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Wang Z, Drouard G, Whipp AM, Heinonen-Guzejev M, Bolte G, Kaprio J. Association between trajectories of the neighborhood social exposome and mental health in late adolescence: A FinnTwin12 cohort study. J Affect Disord 2024; 358:70-78. [PMID: 38697223 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.04.096] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescent mental health problems impose a significant burden. Exploring evolving social environments could enhance comprehension of their impact on mental health. We aimed to depict the trajectories of the neighborhood social exposome from middle to late adolescence and assess the intricate relationship between them and late adolescent mental health. METHODS Participants (n = 3965) from the FinnTwin12 cohort with completed questionnaires at age 17 were used. Nine mental health measures were assessed. The social exposome comprised 28 neighborhood social indicators. Trajectories of these indicators from ages 12 to 17 were summarized via latent growth curve modeling into growth factors, including baseline intercept. Mixture effects of all growth factors were assessed through quantile-based g-computation. Repeated generalized linear regressions identified significant growth factors. Sex stratification was performed. RESULTS The linear-quadratic model was the most optimal trajectory model. No mixture effect was detected. Regression models showed some growth factors saliently linked to the p-factor, internalizing problems, anxiety, hyperactivity, and aggression. The majority of them were baseline intercepts. Quadratic growth factors about mother tongues correlated with anxiety among sex-combined participants and males. The linear growth factor in the proportion of households of couples without children was associated with internalizing problems in females. LIMITATIONS We were limited to including only neighborhood-level social exposures, and the multilevel contextual exposome situation interfered with our assessment. CONCLUSIONS Trajectories of the social neighborhood exposome modestly influenced late adolescent mental health. Tackling root causes of social inequalities through targeted programs for living conditions could improve adolescent mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyang Wang
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Gabin Drouard
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Alyce M Whipp
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Gabriele Bolte
- Department of Social Epidemiology, Institute of Public Health and Nursing Research, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Jaakko Kaprio
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Public Health, Clinicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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Zhao Y, Liu Q, Chen Y, Kwok TCY, Leung JCS, Feng H, Wong SYS. Trajectories of depressive symptom and its association with air pollution: evidence from the Mr. OS and Ms. OS Hong Kong cohort study. BMC Geriatr 2024; 24:318. [PMID: 38580934 PMCID: PMC10996234 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-024-04731-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is a global health priority. Maintaining and delaying depressive symptoms in older adults is a key to healthy aging. This study aimed to identify depressive symptom trajectories, predictors and mortality, while also exploring the relationship between air quality and depressive symptoms in older adults in the Hong Kong community over 14 years. METHODS This study is a longitudinal study in Hong Kong. The target population was community-dwelling older adults over age 65. Depressive symptoms were measured by the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15). Group-based trajectory model was used to identify heterogeneity in longitudinal changes over 14 years and examine the associations between baseline variables and trajectories for different cohort members using multinomial logistic regression. The Kaplan-Meier method was employed to conduct survival analysis and explore the variations in survival probabilities over time among different trajectory group. Linear mixed model was used to explore the relationship between air quality and depressive symptoms. RESULTS A total of 2828 older adults were included. Three different trajectories of depressive symptoms in older people were identified: relatively stable (15.4%), late increase (67.1%) and increase (17.5%). Female, more number of chronic diseases, poor cognitive function, and poor health-related quality of life (HRQOL) were significantly associated with other less favorable trajectories compared with participants with stable levels of depressive symptoms. The late increase group had a lower mortality rate than the relatively stable and increased groups. Lower baseline ambient air pollutant exposure to NO2 over 14 years was significantly associated with fewer depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we found that a late increase in depressive symptoms was the predominant trend in older Chinese people in Hong Kong. Poorer HRQOL was predictive of less favorable trajectories of depressive symptoms. Ambient air pollution was associated with depressive symptoms. This novel observation strengthens the epidemiological evidence of longitudinal changes in depressive symptoms and associations with late-life exposure to air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinan Zhao
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Qingcai Liu
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yifei Chen
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Timothy C Y Kwok
- Department of Medicine & Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China.
| | - Jason C S Leung
- Department of Medicine & Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Hui Feng
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.
- Xiangya-Oceanwide Health Management Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.
| | - Samuel Yeung Shan Wong
- Jockey Club Centre for Osteoporosis Care and Control, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
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Langmann E, Weßel M. Leaving no one behind: successful ageing at the intersection of ageism and ableism. Philos Ethics Humanit Med 2023; 18:22. [PMID: 38001533 PMCID: PMC10668457 DOI: 10.1186/s13010-023-00150-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The concept of 'successful ageing' has been a prominent focus within the field of gerontology for several decades. However, despite the widespread attention paid to this concept, its intersectional implications have not been fully explored yet. This paper aims to address this gap by analyzing the potential ageist and ableist biases in the discourse of successful ageing through an intersectional lens. METHOD A critical feminist perspective is taken to examine the sensitivity of the discourse of successful ageing to diversity in societies. The paper analyzes how ageist and ableist biases can manifest in the ways we conceptualize ageing, drawing on examples in the context of mental health. RESULTS We argue that the conventional approach to successful ageing is limited in its ability to account for the experiences of people who have faced intersectional discrimination throughout their lives. Drawing on examples in the context of mental health, we explore among others the link between depression and disabilities. Furthermore, we shed light on the negative impact of ageist and ableist attitudes concerning the diagnosis and treatment of dementia. DISCUSSION We demonstrate how diversity is often overlooked in discussions of ageing well, and how ageist and ableist biases can manifest in the ways we conceptualize ageing. We argue that focusing solely on the health status as a means of achieving success fails to adequately counter ageism for all people. We further emphasize the role of structural factors, such as ageist attitudes, in shaping the experience of ageing and exacerbating health inequalities. CONCLUSION Overall, our findings emphasize the need for a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of ageing and therefore an intersectional approach to conceptions of ageing well that recognizes and addresses the biases and limitations of current discourses. Thereby, this paper offers valuable insights into the complex intersections between age and disabilities from a bioethical perspective, highlighting the need for a more inclusive and intersectional approach to ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Langmann
- Institute of Ethics and History of Medicine, University of Tübingen, Gartenstraße 47, Tübingen, 72074, Germany.
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Ao N, Zhang S, Tian G, Zhu X, Kang X. Exploring teacher wellbeing in educational reforms: a Chinese perspective. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1265536. [PMID: 38034314 PMCID: PMC10682978 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1265536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Teaching is a demanding profession and maintaining teacher wellbeing is significant in ensuring educational quality. However, teacher wellbeing is easily affected by educational reforms, and systematic research on this topic is still relatively rare. In China, with the enactment of the Double Reduction Policy in 2021, the job characteristics of primary and secondary school teachers have undergone various changes. Thus, the current study examined the new job characteristics that China's Double Reduction Policy imposed on the wellbeing of school teachers and their relationships with teachers' inner world (i.e., emotional regulation and mindset). A cross-sectional study was carried out from June to October 2022 across China, employing self-reporting questionnaires for data collection and analysis. With a random sample of 902 teachers, we investigated the associations between teacher wellbeing, job characteristics, emotional regulation strategies, and mindset. The results indicated that teachers showed a lower level of wellbeing after the educational reform. Higher job resources contributed positively to predicting teacher wellbeing, while higher job demands contributed negatively. Genuinely expressing had positive impacts on teacher wellbeing while surface acting had negative impacts and deep acting none. Mindset was found to affect emotional regulation strategies and teacher wellbeing simultaneously. These findings shed light on how teachers can appropriately regulate emotions and maintain wellbeing in the wake of educational reforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narentuya Ao
- College of Teacher Education, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Sitong Zhang
- College of Teacher Education, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
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Liu H, Xu X, Tam VWY, Mao P. What is the "DNA" of healthy buildings? A critical review and future directions. RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS 2023; 183:113460. [PMID: 37359216 PMCID: PMC10280327 DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2023.113460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, buildings that provide improved performance have aroused extensive discussion. Nowadays, the connotation of healthy building is becoming complex, performance metrics for healthy buildings vary significantly from different regions in the world and there may be information asymmetry among stakeholders. Consequently, building health performance cannot be effectively achieved. However, previous studies have launched extensive reviews on green building, and there remains a lack of comprehensive and systematic reviews on healthy buildings. To address the above issues, therefore, this research aims to (1) conduct a thorough review of healthy building research and reveal its nature; and (2) identify the current research gaps and propose possible future research directions. Content analysis using NVivo were applied to review 238 relevant publications. A DNA framework of healthy buildings, which clarifies the characteristics, triggers, guides and actions, was then constructed for better understanding of the nature of them. Subsequently, the application of DNA framework and the directions of future research were discussed. Six future research directions were finally recommended, including life-cycle thinking, standard systems improvement, policies & regulations, awareness increase, healthy building examination, and multidisciplinary integration. This research differs from previous ones because it painted a panorama of previous healthy building research. Findings of this research contribute to reveal knowledge map of healthy buildings, guide researchers to fill existing knowledge gaps, provide a standardized platform for healthy building stakeholders, and promote high-quality development of healthy buildings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Liu
- School of Civil Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Long Pan Road, Nanjing, 210037, PR China
| | - Xiaoxiao Xu
- School of Civil Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Long Pan Road, Nanjing, 210037, PR China
| | - Vivian W Y Tam
- School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia
| | - Peng Mao
- School of Civil Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Long Pan Road, Nanjing, 210037, PR China
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Fabbri C, Mutz J, Lewis CM, Serretti A. Depressive symptoms and neuroticism-related traits are the main factors associated with wellbeing independent of the history of lifetime depression in the UK Biobank. Psychol Med 2023; 53:3000-3008. [PMID: 35695039 PMCID: PMC10235644 DOI: 10.1017/s003329172100502x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wellbeing has a fundamental role in determining life expectancy and major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the main modulating factors of wellbeing. This study evaluated the modulators of wellbeing in individuals with lifetime recurrent MDD (RMDD), single-episode MDD (SMDD) and no MDD in the UK Biobank. METHODS Scores of happiness, meaningful life and satisfaction about functioning were condensed in a functioning-wellbeing score (FWS). We evaluated depression and anxiety characteristics, neuroticism-related traits, physical diseases, lifestyle and polygenic risk scores (PRSs) of psychiatric disorders. Other than individual predictors, we estimated the cumulative contribution to FWS of each group of predictors. We tested the indirect role of neuroticism on FWS through the modulation of depression manifestations using a mediation analysis. RESULTS We identified 47 966, 21 117 and 207 423 individuals with lifetime RMDD, SMDD and no MDD, respectively. Depression symptoms and personality showed the largest impact on FWS (variance explained ~20%), particularly self-harm, worthlessness feelings during the worst depression, chronic depression, loneliness and neuroticism. Personality played a stronger role in SMDD. Anxiety characteristics showed a higher effect in SMDD and no MDD groups. Neuroticism played indirect effects through specific depressive symptoms that modulated FWS. Physical diseases and lifestyle explained only 4-5% of FWS variance. The PRS of MDD showed the largest effect on FWS compared to other PRSs. CONCLUSIONS This was the first study to comprehensively evaluate the predictors of wellbeing in relation to the history of MDD. The identified variables are important to identify individuals at risk and promote wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Fabbri
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Julian Mutz
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Cathryn M. Lewis
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Alessandro Serretti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Cho ME, Kim MJ. Smart Homes Supporting the Wellness of One or Two-Person Households. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:s22207816. [PMID: 36298165 PMCID: PMC9611916 DOI: 10.3390/s22207816] [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: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The reduction in face-to-face contact and the increase in time spent at home during the ongoing coronavirus disease pandemic have resulted in increasing interest and demand for smart homes. Further, the rapid increase in the number of one-person and two-person households in Korea recently has led to these becoming representative household types. This study identifies the wellness characteristics of such households and proposes a direction for smart home development to help them lead healthy, happy lives. It focuses on mapping residents' perceptions and experiences to scenarios and on identifying the functions required in smart homes and the technologies needed to provide these functions. It uses data from a survey to investigate and analyze the wellness characteristics of one- and two-person households in five dimensions and develops five scenarios of representative household types. By analyzing the developed scenarios, this study proposes smart homes that support the wellness of such households in six categories: exercise/sports, hobby/entertainment, social communications, occupation/work, self-development/education, and energy conservation. These households are exposed to digital environments from an early age and are familiar with the internet and technologies. Therefore, they are likely to adopt innovative technologies in housing. Thus, the smart home development proposed in this study is a promising strategic approach to housing planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myung Eun Cho
- Construction Research Institute, Hanyang University, Seoul 04783, Korea
| | - Mi Jeong Kim
- School of Architecture, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 04783, Korea
- Correspondence:
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Fabbri C, Mutz J, Lewis CM, Serretti A. Stratification of individuals with lifetime depression and low wellbeing in the UK Biobank. J Affect Disord 2022; 314:281-292. [PMID: 35878836 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.07.023] [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: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies stratified patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) based on their clinical characteristics. This study used this approach in individuals with lifetime MDD who reported low wellbeing, a group of high clinical relevance. METHODS We selected participants in the UK Biobank (UKB) with lifetime MDD and a wellbeing score in the lowest 25 %. A wellbeing score was previously created considering happiness, belief that own life is meaningful, health satisfaction and functioning in relevant areas. In the selected group, we applied latent class analysis using mood-spectrum symptoms and personality traits as input variables, then we compared the clinical-demographic and genetic (polygenic risk scores, PRSs) characteristics of the identified classes. RESULTS A total of 13,896 individuals were included and a model with five classes showed the best performance. The most common class (31.25 %) was characterised by periods of irritable mood and trait irritability with high neuroticism. A rarer class (16.49 %) showed depressive-manic mood fluctuations and risk-taking personality, higher percentage of males, atypical depressive symptoms, lower socio-economic status, higher PRS for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and lower PRS for education. The second most common class (29.79 %) showed worry as main personality trait with low risk of manic/irritable manifestations. The remaining classes showed an anxious-irritable personality profile and a purely depressive profile (4.92 % and 17.55 %, respectively). LIMITATIONS Our results may reflect the characteristics of UKB participants. CONCLUSIONS Subthreshold manic/irritable mood fluctuations and personality traits irritability and neuroticism may distinguish the most common groups with poor wellbeing in lifetime MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Fabbri
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Julian Mutz
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Cathryn M Lewis
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alessandro Serretti
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Leung CMC, Ho MK, Bharwani AA, Cogo-Moreira H, Wang Y, Chow MSC, Fan X, Galea S, Leung GM, Ni MY. Mental disorders following COVID-19 and other epidemics: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:205. [PMID: 35581186 PMCID: PMC9110635 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-01946-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 has imposed a very substantial direct threat to the physical health of those infected, although the corollary impact on mental health may be even more burdensome. Here we focus on assessing the mental health impact of COVID-19 and of other epidemics in the community. We searched five electronic databases until December 9, 2020, for all peer-reviewed original studies reporting any prevalence or correlates of mental disorders in the general population following novel epidemics in English, Chinese or Portuguese. We synthesised prevalence estimates from probability samples during COVID-19 and past epidemics. The meta-analytical effect size was the prevalence of relevant outcomes, estimated via random-effects model. I2 statistics, Doi plots and the LFK index were used to examine heterogeneity and publication bias. This study is pre-registered with PROSPERO, CRD42020179105. We identified 255 eligible studies from 50 countries on: COVID-19 (n = 247 studies), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS; n = 5), Ebola virus disease (n = 2), and 1918 influenza (n = 1). During COVID-19, we estimated the point prevalence for probable anxiety (20.7%, 95% CI 12.9-29.7), probable depression (18.1%, 13.0-23.9), and psychological distress (13.0%, 0-34.1). Correlates for poorer mental health include female sex, lower income, pre-existing medical conditions, perceived risk of infection, exhibiting COVID-19-like symptoms, social media use, financial stress, and loneliness. Public trust in authorities, availability of accurate information, adoption of preventive measures and social support were associated with less morbidity. The mental health consequences of COVID-19 and other epidemics could be comparable to major disasters and armed conflicts. The considerable heterogeneity in our analysis indicates that more random samples are needed. Health-care professionals should be vigilant of the psychological toll of epidemics, including among those who have not been infected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candi M. C. Leung
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region China
| | - Margaret K. Ho
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region China
| | - Alina A. Bharwani
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region China
| | - Hugo Cogo-Moreira
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region China ,grid.411249.b0000 0001 0514 7202Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Yishan Wang
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region China
| | - Mathew S. C. Chow
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region China
| | - Xiaoyan Fan
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region China
| | - Sandro Galea
- grid.189504.10000 0004 1936 7558School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA USA
| | - Gabriel M. Leung
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region China ,grid.194645.b0000000121742757World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region China
| | - Michael Y. Ni
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region China ,grid.194645.b0000000121742757The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region China ,grid.194645.b0000000121742757Healthy High Density Cities Lab, HKUrbanLab, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region China
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van de Weijer MP, Baselmans BML, Hottenga JJ, Dolan CV, Willemsen G, Bartels M. Expanding the environmental scope: an environment-wide association study for mental well-being. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2022; 32:195-204. [PMID: 34127788 PMCID: PMC8920882 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-021-00346-0] [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: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identifying modifiable factors associated with well-being is of increased interest for public policy guidance. Developments in record linkage make it possible to identify what contributes to well-being from a myriad of factors. To this end, we link two large-scale data resources; the Geoscience and Health Cohort Consortium, a collection of geo-data, and the Netherlands Twin Register, which holds population-based well-being data. OBJECTIVE We perform an Environment-Wide Association Study (EnWAS), where we examine 139 neighbourhood-level environmental exposures in relation to well-being. METHODS First, we performed a generalized estimation equation regression (N = 11,975) to test for the effects of environmental exposures on well-being. Second, to account for multicollinearity amongst exposures, we performed principal component regression. Finally, using a genetically informative design, we examined whether environmental exposure is driven by genetic predisposition for well-being. RESULTS We identified 21 environmental factors that were associated with well-being in the domains: housing stock, income, core neighbourhood characteristics, livability, and socioeconomic status. Of these associations, socioeconomic status and safety are indicated as the most important factors to explain differences in well-being. No evidence of gene-environment correlation was found. SIGNIFICANCE These observed associations, especially neighbourhood safety, could be informative for policy makers and provide public policy guidance to improve well-being. Our results show that linking databases is a fruitful exercise to identify determinants of mental health that would remain unknown by a more unilateral approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margot P van de Weijer
- Department of Biological Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Bart M L Baselmans
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jouke-Jan Hottenga
- Department of Biological Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Conor V Dolan
- Department of Biological Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gonneke Willemsen
- Department of Biological Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Meike Bartels
- Department of Biological Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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11
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Kwok MK, Kawachi I, Rehkopf D, Ni MY, Leung GM, Schooling CM. Relative Deprivation, Income Inequality, and Cardiovascular Health: Observational and Mendelian Randomization Studies in Hong Kong Chinese. Front Public Health 2022; 9:726617. [PMID: 35127607 PMCID: PMC8814320 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.726617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The associations between absolute vs. relative income at the household or neighborhood level and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk remain understudied in the Chinese context. Further, it is unclear whether stress biomarkers, such as cortisol, are on the pathway from income to CVD risk. We examined the associations of absolute and relative income with CVD risk observationally, as well as the mediating role of cortisol, and validated the role of cortisol using Mendelian Randomization (MR) in Hong Kong Chinese. Within Hong Kong's FAMILY Cohort, associations of absolute and relative income at both the individual and neighborhood levels with CVD risk [body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, self-reported CVD and self-reported diabetes] were examined using multilevel logistic or linear models (n = 17,607), the mediating role of cortisol using the mediation analysis (n = 1,562), and associations of genetically predicted cortisol with CVD risk using the multiplicative generalized method of moments (MGMMs) or two-stage least squares regression (n = 1,562). In our cross-sectional observational analysis, relative household income deprivation (per 1 SD, equivalent to USD 128 difference in Yitzhaki index) was associated with higher systolic blood pressure (0.47 mmHg, 95% CI 0.30–0.64), but lower BMI (−0.07 kg/m2, 95% CI −0.11 to −0.04), independent of absolute income. Neighborhood income inequality was generally unrelated to CVD and its risk factors, nor was absolute income at the household or neighborhood level. Cortisol did not clearly mediate the association of relative household income deprivation with systolic blood pressure. Using MR, cortisol was unrelated to CVD risk. Based on our findings, relative household income deprivation was not consistently associated with cardiovascular health in Hong Kong Chinese, nor were neighborhood income inequality and absolute income, highlighting the context-specific ways in which relative and absolute income are linked to CVD risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Ki Kwok
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ichiro Kawachi
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - David Rehkopf
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Michael Y. Ni
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Healthy High Density Cities Lab, HKUrbanLab, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Gabriel M. Leung
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - C. Mary Schooling
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: C. Mary Schooling
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12
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Ni MY, Canudas-Romo V, Shi J, Flores FP, Chow MSC, Yao XI, Ho SY, Lam TH, Schooling CM, Lopez AD, Ezzati M, Leung GM. Understanding longevity in Hong Kong: a comparative study with long-living, high-income countries. Lancet Public Health 2021; 6:e919-e931. [PMID: 34774201 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-2667(21)00208-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since 2013, Hong Kong has sustained the world's highest life expectancy at birth-a key indicator of population health. The reasons behind this achievement remain poorly understood but are of great relevance to both rapidly developing and high-income regions. Here, we aim to compare factors behind Hong Kong's survival advantage over long-living, high-income countries. METHODS Life expectancy data from 1960-2020 were obtained for 18 high-income countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development from the Human Mortality Database and for Hong Kong from Hong Kong's Census and Statistics Department. Causes of death data from 1950-2016 were obtained from WHO's Mortality Database. We used truncated cross-sectional average length of life (TCAL) to identify the contributions to survival differences based on 263 million deaths overall. As smoking is the leading cause of premature death, we also compared smoking-attributable mortality between Hong Kong and the high-income countries. FINDINGS From 1979-2016, Hong Kong accumulated a substantial survival advantage over high-income countries, with a difference of 1·86 years (95% CI 1·83-1·89) for males and 2·50 years (2·47-2·53) for females. As mortality from infectious diseases declined, the main contributors to Hong Kong's survival advantage were lower mortality from cardiovascular diseases for both males (TCAL difference 1·22 years, 95% CI 1·21-1·23) and females (1·19 years, 1·18-1·21), cancer for females (0·47 years, 0·45-0·48), and transport accidents for males (0·27 years, 0·27-0·28). Among high-income populations, Hong Kong recorded the lowest cardiovascular mortality and one of the lowest cancer mortalities in women. These findings were underpinned by the lowest absolute smoking-attributable mortality in high-income regions (39·7 per 100 000 in 2016, 95% CI 34·4-45·0). Reduced smoking-attributable mortality contributed to 50·5% (0·94 years, 0·93-0·95) of Hong Kong's survival advantage over males in high-income countries and 34·8% (0·87 years, 0·87-0·88) of it in females. INTERPRETATION Hong Kong's leading longevity is the result of fewer diseases of poverty while suppressing the diseases of affluence. A unique combination of economic prosperity and low levels of smoking with development contributed to this achievement. As such, it offers a framework that could be replicated through deliberate policies in developing and developed populations globally. FUNDING Early Career Scheme (RGC ECS Grant #27602415), Research Grants Council, University Grants Committee of Hong Kong.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Y Ni
- School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Healthy High Density Cities Lab, HKUrbanLab, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
| | - Vladimir Canudas-Romo
- School of Demography, College of Arts and Social Sciences, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Jian Shi
- School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Francis P Flores
- School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Mathew S C Chow
- School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Xiaoxin I Yao
- School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Orthopedics, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Sai Yin Ho
- School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Tai Hing Lam
- School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - C Mary Schooling
- School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alan D Lopez
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Majid Ezzati
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK; Abdul Latif Jameel Institute for Disease and Emergency Analytics, Imperial College London, London, UK; Regional Institute for Population Studies, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Gabriel M Leung
- School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D(2)4H), Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
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Sarkar C, Lai KY, Kumari S, Leung GM, Webster C, Ni MY. Characteristics of the Residential Environment and Their Association With Depression in Hong Kong. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2130777. [PMID: 34714344 PMCID: PMC8556618 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.30777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE With rapid urbanization, understanding the role of residential environments in the development of depression has gained importance. However, the potential associations of residential space and density with depression have been understudied. OBJECTIVE To investigate longitudinal associations of residential livable space and density with depression. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This longitudinal cohort study used data from 2 waves of the FAMILY Cohort, a population-based cohort in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China, recruited between February 28, 2009, and March 28, 2011, at baseline and followed up between August 3, 2011, and June 19, 2013, at wave 2. Data were analyzed from September 1, 2020, through August 10, 2021. A total of 16 968 participants aged 16 years or older underwent assessment using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and had complete data across all variables. EXPOSURES Residential density was objectively assessed at 3 scales (within apartment, building block, and at neighborhood level) at baseline and follow-up. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Depressive symptoms were defined in terms of a PHQ-9 threshold greater than or equal to 5 and probable major depression with a cutoff value greater than or equal to 10. A continuous PHQ-9 score was used as a secondary outcome. Multilevel logistic regression models were used to examine associations of the residential density with probable major depression and depressive symptoms adjusted for time-varying sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, comorbidities, and other environment variables. RESULTS Of the 16 968 participants with complete data, the mean (SD) age was 45.5 (16.7) years, and 9328 participants (55.0%) were women at baseline. The mean follow-up was 2.2 years (range, 1.3-3.6 years). At the household level, after full adjustments, each IQR increment in residential livable area was associated with lower odds of probable major depression (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.84; 95% CI, 0.71-0.98; P = .03) and depressive symptoms (aOR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.86-1.00; P = .04). At the building-block level, each IQR increment in block density was associated with higher odds of depressive symptoms (aOR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.01-1.22; P = .03), but only in single-housing environment models. The results remained consistent in models with continuous PHQ-9 evaluation. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This study's findings suggest that residential livable space and block density may play a role in the development of depression. Integrated mental health and housing policies promoting mental capital in cities, such as health-optimized density at the household and building-block levels, might serve as a population approach to reduce the burden of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinmoy Sarkar
- Healthy High Density Cities Lab, HKUrbanLab, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Ka Yan Lai
- Healthy High Density Cities Lab, HKUrbanLab, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Sarika Kumari
- Healthy High Density Cities Lab, HKUrbanLab, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Gabriel M. Leung
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Chris Webster
- Healthy High Density Cities Lab, HKUrbanLab, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Michael Y. Ni
- Healthy High Density Cities Lab, HKUrbanLab, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
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14
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Jiang B, Shen K, Sullivan WC, Yang Y, Liu X, Lu Y. A natural experiment reveals impacts of built environment on suicide rate: Developing an environmental theory of suicide. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 776:145750. [PMID: 33647665 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide is a global challenge. Although it is clear that socioeconomic and demographic factors influence suicide rates, we know little about the impacts of the built environment on suicide rates. METHODS We investigated the relationship between characteristics of the built environment and suicide death rates over a 13-year period in 151 rent-only public housing communities in Hong Kong. The regulations of the public housing authority in Hong Kong constituted a natural experiment with minimal self-selection bias. We conducted hierarchical regression analyses and found that characteristics of the built environment were significantly associated with suicide rates after controlling for SES and demographic factors at the community level. RESULTS Three significant environmental factors were identified distance to the nearest urban center, distance to the nearest Mass Transit Railway station, and gross flat area per person. CONCLUSION These findings demonstrate a significant association between features of the built environment and suicide rates. They also suggest possible interventions that might reduce suicide through design, or redesign, of the built environment. Lastly, we propose an environmental theory of suicide based on the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Jiang
- Virtual Reality Lab of Urban Environments and Human Health, HKUrbanLabs, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Division of Landscape Architecture, Department of Architecture, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
| | - Ke Shen
- Virtual Reality Lab of Urban Environments and Human Health, HKUrbanLabs, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Division of Landscape Architecture, Department of Architecture, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - William C Sullivan
- Department of Landscape Architecture, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA
| | - Yiyang Yang
- Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Xueming Liu
- Virtual Reality Lab of Urban Environments and Human Health, HKUrbanLabs, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yi Lu
- Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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15
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Wu JT, Leung K, Lam TTY, Ni MY, Wong CKH, Peiris JSM, Leung GM. Nowcasting epidemics of novel pathogens: lessons from COVID-19. Nat Med 2021; 27:388-395. [PMID: 33723452 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-021-01278-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Epidemic nowcasting broadly refers to assessing the current state by understanding key pathogenic, epidemiologic, clinical and socio-behavioral characteristics of an ongoing outbreak. Its primary objective is to provide situational awareness and inform decisions on control responses. In the event of large-scale sustained emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists need to constantly update their aims and analytics with respect to the rapidly evolving emergence of new questions, data and findings in order to synthesize real-time evidence for policy decisions. In this Perspective, we share our views on the functional aims, rationale, data requirements and challenges of nowcasting at different stages of an epidemic, drawing on the ongoing COVID-19 experience. We highlight how recent advances in the computational and laboratory sciences could be harnessed to complement traditional approaches to enhance the scope, timeliness, reliability and utility of epidemic nowcasting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph T Wu
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. .,Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D24H), Hong Kong, China.
| | - Kathy Leung
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D24H), Hong Kong, China
| | - Tommy T Y Lam
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D24H), Hong Kong, China.,State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Joint Institute of Virology (Shantou University and The University of Hong Kong), Guangdong-Hongkong Joint Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Shantou University, Shantou, China
| | - Michael Y Ni
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Healthy High Density Cities Lab, HKUrbanLab, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Carlos K H Wong
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - J S Malik Peiris
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,HKU-Pasteur Research Pole, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Gabriel M Leung
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D24H), Hong Kong, China
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Awada M, Becerik-Gerber B, Hoque S, O'Neill Z, Pedrielli G, Wen J, Wu T. Ten questions concerning occupant health in buildings during normal operations and extreme events including the COVID-19 pandemic. BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT 2021; 188:107480. [PMID: 34697517 PMCID: PMC9759512 DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2020.107480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, people spent on average around 90% of their time indoors. Now more than ever, with work-from-home orders in place, it is crucial that we radically rethink the design and operation of buildings. Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) directly affects the comfort and well-being of occupants. When IEQ is compromised, occupants are at increased risk for many diseases that are exacerbated by both social and economic forces. In the U.S. alone, the annual cost attributed to sick building syndrome in commercial workplaces is estimated to be between $10 billion to $70 billion. It is imperative to understand how parameters that drive IEQ can be designed properly and how buildings can be operated to provide ideal IEQ to safeguard health. While IEQ is a fertile area of scholarship, there is a pressing need for a systematic understanding of how IEQ factors impact occupant health. During extreme events, such as a global pandemic, designers, facility managers, and occupants need pragmatic guidance on reducing health risks in buildings. This paper answers ten questions that explore the effects of buildings on the health of occupants. The study establishes a foundation for future work and provides insights for new research directions and discoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Awada
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Southern California, USA
| | - Burcin Becerik-Gerber
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Southern California, USA
| | - Simi Hoque
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering, Drexel University, USA
| | - Zheng O'Neill
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, USA
| | - Giulia Pedrielli
- School of Computing Informatics and Decision Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, USA
| | - Jin Wen
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering, Drexel University, USA
| | - Teresa Wu
- School of Computing Informatics and Decision Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, USA
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17
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The epidemiology of population mental wellbeing in China. LANCET PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 5:e631-e632. [PMID: 33271073 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-2667(20)30265-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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