Being Index-7) subjective well-being. Partially supporting the equigenesis hypothesis, regression analyses controlling for potential confounders found that recreational visit frequency, but not residential greenness, moderated the effect of income-related disparities in both subjective well-being metrics. Results suggest that merely making neighborhoods greener may not itself help reduce inequalities in subjective well-being. Additionally, greater efforts are also needed to support individuals from all sectors of society to access natural settings for recreation as this could significantly improve the well-being of some of the poorest in society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Fian
- Urban and Environmental Psychology Group, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Mathew P White
- Urban and Environmental Psychology Group, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Cognitive Science HUB, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Environment and Climate Research HUB, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Arne Arnberger
- Institute of Landscape Development, Recreation and Conservation Planning, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Thaler
- Institute of Landscape Planning (ILAP), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anja Heske
- Urban and Environmental Psychology Group, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sabine Pahl
- Urban and Environmental Psychology Group, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Environment and Climate Research HUB, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Bolanis D, Vergunst F, Mavoa S, Schmelefske E, Khoury B, Turecki G, Orri M, Geoffroy MC. Association between greenspace exposure and suicide-related outcomes across the lifespan: A systematic review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167451. [PMID: 37777126 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167451] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
A growing number of studies have linked greenspace exposure to suicide, but findings are inconsistent. We conducted a systematic review on the associations between greenspace exposure and suicide-related outcomes (namely, suicide mortality, self-harm, and suicidal ideation) up until January 6, 2023. We used the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (or MMAT) to assess the quality of the included studies. In total, 23 studies met our inclusion criteria, consisting of 14 ecological, four cross-sectional, three longitudinal, and two experimental studies. Most studies were published in 2022 and conducted in Europe (n = 10), Asia (n = 7), and North America (n = 5), with one worldwide analysis. Various indicators were used to assess greenspace exposure including objective measures (e.g., level of surrounding greenness, quantity, structural features, tree canopy coverage), and greenspace use (e.g., duration and frequency). Suicide mortality was the most studied outcome (n = 14). Quality assessment showed that most (87 %) of the included observational studies used representative samples. Protective associations of exposure to greenspace were reported for suicide mortality (9/14 or 64 %), self-harm (n = 3/5 or 60 %) and suicidal ideation (n = 4/6 or 67 %), with nine or 36 % studies reporting no association. Most of the included studies adjusted for key covariates such as age, sex, and socioeconomic status at various aggregate levels (e.g., household, city). For greenspace exposure and suicide mortality, studies stratified by sex (n = 10) showed larger protective associations for females (n = 7) than for males (n = 4). However, the included studies showed high heterogeneity in terms of exposure indicators and greenspace definitions. Experimental studies and studies using youth samples were rare. While more research is warranted, preliminary findings suggest protective associations between greenspace exposure and suicide-related outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Despina Bolanis
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Francis Vergunst
- Department of Special Needs Education, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Suzanne Mavoa
- Melbourne School of Population & Global Health, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3011, Australia; Environmental Public Health Branch, Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria 3053, Australia
| | - Emma Schmelefske
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Bassam Khoury
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Gustavo Turecki
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Massimiliano Orri
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Quebec, Canada; Danish Research Institute for Suicide Prevention, Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Marie-Claude Geoffroy
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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Garside R, Lovell R, Husk K, Sowman G, Chapman E. Nature prescribing. BMJ 2023; 383:2745. [PMID: 38164636 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.p2745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Garside
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK
| | - Rebecca Lovell
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK
| | - Kerryn Husk
- Peninsula Medical School (Faculty of Health), University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | | | - Edward Chapman
- Public representative, Health and Environment Public Engagement Group, European Centre for Environment and Human Health, Penryn, UK
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Arodudu O, Foley R, Taghikhah F, Brennan M, Mills G, Ningal T. A health data led approach for assessing potential health benefits of green and blue spaces: Lessons from an Irish case study. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 345:118758. [PMID: 37690253 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118758] [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: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Research producing evidence-based information on the health benefits of green and blue spaces often has within its design, the potential for inherent or implicit bias which can unconsciously orient the outcomes of such studies towards preconceived hypothesis. Many studies are situated in proximity to specific or generic green and blue spaces (hence, constituting a green or blue space led approach), others are conducted due to availability of green and blue space data (hence, applying a green or blue space data led approach), while other studies are shaped by particular interests in the association of particular health conditions with presence of, or engagements with green or blue spaces (hence, adopting a health or health status led approach). In order to tackle this bias and develop a more objective research design for studying associations between human health outcomes and green and blue spaces, this paper discussed the features of a methodological framework suitable for that purpose after an initial, year-long, exploratory Irish study. The innovative approach explored by this study (i.e., the health-data led approach) first identifies sample sites with good and poor health outcomes from available health data (using data clustering techniques) before examining the potential role of the presence of, or engagement with green and blue spaces in creating such health outcomes. By doing so, we argue that some of the bias associated with the other three listed methods can be reduced and even eliminated. Finally, we infer that the principles and paradigm adopted by the health data led approach can be applicable and effective in analyzing other sustainability problems beyond associations between human health outcomes and green and blue spaces (e.g., health, energy, food, income, environment and climate inequality and justice etc.). The possibility of this is also discussed within this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oludunsin Arodudu
- Department of Sustainable Resources Management, State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY, USA; Department of Geography, Rhetoric House, National University of Ireland Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland.
| | - Ronan Foley
- Department of Geography, Rhetoric House, National University of Ireland Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland.
| | - Firouzeh Taghikhah
- Dicipline of Business Analytics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Michael Brennan
- Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, 3rd Floor North, Ballymun Civic Centre, Main Street, Ballymun, Dublin 9, Ireland.
| | - Gerald Mills
- School of Geography, Newman Building, Belfield, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Tine Ningal
- School of Geography, Newman Building, Belfield, University College Dublin, Ireland.
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Wei D, Lu Y, Wu X, Ho HC, Wu W, Song J, Wang Y. Greenspace exposure may increase life expectancy of elderly adults, especially for those with low socioeconomic status. Health Place 2023; 84:103142. [PMID: 37989007 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2023.103142] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
With an increasing aging population in many cities worldwide, promoting and maintaining the health of elderly individuals has become a pressing public health issue. Although greenspaces may deliver many health outcomes for the elderly population, existing evidence remains inconsistent, partly due to discrepancies in the measure of greenspace and health outcomes. In addition, few studies examined the effect of greenspace exposure on life expectancy at the individual level. Thus, this study comprehensively investigated the association between greenspace exposure and life expectancy among elderly adults in Guangzhou, China, based on the individual-level mortality dataset. The data were analyzed at both the individual level and aggregate level, and two types of buffers (straight-line vs. street-network buffer) were used to define individual greenspace exposure. After controlling for the random effects and multiple types of covariates, we found that 1) elderly individuals with higher greenspace exposure were associated with an increased life expectancy; 2) elderly individuals with lower socioeconomic status benefit more from greenspace (i.e., equigenesis hypothesis); 3) different greenspace measurements lead to different results; 4) greenspace had the highest effects on life expectancy and equigenesis within the street-network buffer distances of 3000 m and 2500 m, respectively. This study underscores the potential health benefits of greenspace exposure on elderly individuals and the importance of provision and upkeep of greenspace, especially among socially disadvantaged groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Wei
- School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Hubei Engineering and Technology Research Center of Urbanization, Wuhan, China; Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
| | - Yi Lu
- Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
| | - Xueying Wu
- Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
| | - Hung Chak Ho
- Department of Public and International Affairs, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
| | - Wenjie Wu
- School of Economics, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Jinglu Song
- Department of Urban Planning and Design, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, China.
| | - Yuan Wang
- School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Hubei Engineering and Technology Research Center of Urbanization, Wuhan, China.
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14
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Marvier M, Kareiva P, Felix D, Ferrante BJ, Billington MB. The benefits of nature exposure: The need for research that better informs implementation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2304126120. [PMID: 37871200 PMCID: PMC10622866 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2304126120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Concern about humanity's detachment from nature has spawned a global push to increase the availability of green spaces within cities. One impetus for this movement is a growing collection of studies documenting an association between improved human well-being and exposure to nature. The challenge lies in translating this research into pragmatic recommendations for cities. The usefulness of the existing research portfolio is diminished by the limitations of prevailing research designs. For example, most nature exposure studies (>80%) are observational. The rare randomized manipulative experiments tend to be indoors or virtual and rely on nature exposures on the order of ten to fifteen minutes. "Nature" and "biodiversity" are commonly invoked together as benefiting human well-being despite little evidence that biodiversity has particular importance for human psychological and emotional health. The most glaring gap in nature exposure research is the neglect of differences among cultures and ethnic groups with respect to the nature they prefer. In the few cases where researchers looked for differences among groups, they often found heterogeneous responses. Finally, few studies have compared greening interventions to other possible efforts to improve urban life. Thus, the utopian city of the future might be resplendent with urban parks on every block, but it is not clear whether those parks should offer basketball and pickleball courts, or small woodlands with a cornucopia of birds. We advocate for the next generation of nature exposure research that better informs the envisioning of our future sustainable cities with enhanced and equitable access to nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Marvier
- Department of Environmental Studies and Sciences, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA95053
| | | | | | - Brian J. Ferrante
- Environmental Systems Program, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA92093
| | - Morgan B. Billington
- Department of Environmental Studies and Sciences, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA95053
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15
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Geary RS, Thompson DA, Garrett JK, Mizen A, Rowney FM, Song J, White MP, Lovell R, Watkins A, Lyons RA, Williams S, Stratton G, Akbari A, Parker SC, Nieuwenhuijsen MJ, White J, Wheeler BW, Fry R, Tsimpida D, Rodgers SE. Green-blue space exposure changes and impact on individual-level well-being and mental health: a population-wide dynamic longitudinal panel study with linked survey data. PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH 2023; 11:1-176. [PMID: 37929711 DOI: 10.3310/lqpt9410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cross-sectional evidence suggests that living near green and blue spaces benefits mental health; longitudinal evidence is limited. Objectives To quantify the impact of changes in green and blue spaces on common mental health disorders, well-being and health service use. Design A retrospective, dynamic longitudinal panel study. Setting Wales, UK. Participants An e-cohort comprising 99,682,902 observations of 2,801,483 adults (≥ 16 years) registered with a general practice in Wales (2008-2019). A 5312-strong 'National Survey for Wales (NSW) subgroup' was surveyed on well-being and visits to green and blue spaces. Main outcome measures Common mental health disorders, general practice records; subjective well-being, Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale. Data sources Common mental health disorder and use of general practice services were extracted quarterly from the Welsh Longitudinal General Practice Dataset. Annual ambient greenness exposure, enhanced vegetation index and access to green and blue spaces (2018) from planning and satellite data. Data were linked within the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage Databank. Methods Multilevel regression models examined associations between exposure to green and blue spaces and common mental health disorders and use of general practice. For the National Survey for Wales subgroup, generalised linear models examined associations between exposure to green and blue spaces and subjective well-being and common mental health disorders. Results and conclusions Our longitudinal analyses found no evidence that changes in green and blue spaces through time impacted on common mental health disorders. However, time-aggregated exposure to green and blue spaces contrasting differences between people were associated with subsequent common mental health disorders. Similarly, our cross-sectional findings add to growing evidence that residential green and blue spaces and visits are associated with well-being benefits: Greater ambient greenness (+ 1 enhanced vegetation index) was associated with lower likelihood of subsequently seeking care for a common mental health disorder [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.80, 95% confidence interval, (CI) 0.80 to 0.81] and with well-being with a U-shaped relationship [Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale; enhanced vegetation index beta (adjusted) -10.15, 95% CI -17.13 to -3.17; EVI2 beta (quadratic term; adj.) 12.49, 95% CI 3.02 to 21.97]. Those who used green and blue spaces for leisure reported better well-being, with diminishing extra benefit with increasing time (Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale: time outdoors (hours) beta 0.88, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.24, time outdoors2 beta -0.06, 95% CI -0.11 to -0.01) and had 4% lower odds of seeking help for common mental health disorders (AOR 0.96, 95% CI 0.93 to 0.99). Those in urban areas benefited most from greater access to green and blue spaces (AOR 0.89, 95% CI 0.89 to 0.89). Those in material deprivation benefited most from leisure time outdoors (until approximately four hours per week; Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale: time outdoors × in material deprivation: 1.41, 95% CI 0.39 to 2.43; time outdoors2 × in material deprivation -0.18, 95% CI -0.33 to -0.04) although well-being remained generally lower. Limitations Longitudinal analyses were restricted by high baseline levels and limited temporal variation in ambient greenness in Wales. Changes in access to green and blue spaces could not be captured annually due to technical issues with national-level planning datasets. Future work Further analyses could investigate mental health impacts in population subgroups potentially most sensitive to local changes in access to specific types of green and blue spaces. Deriving green and blue spaces changes from planning data is needed to overcome temporal uncertainties. Funding This project was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Public Health Research programme (Project number 16/07/07) and will be published in full in Public Health Research; Vol. 11, No. 10. Sarah Rodgers is part-funded by the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration North West Coast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca S Geary
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Joanne K Garrett
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Truro, UK
| | - Amy Mizen
- Department of Health Data Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Francis M Rowney
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Truro, UK
| | - Jiao Song
- Department of Health Data Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Mathew P White
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Truro, UK
| | - Rebecca Lovell
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Truro, UK
| | - Alan Watkins
- Department of Health Data Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Ronan A Lyons
- Department of Health Data Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | | | | | - Ashley Akbari
- Department of Health Data Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Sarah C Parker
- Department of Health Data Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | | | - James White
- Centre for Trials Research, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Benedict W Wheeler
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Truro, UK
| | - Richard Fry
- Department of Health Data Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Dialechti Tsimpida
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sarah E Rodgers
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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16
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Kaur M, Berg KA, Perzynski AT. Place and Pulmonary Health Inequality. Ann Am Thorac Soc 2023; 20:1400-1401. [PMID: 37772944 PMCID: PMC10559130 DOI: 10.1513/annalsats.202308-669ed] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Manpreet Kaur
- Department of Sociology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Kristen A Berg
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio; and
- Population Health Equity Research Institute, The MetroHealth System, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Adam T Perzynski
- Department of Sociology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio; and
- Population Health Equity Research Institute, The MetroHealth System, Cleveland, Ohio
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17
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Geary RS, Thompson D, Mizen A, Akbari A, Garrett JK, Rowney FM, Watkins A, Lyons RA, Stratton G, Lovell R, Nieuwenhuijsen M, Parker SC, Song J, Tsimpida D, White J, White MP, Williams S, Wheeler BW, Fry R, Rodgers SE. Ambient greenness, access to local green spaces, and subsequent mental health: a 10-year longitudinal dynamic panel study of 2·3 million adults in Wales. Lancet Planet Health 2023; 7:e809-e818. [PMID: 37821160 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(23)00212-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Living in greener areas, or close to green and blue spaces (GBS; eg, parks, lakes, or beaches), is associated with better mental health, but longitudinal evidence when GBS exposures precede outcomes is less available. We aimed to analyse the effect of living in or moving to areas with more green space or better access to GBS on subsequent adult mental health over time, while explicitly considering health inequalities. METHODS A cohort of the people in Wales, UK (≥16 years; n=2 341 591) was constructed from electronic health record data sources from Jan 1, 2008 to Oct 31, 2019, comprising 19 141 896 person-years of follow-up. Household ambient greenness (Enhanced Vegetation Index [EVI]), access to GBS (counts, distance to nearest), and common mental health disorders (CMD, based on a validated algorithm combining current diagnoses or symptoms of anxiety or depression [treated or untreated in the preceding 1-year period], or treatment of historical diagnoses from before the current cohort [up to 8 years previously, to 2000], where diagnosis preceded treatment) were record-linked. Cumulative exposure values were created for each adult, censoring for CMD, migration out of Wales, death, or end of cohort. Exposure and CMD associations were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression, stratified by area-level deprivation. FINDINGS After adjustment, exposure to greater ambient greenness over time (+0·1 increased EVI on a 0-1 scale) was associated with lower odds of subsequent CMD (adjusted odds ratio 0·80, 95% CI 0·80-0·81), where CMD was based on a combination of current diagnoses or symptoms (treated or untreated in the preceding 1-year period), or treatments. Ten percentile points more access to GBS was associated with lower odds of a later CMD (0·93, 0·93-0·93). Every additional 360 m to the nearest GBS was associated with higher odds of CMD (1·05, 1·04-1·05). We found that positive effects of GBS on mental health appeared to be greater in more deprived quintiles. INTERPRETATION Ambient exposure is associated with the greatest reduced risk of CMD, particularly for those who live in deprived communities. These findings support authorities responsible for GBS, who are attempting to engage planners and policy makers, to ensure GBS meets residents' needs. FUNDING National Institute for Health and Care Research Public Health Research programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca S Geary
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Daniel Thompson
- Department of Health Data Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Amy Mizen
- Department of Health Data Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Ashley Akbari
- Department of Health Data Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Joanne K Garrett
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Truro, UK
| | - Francis M Rowney
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Truro, UK
| | - Alan Watkins
- Department of Health Data Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Ronan A Lyons
- Department of Health Data Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | | | - Rebecca Lovell
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Truro, UK
| | | | - Sarah C Parker
- Department of Health Data Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Jiao Song
- Department of Health Data Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Dialechti Tsimpida
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - James White
- Centre for Trials Research, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Mathew P White
- Cognitive Science Hub, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Benedict W Wheeler
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Truro, UK
| | - Richard Fry
- Department of Health Data Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Sarah E Rodgers
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
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18
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Subiza-Pérez M, García-Baquero G, Fernández-Somoano A, Riaño I, González L, Delgado-Saborit JM, Guxens M, Fossati S, Vrijheid M, Fernandes A, Ibarluzea J, Lertxundi N. Social inequalities, green and blue spaces and mental health in 6-12 years old children participating in the INMA cohort. Health Place 2023; 83:103104. [PMID: 37611380 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2023.103104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Availability of green and blue spaces in the area of residence has been related to various health outcomes during childhood, including mental health. These environmental exposures are not evenly distributed among socioeconomic groups, which may increase social inequalities in mental health. The mechanisms through which natural environments may promote mental health are numerous and diverse. This study aimed to explore 1) the potential associations of socioeconomic variables (SES and maternal education attainment) with mental health scores and residential greenness, blueness and NO2 metrics, and, 2) the association between greenness and blueness metrics and mental health scores of children in the Spanish INfancia y Medio Ambiente (INMA) birth cohort at two different time points. The study samples were composed of 1738 six-to eight-year-olds (49% female) and 1449 ten-to twelve-year-olds (living in Asturias, Gipuzkoa, Sabadell and Valencia, Spain. Individual Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) values in 100-, 300- and 500-m buffers and availability of green and blue spaces >5000 m2 in 300-m buffers were calculated using Geographic Information Systems software. Residential NO2 values were estimated using land use regression models. Internalizing, externalizing and total problems scores were obtained with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Linear and logistic mixed-effects models revealed unequal distribution of environmental exposures by SES and maternal education but did not show statistically significant associations between greenness and blueness metrics and mental health indicators. The protective effect of green and blue spaces on children's mental health could not be confirmed in this study and therefore further research is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikel Subiza-Pérez
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology and Research Methods, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Avenida Tolosa 70, 20018, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain; Bradford Institute for Health Research, Temple Bank House, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Duckworth Lane, BD9 6RJ, Bradford, UK; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, c/ Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Madrid, 280, Spain; Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Group of Environmental Epidemiology and Child Development, Paseo Doctor Begiristain s/n, 20014, Donostia- San Sebastián, Spain.
| | - Gonzalo García-Baquero
- Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Group of Environmental Epidemiology and Child Development, Paseo Doctor Begiristain s/n, 20014, Donostia- San Sebastián, Spain; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Avda Licenciado Méndez Nieto s/n, 37007, Salamanca, Spain.
| | - Ana Fernández-Somoano
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, c/ Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Madrid, 280, Spain; Unit of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, University Institute of Oncology of the Principality of Asturias (IUOPA), Department of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Julian Clavería Street s/n, 33006, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33001, Oviedo, Spain.
| | - Isolina Riaño
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, c/ Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Madrid, 280, Spain; Unit of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, University Institute of Oncology of the Principality of Asturias (IUOPA), Department of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Julian Clavería Street s/n, 33006, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33001, Oviedo, Spain; Servicio de Pediatría, Endocrinología pediátrica, HUCA, Roma Avenue s/n. 33001, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
| | - Llucia González
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, c/ Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Madrid, 280, Spain; Faculty of Nursing and Chiropody, University of Valencia, Avda Menéndez Pelayo, 19, 46010, Valencia, Spain; Joint Research Unit in Epidemiology, Environment and Health, FISABIO-University of Valencia-Universitat Jaume I, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Juana Maria Delgado-Saborit
- Joint Research Unit in Epidemiology, Environment and Health, FISABIO-University of Valencia-Universitat Jaume I, Valencia, Spain; Department of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Universitat Jaume I, Av. Vicent Sos Baynat, s/n, 12071, Castelló de la Plana, Spain.
| | - Mónica Guxens
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, c/ Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Madrid, 280, Spain; ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | | | - Martine Vrijheid
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, c/ Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Madrid, 280, Spain; ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Amanda Fernandes
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, c/ Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Madrid, 280, Spain; ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Jesús Ibarluzea
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, c/ Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Madrid, 280, Spain; Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Group of Environmental Epidemiology and Child Development, Paseo Doctor Begiristain s/n, 20014, Donostia- San Sebastián, Spain; Ministry of Health of the Basque Government, Sub Directorate for Public Health and Addictions of Gipuzkoa, 20013, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain; Faculty of Psychology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Avenida Tolosa 70, 20018, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain.
| | - Nerea Lertxundi
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology and Research Methods, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Avenida Tolosa 70, 20018, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, c/ Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Madrid, 280, Spain; Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Group of Environmental Epidemiology and Child Development, Paseo Doctor Begiristain s/n, 20014, Donostia- San Sebastián, Spain.
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19
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Elliott LR, Pasanen T, White MP, Wheeler BW, Grellier J, Cirach M, Bratman GN, van den Bosch M, Roiko A, Ojala A, Nieuwenhuijsen M, Fleming LE. Nature contact and general health: Testing multiple serial mediation pathways with data from adults in 18 countries. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 178:108077. [PMID: 37413929 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
The role of neighbourhood nature in promoting good health is increasingly recognised in policy and practice, but consistent evidence for the underlying mechanisms is lacking. Heterogeneity in exposure methods, outcome measures, and population characteristics, little exploration of recreational use or the role of different types of green or blue space, and multiple separate mediation models in previous studies have limited our ability to synthesise findings and draw clear conclusions. We examined multiple pathways linking different types of neighbourhood nature with general health using a harmonised international sample of adults. Using cross-sectional survey data from 18 countries (n = 15,917), we developed a multigroup path model to test theorised pathways, controlling for sociodemographic variables. We tested the possibility that neighbourhood nature (e.g. greenspace, inland bluespace, and coastal bluespace) would be associated with general health through lower air pollution exposure, greater physical activity attainment, more social contact, and higher subjective well-being. However, our central prediction was that associations between different types of neighbourhood nature and general health would largely be serially mediated by recent visit frequency to corresponding environment types, and, subsequently, physical activity, social contact, and subjective well-being associated with these frequencies. Several subsidiary analyses assessed the robustness of the results to alternative model specifications as well as effect modification by sociodemographics. Consistent with this prediction, there was statistical support for eight of nine potential serial mediation pathways via visit frequency which held for a range of alternative model specifications. Effect modification by financial strain, sex, age, and urbanicity altered some associations but did not necessarily support the idea that nature reduced health inequalities. The results demonstrate that across countries, theorised nature-health linkages operate primarily through recreational contact with natural environments. This provides arguments for greater efforts to support use of local green/blue spaces for health promotion and disease prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lewis R Elliott
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter, Cornwall, United Kingdom.
| | - Tytti Pasanen
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Tampere, Finland
| | - Mathew P White
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter, Cornwall, United Kingdom; Cognitive Science Hub, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Benedict W Wheeler
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter, Cornwall, United Kingdom
| | - James Grellier
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter, Cornwall, United Kingdom; Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Marta Cirach
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Gregory N Bratman
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, USA
| | - Matilda van den Bosch
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, Faculty of Forestry, University of British Columbia, Canada; School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia
| | - Anne Roiko
- School of Pharmacy & Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Australia
| | - Ann Ojala
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mark Nieuwenhuijsen
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Lora E Fleming
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter, Cornwall, United Kingdom
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20
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Schinasi LH, Kondo MC, Edwards J, Clougherty JE, De Roos AJ, Bilal U. Does Urban Greenspace Reduce Mortality Inequalities Based on Poverty, Race, or Both in Philadelphia, PA? J Urban Health 2023; 100:686-695. [PMID: 37563520 PMCID: PMC10447860 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-023-00748-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
While past research suggests that urban greenspace is associated with weaker income-based mortality inequities, little is known about associations with racial inequities, which may be distinct owing to historical and contemporary forms of racism. We quantified the extent to which different measures of greenspace modified socioeconomic and racial/ethnic inequities in all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality. For every residential census tract in Philadelphia, PA (N = 376), we linked counts of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality (years 2008-2015) with measures of greenspace (proportion tree canopy or grass/shrub cover, proportion residents reporting park access, and the normalized difference vegetation index measure of overall greenness) and American Community Survey-based measures of sociodemographic composition (proportion of residents living in poverty, proportion identifying as non-Hispanic Black, and the index of concentration at the extremes (ICE) representing racialized economic deprivation). We used age- and sex-adjusted negative binomial models, with the natural logarithm of age-specific population counts as an offset, to quantify the magnitude of inequities by each composition variable, overall and stratified by categories of each greenspace measure. Inequities in mortality were weaker among neighborhoods with higher proportion grass/shrub cover or overall greenness. The most substantially narrowed inequities were those by the ICE. Mortality inequities did not differ substantially by perceived park access, and tree canopy was associated with weaker ICE-based inequities only. In this ecologic analysis, neighborhood greenspace was associated with weaker mortality inequities. However, associations varied across greenspace type and sociodemographic composition metrics, with generally stronger associations with overall greenness and grass/shrub coverage, and for ICE-basedinequities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah H Schinasi
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Urban Health Collaborative, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel Univeristy, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Michelle C Kondo
- USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station, Philadelphia Field Station, 100 North 20th Street, Suite 205, Philadelphia, PA, 19103, USA
| | - Janelle Edwards
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Urban Health Collaborative, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel Univeristy, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jane E Clougherty
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Urban Health Collaborative, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel Univeristy, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Anneclaire J De Roos
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Urban Health Collaborative, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel Univeristy, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Usama Bilal
- Urban Health Collaborative, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel Univeristy, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel Univeristy, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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21
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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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22
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Bucciardini R, Zetterquist P, Rotko T, Putatti V, Mattioli B, De Castro P, Napolitani F, Giammarioli AM, Kumar BN, Nordström C, Plantz C, Zarneh YS, Olsson G, Ahrne M, Kilpeläinen K, Lopez-Acuña D, Vantarakis A, Marra M, Nessi C, Costa G. Addressing health inequalities in Europe: key messages from the Joint Action Health Equity Europe (JAHEE). Arch Public Health 2023; 81:89. [PMID: 37170153 PMCID: PMC10173226 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-023-01086-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Health inequalities within and between Member States of the European Union are widely recognized as a public health problem as they determine a significant share of potentially avoidable mortality and morbidity. After years of growing awareness and increasing action taken, a large gap still exists across Europe in terms of policy responses and governance. With the aim to contribute to achieve greater equity in health outcomes, in 2018 a new Joint Action, JAHEE, (Joint Action Health Equity Europe) was funded by the third EU Health Programme, with the main goal of strengthening cooperation between participating countries and of implementing concrete actions to reduce health inequalities. The partnership led by Italy counted 24 countries, conducting actions in five policy domains: monitoring, governance, healthy living environments, health systems and migration, following a three-step implementation approach. Firstly, specific Policy Frameworks for Action (PFA) collecting the available evidence on what practice should be done in each domain were developed. Second, different Country Assessments (CAs) were completed to check the country's adherence to the recommended practice in each domain. The gap between the expected policy response (PFA) and the present policy response (CA) guided the choice of concrete actions to be implemented in JAHEE, many of which are continuing even after the end of JA. Final recommendations based on the best results achieved during JAHEE were elaborated and agreed jointly with the representatives of the involved Ministries of Health. The JAHEE initiative represented an important opportunity for the participating countries to work jointly, and the results show that almost all have increased their level of action and strengthened their capacities to address health inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tuulia Rotko
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Malin Ahrne
- Public Health Agency of Sweden, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | | | - Michele Marra
- Epidemiology Unit, ALSTO3, Piedmont Region, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Costa
- Dept Clinical and Biological Sciences, Turin University, Turin, Italy
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23
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Job S, Heales L, Obst S. Tides of Change-Barriers and Facilitators to Beach Accessibility for Older People and People with Disability: An Australian Community Survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20095651. [PMID: 37174170 PMCID: PMC10178453 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20095651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The beach is Australia's most popular recreational destination with participation in beach-based activities associated with a wide range of health and wellbeing benefits. Unfortunately, access to beach environments is not possible for many older people and people with a disability. The purpose of this study was to investigate the barriers and facilitators of beach accessibility using a framework that recognises the complex interconnections between blue space, accessibility, physical activity, and health and wellbeing. A 39-item anonymous online cross-sectional survey was developed and administered to explore the perspectives of older people and people with a disability regarding beach accessibility. In total, 350 people completed the survey (69% female, age range 2-90 years (mean = 52)). Disability was reported by 88% of respondents, with 77% requiring a community mobility aid. Two-thirds (68%) of respondents were unable to visit the beach as often as they wanted, with 45% unable to visit at all. The most frequently reported barriers to beach access included difficulty moving on soft sand (87%), no specialised mobility equipment (75%), and inaccessible lead-up pathways (81%). If beach access was improved, respondents reported they would visit the beach more often (85%), for longer (83%), and have an improved experience (91%). The most frequently reported facilitators to beach access were the presence of accessible lead-up pathways (90%), sand walkways (89%), and parking (87%). Older people and people with disability have limited beach access, primarily due to a lack of accessible equipment, excluding them from the wide range of health benefits associated with visiting the beach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasha Job
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Central Queensland University, Bundaberg, QLD 4670, Australia
| | - Luke Heales
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, QLD 4701, Australia
| | - Steven Obst
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Central Queensland University, Bundaberg, QLD 4670, Australia
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24
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Liu X, Zhu T, Gao P, Gao J, Gao R, Jiang H, Zhang X. The relationship between four types of premature ejaculation patients and the quality of residential environment. Basic Clin Androl 2023; 33:7. [PMID: 37046205 PMCID: PMC10097446 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-022-00183-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated the association between premature ejaculation (PE) and the quality of residential environment from a new perspective to explore the influencing factors of PE, especially in four PE subtypes. We selected 499 adult males to participate in this study from September 2021 to September 2022. The satisfaction of residential environment was assessed by the Perceived Residential Environment Quality Indicators (PREQIs) scale, the control ability over ejaculation was assessed using the premature ejaculation diagnostic tool (PEDT), and their depression was assessed using the self-rating depression scale (SDS). RESULTS The Architectural and Town-planning Spaces (ATS), Green Spaces (GS), and Commercial Services (CS) of PE patients (N = 346) were compared with those of control group (N = 153), showed a significant difference (p < .05), for PE patients, the score of ATS was 44.30 ± 12.38, the score of GS was 18.60 ± 6.24, and the score of CS was 20.82 ± 8.20; for control group, which were 40.46 ± 16.21, 20.69 ± 5.71 and 22.90 ± 7.03 respectively. After age was taken into account, ATS had a positive correlation with PEDT score (r = 0.76), whereas GS and CS had a negative correlation (r = -0.87, -0.90); ATS had a positive correlation with SDS (r = 0.96), whereas GS and CS had a negative correlation (r = -0.74, -0.81). CONCLUSIONS We discovered that PE patients more likely resided in high-density areas with little green space and subpar commercial services, which might have an adverse effect on their mental health. This study offered a new viewpoint about the influence of residential environment on PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Liu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Tianle Zhu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Pan Gao
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jingjing Gao
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Rui Gao
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital Institute of Urology, Peking University Andrology Center, Peking University First Hospital No, 8 Xishiku Street Xicheng District, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiansheng Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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25
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Jamalishahni T, Turrell G, Foster S, Davern M, Villanueva K. Neighbourhood socio-economic disadvantage and loneliness: the contribution of green space quantity and quality. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:598. [PMID: 36997909 PMCID: PMC10061840 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15433-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Disadvantaged areas experience higher levels of loneliness than advantaged areas, though studies rarely identify environmental determinants of neighbourhood inequity in loneliness. We studied the contribution of the quantity and quality of green space to neighbourhood inequity in loneliness in three buffer sizes (400 m, 800 m, 1600 m), using cross-sectional data from 3778 individuals aged 48-77 years old living in 200 neighbourhoods in Brisbane, Australia. Levels of loneliness were significantly higher in disadvantaged neighbourhoods, and these neighbourhoods had less green space and less access to quality green space. However, there was no evidence that neighbourhood disparities in green space contributed to the association between neighbourhood disadvantage and loneliness. Possible methodological and substantive reasons for this result are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Jamalishahni
- Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia.
| | - Gavin Turrell
- Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Sarah Foster
- Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
- School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Melanie Davern
- Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
- Centre for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Global and Population Health, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Karen Villanueva
- Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
- Policy and Equity, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
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26
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Lee W, Heo S, Stewart R, Wu X, Fong KC, Son JY, Sabath B, Braun D, Park JY, Kim YC, Lee JP, Schwartz J, Kim H, Dominici F, Bell ML. Associations between greenness and kidney disease in Massachusetts: The US Medicare longitudinal cohort study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 173:107844. [PMID: 36841189 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have identified the association of environmental stressors with reduced kidney function and the development of kidney disease. While residential greenness has been linked to many health benefits, the association between residential greenness and the development of kidney disease is not clear. We aimed to investigate the association between residential greenness and the development of kidney disease. METHODS We performed a longitudinal population-based cohort study including all fee-for-service Medicare Part A beneficiaries (aged 65 years or older) in Massachusetts (2000-2016). We assessed greenness with the annual average Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) based on residential ZIP codes of beneficiaries. We applied Cox-equivalent Poisson models to estimate the association between EVI and first hospital admission for total kidney disease, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and acute kidney injury (AKI), separately. RESULTS Data for 1,462,949 beneficiaries who resided in a total of 644 ZIP codes were analyzed. The total person-years of follow-up for total kidney disease, CKD, and AKI were 9.8, 10.9, and 10.8 million person-years, respectively. For a 0.1 increase in annual EVI, the hazard ratios (HRs) were 0.95 (95% CI: 0.93 to 0.97) for the first hospital admission for total kidney disease, and the association was more prominent for AKI (HR: 0.94 with 95% CI: 0.92 to 0.97) than CKD (HR: 0.98 with 95% CI: 0.95-1.01]). The estimated effects of EVI on kidney disease were generally more evident in White beneficiaries and those residing in metropolitan areas compared to the overall population. CONCLUSIONS This study found that higher levels of annual residential greenness were associated with a lower risk of the first hospital admission for kidney diseases. Results are consistent with the hypothesis that higher residential greenness benefits kidney patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whanhee Lee
- School of Biomedical Convergence Engineering, College of Information and Biomedical Engineering, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Republic of Korea.
| | - Seulkee Heo
- Yale School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Rory Stewart
- Yale School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Xiao Wu
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kelvin C Fong
- Yale School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ji-Young Son
- Yale School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Benjamin Sabath
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences Research Computing Department, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Danielle Braun
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jae Yoon Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Republic of Korea; Department of Internal Medicine, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Chul Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Pyo Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Republic of Korea
| | - Joel Schwartz
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ho Kim
- Department of Public Health Science, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Institute for Sustainable Development, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Republic of Korea
| | - Francesca Dominici
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michelle L Bell
- Yale School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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27
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Chen L, Jia Y, Guo Y, Chen G, Ciren Z, Chen H, Duoji Z, Xu J, Yang T, Xu H, Feng S, Jiang Y, Guo B, Meng Q, Zhao X. Residential greenness associated with decreased risk of metabolic- dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease: Evidence from a large population-based epidemiological study. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 249:114338. [PMID: 36508840 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114338] [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: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous studies have shown that residential greenness positively correlates with enhanced health. Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) affects about a quarter of the population while lacking specific treatments. Given that the association between green space and MAFLD is still unknown, we explored the association between residential greenness and MAFLD as well as the potential mechanisms based on the baseline survey of the China Multi-Ethnic Cohort (CMEC). METHODS Residential greenness was expressed as normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and enhanced vegetation index (EVI). MAFLD was assessed through hepatic steatosis, the presence of overweight/obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and evidence of metabolic dysregulation. We used logistic regression to examine the association between NDVI/EVI and the prevalence of MAFLD. Moreover, we utilized causal mediation analyses to explore the role of physical activity and ambient particulate matters (PM1, PM2.5, and PM10) on the association between residential greenness and MAFLD. RESULTS We included 72,368 participants from the CMEC and found that residential greenness was negatively associated with the prevalence of MAFLD. For an interquartile range (IQR) increase in NDVI500 m and EVI500 m, the odds ratio (OR) of MAFLD were 0.78 (95 %CI: 0.75, 0.81) and 0.81 (95 %CI: 0.78, 0.84), respectively. Greater association between residential greenness and MAFLD was observed among males. Air pollutants and physical activity could mediate a partial effect (8.5-22.9 %) of residential greenness on MAFLD. CONCLUSION Higher residential greenness was associated with decreased risk of MAFLD. Moreover, the association was greater among males. The protective effects of residential greenness may be achieved by mitigating the hazardous effects of air pollutants and encouraging physical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Chen
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yiping Jia
- Department of Ultrasound, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuming Guo
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Gongbo Chen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental and Health Risk Assessment, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhuoga Ciren
- Tibet Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lhasa, Tibet, China
| | - Heng Chen
- Chengdu Center for Disease Control & Prevention, China
| | - Zhuoma Duoji
- School of Medicine, Tibet University, Lhasa, Tibet, China
| | - Jie Xu
- Chongqing Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, China
| | - Tingting Yang
- School of Public Health, the Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Huan Xu
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shiyu Feng
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ye Jiang
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Bing Guo
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Qiong Meng
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, West Chunrong Road, Chenggong Zone, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China.
| | - Xing Zhao
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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28
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How the natural environment in downtown neighborhood affects physical activity and sentiment: Using social media data and machine learning. Health Place 2023; 79:102968. [PMID: 36628806 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2023.102968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural environment might encourage physical exercise, hence enhancing human health and wellbeing. Social media offers an extensive repository of spatiotemporal data, containing details on the feelings and behaviors of individuals. However, investigations on physical activity and public sentiment in the natural environment of the downtown neighborhood are lacking in the existing literature. METHODS To extract environmental and behavioral information from social media data and other multi-source data, natural language processing, semantic segmentation, instance segmentation, and fully convolutional neural networks are employed. The research examines how neighborhood blue-green spaces and other health-promoting facilities affect physical activity and public sentiment. RESULTS The results reveal that blue space visibility, activity facilities, street furniture, and safety all have a favorable influence on physical activity with a social gradient. Amenities, perceived street safety and beauty positively correlated to public sentiment. The findings from social media about the environment and physical activity are consistent with traditional surveys from the same time period with a 0.588 kappa value. CONCLUSION According to our findings, social media data might be utilized to learn more about how urban environments influence people's physical activity patterns. Also, the health-promoting effects of blue space require more investigation.
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29
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Robinson T, Robertson N, Curtis F, Darko N, Jones CR. Examining Psychosocial and Economic Barriers to Green Space Access for Racialised Individuals and Families: A Narrative Literature Review of the Evidence to Date. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:745. [PMID: 36613069 PMCID: PMC9819928 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social prescribing (such as green social prescribing), aims to address health disparities cross-culturally to improve well-being. However, evidence highlights racial disparities in relation to access to quality green space (including local/national parks and recreational spaces). This review aimed to identify the psycho-socioeconomic barriers to green space access for racialised individuals/families and Black Indigenous People of Colour (BIPOC), to understand what cultural adaptations might be made to help support them to access green social prescribing within the UK. METHOD A narrative systematic review was conducted to identify barriers to green space access for racialised individuals/families and BIPOC. Searches of publication databases (APA PsycInfo, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews [CDSR], Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials [CENTRAL], Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature [CINAHL], and SCOPUS Preview) were undertaken from January to February 2022, to identify quantitative peer reviewed studies. Of the 4493 abstracts identified, ten studies met the inclusion criteria and were included for final review. RESULTS The results suggest that interpersonal, practical (such as transportation costs, entrance fees and lodging costs) and environmental factors can act as barriers to green space access for racialised individuals/families. Most frequently reported barriers were perceptions of safety and costs associated with travel and accessing green spaces, particularly for families. CONCLUSION Factors such as diversity-friendly schemes (e.g., multiple languages on signs and additional prayer spaces in parks), funding and strategies to improve safety should be considered in the design and commissioning of green space and green social prescribing initiatives in primary care. By mitigating these barriers green space can become more accessible and improve inclusivity for racialised individuals/families. Future research could explore the inter-racial differences between racialised populations and which mechanisms reduce barriers to access and in what contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tila Robinson
- Department of Psychology and Vison Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Noelle Robertson
- Department of Psychology and Vison Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Ffion Curtis
- Centre for Ethnic Health, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Natalie Darko
- School of Sociology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Ceri R. Jones
- Department of Psychology and Vison Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
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Zewdie HY, Whetten K, Dubie ME, Kenea B, Bekele T, Temesgen C, Molla W, Puffer ES, Ostermann J, Hobbie AM, Gray CL. The association between urban greenspace and psychological health among young adults in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 215:114258. [PMID: 36084675 PMCID: PMC10038305 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Psychological disorders are emerging as health priorities in Sub-Saharan Africa, specifically Ethiopia. Urban greenspace - parks, trees, and other vegetation integrated into urban form - may facilitate population psychological health, but is largely understudied outside high-income countries. We explore greenspace in relation to psychological health among young adults in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. METHOD Greenspace exposure was calculated using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) derived from publicly available satellite imagery (2018-2019). We used tests of spatial clustering to characterize greenspace distribution. Derived NDVI values were linked to Positive Outcomes for Orphans study participants to explore cross-sectional associations between greenspace exposure and psychological health (measured 2019-2021). Two continuous scores of psychological health were examined: total difficulties from the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and depressive symptoms from the 8-item Patient Health Questionnaire. Multilevel generalized linear regression, nested by administrative units, was used to estimate the association between greenspace and psychological health. We also explored effect modification by gender and having income. RESULTS We found greenspace is spatially clustered in Addis Ababa, with high greenspace density in the northeast region and low greenspace density in the center of the city. Our findings suggest residing in greener areas is associated with fewer emotional and behavioral difficulties (β = -1.89; 95% CI: -3.50, -0.29), but not significantly associated with depressive symptomology (β = -0.61; 95% CI: -2.33, 1.11). We observed stronger associations between greenspace and total difficulties among those reporting any income and among males, and for the association between greenspace and depression symptomology among males. CONCLUSION We offer initial exploration into the role of greenspace in psychological well-being in Addis Ababa, with potential implications for urban communities across Sub-Saharan Africa. Further research should continue to explore how the built and natural environment could be leveraged in similar settings to promote population psychological health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiwot Y Zewdie
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, USA; Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, USA.
| | | | | | - Berhanu Kenea
- Stand For Vulnerable Organization, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tolesa Bekele
- Stand For Vulnerable Organization, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Wesene Molla
- Stand For Vulnerable Organization, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Eve S Puffer
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, USA; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, USA
| | - Jan Ostermann
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, USA; University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Amy M Hobbie
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, USA
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Phillips C, Berghan J, Clifford A, Arahanga-Doyle H, Totoro V. Mauriora and the environment: a Kaupapa Māori exploration of adventure therapy in Aotearoa, New Zealand. J R Soc N Z 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/03036758.2022.2139731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chanel Phillips
- Te Koronga Indigenous Science, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - James Berghan
- School of Surveying, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Amanda Clifford
- Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | | | - Vicky Totoro
- Te Hononga Adventure Development Ltd., Dunedin, New Zealand
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Richardson M, Hamlin I, Elliott LR, White MP. Country-level factors in a failing relationship with nature: Nature connectedness as a key metric for a sustainable future. AMBIO 2022; 51:2201-2213. [PMID: 35641693 PMCID: PMC9481760 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-022-01744-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Climate change and biodiversity loss show that the human-nature relationship is failing. That relationship can be measured through the construct of nature connectedness which is a key factor in pro-environmental behaviours and mental well-being. Country-level indicators of extinction of nature experience, consumption and commerce, use and control of nature and negativistic factors were selected. An exploratory analysis of the relationship between these metrics and nature connectedness across adult samples from 14 European countries was conducted (n = 14,745 respondents). The analysis provides insight into how affluence, technology and consumption are associated with the human-nature relationship. These findings motivate a comparison of how nature connectedness and composite indicators of prosperity, progress, development, and sustainability relate to indicators of human and nature's well-being. In comparison to composite indexes, it is proposed that nature connectedness is a critical indicator of human and nature's well-being needed to inform the transition to a sustainable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miles Richardson
- School of Psychology, University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby, UK
| | - Iain Hamlin
- School of Psychology, University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby, UK
| | - Lewis R. Elliott
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, c/o Knowledge Spa, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro, Cornwall UK
| | - Mathew P. White
- Cognitive Science HUB, University of Vienna, Kolingasse 14/16, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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Wang R, Yang L, Yao Y, Wu W. Exploring the association between neighbourhood streetscape vegetation and subjective well-being in a high-density built environment: Evidence from Beijing, China. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:e5457-e5469. [PMID: 35947098 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13968] [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: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Many studies have disentangled the perceived benefits of vegetation on subjective well-being (SWB). Yet, scant attention has been paid to the joint effect of vegetation and building density on SWB. This study explores the relationship between streetscape vegetation (SV), building density and SWB in Beijing, China. Our analysis relies on rich measures of street view data to assess SV exposure at the neighbourhood level. Notably, we distinguish between trees (SV-tree) and grasses (SV-grass) when evaluating SV metrics. The results suggest that streetscape trees and grasses are positively associated with SWB, though estimated effects are dependent upon tree and grass density exposures. We also find that the effects of streetscape trees and grass are moderated by building density in the neighbourhood. Additional decomposition analysis provides the insight that the well-being implications of street vegetation and building density are varied significantly by individual sociodemographic characteristics such as sex, age and income. The findings of this study suggest the importance of considering density in SV planning and land use policies to enhance people's quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoyu Wang
- UKCRC Centre of Excellence for Public Health/Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Linchuan Yang
- Department of Urban and Rural Planning, School of Architecture and Design, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yao Yao
- School of Geography and Information Engineering, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
- Center for Spatial Information Science, The University of Tokyo, Chiba, Japan
| | - Wenjie Wu
- School of Urban Design, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Kondo MC, McIntire RK, Bilal U, Schinasi LH. Reduction in socioeconomic inequalities in self-reported mental health conditions with increasing greenspace exposure. Health Place 2022; 78:102908. [PMID: 36193582 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2022.102908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle C Kondo
- USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station, 100 North 20th Street, Suite 205, Philadelphia, PA, 19103, USA.
| | - Russell K McIntire
- Jefferson College of Population Health, Thomas Jefferson University, 901 Walnut St., 10th Floor, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Usama Bilal
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Drexel Dornsife School of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Urban Health Collaborative, Drexel Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Leah H Schinasi
- Urban Health Collaborative, Drexel Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Drexel Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Tiscareno-Osorno X, Hossaini J, Chabursky S, Sayed N, Temizarabaci I, Hähl W, Beckmann J. Does socioeconomic position and gender affect human-nature interactions? ZEITSCHRIFT FUR GESUNDHEITSWISSENSCHAFTEN = JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 31:1-8. [PMID: 36277027 PMCID: PMC9579578 DOI: 10.1007/s10389-022-01762-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Aim The growing number of mental health problems worldwide is alarming. Encouraging human-nature interactions (HNIs) could help to tackle this issue. For this reason, the aim of the present research was to investigate certain components that promote HNI in two groups of students with different socioeconomic positions (SEPs) in Mexico. HNIs describe the direct relationship between humans and nature. HNIs are composed of elements such as connectedness to nature (CN) and commitment to the environment (CE), and are beneficial to both physical and mental health. However, the impact of CN and CE on people's lives seems to depend on their SEP, which has been investigated mainly in developed countries where SEP is less salient compared with developing countries. Methods A survey was sent to students from two universities representing each group. A total of 210 surveys was collected. Results The results showed no differences in CN (p = .480) and CE (p = .421) regarding SEP. However, gender differences were found with females from a low SEP showing higher levels of CN than men (p = .015) from the same SEP. For high SEP, no differences were found. In addition, men showed a higher CE than women, regardless of their SEP. Conclusion Given the high vulnerability of women to mental health problems, it is of major importance to conduct more research considering the relationship between gender, HNI, SEP, and health in developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ximena Tiscareno-Osorno
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Georg-Brauchle-Ring 60_62/IV., 80992 München, Germany
| | - Jihad Hossaini
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Georg-Brauchle-Ring 60_62/IV., 80992 München, Germany
| | - Sophia Chabursky
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Georg-Brauchle-Ring 60_62/IV., 80992 München, Germany
| | - Nesma Sayed
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Georg-Brauchle-Ring 60_62/IV., 80992 München, Germany
| | - Ilayda Temizarabaci
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Georg-Brauchle-Ring 60_62/IV., 80992 München, Germany
| | - Wiebke Hähl
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Georg-Brauchle-Ring 60_62/IV., 80992 München, Germany
| | - Jürgen Beckmann
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Georg-Brauchle-Ring 60_62/IV., 80992 München, Germany
- School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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Nicholls N, Caryl F, Olsen JR, Mitchell R. Neighbourhood natural space and the narrowing of socioeconomic inequality in years of life lost: a cross-sectional ecological analysis of the Scottish Burden of Disease. J Epidemiol Community Health 2022; 76:976-983. [PMID: 36253097 DOI: 10.1136/jech-2022-219111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural space is associated with reduced risk of, and narrower socioeconomic inequalities in, diseases that affect older populations, and some contributors to premature mortality in younger individuals. Burden of disease measures such as years of life lost (YLL) are influenced by premature poor health and death. We hypothesised some association between natural space and both rates of and inequalities in YLL might be present. METHODS The outcome data were the YLL component from Scottish Burden of Disease 2016, provided at small-area level (datazone) for males and females under 65 years of age in Scotland, UK. Exposure variables were the percentages of land cover within each datazone defined as 'natural space' (NS), and 'natural space and private gardens' (NSG). Together with a measure of area income deprivation, these were fitted in a multilevel Poisson model accounting for intra-datazone level variation, and spatial autocorrelation between datazones. RESULTS An increased percentage cover of NSG was associated with lower YLL in males (incident rate ratio (IRR) 0.993, 95% credible interval (CrI) 0.989 to 0.997) and females (IRR 0.993, CrI 0.987 to 0.998); each 10% increase of natural space cover was associated with a 7% decrease in the incidence rate. An increased amount of natural space within local areas was associated with reduced disparity in YLL between the most and least income deprived areas. CONCLUSIONS The health benefits of natural space also apply when indicators sensitive to health events at younger ages are used. An increased amount of natural space within local areas has the potential to reduce the disparity in YLL between the most and least income deprived areas-the 'equigenic' effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Nicholls
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Fiona Caryl
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jonathan R Olsen
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Richard Mitchell
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Olsen JR, Nicholls N, Panter J, Burnett H, Tornow M, Mitchell R. Trends and inequalities in distance to and use of nearest natural space in the context of the 20-min neighbourhood: A 4-wave national repeat cross-sectional study, 2013 to 2019. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 213:113610. [PMID: 35690087 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The 20-min neighbourhood is a policy priority for governments worldwide; a key feature of this policy is providing access to natural space (NS) within 800 m of home. The study aims were to (1) examine the association between distance to nearest NS and frequent use over time and (2) examine whether frequent use and changes in use were patterned by income and housing tenure over time. Bi-annual Scottish Household Survey data were obtained for 2013 to 2019 (n:42128 aged 16+). Adults were asked the walking distance to their nearest NS, the frequency of visits to this space and their housing tenure, as well as age, sex and income. We examined the association between distance from home of nearest NS, housing tenure, and the likelihood of frequent NS use (visited once a week or more). Two-way interaction terms were further applied to explore variation in the association between tenure and frequent NS use over time. We found that 87% of respondents lived within 10 min walk of a NS, meeting the policy specification for a 20-min neighbourhood. Greater proximity to NS was associated with increased use; individuals living a 6-10 min walk and over 10 min walk were respectively 53% and 78% less likely to report frequent NS use than those living within a 5 min walk. Housing tenure was an important predictor of frequent NS use; private renters and homeowners were more likely to report frequent NS use than social renters. Our findings provide evidence that proximity to NS is a strong predictor of frequent use. Our study provides important evidence that time-based access measures alone do not consider deep-rooted socioeconomic variation in use of NS. Policy makers should ensure a nuanced lens is applied to operationalising and monitoring the 20-min neighbourhood to safeguard against exacerbating existing inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan R Olsen
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Natalie Nicholls
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jenna Panter
- MRC Epidemiology Unit and Centre for Diet and Activity Research (CEDAR), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Hannah Burnett
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Richard Mitchell
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Implications of disparities in social and built environment antecedents to adult nature engagement. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274948. [PMID: 36149849 PMCID: PMC9506603 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274948] [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: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Antecedent factors which influence adult engagement with nature are underexplored given the human health benefits strongly associated with nature exposure. Formative pathways and impediments to nature contact merit understanding as they may contribute to later-life health disparities. We probed experiential pathways and attitudes toward nature engagement among adults purposefully sampled across U.S. regions, age, race/ethnicity, and urbanicity through semi-structured focus group discussions. The research aims were to explore entryways and barriers to experiencing nature and learn how natured and built environments compete in influencing human-nature relationships. Sessions were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed following Braun and Clarke’s phases of thematic analysis. Qualitative content analysis of discussions identified three principal themes: 1) formative influences promoting adult nature engagement (i.e., persons/organizations and places of origin), 2) detractors from nature engagement (i.e., perceptual, material, and physical barriers), and 3) role of current setting (i.e., natural and built environments) shaping nature-seeking relationships. We found experiential factors that included early life exposures outdoors, personal mentorship, and organizational affiliation to be highly influential in socializing individuals to nature and in soldering attachment to nature which manifests into adulthood. In contrast, changing demographics and childhood, inequity, social dynamics, metropolitan growth, urban renewal explained alienation from nature. These findings emphasize the importance of efforts to expand opportunities for nature contact, especially for youth living in economically challenged urban areas, which go beyond increasing greenspace to encompass mentoring partnerships for gaining skills and comfort outdoors and redesign of safe natured spaces within cities for hands-on learning and discovery.
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Hunter RF, Rodgers SE, Hilton J, Clarke M, Garcia L, Ward Thompson C, Geary R, Green MA, O'Neill C, Longo A, Lovell R, Nurse A, Wheeler BW, Clement S, Porroche-Escudero A, Mitchell R, Barr B, Barry J, Bell S, Bryan D, Buchan I, Butters O, Clemens T, Clewley N, Corcoran R, Elliott L, Ellis G, Guell C, Jurek-Loughrey A, Kee F, Maguire A, Maskell S, Murtagh B, Smith G, Taylor T, Jepson R. GroundsWell: Community-engaged and data-informed systems transformation of Urban Green and Blue Space for population health - a new initiative. Wellcome Open Res 2022; 7:237. [PMID: 36865374 PMCID: PMC9971655 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.18175.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural environments, such as parks, woodlands and lakes, have positive impacts on health and wellbeing. Urban Green and Blue Spaces (UGBS), and the activities that take place in them, can significantly influence the health outcomes of all communities, and reduce health inequalities. Improving access and quality of UGBS needs understanding of the range of systems (e.g. planning, transport, environment, community) in which UGBS are located. UGBS offers an ideal exemplar for testing systems innovations as it reflects place-based and whole society processes , with potential to reduce non-communicable disease (NCD) risk and associated social inequalities in health. UGBS can impact multiple behavioural and environmental aetiological pathways. However, the systems which desire, design, develop, and deliver UGBS are fragmented and siloed, with ineffective mechanisms for data generation, knowledge exchange and mobilisation. Further, UGBS need to be co-designed with and by those whose health could benefit most from them, so they are appropriate, accessible, valued and used well. This paper describes a major new prevention research programme and partnership, GroundsWell, which aims to transform UGBS-related systems by improving how we plan, design, evaluate and manage UGBS so that it benefits all communities, especially those who are in poorest health. We use a broad definition of health to include physical, mental, social wellbeing and quality of life. Our objectives are to transform systems so that UGBS are planned, developed, implemented, maintained and evaluated with our communities and data systems to enhance health and reduce inequalities. GroundsWell will use interdisciplinary, problem-solving approaches to accelerate and optimise community collaborations among citizens, users, implementers, policymakers and researchers to impact research, policy, practice and active citizenship. GroundsWell will be shaped and developed in three pioneer cities (Belfast, Edinburgh, Liverpool) and their regional contexts, with embedded translational mechanisms to ensure that outputs and impact have UK-wide and international application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth F. Hunter
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK,
| | - Sarah E. Rodgers
- Department of Public Health, Policy & Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK,
| | - Jeremy Hilton
- School of Defence and Security, Cranfield University, Bedfordshire, UK
| | - Mike Clarke
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Leandro Garcia
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | | | - Rebecca Geary
- Department of Public Health, Policy & Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Mark A. Green
- Department of Geography & Planning, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ciaran O'Neill
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Alberto Longo
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Rebecca Lovell
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, UK
| | - Alex Nurse
- Department of Geography & Planning, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Benedict W. Wheeler
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, UK
| | - Sarah Clement
- Department of Geography and Planning, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | | | - Rich Mitchell
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Ben Barr
- Department of Public Health, Policy & Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - John Barry
- School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Sarah Bell
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, UK
| | - Dominic Bryan
- School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Iain Buchan
- Department of Public Health, Policy & Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Olly Butters
- Department of Public Health, Policy & Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Tom Clemens
- School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Natalie Clewley
- School of Defence and Security, Cranfield University, Bedfordshire, UK
| | - Rhiannon Corcoran
- Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Lewis Elliott
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, UK
| | - Geraint Ellis
- School of Natural and Built Environment, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Cornelia Guell
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, UK
| | - Anna Jurek-Loughrey
- School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Frank Kee
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Aideen Maguire
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Simon Maskell
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Brendan Murtagh
- School of Natural and Built Environment, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Grahame Smith
- Nursing and Allied Health, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Timothy Taylor
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, UK
| | - Ruth Jepson
- Scottish Collaboration for Public Health Research and Policy (SCPHRP), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK,
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Putra IGNE, Astell-Burt T, Feng X. Caregiver perceptions of neighbourhood green space quality, heavy traffic conditions, and asthma symptoms: Group-based trajectory modelling and multilevel longitudinal analysis of 9,589 Australian children. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113187. [PMID: 35358543 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study assessed the associations between changes in exposure to green space quality, heavy traffic conditions, and asthma symptoms among children. METHODS 10-year cohort data of 9589 children, retrieved from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children, were analysed. Caregiver-reported neighbourhood green space quality, heavy traffic conditions, and asthma symptoms were measured biennially. Group-based trajectory mixture models were used to develop trajectory groups, denoting different patterns of, or changes in, exposure to green space quality, heavy traffic conditions, and asthma symptoms across childhood. Multilevel multinomial logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with trajectory group membership and examine the confounders-adjusted associations between trajectory groups of green space quality, heavy traffic conditions, and asthma symptoms. RESULTS Four trajectory groups for each green space quality and heavy traffic conditions, and five trajectory groups for asthma symptoms were developed. Children in less disadvantaged areas were more likely to be in trajectory groups with exposure to quality green space, but less likely to be exposed to heavy neighbourhood traffic. Living in more remote areas was associated with the decreased likelihood to be in groups with exposure to both quality green space and heavy traffic conditions over time. Accumulation of exposure to quality green space across childhood was not found to be protective against asthma symptoms. However, children whose caregiver perceptions of heavy traffic conditions trended from low to moderate levels; or were consistently in high levels across childhood had a higher likelihood to be in trajectory groups with a higher risk of asthma symptoms. CONCLUSION Exposure to quality green space was not associated with the reduced risk of asthma symptoms. The accumulation of exposure to heavy traffic conditions increased the likelihood of asthma symptoms among children. Reducing the presence of heavy traffic in neighbourhoods might reduce the risk of childhood asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Gusti Ngurah Edi Putra
- Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab), NSW, Australia; School of Health and Society, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Thomas Astell-Burt
- Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab), NSW, Australia; School of Health and Society, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Xiaoqi Feng
- Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab), NSW, Australia; School of Health and Society, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia; School of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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41
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Bratman GN, Olvera-Alvarez HA. Nature and Health: Perspectives and Pathways. ECOPSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1089/eco.2022.29007.editorial] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory N. Bratman
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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John EE, Astell-Burt T, Yu P, Brennan-Horley C, Feng X. Green Space and Inequities in Healthy Ageing: Are Grasses Greener on the Socioeconomically Advantaged Side? ECOPSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1089/eco.2021.0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eme Eseme John
- Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab), New South Wales, Australia
| | - Thomas Astell-Burt
- Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab), New South Wales, Australia
- School of Health and Society, Faculty of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Ping Yu
- Centre for IT Enabled Transformation, School of Computing and Information Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Chris Brennan-Horley
- School of Geography and Sustainable Communities, Australian Centre for Culture, Environment, Society and Space (ACCESS), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Xiaoqi Feng
- Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab), New South Wales, Australia
- School of Health and Society, Faculty of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Sadeh M, Agay N, Brauer M, Chudnovsky A, Ziv A, Dankner R. Is health-related quality of life 1-year after coronary artery bypass graft surgery associated with living in a greener environment? ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113364. [PMID: 35487257 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113364] [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: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Greenery in the residential environment and in the hospital has been associated with improved surgical outcomes and recovery. We investigated the association between the level of residential greenness of patients with coronary disease and their heart disease-related Quality of Life (HRQoL) 1-year after a coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. METHODS Participants in a prospective cohort study who underwent CABG surgery at seven cardiothoracic units throughout Israel during the years 2004-2007 filled in the MacNew HRQoL one day before and one year after surgery. Successful recovery was defined as ≥0.5 increase in the MacNew score between baseline and follow-up. Exposure to residential greenness in 90 m and 300 m buffers around the patient's home was assessed with Linear Spectral Unmixing analysis of Landsat 30 m imagery. RESULTS The cohort comprised of 861 patients (22% female) with a mean age of 65.5 years, and 59.2% classified as low-income. In the total cohort, higher residential greenness was associated with an improvement in emotional HRQoL (OR = 1.33 (95%CI: 0.99-1.79)), adjusting for demographic and socio-economic factors, living in the periphery/center, presence of diabetes, attending cardiac rehabilitation following surgery, BMI, and change in physical fitness and depression over the 1-year follow-up. Although no association was found between greenness and change in the physical or social subscales, a positive association was specifically observed among the low-income patients for the global HRQoL score, OR = 1.42 (95%CI: 0.97-2.10), as compared to the higher-income patients, p for interaction = 0.03. CONCLUSIONS Residential greenness is associated with improvement in HRQoL 1-year after CABG surgery, but not the physical and social scales, only in low-income patients. Ensuring greenery in the living environment may act as a social intervention that supports human health and disease recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Sadeh
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel.
| | - Nirit Agay
- Unit for Cardiovascular Epidemiology, The Gertner Institute for Epidemiology and Health Policy Research, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Michael Brauer
- School of Population & Public Health, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Alexandra Chudnovsky
- AIR-O Lab, Porter School of Environment and Earth Sciences, Raymond and Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Arnona Ziv
- Unit for Data Management and Computerization, The Gertner Institute for Epidemiology and Health Policy Research, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Rachel Dankner
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel; Unit for Cardiovascular Epidemiology, The Gertner Institute for Epidemiology and Health Policy Research, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
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Jarosz E. Direct Exposure to Green and Blue Spaces is Associated with Greater Mental Wellbeing in Older Adults. JOURNAL OF AGING AND ENVIRONMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/26892618.2022.2109792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Jarosz
- Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- SYNYO Research, Vienna, Austria
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Mellor C, Botchway S, Barnes N, Gandy S. Seeding hope: restoring nature to restore ourselves. Nature restoration as an essential mental health intervention. Int Rev Psychiatry 2022; 34:541-545. [PMID: 36165760 DOI: 10.1080/09540261.2022.2092391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
This commentary offers stories of hope and regeneration in the face of the interconnected crises we face. Those of us in the health sector have the opportunity to undo the false separation that has arisen between the care we offer ourselves and the care we offer our natural spaces. Access to a healthy environment offers myriad health benefits and has been declared a human right. Beyond this, cultivating a sense of kinship with the natural world unlocks further mental health benefits and promotes a deep sense of meaning and vitality. Widespread restoration of nature, combined with the equitable reconnection of people to these restored environments, must become one of the most important aspects of public health in this century. This paper, written from a UK perspective, describes examples where people are already weaving these strands together and offers practical suggestions for healthcare professionals who want to know how this relates to their role and their everyday practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catriona Mellor
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Littlemore Mental Health Centre, Oxford, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Stella Botchway
- Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, OX3 7JX and Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Nicholas Barnes
- Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Sam Gandy
- Independent Researcher, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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Biophilic Experience-Based Residential Hybrid Framework. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19148512. [PMID: 35886362 PMCID: PMC9320315 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
There has been increasing academic interest in biophilic design in response to recent environmental and climate change issues, including the COVID-19 pandemic. However, discussions of the utilization of digital technology in providing universal access to nature, and opportunities to experience more diverse nature, are lacking. This study aimed to compare and analyze major theoretical systems for biophilic experiences in a residential environment, and to propose a hybrid framework that combines physical and digital design techniques for comparison and analysis. This paper discusses framework application strategies in line with scales of residential environments. Based on a systematic literature review, this study integrated and derived key elements of biophilic experience for a better quality of life in a modern residential environment and proposed a hybrid framework and strategy based on this. As a result, a hybrid framework of 15 integrated factors for three biophilic experiences was derived, and various strengths and potential opportunities were identified in terms of application depending on the scales. At the unit scale, it was found that the well-being and health of residents improved; at the building scale, the potential for sustainability was highlighted; at the complex scale, there was a contribution to higher residential competitiveness in multi-dimensional aspects. In particular, the biophilic experience-based hybrid framework in this study provided insights into addressing the weaknesses and threats discussed in the existing biophilic design.
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Vidal C, Lyman C, Brown G, Hynson B. Reclaiming public spaces: The case for the built environment as a restorative tool in neighborhoods with high levels of community violence. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 50:2399-2410. [PMID: 34990030 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Early-life exposure to neighborhood violence can negatively affect children's socioemotional development and long-term health outcomes. Community-level interventions that modify the built environment to facilitate social encounters can have a positive impact on health. An example of such interventions is the building of green spaces and playgrounds. This case study describes collaboration among residents, local organizations, and a university that aimed to increase the utilization of a vacant lot by converting it into a green space with a playground. Informal conversations at volunteer gatherings and neighborhood association meetings indicated a positive impact of this project in the community. We propose a model for future program implementation and research to improve health in disinvested and disordered communities. We conclude that more research is needed on community partnerships that modify the built environment to decrease community violence. Community-based participatory research may be successful in evaluating future projects with this goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol Vidal
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Gwen Brown
- Baltimoreans United in Leadership Development (BUILD), Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Briony Hynson
- Neighborhood Design Center (NDC), Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Noël T, Dardenne B. Relationships between Green Space Attendance, Perceived Crowdedness, Perceived Beauty and Prosocial Behavior in Time of Health Crisis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116778. [PMID: 35682359 PMCID: PMC9180060 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
An emergent body of evidence shows the impact of exposure to nature on prosocial attitudes and interpersonal relationships. This study examines relationships between green space (GS) attendance, perceived beauty of the space, perceived crowdedness of the space, and prosocial behavior. A cross-sectional study with snowball sampling was conducted in April 2020. All participants (N = 1206) responded to an online survey that included a French version of the social value orientation slider measure (used as a proxy for prosocial behavior), questions about the lockdown, and their GS attendance. After retaining only participants who had visited a GS at least once since the beginning of their lockdown (N = 610), multiple linear regressions showed that social orientation scores demonstrated associations with the interaction between GS attendance and perceived crowdedness of the GS, suggesting that attending low crowded GS is linked to increasing prosociality. These results provide insight into the roles that GS can have during a health crisis and suggest some practical implications.
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Meredith WJ, Cardenas-Iniguez C, Berman MG, Rosenberg MD. Effects of the physical and social environment on youth cognitive performance. Dev Psychobiol 2022; 64:e22258. [PMID: 35452534 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Individual differences in children's cognitive abilities impact life and health outcomes. What factors influence these individual differences during development? Here, we test whether children's environments predict cognitive performance, independent of well-characterized socioeconomic effects. We analyzed data from 9002 9- to 10-year olds from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study, an ongoing longitudinal study with community samples across the United States. Using youth- and caregiver-report questionnaires and national database registries (e.g., neighborhood crime, walkability), we defined principal components summarizing children's home, school, neighborhood, and cultural environments. In two independent samples (ns = 3475, 5527), environmental components explained unique variance in children's general cognitive ability, executive functioning, and learning/memory abilities. Furthermore, increased neighborhood enrichment was associated with an attenuated relationship between sociodemographics and general cognitive abilities. Thus, the environment accounts for unique variance in cognitive performance in children and should be considered alongside sociodemographic factors to better understand brain functioning and behavior across development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wesley J Meredith
- Department of Psychology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | - Marc G Berman
- Department of Psychology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Neuroscience Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Monica D Rosenberg
- Department of Psychology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Neuroscience Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Green Space Visits and Barriers to Visiting during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Three-Wave Nationally Representative Cross-Sectional Study of UK Adults. LAND 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/land11040503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Green spaces have been found to promote physical activity, social contact, and mental wellbeing, however, there are inequalities in the use and experience of green spaces. The United Kingdom’s (UK) response to the COVID-19 pandemic imposed very substantial changes on its citizens’ lives which could plausibly affect their willingness to visit green spaces. These sudden lifestyle changes severely affected the population’s mental health, leading to a greater dependency on the positive influence of nature in reducing stress and improving mood. Whilst early cross-sectional evidence suggested an increased orientation to nature and visits to green spaces as a response to COVID-19 ‘lockdowns’, there is little longitudinal evidence about how sustained and equal these changes may have been. This study explored green space visits, barriers to visiting, and the inequalities of both of those over an entire year of the pandemic in the UK. Three waves of nationally representative cross-sectional surveys were administered by YouGov in April 2020, November 2020, and April 2021 (N = 6713). Data included reported visits to green spaces and, for those with no or infrequent visiting, perceived barriers including those plausibly related to the risk of COVID-19. Green space visits increased over the year as lockdown restrictions were relaxed; 68% of respondents reported green space visits in April 2021, compared with 49% in April 2020. However, the socio-economic inequalities in use were sustained and increased. COVID-19 related barriers fell over time, but there were indications of increased interest in green spaces among younger people. Further action is required to ensure that the positive impacts of green spaces are experienced equally, and that good quality green space is accessible to all.
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