A systematic review on the associations between the built environment and adult's physical activity in global tropical and subtropical climate regions.

BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity is a major public health concern, exacerbated in countries with a (sub)tropical climate. The built environment can facilitate physical activity; however, current evidence is mainly from North American and European countries with activity-friendly climate conditions. This study explored associations between built environment features and physical activity in global tropical or subtropical dry or desert climate regions. METHODS: A systematic review of four major databases (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and SportDISCUS) was performed. To be included, studies had to investigate associations between perceived or objective built environment characteristics and adult's physical activity and had to be conducted in a location with (sub)tropical climate. Each investigated association was reported as one case and results were synthesized based upon perceived and objectively assessed environment characteristics as well as Western and non-Western countries. Study quality was evaluated using a tool designed for assessing studies on built environment and physical activity. RESULTS: Eighty-four articles from 50 studies in 13 countries with a total of 2546 built environment-physical activity associations were included. Design (connectivity, walking/cycling infrastructure), desirability (aesthetics, safety), and destination accessibility were the built environment characteristics most frequently associated with physical activity across the domains active transport, recreational physical activity, total walking and cycling, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, particularly if multiple attributes were present at the same time. Very few studies assessed built environment attributes specifically relevant to physical activity in (sub)tropical climates. Most studies were conducted in Western countries, with results being largely comparable with non-Western countries. Findings were largely generalizable across gender and age groups. Results from natural experiments indicated that relocating to an activity-friendly neighborhood impacted sub-groups differently. CONCLUSIONS: Built environment attributes, including destination accessibility, connectivity, walking and cycling infrastructure, safety, and aesthetics, are positively associated with physical activity in locations with (sub)tropical climate. However, few studies focus on built environment attributes specifically relevant in a hot climate, such as shade or indoor recreation options. Further, there is limited evidence from non-Western countries, where most of the urban population lives in (sub)tropical climates. Policy makers should focus on implementing activity-friendly environment attributes to create sustainable and climate-resilient cities.

Built and natural environment correlates of physical activity of adults living in rural areas: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: According to social-ecological models, the built and natural environment has the potential to facilitate or hinder physical activity (PA). While this potential is well researched in urban areas, a current systematic review of how the built and natural environment is related to PA in rural areas is lacking. METHODS: We searched five databases and included studies for adults (18-65 years) living in rural areas. We included quantitative studies investigating the association between any self-reported or objectively measured characteristic of the built or natural environment and any type of self-reported or objectively measured PA, and qualitative studies that reported on features of the built or natural environment perceived as barriers to or facilitators of PA by the participants. Screening for eligibility and quality assessment (using the Standard Quality Assessment Criteria for Evaluating Primary Research Papers from a Variety of Fields) were done in duplicate. We used a narrative approach to synthesize the results. RESULTS: Of 2432 non-duplicate records, 51 quantitative and 19 qualitative studies were included. Convincing positive relationships were found between the availability and accessibility of places for exercise and recreation and leisure-time PA as well as between the overall environment and leisure-time PA. Possible positive associations were found between the overall environment and total and transport-related PA, between greenness/natural environment and total PA, between cycling infrastructure and aesthetics and MVPA, and between pedestrian infrastructure and total walking. A possible negative relationship was found between safety and security and total walking. Qualitative studies complemented several environmental facilitators (facilities for exercise and recreation, sidewalks or streets with low traffic, attractive natural environment) and barriers (lack of facilities and destinations, lack of sidewalks, speeding traffic and high traffic volumes, lack of street lighting). CONCLUSIONS: Research investigating the relationship between the built and natural environment and PA behaviors of adults living in rural areas is still limited and there is a need for more high-quality and longitudinal studies. However, our most positive findings indicate that investing in places for exercise and recreation, a safe infrastructure for active transport, and nature-based activities are possible strategies that should be considered to address low levels of PA in rural adults. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO: CRD42021283508.

Cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity in the lens of social justice - Reporting on the disparities that exist.

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), heavily influenced by physical activity (PA), represents a strong and independent risk factor for a wide range of health conditions, most notably, cardiovascular disease. Substantial disparities in CRF have been identified between white and non-white populations. These disparities may partly account for group differences in susceptibility to poor health outcomes, including non-communicable disease. Race and ethnic differences in CRF may partly be explained by social injustices rooted in persistent structural and systemic racism. These forces contribute to environments that are unsupportive for opportunities to achieve optimal CRF levels. This review aims to examine, through the lens of social justice, the inequities in key social ecological factors, including socioeconomic status, the built environment, and structural racism, that underly the systemic differences in CRF and PA in vulnerable communities. Further, this review highlights current public health initiatives, as well as opportunities in future research, to address inequities and enhance CRF through the promotion of regular PA.

The built environment and cancer survivorship: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: There are more than 32 million cancer survivors worldwide. The built environment is one of the contextual factors that may influence cancer survivorship. However, studies investigating the interdisciplinary field of the built environment and cancer survivorship are lacking. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review of the existing literature regarding the relationship between the built environment and cancer survivorship, identify any knowledge gaps, and recommend future research directions. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed by searching OVID Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science Core Collection. RESULTS: Of 4235 unique records identified, 26 studies met eligibility criteria. Neighborhood walkability and greenness were the most examined built environment characteristics among the included studies. Walkability was found to be associated with various cancer survivorship experience, including increased levels of physical activity, lowered body mass index, and improved quality of life. The association between greenness and cancer survivorship outcomes were inconsistent across the included studies. Additionally, studies have reported the relationship between light and noise pollution and sleep among cancer survivors. Regarding blue space, in one qualitative study, breast cancer survivors brought up the healing properties of water. CONCLUSION: Our scoping review demonstrated a breadth of current cancer survivorship research in the field of neighborhood walkability and greenness, but fewer studies detailing other aspects of the built environment as defined by this review, such as light pollution, noise pollution, and blue space. We identified future research directions for those interested in this interdisciplinary field, which can provide insights for urban planners and policy makers on how to best leverage the built environment to promote the health and wellbeing of cancer survivors.

A Scoping Review of Pediatric Healthcare Built Environment Experiences and Preferences Among Children With Disabilities and Their Families.

BACKGROUND: Some children with disabilities (CWD) frequently visit pediatric healthcare settings for appointments. Their age, disability, and regular visits mean that they have unique experiences in healthcare settings. While previous research has explored the clinical experiences of CWD, little is known about their experiences of pediatric healthcare built environments, even though these environments may play an important role in shaping their perceptions of care. Given the significant time that some CWD and chronic illnesses (e.g., cancer) spend in healthcare environments and the impact that these settings can have on their experiences, the knowledge gap concerning how they view, and experience healthcare built environments demands attention. OBJECTIVE: To explore how CWD and their families experience pediatric healthcare built environments. METHODS: A scoping review was conducted by searching five health science and interdisciplinary literature databases using terms related to children, disability, healthcare, and built environment. The search identified 5,397 records that were screened independently by three reviewers. RESULTS: Nineteen studies met inclusion criteria and were considered in the final review. Findings indicate that CWD and their families value healthcare built environment features that support social engagement, patient privacy, and parental presence. Further, the age of a child was highlighted as an important factor that influences the built environment preferences of CWD. CONCLUSIONS: CWD and their families prefer certain healthcare built environment features to optimize their experiences in these settings. Healthcare designers can leverage these findings to advance more inclusive pediatric healthcare spaces to improve care and the quality of life for CWD and their families.

Effects of land cover and air pollution on the risk of preterm births / Efeitos da cobertura de solo e poluição do ar no risco de nascimentos prematuros

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association between gestational age and green areas, urban built areas, and the concentration of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) in the city of São Paulo, analyzing the irregular distribution of these areas and pollution levels above the recommended level. METHODS The study population consisted of a cohort of live births from 2012, and data from the Live Birth Information System (Sinasc) of the city of São Paulo were used. Using satellite images and supervised classification, the distribution and quantity of green areas and built areas in the city of São Paulo was obtained, as well as the concentrations of PM2.5. Logistic regressions were used to obtain possible associations. RESULTS The results of the study show that a lower percentage of green areas is significantly associated with a higher chance of preterm births. A higher building density was positively associated with the odds ratio for preterm birth. We did not find any significant associations between air pollution (PM2.5) and preterm births. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study show that greener areas are less associated with preterm births when compared with less green areas.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Avaliar a associação entre a idade gestacional e as áreas verdes, áreas construídas urbanas e a concentração de material particulado 2,5 (MP2,5) em São Paulo, analisando a distribuição irregular dessas áreas e os níveis de poluição acima do recomendado. MÉTODOS A população utilizada no estudo foi a dos nascidos vivos no ano de 2012, com os dados do Sistema de Informações sobre Nascidos Vivo (Sinasc) na cidade de São Paulo. Por meio de imagens de satélites e realizando a classificação supervisionada, obtivemos a distribuição e quantidade de áreas verdes e de áreas construídas, na cidade de São Paulo, assim como as concentrações de MP2,5. Regressões logísticas foram utilizadas para obter possíveis associações. RESULTADOS Os resultados do estudo mostram que menor percentual de áreas verdes está associado significativamente com maior chance de prematuridade. Maior densidade de construção foi associada positivamente com a razão de chance de nascimento prematuro. Não encontramos resultados significativos entre a poluição do ar (MP2,5) e prematuridade. CONCLUSÕES Os resultados deste estudo demostraram que áreas mais verdes em relação às áreas menos verdes são menos associadas a nascimentos prematuros.

Identifying Built Environment Risk Factors to Provider Workflow and Patient Safety Using Simulation-Based Evaluation of a Pediatric ICU Room.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify latent conditions in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) by analyzing characteristics of flow disruptions (FD) during a simulation of a three-phased scenario. BACKGROUND: The built environment of healthcare facilities contributes to FD that can lead to clinical errors and patient harm. In the facility design process, there is an opportunity to identify built environment features that cause FD and pose safety risks. Simulation-based evaluation of proposed designs may help in identifying and mitigating safety concerns before construction and occupancy. METHODOLOGY: During design development for a new 400-bed children's hospital, a series of simulations were conducted using physical mock-ups in a large warehouse. A three-phased scenario, (1) admission and intubation, (2) cardiac arrest, and (3) bedside surgery involving a cannulation to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, was conducted in a PICU room mock-up. Each scenario was video recorded from four angles. The videos were systematically coded to identify FD. RESULTS: Analysis identified FDs in three ICU zones: respiratory therapists (RT) zone, nurse zone, and head of the patient. Challenges in these zones were related to spatial constraints in the RT zone and head of the bed, equipment positioning in the RT zone and nurse zone, and impeded visibility related to the location of the boom monitor in the nurse zone. CONCLUSION: Simulation-based evaluation of prototypes of patient care spaces can help identify characteristics of minor and major FD related to the built environment and can provide valuable information to inform the iterative design process.

Prioritizing a research agenda on built environments and physical activity: a twin panel Delphi consensus process with researchers and knowledge users.

BACKGROUND: The growth of urban dwelling populations globally has led to rapid increases of research and policy initiatives addressing associations between the built environment and physical activity (PA). Given this rapid proliferation, it is important to identify priority areas and research questions for moving the field forward. The objective of this study was to identify and compare research priorities on the built environment and PA among researchers and knowledge users (e.g., policy makers, practitioners). METHODS: Between September 2022 and April 2023, a three-round, modified Delphi survey was conducted among two independent panels of international researchers (n = 38) and knowledge users (n = 23) to identify similarities and differences in perceived research priorities on the built environment and PA and generate twin 'top 10' lists of the most important research needs. RESULTS: From a broad range of self-identified issues, both panels ranked in common the most pressing research priorities including stronger study designs such as natural experiments, research that examines inequalities and inequities, establishing the cost effectiveness of interventions, safety and injuries related to engagement in active transportation (AT), and considerations for climate change and climate adaptation. Additional priorities identified by researchers included: implementation science, research that incorporates Indigenous perspectives, land-use policies, built environments that support active aging, and participatory research. Additional priorities identified by knowledge users included: built environments and PA among people living with disabilities and a need for national data on trip chaining, multi-modal travel, and non-work or school-related AT. CONCLUSIONS: Five common research priorities between the two groups emerged, including (1) to better understand causality, (2) interactions with the natural environment, (3) economic evaluations, (4) social disparities, and (5) preventable AT-related injuries. The findings may help set directions for future research, interdisciplinary and intersectoral collaborations, and funding opportunities.

Green space in hospital built environment. A literature review about therapeutic gardens in acute care healthcare settings before Covid-19.

Background and aim Hospital facilities are one of the most stressful environments and there is evidence that during Covid-19 having outdoor and green spaces helped medical staff and nurses to decrease the stress and anxiety level. Nevertheless, knowledge about the type of green space is limited. The aim of the study is to systematize the existing scientific literature on the topic in a specific time period.     Methods Scopus, Pubmed, and Cochrane library databases have been explored in a systematic way. Following the Prysma diagram 25 studies have been included. Descriptive statistics and content analysis have been performed to highlight green typologies, users and functional area involved, spatial focus, relationship between users and space and vegetation typology. The different topics have been clustered according to Kellert's biophilic framework.     Results Articles reviewed included studies from the 2000 to 2020. The selection led to the analysis of 25 documents; it was significant to understand the major areas of application (pediatrics, ma-ternity, oncology, hospitalization, etc) and forms of green (images, furniture, healing gardens, vegetable gardens, etc).   Conclusions The present review highlight the main characteristics of green space in hospital built environment with specific focus on pre-pandemic situation.

Promoting health in the digital environment: health policy experts' responses to on-demand delivery in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Services offering on-demand delivery of unhealthy commodities, such as fast food, alcohol and smoking/vaping products have proliferated in recent years. It is well known that the built environment can be health promoting or harmful to health, but there has been less consideration of the digital environment. Increased availability and accessibility of these commodities may be associated with increased consumption, with harmful public health implications. Policy regulating the supply of these commodities was developed before the introduction of on-demand services and has not kept pace with the digital environment. This paper reports on semi-structured interviews with health policy experts on the health harms of the uptake in on-demand delivery of food, alcohol and smoking/vaping products, along with their views on policies that might mitigate these harms. We interviewed 14 policy experts from central and local government agencies and ministries, health authorities, non-Government Organisations (NGOs) and university research positions in Aotearoa New Zealand using a purposive sampling strategy. Participants concerns over the health harms from on-demand services encompassed three broad themes-the expansion of access to and availability of unhealthy commodities, the inadequacy of existing restrictions and regulations in the digital environment and the expansion of personalized marketing and promotional platforms for unhealthy commodities. Health policy experts' proposals to mitigate harms included: limiting access and availability, updating regulations and boosting enforcement and limiting promotion and marketing. Collectively, these findings and proposals can inform future research and public health policy decisions to address harms posed by on-demand delivery of unhealthy commodities.

High-Resolution Mapping of Material Stocks in Belgian Road Infrastructure: Material Efficiency Patterns, Material Recycling Potentials, and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Opportunities.

Road infrastructure is an integral part of built environment stocks, as it delivers essential social and economic services. While previous work has assessed material stocks, flows, and embodied emissions, spatially refined mapping of materials accumulated in road infrastructure can highlight hitherto underappreciated synergies between improved spatial planning, material stock efficiency, and urban mining. In this study, we mapped the materials stocked in road infrastructure across Belgium, explored the patterns of material stock efficiency and the recyclability of end-of-life road materials, and examined the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions of improving stock efficiency and recycling. We assembled data scattered across various governmental sources and crowdsourced platforms and developed a comprehensive database to warehouse locational information on road typology, layer geometry and thickness, material characteristics, traffic volume, climatic conditions, and soil conditions. Our results reveal a strong but nonlinear correlation between material stock efficiency and population density, indicating that spatial planning can reduce the required road stocks and associated GHG emissions. Urban mining potentials in road infrastructure hinge on multiple factors, such as the proximity to recycling facilities and the degradation of pavements during use. Our counterfactual analysis shows that urban road planning and reusing recycled asphalt can cut GHG emissions by up to 53 and 70%, respectively. Therefore, material-efficient road planning and improved material recycling can help realize circular economy potentials and mitigate GHG emissions moving forward.

Life Expectancy and Built Environments in the U.S.: A Multilevel Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to examine the associations between built environments and life expectancy across a gradient of urbanicity in the U.S. METHODS: Census tract‒level estimates of life expectancy between 2010 and 2015, except for Maine and Wisconsin, from the U.S. Small-Area Life Expectancy Estimates Project were analyzed in 2022. Tract-level measures of the built environment included: food, alcohol, and tobacco outlets; walkability; park and green space; housing characteristics; and air pollution. Multilevel linear models for each of the 4 urbanicity types were fitted to evaluate the associations, adjusting for population and social characteristics. RESULTS: Old housing (built before 1979) and air pollution were important built environment predictors of life expectancy disparities across all gradients of urbanicity. Convenience stores were negatively associated with life expectancy in all urbanicity types. Healthy food options were a positive predictor of life expectancy only in high-density urban areas. Park accessibility was associated with increased life expectancy in all areas, except rural areas. Green space in neighborhoods was positively associated with life expectancy in urban areas but showed an opposite association in rural areas. CONCLUSIONS: After adjusting for key social characteristics, several built environment characteristics were salient risk factors for decreased life expectancy in the U.S., with some measures showing differential effects by urbanicity. Planning and policy efforts should be tailored to local contexts.

Cross-Sectional Study of Location-Based Built Environments, Physical Activity, Dietary Intake, and Body Mass Index in Adult Twins.

We examined relationships between walkability and health behaviors between and within identical twin pairs, considering both home (neighborhood) walkability and each twin's measured activity space. Continuous activity and location data (via accelerometry and GPS) were obtained in 79 pairs over 2 weeks. Walkability was estimated using Walk Score® (WS); home WS refers to neighborhood walkability, and GPS WS refers to the mean of individual WSs matched to every GPS point collected by each participant. GPS WS was assessed within (WHN) and out of the neighborhood (OHN), using 1-mile Euclidean (air1mi) and network (net1mi) buffers. Outcomes included walking and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) bouts, dietary energy density (DED), and BMI. Home WS was associated with WHN GPS WS (b = 0.71, SE = 0.03, p < 0.001 for air1mi; b = 0.79, SE = 0.03, p < 0.001 for net1mi), and OHN GPS WS (b = 0.18, SE = 0.04, p < 0.001 for air1mi; b = 0.22, SE = 0.04, p < 0.001 for net1mi). Quasi-causal relationships (within-twin) were observed for home and GPS WS with walking (ps < 0.01), but not MVPA, DED, or BMI. Results support previous literature that neighborhood walkability has a positive influence on walking.

Perspectives on urban mobility in promoting physical activity in the context of commuting in Brazil / Perspectivas sobre mobilidade urbana na promoção da atividade física no contexto dos deslocamentos no Brasil

Despite Brazil's important advances in regulatory aspects related to city planning, the disorder-ly growth of Brazilian cities makes it difficult to implement changes that would result in greater opportunities for the active commuting of the population. This essay was designed to reflect on opportunities for improvement in the urban environment to promote physical activity in the context of commuting in Brazil. From this perspective, the study identified policies that promote orderly growth and support active commuting in cities. It also suggested the use of indicators to evaluate and monitor development, with a particular emphasis on active commuting. Furthermore, it is essential to adapt and improve the urban planning process to meet the needs of Brazilian municipalities and foster closer collaboration with civil society. Thus, it will be possible to verify the changes in the urban environment and their impact on the active commuting, promoting the development of healthy and sustainable cities

Apesar do Brasil apresentar importante avanço em aspectos regulatórios relacionados ao planejamento das cidades, o crescimento desordenado das cidades brasileiras dificulta a realização de mudanças que reflitam em maiores oportunidades no deslocamento ativo da população. Este ensaio foi elaborado com objetivo de refletir sobre as oportunidades para melhorias no ambiente urbano para a promoção da atividade física no contexto do deslocamento no Brasil. Nessa perspectiva, o estudo identificou políticas que permitem o crescimento ordenado e favoreça o deslocamento ativo nas cidades, além de sugerir o uso de indicadores para avaliação e monitoramento do desenvolvimento, com especial foco no deslocamento ativo. Ademais, é imprescindível que o processo de planejamento urbano seja adaptado e aprimorado considerando as necessidades dos municípios brasileiros e com aproximação da sociedade civil. Assim, será possível verificar as modificações no ambiente urbano e seu impacto no deslocamento ativo da população, estimulando a criação de cidades saudáveis e sustentáveis

Methodology for using the Microscale Audit of Pedestrian Streetscapes-MAPS in the city of São Paulo / Metodologia de utilização do Microscale Audit of Pedestrian Streetscapes-MAPS na cidade de São Paulo

The Microscale Audit of Pedestrian Streetscapes-Global (MAPS Global) is an international instru-ment that aims to characterize the variability of pedestrian environments related to physical activity at the microscale level, being a reliable tool that allows comparisons between locations with different contexts. In this regard, the objective of the present study is to describe the methodological process adopted in the Health Survey of São Paulo or Inquérito de Saúde de São Paulo (ISA) in portu-guese ­ Physical Activity and Environment survey for the microscale environment assessment with the MAPS-Global instrument. The use of the method in São Paulo city involved several steps and adaptations relevant to the context of the study, such as: meetings with the group responsible for the validation of the method in Brazil, training of researchers for data collection, review of sections and questions and instrument hosting on Google forms, georeferencing of households and preparation of routes, training and certification of evaluators, and data collection procedures. The environment audit presented challenges, even though it was an exclusively online process, 25 months were required for all the stages development since the audit involved a considerable sample of 1,434 subjects, an increased evaluation coverage in cross-segment sections, and a team of seven evaluators. For future data collection it is suggested to consider the time available for auditing, the size of the team for the selected sample, as well as the possibility of adapting the instrument, such as the inclusion or removal of items according to the local context or reality of the study

O Microscale Audit of Pedestrian Streetscapes-Global (MAPS-Global) é um instrumento internacional que visa caracterizar a variabilidade de ambientes de pedestres relacionados à atividade física ao nível de microescala, sendo uma ferramenta confiável que permite comparações entre locais com diferentes contextos. Neste sentido, o objetivo do presente estudo é descrever o processo metodológico adotado na pesquisa Inquérito de Saúde de São Paulo (ISA) - Atividade Física e Ambiente para a avaliação da microescala do ambiente com o instrumento MAPS-Global. A utilização do método na cidade de São Paulo envolveu diversas etapas e adaptações relevantes para o contexto do estudo, inicialmente foram realizadas reuniões com o grupo responsável por validar o método no Brasil, treinamento dos pesquisadores para coletas de dados, revisão dos blocos e questões, hospedagem do instrumento no Google forms, georreferenciamento dos domicílios, elaboração das rotas, treinamento e certificação dos avaliadores e procedimentos de coletas de dados. A auditagem do ambiente apresentou desafios, mesmo se tratando de um processo exclusivamente online, foram necessários 25 meses para o desenvolvimento de todas as etapas do estudo, pois a avaliação envolveu 1.434 sujeitos, aumento da cobertura da avaliação nas seções dos segmentos e cruzamentos e uma equipe de sete avaliadores. Sugere-se para coletas futuras que seja observado o tempo disponível para auditagem, o tamanho da equipe para a amostra selecionada, bem como a possibilidade realizar adaptações no instrumento como a inclusão ou retirada de itens conforme contexto ou realidade local do estudo

Ambiente do bairro e da escola e sua associação com atividade física diária e uso de telas / Neighborhood and school environment and its association with daily physical activity and screen use

O objetivo deste estudo transversal foi analisar a associação entre ambiente construído no bairro e na escola e atividade física diária (AFD) e uso de telas diário (TD) entre estudantes de diferentes padrões de comportamentos. Participaram estudantes (9,1 ± 1,38 anos, 53,2% meninas) do 2º ao 5º ano de escolas públicas (n = 2.384) da cidade de Feira de Santana, BA. Atividades físicas e comporta-mentos sedentários foram avaliadas através de questionário online (Web-CAAFE) e utilizadas para definir os padrões de comportamentos por análise de cluster, segmentada por sexo. Ambiente cons-truído na escola (parquinho e espaços cobertos para atividades físicas) e no bairro (quadras esportivas, campos de futebol, parques e praças) foram as exposições. Os desfechos, AFD e TD, foram obtidos pelos somatórios dos relatos de um dia. Modelos de regressão binomial negativa, controlados por idade e escore-z de Índice de Massa Corporal, estimaram razões de prevalência (RP) e intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC95%). A AFD associou-se a praças entre meninas "jogadoras ativas" (RP = 1,35; IC95%: 1,09 - 1,68) e a Espaços cobertos para atividades físicas entre "sedentárias/executoras de tarefas domésticas" (RP = 0,86; IC95%: 075 - 0,97). Entre meninos "sedentários em atividades acadêmicas" a AFD associou-se a Campos de futebol (RP = 1,20; IC95%: 1,02 - 1,42) e TD a Parquinho (RP = 1,17; IC95%: 1,00 - 1,37). TD também foi associado a Espaços cobertos para atividade física entre "sedentários em telas" (RP = 1,28; IC95%: 1,04 - 1,57). AFD e TD de meninos e meninas com diferentes padrões de comportamento foram associados a diversos fatores do ambiente construído

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to analyze the association between the built environment at school and in the neighborhood and daily physical activity (DPA) and daily screen use (DS) among students with different behavioral patterns. Participants were students (9.1 ± 1.38 years, 53.2% girls) from the 2nd to the 5th year of public schools (n = 2,384), in the city of Feira de Santana, BA. Physical activities and sed-entary behaviors were assessed using an online questionnaire ( Web-CAAFE) and used to define behavioral patterns by cluster analysis, segmented by gender. Built environment at school (playground and covered spaces for physical activities) and in the neighborhood (sports courts, soccer fields, parks and squares) were the exposures variables. The outcomes, DPA and DS, were obtained by the sum the one-day reports. Mul-tiple negative binomial regression models, controlled for age and Body Mass Index z-score, were estimated prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). DPA was associated with squares among "active players" girls (PR = 1.35; 95%CI: 1.09 - 1.68) and with covered spaces for physical activities among "sedentary/Household chores performers" (PR = 0.86; 95%CI: 075 - 0.97). Among "sedentary in academic tasks" boys, DPA was associated with Soccer fields (PR = 1.20; 95%CI: 1.02 - 1.42) and DS with Play-ground (PR = 1.17; 95%CI: 1.00 - 1.37). DS was also associated with Covered spaces for physical activity among "sedentary on screen" (PR = 1.28; 95%CI: 1.04 - 1.57). DPA and DS of boys and girls with different behavior patterns were associated with several built environment factors

Perception of public places for physical activity among beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of health plans: results of the National Health Survey 2019 / Percepção de locais públicos para prática de atividade física entre beneficiários e não beneficiários de planos de saúde: resultados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde 2019

This study aimed to evaluate the perception of public places for the practice of physical activity and compare these differences according to health plan beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries. We used data from the 2019 National Health Interview Survey. The outcome was assessed through the following question, "Near your home, is there a public place (square, park, enclosed street, beach) to walk, exercise or play sport?". Descriptive analyses were performed using frequency and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). The analyses were performed by comparing beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of health plans and evaluating the results according to sociodemographic variables.The results include data from 20,230 beneficiaries (52.6% women) and 68,301 non-beneficiaries (54.6% women) of health plans, with most of the sample aged between 18 and 39.Overall, 52.1% of non-beneficiaries (95%CI: 51.0 - 53.2) and 67.4% of beneficiaries (95%CI: 65.8 - 68.9) reported having a place near their home for physical activity. We found a dose-effect trend regarding education level and places close to the residence to the practice of physical activity - the higher the level of education, the higher the perception of individuals who reported having adequate places for physical activity.Our findings showed that beneficiaries of health plans have more access to places near their homes to practice physical activity, as well as the most educated

O objetivo deste estudo foiavaliar a percepção de locais públicos para a prática de atividade física e com-parar essas diferenças segundo beneficiários e não beneficiários de planos de saúde. Foram utilizados dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde de 2019. O desfecho foi avaliado por meio da seguinte questão: "Perto de sua casa, existe algum local público (praça, parque, rua fechada, praia) para caminhar, fazer exercícios ou praticar esportes?". Análises descritivas foram realizadas por meio de frequência e intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC95%). As análises foram realizadas comparando beneficiários e não beneficiários de planos de saúde e avaliando os resultados segundo variáveis sociodemográficas.Os resultados incluem dados de 20.230 beneficiários (52,6% mulheres) e 68.301 não-beneficiários (54,6% mulheres) de planos de saúde, ambos com maior parte da amostra com idades entre 18 e 39 anos. No geral, 52,1% dos não beneficiários (IC95%: 51,0 - 53,2) e 67,4% dos beneficiários (IC95%: 65,8 - 68,9) relataram ter um local próximo a sua casa para a prática de atividade física. Encontramos uma tendência dose-resposta em relação à escolaridade e locais próximos à residência para a prática de atividade física - quanto maior a escolaridade, maior a percepção de indivíduos que referiram ter locais adequados para a prática de atividade física.Nossos achados mostraram que os beneficiários de planos de saúde têm mais acesso a locais próximos a suas residências para praticar atividade física, assim como os mais escolarizados

Distribuição e qualidade de espaços públicos para atividade física de lazer em uma capital do Brasil / Distribution and quality of public spaces for physical leisure activity in a brazilian capital

As características físicas do ambiente podem contribuir na promoção da saúde, principalmente a disponibilidade e qualidade dos espaços públicos de lazer. O presente estudo tem como objetivo analisar a distribuição e a qualidade dos equipamentos para atividade física de lazer em uma capital brasileira. Foram avaliados 27 espaços públicos, incluindo parques, praças e canteiros habitáveis disponíveis no raio de 1.000 metros de três polos do Programa Academia da Saúde (PAS) no município de Belo Horizonte. Em 2019, os equipamentos foram auditados por meio da aplicação da versão adaptada do Physical Activity Resource Assessment (PARA), que avalia a existência, qualidade, segurança, limpeza e estética dos equipamentos. Frequências absolutas e relativas foram calculadas. Dos 27 locais avaliados, 22,2% eram parques (n = 6), 70,4% praças (n = 19) e 7,4% canteiros habitáveis (n = 2). Quadras de vôlei e campos de futebol foram os equipamentos mais identificados nos parques, presentes em todos os locais analisados, enquanto academias e estações de exercício ao ar livre foram os mais comuns nas praças (89,5%; 52,9%, respectivamente). Quanto aos canteiros habitáveis, apresentaram apenas quadras de vôlei/campos de futebol. Com relação à limpeza e estética, as maiores proporções foram pichações (74,1%), lixo espalhado/sujeira (74,1%), grama alta (44,4%) e sinais de vandalismo e sujeira de animais (37,0%). A pequena diversidade e qualidade ruim dos equipamentos, e as características inadequadas de limpeza e estética dos espaços de lazer no qual se encontram, podem impedir ou dificultar o uso dos mesmos para a prática de atividade física, demonstrando assim, a necessidade de investimentos mais expressivos nesses locais

The physical characteristics of the environment can contribute to health promotion, especially the availa-bility and quality of public leisure spaces. The present study aims to analyze the distribution and quality of equipment for leisure physical activity in a Brazilian capital. Twenty-seven public spaces, including parks, squares and boulevards available within a radius of 1,000 meters of three centers of the Health Academy Program (PAS) in the city of Belo Horizonte were evaluated. In 2019, the equipment was audited through the application of the adapted version of the Physical Activity Resource Assessment (PARA), which evaluates the existence, quality, safety, cleanliness, and aesthetics of the equipment. Absolute and relative frequencies were calculated. Of the 27 sites evaluated, 22.2% were parks (n=6), 70.4% were squares (n = 19), and 7.4% were boulevards (n = 2). Volleyball courts and soccer fields were the most identified equipment in parks, present in all analyzed places, while outdoor gyms and exercise stations were the most common in squares (89.5%; 52.9%, respectively). As for boulevards, they only had volleyball courts/soccer fields. Regarding cleanliness and aesthetics, the highest proportions were graffiti (74.1%), scattered garbage/dirt (74.1%), tall grass (44.4%), and signs of vandalism and animal dirt (37.0%). The small diversity and poor quality of equipment, and the inadequate characteristics of cleanliness and aesthetics of the leisure spaces in which they are located, can prevent or hinder their use for the practice of physical activity, thus demonstrating the need for more expressive investments in these places

Beyond homeliness: A photo-elicitation study of the 'homely' design paradigm in care settings.

This paper examines perceptions of homeliness in palliative care environments through a photo-elicitation study involving 89 palliative care staff. The study finds that what is perceived as homely tends to exhibit a mutually exclusive relationship with a clinical antithesis. It also finds that antonymous or antithetical understandings of homeliness are as common as those based on actual attributes of homeliness. It is argued that a more nuanced understanding of the spatial and material constituents of homeliness is needed to make it a more realistic objective within the design and procurement of healthcare environments. It is also argued that the inverse relationship of homely and clinical environmental qualities could be translated into a design approach that aims to negotiate rather than negate their apparent mutual incompatibility.

Association between neighborhood socioeconomic status, built environment and SARS-CoV-2 infection among cancer patients treated at a Tertiary Cancer Center in New York City.

BACKGROUND: Racial and ethnic minority groups experience a disproportionate burden of SARS-CoV-2 illness and studies suggest that cancer patients are at a particular risk for severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. AIMS: The objective of this study was examine the association between neighborhood characteristics and SARS-CoV-2 infection among patients with cancer. METHODS AND RESULTS: We performed a cross-sectional study of New York City residents receiving treatment for cancer at a tertiary cancer center. Patients were linked by their address to data from the US Census Bureau's American Community Survey and to real estate tax data from New York's Department of City Planning. Models were used to both to estimate odds ratios (ORs) per unit increase and to predict probabilities (and 95% CI) of SARS-CoV2 infection. We identified 2350 New York City residents with cancer receiving treatment. Overall, 214 (9.1%) were infected with SARS-CoV-2. In adjusted models, the percentage of Hispanic/Latino population (aOR = 1.01; 95% CI, 1.005-1.02), unemployment rate (aOR = 1.10; 95% CI, 1.05-1.16), poverty rates (aOR = 1.02; 95% CI, 1.0002-1.03), rate of >1 person per room (aOR = 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.07), average household size (aOR = 1.79; 95% CI, 1.23-2.59) and population density (aOR = 1.86; 95% CI, 1.27-2.72) were associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. CONCLUSION: Among cancer patients in New York City receiving anti-cancer therapy, SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with neighborhood- and building-level markers of larger household membership, household crowding, and low socioeconomic status. NOVELTY AND IMPACT: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of residents of New York City receiving treatment for cancer in which we linked subjects to census and real estate date. This linkage is a novel way to examine the neighborhood characteristics that influence SARS-COV-2 infection. We found that among patients receiving anti-cancer therapy, SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with building and neighborhood-level markers of household crowding, larger household membership, and low socioeconomic status. With ongoing surges of SARS-CoV-2 infections, these data may help in the development of interventions to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with SARS-CoV-2 among cancer patients.