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.

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.

Long-Term Exposure to Walkable Residential Neighborhoods and Risk of Obesity-Related Cancer in the New York University Women's Health Study (NYUWHS).

BACKGROUND: Living in neighborhoods with higher levels of walkability has been associated with a reduced risk of obesity and higher levels of physical activity. Obesity has been linked to increased risk of 13 cancers in women. However, long-term prospective studies of neighborhood walkability and risk for obesity-related cancer are scarce. OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the association between long-term average neighborhood walkability and obesity-related cancer risk in women. METHODS: The New York University Women's Health Study (NYUWHS) is a prospective cohort with 14,274 women recruited between 1985 and 1991 in New York City and followed over nearly three decades. We geocoded residential addresses for each participant throughout follow-up and calculated an average annual measure of neighborhood walkability across years of follow-up using data on population density and accessibility to destinations associated with geocoded residential addresses. We used ICD-9 codes to characterize first primary obesity-related cancers and employed Cox proportional hazards models to assess the association between average neighborhood walkability and risk of overall and site-specific obesity-related cancers. RESULTS: Residing in neighborhoods with a higher walkability level was associated with a reduced risk of overall and site-specific obesity-related cancers. The hazards ratios associated with a 1-standard deviation increase in average annual neighborhood walkability were 0.88 (95% CI: 0.85, 0.93) for overall obesity-related cancer, 0.89 (95% CI: 0.84, 0.95) for postmenopausal breast cancer, 0.82 (95% CI: 0.68, 0.99) for ovarian cancer, 0.87 (95% CI: 0.76, 0.99) for endometrial cancer, and 0.68 (95% CI: 0.49, 0.94) for multiple myeloma, adjusting for potential confounders at both the individual and neighborhood level. The association between neighborhood walkability and risk of overall obesity-related cancer was stronger among women living in neighborhoods with higher levels of poverty compared with women living in areas with lower poverty levels (pInteraction=0.006). DISCUSSION: Our study highlights a potential protective role of neighborhood walkability in preventing obesity-related cancers in women. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11538.

The relationship between changes in neighborhood physical environment and changes in physical activity among children: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) is associated with positive health outcomes over the entire life course. Many community-based interventions that promote PA focus on implementing incremental changes to existing facilities and infrastructure. The objective of this study was to determine if such upgrades were associated with increases in children's PA. METHODS: Two cohorts of 3- to 15-year-old children (n = 599) living in 4 low-income New Jersey cities were followed during 2- to 5-year periods from 2009 to 2017. Data on children's PA were collected at 2 time points (T1 and T2) from each cohort using telephone survey of parents; data on changes to existing PA facilities were collected yearly from 2009 to 2017 using Open Public Records Act requests, publicly available data sources, and interviews with key stakeholders. PA changes were categorized into six domains (PA facility, park, trail, complete street, sidewalk, or bike lane) and coded as new opportunity, renovated opportunity, or amenity. A scale variable capturing all street-related upgrades (complete street, sidewalk, and bike lane) was constructed. PA was measured as the number of days per week the child engaged in at least 60 min of PA. The association between change in PA between T1 and T2, ranging from - 7 to + 7, and changes to the PA environment was modeled using weighted linear regression controlling for PA at T1, child age, sex, race, as well as household and neighborhood demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. RESULTS: While most measures of the changes to the PA environment were not associated with change in PA between T1 and T2, the street-related upgrades were positively associated with the change in PA; specifically, for each additional standard deviation in street upgrades within a 1-mile radius of their homes, the change in PA was 0.42 (95% CI: 0.02, 0.82; p = 0.039) additional days. This corresponds to an 11% increase over the mean baseline value (3.8 days). CONCLUSIONS: The current study supports funding of projects aimed at improving streets and sidewalks in cities, as it was shown that incremental improvements to the PA environment near children's homes will likely result in increased PA among children.

Street Smart: Developing Relationships to Support Walkable Communities for All.

Background. Physical activity promotion is an essential intervention for the prevention of chronic disease by reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancers, as well as improving brain health. Previous approaches that emphasized physical fitness did not meet the needs of the larger population due to not incorporating integration of movement into daily life. Changes that result in the addition of even small amounts of physical activity, such as through active transportation, can make a big difference in quality of life and longevity. Innovative Approach. To increase opportunities for active transportation, Utah agencies are working across sectors to incorporate physical activity into routine, day-to-day activities that may help to address this challenging public health problem. Human-powered travel is a key component of community design supporting health and healthy behaviors. The Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) built relationships with partners in order to promote active transportation. Lessons Learned & Recommendations. This article will demonstrate ways in which public health, transportation, and planning agencies can better engage to provide opportunities for all people to be physically active. DHHS addresses the importance of sharing public health data among state agencies, inclusion of under-represented populations in community feedback, and engaging in shared projects that will support the involvement of public health in transportation planning.

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.

Associations of home and neighborhood environments with children's physical activity in the U.S.-based Neighborhood Impact on Kids (NIK) longitudinal cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Physical activity is important for children's health and well-being. Supportiveness for physical activity of home and neighborhood environments may affect children's PA, but most studies are cross-sectional. We examined environmental predictors of change in children's physical activity over two years. METHODS: Data were from the longitudinal, observational cohort study, 'Neighborhood Impact on Kids'. Participants were children (initially aged 6-12 years) and their parent/caregiver (n = 727 dyads) living in neighborhoods throughout San Diego County, California and King County (Seattle area), Washington, USA. Children's moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was measured using accelerometers at T1 (Time 1 or baseline, 2007-2009) and T2, the two-year follow-up. At T1, parents survey-reported on physical activity (PA) equipment at home and demographics. Neighborhood environment was measured using spatial data in Geographic Information Systems (intersection density; park availability) and in-person audits (informal play space near home; park-based PA facilities; land use; support for walking/cycling). Generalized additive mixed models estimated total effects, then direct effects, of environmental attributes on MVPA at T1. Two-way moderating effects of child's sex and age were examined at T1. To examine associations of environmental exposures with changes in MVPA, we estimated interaction effects of environmental attributes on the association between time and MVPA. RESULTS: On average, children accumulated 146 min/day (standard deviation or SD = 53) of MVPA at T1, and 113 (SD = 58) min/day at T2. There were no significant total or direct effects of environmental attributes on MVPA at T1, and no significant two-way interaction effects of child's age and sex for T1 MVPA. Having informal play spaces proximal to home with more amenities was associated with less MVPA decline from T1 to T2. Higher residential density, higher land use mix, and higher number of PA facilities in nearby parks were unexpectedly associated with greater MVPA decline. CONCLUSION: Higher quality informal play spaces close to home may help offset declines in MVPA during middle childhood, as they may promote unstructured active play with opportunities for parental or neighbor surveillance. Unexpectedly, environmental factors consistent with higher walkability were associated with greater declines in children's MVPA. As physical activity differs across the lifespan, so may environmental factors that facilitate it.

"Recupere a Lagoa": análise barthesiana de imagens pós-desastre na Lagoa da Conceição/SC / "Recover Lagoa": barthesian analysis of postdisaster images in Lagoa da Conceição/SC / "Recuperar Lagoa": análisis barthesiano de imágenes pos-desastre en Lagoa da Conceição/SC

INTRODUÇÃO: No dia 25 de janeiro de 2021 ocorreu o rompimento de uma das barragens da Companhia Catarinense de Águas e Saneamento (CASAN) para depositar esgoto tratado, atingindo 50 famílias de Florianópolis/SC. OBJETIVO: Esse artigo visa interpretar imagens capturadas por atingidos pelo desastre ambiental da Lagoa da Conceição/SC. CAMPO: a pesquisa se sucedeu na localidade afetada - Rua Servidão Manoel Luiz Duarte, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina. MÉTODO: Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa do tipo pesquisa-ação a partir de um corte transversal. Utilizou-se a técnica fotografando ambientes, em sequência, a análise semiótica de imagens desenvolvida por Barthes e a Teoria das Representações Sociais (TRS) para auxiliar na interpretação dos dados. RESULTADOS: Os signos apresentados nas imagens capturadas foram: 1) punhos erguidos fechados um símbolo comumente utilizado em campanhas na busca por direitos igualitários e resistência; 2) mensagens enfáticas utilizando termos como "réu", "culpa" e "crime", referindo-se a CASAN; 3) símbolos e personalidades políticas como forma de pressionar autoridades competentes e agilizar o processo de retorno às suas vidas. Entende-se que mesmo passado um ano do desastre, as pessoas atingidas ainda lutam e discutem com a CASAN em busca do ressarcimento integral e justo dos seus direitos. CONCLUSÃO: A comunidade ainda está se recuperando do desastre, passando por uma reconfiguração. Porém, diante dessa tragédia, a comunidade enquanto grupo se fortaleceu em decorrência dos movimentos sociais realizados pelo bem comum dos afetados. Portanto, em meio ao caos, formaram uma rede de apoio com um objetivo: recuperar (parte) do que lhes foi tirado.

INTRODUCTION: On January 25, 2021, one of the dams belonging to the Companhia Catarinense de Águas e Saneamento (CASAN) to deposit treated sewage broke, affecting 50 families in Florianópolis/SC. OBJECTIVE: This article aims to interpret images captured by people affected by the environmental disaster at Lagoa da Conceição/SC. FIELD: The research took place in the affected location - Rua Servidão Manoel Luiz Duarte, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina. METHOD: This is a qualitative action-research study based on a cross-section. The technique of photographing environments was used, in sequence, the semiotic analysis of images developed by Barthes and the Theory of Social Representations (TRS) to assist in the interpretation of the data. RESULTS: The signs shown in the captured images were: 1) closed raised fists, a symbol commonly used in campaigns seeking equal rights and resistance; 2) emphatic messages using terms such as "defendant", "fault" and "crime", referring to CASAN; 3) political symbols and personalities as a way of putting pressure on competent authorities and speeding up the process of returning to their lives. It is understood that even one year after the disaster, the people affected are still fighting and discussing with CASAN in search of full and fair compensation for their rights. CONCLUSION: The community is still recovering from the disaster, undergoing a reconfiguration. However, in the face of this tragedy, the community as a group was strengthened as a result of social movements carried out for the common good of those affected. Therefore, in the midst of chaos, they formed a support network with one goal: to recover (part of) what was taken from them.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El 25 de enero de 2021, una de las represas de la Companhia Catarinense de Águas e Saneamento (CASAN) para depositar aguas residuales tratadas se rompió, afectando a 50 familias en Florianópolis/SC. OBJETIVO: Este artículo tiene como objetivo interpretar imágenes captadas por personas afectadas por el desastre ambiental en la Lagoa da Conceição/SC. CAMPO: la investigación se realizó en el local afectado - Rua Servidão Manoel Luiz Duarte, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina. MÉTODO: Se trata de un estudio cualitativo de investigación-acción basado en un corte transversal. Se utilizó la técnica de fotografiar ambientes, en secuencia, el análisis semiótico de imágenes desarrollado por Barthes y la Teoría de las Representaciones Sociales (TRS) para auxiliar en la interpretación de los datos. RESULTADOS: Los signos mostrados en las imágenes capturadas fueron: 1) puños cerrados en alto, símbolo comúnmente utilizado en campañas de igualdad de derechos y resistencia; 2) mensajes enfáticos utilizando términos como "acusado", "culpa" y "delito", refiriéndose a CASAN; 3) símbolos y personalidades políticas como una forma de presionar a las autoridades competentes y acelerar el proceso de retorno a sus vidas. Se entiende que aún después de un año del desastre, las personas afectadas siguen luchando y discutiendo con CASAN en busca de una compensación plena y justa por sus derechos. CONCLUSIÓN: La comunidad aún se está recuperando del desastre, pasando por una reconfiguración. Sin embargo, ante esta tragedia, la comunidad como grupo se fortaleció como resultado de los movimientos sociales realizados por el bien común de los afectados. Por eso, en medio del caos, formaron una red de apoyo con un objetivo: recuperar (parte de) lo que les fue arrebatado.

Perceived neighborhood environment walkability and health-related quality of life among predominantly Black and Latino adults in New York City.

BACKGROUND: Measures of the built environment such as neighborhood walkability have been associated with health behaviors such as physical activity, the lack of which in turn may contribute to the development of diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. However, limited research has examined these measures in association with health-related quality of life (HR-QoL), particularly in minoritized populations. We examined the relationship between perceived neighborhood environment and HR-QoL in a sample of mostly Black and Latino residents in New York City (NYC). METHODS: This study utilized the baseline survey data from the Physical Activity and Redesigned Community Spaces (PARCS) Study among 1252 residents [34.6% Black, 54.1% Latino, 80.1% female, mean(±SD) age = 38.8 ± 12.5) in 54 park neighborhoods in NYC. Perceived built environment was measured using Neighborhood Environment and Walkability Survey, and mental and physical HR-QoL was estimated using Short Form (SF)-12. Using factor analysis, we identified two subscales of neighborhood walkability: enablers (e.g., trails, sidewalks, esthetics) vs. barriers (e.g., high crime and traffic). In addition, we included a third subscale on neighborhood satisfaction. Generalized Estimating Equation models adjusted for demographics and BMI and accounted for the clustering effect within neighborhood. Multiple imputation was used to account for missing data. RESULTS: Mental HR-QoL was associated with barriers of walkability (ß ± SE = - 1.63 ± 0.55, p < 0.01) and neighborhood satisfaction (ß ± SE = 1.55 ± 0.66, p = 0.02), after adjusting for covariates. Physical HR-QoL was associated with only barriers of walkability (ß ± SE = - 1.13 ± 0.57, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Among NYC residents living in minoritized neighborhoods, mitigating negative aspects of the neighborhood environment may be more crucial than adding positive features in terms of HR-QoL. Our study points to the need to investigate further the role of the built environment in urban, minoritized communities.

Apropriação dos espaços urbanos na infância e na velhice em Brasília (DF) / Occupation of urban spaces in childhood and old age in Brasilia, Brazil / Apropiación de espacios urbanos en la infancia y en la vejez en Brasília, Brasil

Os estudos sobre as relações mútuas entre as pessoas e o ambiente buscam subsidiar melhorias no contexto urbano a partir de métodos e técnicas pautados na compreensão do uso de espaços públicos e privados. A crescente demanda pela promoção de ambientes amigáveis para idosos e crianças nos cenários urbanos direcionou esta pesquisa e elencou dois componentes: o panorama relativo à população local e o arcabouço teórico da psicologia ambiental. Para tanto, buscou-se identificar as principais atividades realizadas por crianças e idosos em seus respectivos locais de moradia. Foram avaliados os principais usos e atividades desses dois grupos, em duas vizinhanças, diferenciando-os de acordo com suas especificidades em termos de demandas individuais e ambientais. As observações sistemáticas a partir da técnica de mapeamento comportamental centrado no lugar (MCCL) ocorreram na cidade de Brasília, Distrito Federal (DF) e permitiram compreender o processo de apropriação dos espaços na infância e na velhice e suas repercussões em termos da congruência pessoa-ambiente. Cada um destes setores organizados a partir de elementos específicos direciona as ações dos participantes para determinados tipos de comportamentos, observados de maneira a compor um roteiro em que a brincadeira (lazer ativo) surge como central na infância e a caminhada (circulação) como mais potente para a população idosa. Os resultados demonstram que o diálogo entre a psicologia ambiental e a ciência do desenvolvimento humano tem sido bastante profícuo e tem contribuído para a compreensão de aspectos da relação pessoa-ambiente em diferentes momentos do ciclo de vida.(AU)

Studies on the mutual relations between people and the environment seek to support improvements in the urban context from methods and techniques based on understanding the use of public and private spaces. The growing demand for the promotion of friendly urban environments for older people and children guided this research, with two notable components: the panorama related to the local population and the theoretical framework of Environmental Psychology. Therefore, we sought to identify the main activities carried out by children and older people in their respective dwellings. The main uses and activities of these two groups were evaluated in two neighborhoods, differentiating them according to their specificities in terms of individual and environmental demands. Systematic observations using the place-centered behavioral mapping technique took place in the city of Brasília, Federal District, and allowed us to understand the process of appropriation of spaces in childhood and old age and its repercussions in terms of person-environment congruence. Each of these sectors, organized from specific elements, directs the participants' actions towards certain types of behavior, observed in order to compose a script in which playing (active leisure) emerges as central in childhood and walking (circulation) as more potent for the older people. The results demonstrated that the dialogue between environmental psychology and the science of human development has been very fruitful and has contributed to the understanding of aspects of the person-environment relationship at different times in the life cycle.(AU)

Los estudios sobre las relaciones mutuas entre las personas y el medio ambiente buscan aportar mejoras en el contexto urbano mediante métodos y técnicas basados en la comprensión del uso de los espacios públicos y privados. La creciente demanda de la promoción de ambientes amigables para las personas mayores y los niños en entornos urbanos guio esta investigación y enumeró dos componentes: el panorama relacionado con la población local y el marco teórico de la Psicología Ambiental. En este contexto, buscamos identificar las principales actividades que realizan los niños y las personas mayores en sus respectivas viviendas. Se evaluaron los principales usos y actividades de estos dos grupos en dos barrios, diferenciándolos según sus especificidades en cuanto a las demandas individuales y ambientales. Las observaciones sistemáticas utilizando la técnica de mapeo conductual centrado en el lugar (MCCL) ocurrieron en la ciudad de Brasília, Distrito Federal (Brasil) y nos permitieron comprender el proceso de apropiación de espacios en la infancia y la vejez y sus repercusiones en la congruencia persona-ambiente. Cada uno de estos sectores, organizados a partir de elementos específicos, orienta las acciones de los participantes hacia determinados comportamientos, observados para componer un guion en el que el juego (ocio activo) emerge como central en la infancia y el caminar (circulación) como el más potente para las personas mayores. Los resultados demuestran que el diálogo entre la Psicología Ambiental y la ciencia del desarrollo humano ha sido muy fructífero y ha contribuido a la comprensión de aspectos de la relación persona-entorno en diferentes momentos del ciclo de vida.(AU)

Effects of neighborhood features on healthy aging in place: the composition and context of urban parks and traditional local coffeeshops in Singapore.

BACKGROUND: Healthy aging in place is affected by what the neighborhood provides for older adults. The mixed-methods ethnographic study explored the built environmental and contextual effects of urban parks and traditional local coffeeshops (kopitiam) on health practices among older adults in Singapore. METHODS: A door-to-door survey with 497 older adults from 32 residential blocks in a public housing town assessed exercise and smoking. The walking distances from the residential blocks to the facilities were calculated. Regression analysis examined the associations between the distance and rates of exercise and smoking. Ethnographic assessment data contextualized the quantitative findings. RESULTS: Older adults' exercise was associated with proximity to an urban park but not traditional local coffeeshops. High rates of smoking were clustered in the housing blocks close to the coffeeshops, which provided casual drinking places with smoking tables. The proximity to the coffeeshops was significantly associated with increased smoking and decreased exercise. A walking distance of 200 m to the park and coffeeshops was found to discriminate the outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggested that walking distances of a few blocks influenced health behaviors among older adults. Their smoking habits appeared to be maintained through environmental features and cultural norms attached to the coffeeshops. Policy of urban planning and redevelopment for the aging population needs to consider the socioecology of healthy aging in place.

The impact of interventions in the built environment on physical activity levels: a systematic umbrella review.

Physical activity is good for people's health. The relationship between the built environment and physical activity has been well documented. However, evidence is both scarce and scattered on specific urban interventions, i.e., intentional redesigns of the built environment that promote physical activity accompanied by pre- and post-effect measurement. This umbrella review aims to synthesize the findings of systematic reviews focused on these urban interventions. We followed the PRISMA 2020 and JBI umbrella review protocol guidelines and searched seven databases covering the period between Jan 2010 and April 2022 using keywords relating to the built environment, health, physical activity, and interventions. This yielded seven systematic reviews, in which we identified several urban interventions that can promote physical activity. We found positive effects of urban interventions on physical activity regarding park renovations, adding exercise equipment, introducing a (new) pocket park, improving cycling environments, improving walking & cycling environments, as well as multi-component initiatives for active travel and enhancing the availability & accessibility of destinations. The findings suggest that the urban environment can effectively promote physical activity, especially by adding various facilities and destinations and by making the environment better suitable for active use.

Using combined Global Position System and accelerometer data points to examine how built environments and gentrification are associated with physical activity in four Canadian cities.

BACKGROUND: Built and social environments are associated with physical activity. Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and accelerometer data can capture how people move through their environments and provide promising tools to better understand associations between environmental characteristics and physical activity. The purpose of this study is to examine the associations between GPS-derived exposure to built environment and gentrification characteristics and accelerometer-measured physical activity in a sample of adults across four cities. METHODS: We used wave 1 data from the Interventions, Research, and Action in Cities Team, a cohort of adults living in the Canadian cities of Victoria, Vancouver, Saskatoon, and Montreal. A subsample of participants wore a SenseDoc device for 10 days during May 2017-January 2019 to record GPS and accelerometry data. Two physical activity outcomes were derived from SenseDoc data: time spent in light, moderate, and vigorous physical activity; and time spent in moderate or vigorous physical activity. Using corresponding GPS coordinates, we summarized physical activity outcomes by dissemination area-a Canadian census geography that represents areas where 400 to 700 people live- and joined to built (active living space, proximity to amenities, and urban compactness) and gentrification measures. We examined the associations between environmental measures and physical activity outcomes using multi-level negative binomial regression models that were stratified by city and adjusted for covariates (weekday/weekend), home dissemination area, precipitation, temperature) and participant-level characteristics obtained from a survey (age, gender, income, race). RESULTS: We found that adults spent more time being physically active near their homes, and in environments that were more walkable and near parks and less time in urban compact areas, regardless of where participants lived. Our analysis also highlighted how proximity to different amenities was linked to physical activity across different cities. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides insights into how built environment and gentrification characteristics are associated with the amount of time adults spend being physically active in four Canadian cities. These findings enhance our understanding of the influence that environments have on physical activity over time and space, and can support policies to increase physical activity.

Physical activity and perceived environment among adults from a city in Southern Brazilian.

The article aimed to verify the association between physical activity (PA) and perceived environment among adults from a city in southern Brazil. This is a population-based cross-sectional study with 820 adults living in the city of Criciúma-SC. Perceived environment was assessed using the Neighborhood Environmental Walkability scale and PA in the leisure and transportation domains using the long version of the International PA Questionnaire. It was observed that the neighborhood with public spaces for the practice of physical exercises and dog walking was associated with higher prevalence of compliance with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) guidelines. The fact of having an invitation from friends and/or relatives for PA, sporting events and the habit of dog walking were associated with leisure-time walking. Access to places for the purchase of fresh fruits/ vegetables, light/diet foods, to have sidewalks in most streets, to have pedestrian crossings and sporting events in the neighborhood were associated with higher prevalence of active transportation. Conversely, places for snacks or fast food in the neighborhood were associated with lower prevalence of active transportation. The perception of environmental variables was associated with MVPA, walking and active transportation.

Associations of neighborhood walkability with moderate to vigorous physical activity: an application of compositional data analysis comparing compositional and non-compositional approaches.

BACKGROUND: We compared the relation between neighborhood features and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) using linear regression analysis and the more novel compositional data analysis (CoDA). Compositional data analysis allows us to take the time children allocate to different movement behaviours during a 24-hour time period into account. METHODOLOGY: Data from youth participants (n = 409) in the QUALITY (QUebec Adipose and Lifestyle InvesTigation in Youth) cohort were included. Time spent in MVPA, light physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep ("24-hour movement behaviours") was measured using accelerometers. Neighborhood data were collected using a geographic information system and through direct observation. In CoDA models, we used orthogonal logratio coordinates, which allows for the association of neighbourhood walkability with MVPA to be estimated with respect to the average composition of all other behaviours within a 24-hour time frame. In baseline linear regression models, MVPA was regressed cross-sectionally on neighborhood walkability. All models were stratified by sex, and controlled for BMI z-scores, pubertal development, seasonal variation, parental education, and neighbourhood safety. RESULTS: Based on CoDA, girls who lived in more walkable neighborhoods had 10% higher daily MVPA (95% CI: 2%, 19%), taking into account all other movement behaviours. Based on linear regression, girls who resided in more walkable neighborhoods engaged in 4.2 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2, 6.6) more minutes of MVPA per day on average than girls residing in less walkable neighborhoods. CONCLUSIONS: Unlike with traditional linear models, all movement behaviours were included in a single model using CoDA, allowing for a more complete picture of the strength and direction of the association between neighbourhood Walkability and MVPA. Application of CoDA to investigate determinants of physical activity provides additional insight into potential mechanisms and the ways in which people allocate their time.

Geospatial indicators of bikeability index as cycle-friendly city design: a systematic review / Indicadores geoespaciais do índice de bikeability como projeto de cidade amiga da bicicleta: uma revisão sistemática

The aim was to identify the main geospatial indicators used in bikeability index through constructive methodological studies. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO under the registration number CRD42020166795, following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guide. Original studies indexed in the electronic databases Lilacs, Pu-bMed, Science Direct, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, Trid, and Web of Science were selected. The review also included grey literature through Google Scholar, OpenGrey, ProQuest, and a list of references and documents pointed out by experts. After removing duplicates and analyzing titles and abstracts, the review considered only 11 out of the 703 initial papers, which provided 100 environment in-dicators with varied definitions and metrics for estimating the Bikeability index. The census tract was the most used unit of the analysis found in the papers, which used GIS (Geographic Informa-tion System) data besides self-reported information on environmental characteristics. The results indicate that the most usual indicators relate to infrastructure ­ existence and width of bike lanes ­ destination, slope, speed limit, and connectivity and intersections. The creation and maintenance of bicycle-friendly environments could consider the implementation of more infrastructure on flat and connected streets with changes in speed limits in neighborhoods, especially in regions with low density of intersections, to decrease accidents and increase cyclists' perception of safety.

Identificar os principais indicadores geoespaciais sobre a construção do índice de bikeability. O protocolo do estudo foi registrado no PROSPERO, sob o número de registro CRD42020166795, seguiu o guia (PRIS-MA). Foram selecionados estudos originais indexados nas bases de dados eletrônicas Lilacs, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, Trid, Web of Science. A revisão também incluiu literatura cinza, além da lista de referências e documentos identificados por especialistas. A busca inicial identificou 703 artigos, após a retirada das duplicatas e análise de títulos, resumos e texto completo, 11 artigos foram incluídos na revisão. Um total de 100 indicadores geoespaciais do ambiente construído foram identificados com diferentes defini-ções e métricas para estimar o índice de bikeability. O setor censitário foi a unidade de análise mais utilizada nos artigos, que utilizaram dados de SIG (Sistema de Informações Geográficas) além de informações autorre-feridas sobre características ambientais. Os resultados indicam que os indicadores mais usuais dizem respeito à infraestrutura ­ existência e largura das ciclovias ­ destino, inclinação, limite de velocidade, conectividade e interseções. A criação e manutenção de ambientes amigos da bicicleta poderia contemplar a implantação de mais infraestrutura em vias planas e conectadas com mudanças nos limites de velocidade nos bairros, principalmente em regiões com baixa densidade de cruzamentos, para diminuir os acidentes e aumentar a percepção de segurança dos ciclistas.

Patient Access, Utilization, and Perceptions of Neighborhood and Built Environment Resources.

PURPOSE: There is a critical need to explore bariatric patients' perceptions of existing neighborhood and built environment resources and supports to assist with postoperative behavior change and weight loss maintenance. The objective of this study was to survey postoperative patients to determine neighborhood food retail, fitness facility, and options for outdoor activity access, utilization, satisfaction, and perceptions of resources. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A convenience sample of postoperative patients from a single academic surgical center in the USA (N = 44) completed an online survey about access, utilization, satisfaction, and safety for food retail, fitness facility, and outdoor activity options in their neighborhoods. Analysis included descriptives (frequency, percent, Chi-square), and independent samples t tests and ANOVA determined differences based on race, insurance status, geographic location, and receipt of governmental assistance programs. Open-ended questions were analyzed using summative content analysis. RESULTS: Patients reported the highest access to lower-cost national food retailers and fitness facilities. The most prevalent challenge in finding food products to meet patients' goals was financial (39%). Patients' top suggestions for fitness facilities included training staff/facilities (59%) and trainers (35%) in postoperative patient care and exercise. The highest access for outdoor activity options was for walking/running trails, city/metro parks, and sidewalks. Significant differences in access, utilization, and safety were found based on geographic location, receipt of at least one assistant program, and race. CONCLUSION: The development of targeted resources may benefit patients in non-suburban areas and who receive governmental assistant programs to increase safety of outdoor options and access to lower-cost food retailers and to increase utilization of lower-cost fitness facilities.

Perceived Urban Environment Attributes and Device-Measured Physical Activity in Latin America: An 8-Nation Study.

INTRODUCTION: Attributes of the neighborhood-built environment are associated with self-reported physical activity, but only a few studies have concentrated on device-measured physical activity in Latin America. This study examines the associations of perceived neighborhood-built environment attributes, device-measured sedentary time, and light-intensity and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in adults from 8 Latin American countries. METHODS: Data from Estudio Latinoamericano de Nutrición y Salud adult study, an observational multicountry study (N=2,478), were analyzed in 2020. Data were collected between 2014 and 2015. Perceived neighborhood-built environment attributes were measured using the Neighbourhood Environment Walkability Survey. Sedentary time, light-intensity physical activity, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity data were collected using accelerometers. RESULTS: No associations between perceived neighborhood-built environment attributes and sedentary time were found. Positive perceptions of walking/cycling facilities (ß=6.50, 95% CI=2.12, 10.39) were associated with more light-intensity physical activity. Perceptions of better aesthetics (Argentina) and better walking/cycling facilities (Brazil and Ecuador) were positively associated with light-intensity physical activity. Land use mix-diversity (ß=0.14, 95% CI=0.03, 0.25), walking/cycling facilities (ß=0.16, 95% CI=0.05, 0.27), aesthetics (ß=0.16, 95% CI=0.02, 0.30), and safety from traffic (ß=0.18, 95% CI=0.05, 0.24) were positively associated with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Land use mix-diversity, street connectivity, and safety from traffic were positively associated with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in Venezuela. CONCLUSIONS: These findings have implications for policy recommendations, which can guide policies to promote physical activity in the region. Land use mix-diversity, walking/cycling facilities, aesthetics, and safety from traffic can maintain or increase the levels of light-intensity and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity among Latin American adults.