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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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Pearson AL, Pfeiffer KA, Buxton RT, Horton TH, Gardiner J, Asana V. Four recommendations to tackle the complex reality of transdisciplinary, natural experiment research. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1240231. [PMID: 37920584 PMCID: PMC10618667 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1240231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural experiments are often used to study interventions in which randomization to control versus intervention conditions are impossible. Nature-based interventions (i.e., programs designed to increase human interaction with nature and improve human health) are commonly studied as natural experiments. We used a natural experiment design to explore the benefits of ecological rehabilitation of parks on biodiversity and resident health in low-income, minoritized neighborhoods in Detroit, MI. Given the complexities and interconnectedness of lived experiences, community needs, and ecological health, this research design has presented challenges. Based on our experiences, we pose four key recommendations for researchers and practitioners conducting natural experiments, nature-based interventions, and those working in low-income, minoritized neighborhoods. We use the explicit examples of challenges faced as rationale for these recommendations. The key recommendations are (1) Engage with community leaders; (2) Build a transdisciplinary team and work closely; (3) Examine privilege; and (4) Create a unified vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber L. Pearson
- CS Mott Department of Public Health, Michigan State University, Flint, MI, United States
| | - Karin A. Pfeiffer
- Department of Kinesiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | | | - Teresa H. Horton
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
| | - Joseph Gardiner
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Ventra Asana
- National Coalition of Independent Scholars, Detroit, MI, United States
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Pearson AL, Zhou Y, Buxton RT, Horton TH, Pfeiffer KA, Beyer KM. The effects of contemporary redlining on the mental health of Black residents. SSM Popul Health 2023; 23:101462. [PMID: 37456619 PMCID: PMC10339054 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2023.101462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding how structural racism, including institutionalized practices such as redlining, influence persistent inequities in health and neighborhood conditions is still emerging in urban health research. Such research often focuses on historical practices, giving the impression that such practices are a thing of the past. However, mortgage lending bias can be readily detected in contemporary datasets and is an active form of structural racism with implications for health and wellbeing. The objective of the current study was to test for associations among multiple measures of mental health and a measure of contemporary redlining. We linked a redlining index constructed using Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data (2007-2013) to 2021 health data for Black/African American participants in the Study of Active Neighborhoods in Detroit (n = 220 with address data). We used multilevel regression models to examine the relationship between redlining and a suite of mental health outcomes (perceived stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and satisfaction with life), accounting for covariates including racial composition of the neighborhood. We considered three mediating factors: perceived neighborhood cohesion, aesthetics, and discrimination. Although all participants lived in redlined neighborhoods compared to the complete Detroit Metropolitan area, participants with very low income, low levels of experienced discrimination, and lower perceptions of neighborhood aesthetics resided in highly redlined neighborhoods (score ≥5). We observed that higher resident-reported neighborhood aesthetics were found in neighborhoods with lower redlining scores and were associated with higher levels of satisfaction with life. We found that lower levels of redlining were significantly associated with higher levels of perceived discrimination, which was significantly, positively associated with anxiety, depressive symptoms, and perceived stress scores. Our findings highlight that contemporary redlining practices may influence the aesthetics of the built environment because these neighborhoods experience less investment, with implications for residents' satisfaction with life. However, areas with lower redlining may be areas where Black/African American people experience increased perceived discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber L. Pearson
- Department of Geography, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Yuhong Zhou
- Institute for Health & Equity, Medical College Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Rachel T. Buxton
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Teresa H. Horton
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Karin A. Pfeiffer
- Department of Kinesiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Kirsten M.M. Beyer
- Institute for Health & Equity, Medical College Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
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Xu Y, Wheeler SA, Zuo A. The Effectiveness of Interventions to Increase Participation and Physical Activities in Parks: A Systematic Review of the Literature. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12590. [PMID: 36231890 PMCID: PMC9566024 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Although a variety of interventions in many countries have been developed to increase park use and to improve public participation in physical activities in parks, knowledge of their overall effectiveness is lacking. A systematic literature review was undertaken to further understand the effectiveness of various interventions that aim to increase the use of parks and physical activity participation in parks. This systematic review utilized the standard Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis procedure, and of the 3801 studies identified, 60 studies were reviewed in-depth, with 44 studies assessed for quality of evidence and risk of bias. Most of the 44 reviewed studies found that various interventions had positive impacts on park use and physical activity participation in parks. Interventions were classified into both demand and supply, with more studies focusing on the supply side. The strongest evidence on the effectiveness of various interventions was found for park prescriptions; safe access to parks; playgrounds, and park renovation and renewal/design. However, the assessment of quality of evidence and risk of bias showed that most studies suffer from potential biases and evidence weaknesses, suggesting a need to further establish external validity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xu
- School of Economics and Public Policy, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Sarah Ann Wheeler
- School of Economics and Public Policy, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Alec Zuo
- School of Economics and Public Policy, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
- The Centre for Global Food and Resources, School of Economics and Public Policy, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
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Ferguson DP, Leszczynski EC, Horton TH, Pfeiffer KA, Gardiner J, Pearson AL. C-reactive protein and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) associate with chronic disease markers in a sample from low-income neighborhoods in Detroit, Michigan. SPORTS MEDICINE AND HEALTH SCIENCE 2022; 4:275-279. [PMID: 36600969 PMCID: PMC9806694 DOI: 10.1016/j.smhs.2022.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Racial and ethnic minorities in economically deprived inner cities experience high rates of chronic diseases compared to neighborhoods with higher socioeconomic status (SES). However, these economically deprived populations are understudied in terms of biomarkers associated with chronic disease risk which include C-reactive protein (CRP), telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), and glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C). We examined relationships between CRP and TERT and chronic disease indicators (body mass index [BMI] and A1C) in two low-income, predominantly African American (AA) neighborhoods in Detroit, Michigan. Sixty-nine adults (43 females, 26 males, mean age 46 years [y], standard deviation [SD] = 15.9) completed a health survey, anthropometry, and finger stick blood tests. A1C was measured using A1CNow test strips, and CRP and TERT levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with samples extracted from dried blood spots. We examined CRP (mean = 4.9, SD = 3.1), TERT (mean = 32.5, SD = 15.1), and A1C (mean = 5.4, SD = 1.0) by BMI category. We fitted restricted maximum likelihood regression models to evaluate associations between CRP, TERT, BMI, and A1C, after adjustment for demographics and inclusion of a random effect for the neighborhood. In this predominantly AA sample (91%, 63/69), 68% had levels of CRP (means = 4.8 mg/L, SD = 3.0 for AAs; 6.4 mg/L, SD = 3.9 for all others) indicative of chronic inflammation (CRP greater than 3 mg/L). BMI was significantly associated with CRP (p = 0.004) and TERT (p = 0.026). TERT levels indicate that being overweight is associated with markers of chromosome remodeling, suggestive of chronic disease. CRP followed a similar trend with overweight individuals having higher inflammation and risk of chronic disease. Our findings warrant further exploration of additional factors that may influence CRP and TERT. Furthermore, examining populations in a more ethnically and/or economically diverse, yet still high proportion minority, sample will fill a knowledge gap in this understudied field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Teresa H. Horton
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, United States
| | | | - Joseph Gardiner
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, United States
| | - Amber L. Pearson
- Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences, Michigan State University, United States,Corresponding author. Department of Geography, Environment & Spatial Sciences, Michigan State Unviersity, East Lansing, MI, 48824, United States.
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Ortiz R, Joseph JJ, Branas CC, MacDonald JM, Nguemeni Tiako MJ, Oyekanmi K, South EC. Advancing health equity through integrated biology and population health research: A community-based sample cortisol feasibility and exploratory study. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2022; 11:100145. [PMID: 35757172 PMCID: PMC9228000 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2022.100145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Community-based research inclusive of self-assessment and objective environmental metrics can be enhanced by the collection of biomarker data in unity toward assessing the health impacts of the totality of environmental stress driven by structural racism. Cortisol dynamic range (CDR), a measure of chronic stress burden, may underpin place-based connections to health, but a gap remains in elucidating community-based CDR methodology. Purpose To 1) assess the feasibility of cortisol collection and CDR measurement in a community-based study with home-based, participant-directed specimen collection, and 2) explore the association between CDR and other individual and environmental measures in a sample of predominantly Black participants. Methods: In this cross-sectional, observational study in predominantly Black urban neighborhoods, participants (n = 73) completed health assessments and in-home, self-collected salivary cortisol. For feasibility, CDR (peak-nadir) was compared to cortisol awakening response (CAR) slope over time. Comparisons of CDR quartile by person and place variables were explored (ANOVA). Results The cohort (77% Black, 39.7% <$15 k/year income, high perceived stress) completed 98.6% of cortisol collection timepoints. CDR was calculated in all participants without interruptions to sleep-wake cycle as seen with CAR collection. Participants in the lowest quartile of CDR were the oldest (p = 0.03) with lowest reported mental health (p = 0.048) with no associations seen for CAR. Conclusion Participant-collected 10.13039/501100011622CDR is more feasible than cortisol measures dependent on slopes over time in a community-based, predominately Black cohort with exploratory findings supporting relevance to outcomes of interest to future work. Future community-based studies should integrate CDR with environment and psychosocial measures. Biological and social metrics can enhance community studies of structural racism. Cortisol dynamic range (CDR) may reflect the burden of chronic stress in a community. In-home, participant-collected salivary cortisol is feasible with in-field guidance. CDR may be more feasible in community-based study than measures dependent on time. Greatest CDR is seen with youngest age and best self-reported mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Ortiz
- Departments of Pediatrics and Population Health, New York University, Grossman School of Medicine, 180 Madison Ave, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Institute for Excellence in Health Equity, New York University Langone Health, New York, Grossman School of Medicine, 180 Madison Ave, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- National Clinician Scholars Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 1300 Blockley Hall, 423 Guardian Drive, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Corresponding author. Departments of Pediatrics and Population Health, New York University, Grossman School of Medicine, 180 Madison Ave, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Joshua J. Joseph
- The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, 579 McCampbell Hall, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Charlie C. Branas
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th Street, Rm 1508, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - John M. MacDonald
- Department of Criminology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, 558 McNeil Building, Locus Walk, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | | | - Kehinde Oyekanmi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, 423 Guardian Drive, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Urban Health Lab, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Eugenia C. South
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, 423 Guardian Drive, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Urban Health Lab, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
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Christiana RW, Besenyi GM, Gustat J, Horton TH, Penbrooke TL, Schultz CL. A Scoping Review of the Health Benefits of Nature-Based Physical Activity. JOURNAL OF HEALTHY EATING AND ACTIVE LIVING 2021; 1:154-172. [PMID: 37799195 PMCID: PMC10550037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
The health benefits of physical activity and spending time in nature are well established. However, youths and adults in the United States are not participating in sufficient levels of physical activity and are not spending much time outdoors. Recently, the need for equitable access to nature for all populations has been receiving more public health attention, though a specific focus on nature-based physical activity has been limited. The purpose of this scoping review is to operationalize the health benefits of nature-based physical activity in order to provide guidance for collaborations to program administrators, advocates, and researchers. Peer-reviewed literature is found in PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, and Google Scholar as well as in published reviews of the literature. The literature is divided into three categories of: 1) amount and location of nature-based components and physical activity; 2) added health benefits of exposure to nature-based components and physical activity; and 3) nature-based components and physical activity effect on non-white, marginalized, and vulnerable populations. This review supports and encourages multiple strategies to increase nature-based physical activity as this provides even greater benefit to health and wellness than exposure to nature or physical activity alone. Although many of the physical and mental health benefits of nature and physical activity are well established, additional research is needed to better understand the relationship between exposure to nature and nature-based physical activity, which will require greater investment and support from funding agencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard W Christiana
- Appalachian State University, Beaver College of Health Sciences, United States
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Physical Activity Policy Research and Evaluation Network, Parks and Green Space Work Group, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Gina M Besenyi
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Physical Activity Policy Research and Evaluation Network, Parks and Green Space Work Group, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Kansas State University, College of Health and Human Sciences, United States
| | - Jeanette Gustat
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Physical Activity Policy Research and Evaluation Network, Parks and Green Space Work Group, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Tulane University, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, United States
| | - Teresa H Horton
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Physical Activity Policy Research and Evaluation Network, Parks and Green Space Work Group, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Northwestern University, Department of Anthropology, United States
| | - Teresa L Penbrooke
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Physical Activity Policy Research and Evaluation Network, Parks and Green Space Work Group, Atlanta, GA, United States
- GP RED, Healthy Communities Research Group, Louisville, CO, United States
| | - Courtney L Schultz
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Physical Activity Policy Research and Evaluation Network, Parks and Green Space Work Group, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Health & Technology Partners, LLC, Milwaukee, WI, United States
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