ORCID Profile
0000-0002-8936-2715
Current Organisation
RMIT University
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Research Topics
In Research Link Australia (RLA), "Research Topics" refer to ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes. These topics are either sourced from ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes listed in researchers' related grants or generated by a large language model (LLM) based on their publications.
Top 5 Research Topics
ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)
Epidemiology | Public Health and Health Services | Community Child Health | Transport Planning | Public Policy | Urban and Regional Planning | Urban planning and health | Urban and regional planning | Urban Design |
ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)
Social Structure and Health | Health Inequalities | Expanding Knowledge through Studies of Human Society | Behaviour and Health | Preventive Medicine | Child Health | Environmentally Sustainable Transport not elsewhere classified
Related Links
Publications
Developing a research and practice tool to measure walkability: a demonstration project
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-2014
DOI: 10.1071/HE14050
Utility of passive photography to objectively audit built environment features of active transport journeys: an observational study
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2013
Creating and applying public transport indicators to test pathways of behaviours and health through an urban transport framework
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2017
Inequities in Children's Reading Skills: The Role of Home Reading and Preschool Attendance
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2021
Perceptions of replacing car journeys with non-motorized travel: Exploring relationships in a cross-sectional adult population sample
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2006
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2006.04.007
Abstract: Transport-related physical activity (TPA) has dramatically declined in the last 50 years. The purpose of this study is to establish the relationship between sociodemographics, overall physical activity levels, and TPA travel mode (walking and cycling), with the perception of replacing car journeys by means of non-motorized travel. A nationally representative s le mail out survey (n=7,894) identified physical activity levels, perceptions of using non-motorized transport modes, and sociodemographics for a New Zealand adult s le. Overall, 21% of respondents strongly agreed that they could replace car journeys with TPA on at least 2 days per week. Respondents who reported higher activity levels were more likely to strongly agree with replacing car journeys than sedentary respondents. Personal income and education level were negatively associated with recognition of replacing car journeys. Respondents who recognized they could replace car journeys reported the highest prevalence for considering walking or cycling short distances. Only a small percentage of people perceive they can replace car journeys with TPA. Current physical activity levels and socioeconomic status variables are associated with perceptions of replacing car journeys with TPA.
Examining the relationship between urban liveability and gender-based violence
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2020
THE AUTHORS REPLY.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 11-09-2017
DOI: 10.1093/AJE/KWX310
A Longitudinal Analysis of the Influence of the Neighborhood Built Environment on Walking for Transportation: The RESIDE Study
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 11-08-2014
DOI: 10.1093/AJE/KWU171
Abstract: The purpose of the present analysis was to use longitudinal data collected over 7 years (from 4 surveys) in the Residential Environments (RESIDE) Study (Perth, Australia, 2003-2012) to more carefully examine the relationship of neighborhood walkability and destination accessibility with walking for transportation that has been seen in many cross-sectional studies. We compared effect estimates from 3 types of logistic regression models: 2 that utilize all available data (a population marginal model and a subject-level mixed model) and a third subject-level conditional model that exclusively uses within-person longitudinal evidence. The results support the evidence that neighborhood walkability (especially land-use mix and street connectivity), local access to public transit stops, and variety in the types of local destinations are important determinants of walking for transportation. The similarity of subject-level effect estimates from logistic mixed models and those from conditional logistic models indicates that there is little or no bias from uncontrolled time-constant residential preference (self-selection) factors however, confounding by uncontrolled time-varying factors, such as health status, remains a possibility. These findings provide policy makers and urban planners with further evidence that certain features of the built environment may be important in the design of neighborhoods to increase walking for transportation and meet the health needs of residents.
Knuiman et al. Respond to Time-Varying Neighborhood Environments
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 11-08-2014
DOI: 10.1093/AJE/KWU172
What is the meaning of urban liveability for a city in a low-to-middle-income country? Contextualising liveability for Bangkok, Thailand
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 30-07-2019
Collaboration between physical activity researchers and transport planners: A qualitative study of attitudes to data driven approaches
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2018
An Update on the Salt Wars—Genuine Controversy, Poor Science, or Vested Interest?
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 31-10-2013
DOI: 10.1007/S11906-013-0389-5
Abstract: There is unequivocal evidence that increased sodium intake is associated with increased blood pressure, and that increased blood pressure leads to increased risk of vascular diseases. Unfortunately, the published evidence directly linking sodium intake to vascular risk is inconsistent and confusing. This review, emphasising recent developments in national and international settings, considers why this is the case and how vested interests - particularly the food industry - have exploited the vacuum. We argue that legislation is the only tool that is likely to reverse the current situation wherein many millions of lives are put at risk through an unnecessary dietary additive, the reduction of which would be eminently feasible and have no conceivable disadvantage to health.
Precariously placed: housing affordability, quality and satisfaction of Australians with disabilities
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 22-12-2019
More than a snapshot in time: pathways of disadvantage over childhood
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 05-06-2018
DOI: 10.1093/IJE/DYY086
Abstract: Disadvantage rarely manifests as a single event, but rather is the enduring context in which a child's development unfolds. We aimed to characterize patterns of stability and change in multiple aspects of disadvantage over the childhood period, in order to inform more precise and nuanced policy development. Participants were from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children birth cohort (n = 5107). Four lenses of disadvantage (sociodemographic, geographic environment, health conditions and risk factors), and a composite of these representing average exposure across all lenses, were assessed longitudinally from 0 to 9 years of age. Trajectory models identified groups of children with similar patterns of disadvantage over time for each of these lenses and for composite disadvantage. Concurrent validity of these trajectory groups was examined through associations with academic performance at 10-11 years. We found four distinct trajectories of children's exposure to composite disadvantage, which showed high levels of stability over time. In regard to the in idual lenses of disadvantage, three exhibited notable change over time (the sociodemographic lens was the exception). Over a third of children (36.3%) were exposed to the 'most disadvantaged' trajectory in at least one lens. Trajectories of disadvantage were associated with academic performance, providing evidence of concurrent validity. Children's overall level of composite disadvantage was stable over time, whereas geographic environments, health conditions and risk factors changed over time for some children. Measuring disadvantage as uni-dimensional, at a single time point, is likely to understate the true extent and persistence of disadvantage.
The impact of multidimensional disadvantage over childhood on developmental outcomes in Australia
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 29-05-2018
DOI: 10.1093/IJE/DYY087
Abstract: Understanding the relationship between different aspects of disadvantage over time and domains of child development will facilitate the formulation of more precise policy responses. We examined the association between exposure to aspects of disadvantage over the childhood period (from 0-9 years) and child development at 10-11 years. We used data from the nationally representative birth cohort of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (n = 4979). Generalized linear models with log-Poisson link were used to estimate the association between previously derived disadvantage trajectories (in each of four lenses of sociodemographic, geographic environments, health conditions and risk factors, and a composite of these) and risk of poor child developmental outcomes. Population-attributable fractions were calculated to quantify the potential benefit of providing all children with optimal conditions for each developmental outcome. Trajectories of disadvantage were associated with developmental outcomes: children in the most disadvantaged composite trajectory had seven times higher risk of poor outcomes on two or more developmental domains, compared with those most advantaged. Trajectories of disadvantage in different lenses were varyingly associated with the child development domains of socio-emotional adjustment, physical functioning and learning competencies. Exposure to the most advantaged trajectory across all lenses could reduce poor developmental outcomes by as much as 70%. Exposure to disadvantage over time is associated with adverse child development outcomes. Developmental outcomes varied with the aspects of disadvantage experienced, highlighting potential targets for more precise policy responses. The findings provide evidence to stimulate advocacy and action to reduce child inequities.
Access to and Quality of Neighbourhood Public Open Space and Children’s Mental Health Outcomes: Evidence from Population Linked Data across Eight Australian Capital Cities
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 06-2022
Abstract: Neighbourhood-level interventions offer a promising opportunity to promote child mental health at a population level however, neighbourhood effects are still regarded as a ‘black box’ and a better understanding of the specific design elements, such as public open space, is needed to inform actionable policy interventions. Methods: This study leveraged data from a population linked dataset (Australian Early Development Census—Built Environment) combining information from a national census of children’s developmental outcomes with in idualised geospatial data. Associations between access to (within 400 m and 800 m from home), and quality of, public open space and child mental health outcomes across eight capital cities were estimated using multilevel logistic regression models, adjusting for demographic and contextual factors. Access was defined based on proximity of public open space to children’s home addresses, within distance thresholds (400 m, 800 m) measured along the road network. Effect modification was tested across maternal education groups. Results: Across the eight capital cities, inequities in access to child friendly public open spaces were observed across maternal education groups and neighbourhood disadvantage quintiles. Children with access to any type of public open space within 800 m of home had lower odds of demonstrating difficulties and higher odds of competence. Children with access to child friendly public open spaces within 800 m of home had the highest likelihood of demonstrating competence. Conclusion: Improving access to neighbourhood public open space appears to be a promising strategy for preventing mental health difficulties and promoting competence in early childhood. Action is needed to redress socio-spatial inequities in access to child friendly public open space.
Test-Retest Reliability of a Survey to Measure Transport-Related Physical Activity in Adults
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-2006
Children's active transport and independent mobility in the urban environment
Publisher: Routledge
Date: 06-07-2017
Area-Level Associations between Built Environment Characteristics and Disability Prevalence in Australia: An Ecological Analysis
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 26-10-2020
Abstract: The importance of health-promoting neighborhoods has long been recognized, and characteristics of local built environments are among the social determinants of health. People with disability are more likely than other population groups to experience geographic mobility and cost restrictions, and to be reliant on ‘opportunity structures’ available locally. We conducted an ecological analysis to explore associations between area-level disability prevalence for people aged 15–64 years and area-level built environment characteristics in Australia’s 21 largest cities. Overall, disability was more prevalent in areas with lower walkability and lower local availability of various neighborhood amenities such as public transport, healthier food options, public open space, physical activity and recreation destinations and health and mental health services. These patterns of lower liveability in areas of higher disability prevalence were observed in major cities but not in regional cities. Our findings suggest that geographically targeted interventions to improve access to health-enhancing neighborhood infrastructure could reduce disability-related inequalities in the social determinants of health.
Using spatial analysis of the A ustralian E arly D evelopment I ndex to advance our understanding of ‘neighbourhood effects’ research on child health and develo
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-02-2015
DOI: 10.1111/JPC.12822
City planning and population health: a global challenge
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2016
Social and built-environment factors related to children's independent mobility: The importance of neighbourhood cohesion and connectedness
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.HEALTHPLACE.2017.05.002
Abstract: This study examines aspects of neighbourhood social environments (namely, neighbourhood safety, cohesion and connection) and child-specific built environment attributes in relation to children's independent mobility. The results suggest that children aged 8-13 years with parents who perceive their neighbourhood as more cohesive and more connected, and are located closer to school, engaged in higher levels of independently mobile trips. The qualitative component of this research revealed that for NZ European, Māori, Samoan and other Pacific parents, 'people danger' was the most common concern for letting their children go out alone, whereas for Asian and Indian parents, 'traffic danger' was the most common reason for their concern.
Geographic Analysis of Motor Neuron Disease Mortality and Heavy Metals Released to Rivers in Spain
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 11-11-2018
Abstract: The etiology of motor neuron disease (MND) is still unknown. The aims of this study were to: (1) analyze MND mortality at a fine-grained level and (2) explore associations of MND and heavy metals released into Spanish river basins. MND deaths were extracted from the Spanish nationwide mortality registry (2007–2016). Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) for MND were estimated at a municipal level. Sites that emitted quantities of heavy metals above the regulatory thresholds were obtained from the European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register database (2007–2015). The relative risks for non-exposed and exposed municipalities (considering a downstream 20 km river section) by type of heavy metal were analyzed using a log-linear model. SMRs were significantly higher in central and northern municipalities. SMRs were 1.14 (1.10–1.17) higher in areas exposed to heavy metals than in non-exposed areas: 0.95 (0.92–0.96). Considering the different metals, we found the following increased MND death risks in exposed areas: 20.9% higher risk for lead, 20.0% for zinc, 16.7% for arsenic, 15.7% for chromium, 15.4% for cadmium, 12.7% for copper, and 12.4% for mercury. This study provides associations between MND death risk and heavy metals in exposed municipalities. Further studies investigating heavy metal exposure are needed to progress in MND understanding.
Distance to School is Associated with Sedentary Time in Children: Findings from the URBAN Study
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 23-09-2014
An urban neighbourhood framework for realising progress towards the New Urban Agenda for equitable early childhood development
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 25-03-2023
Children’s Out-of-School Independently Mobile Trips, Active Travel, and Physical Activity: A Cross-Sectional Examination from the Kids in the City Study
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 03-2016
Abstract: The study aim was to determine the association between children’s objectively assessed moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and active trips (AT) and independently mobile trips (IM) during out-of-school hours. Children aged 9 to 13 years (n = 254) were recruited from 9 schools in Auckland, New Zealand between 2011 and 2012. Children completed travel diaries and wore accelerometers for 7 days. Parents provided demographic information. Geographic information systems-derived distance to school was calculated. Accelerometer data were extracted for out of school hours only. Percentage of time spent in MVPA (%MVPA), AT, and IM were calculated. Generalized estimating equations were used to determine the relationship between daily %MVPA and AT and between daily %MVPA and IM, accounting for age, sex, ethnicity, distance to school, day of the week, and numeric day of data collection. A significant positive relationship was observed between %MVPA and both AT and IM. For every unit increase in the daily percentage of trips made that were AT or IM, we found an average increase of 1.28% (95% CI 0.87%, 1.70%) and 1.15% (95% CI 0.71%, 1.59%) time in MVPA, respectively. Children’s AT and IM are associated with increased MVPA during out-of-school hours.
How to Have Sustainable Transportation without Making People Drive Less or Give Up Suburban Living
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 12-2014
Perceived Neighborhood Environmental Attributes Associated with Walking and Cycling for Transport among Adult Residents of 17 Cities in 12 Countries: The IPEN Study
Publisher: Environmental Health Perspectives
Date: 03-2016
DOI: 10.1289/EHP.1409466
How are the built environment and household travel characteristics associated with children's active transport in Melbourne, Australia?
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2019
Applying GPS to enhance understanding of transport-related physical activity
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2009
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2008.10.010
Abstract: The purpose of the paper is to review the utility of the global positioning system (GPS) in the study of health-related physical activity. The paper draws from existing literature to outline the current work performed using GPS to examine transport-related physical activity, with a focus on the relative utility of the approach when combined with geographic information system (GIS) and other data sources including accelerometers. The paper argues that GPS, especially when used in combination with GIS and accelerometery, offers great promise in objectively measuring and studying the relationship of numerous environmental attributes to human behaviour in terms of physical activity and transport-related activity. Limitations to the use of GPS for the purpose of monitoring health-related physical activity are presented, and recommendations for future avenues of research are discussed.
Advancing Science and Policy Through a Coordinated International Study of Physical Activity and Built Environments: IPEN Adult Methods
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 05-2013
Abstract: National and international strategies to increase physical activity emphasize environmental and policy changes that can have widespread and long-lasting impact. Evidence from multiple countries using comparable methods is required to strengthen the evidence base for such initiatives. Because some environment and policy changes could have generalizable effects and others may depend on each country’s context, only international studies using comparable methods can identify the relevant differences. Currently 12 countries are participating in the International Physical Activity and the Environment Network (IPEN) study. The IPEN Adult study design involves recruiting adult participants from neighborhoods with wide variations in environmental walkability attributes and socioeconomic status (SES). Eleven of twelve countries are providing accelerometer data and 11 are providing GIS data. Current projections indicate that 14,119 participants will provide survey data on built environments and physical activity and 7145 are likely to provide objective data on both the independent and dependent variables. Though studies are highly comparable, some adaptations are required based on the local context. This study was designed to inform evidence-based international and country-specific physical activity policies and interventions to help prevent obesity and other chronic diseases that are high in developed countries and growing rapidly in developing countries.
Identification of Accelerometer Nonwear Time and Sedentary Behavior
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 12-2011
Socio-ecological predictors of the uptake of cycling for recreation and transport in adults: Results from the RESIDE study
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2013.06.015
Abstract: To examine the uptake of cycling for recreation and transport, and relate these behaviors to in idual, social, and environmental exposures over time. Data were drawn from 909 adults in Time 2 (T2) (2005-2006) and Time 3 (T3) (2007-2008) of the RESIDE study (Australia). Demographics, perceptions of self-efficacy and social support related to cycling, neighborhood environment perceptions, and objective measures of the neighborhood were measured at T2. These were compared with uptake of cycling for recreation and transport at T3. At T3, 54 (5.9%) had taken up cycling for recreation and 44 (4.8%) for transport. Positive perceptions of self-efficacy at T2 were consistently positively associated with the uptake of cycling for either purpose at T3. Respondents living in higher walkable neighborhoods (OR=1.63 95% CI=1.02-2.62) or with higher objectively measured street connectivity (OR=1.80 95% CI=1.05-3.07) were more likely to start cycling for recreation when compared with their reference groups. No significant relationships existed between objective measures of the neighborhood and uptake of cycling for transport. Interventions focusing on enhancing self-efficacy and generating social support will likely positively influence both cycling for recreation and transport and providing infrastructure that creates physically supportive neighborhoods may increase cycling levels.
Access to and availability of exercise facilities in Madrid: an equity perspective
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-07-2019
Using wearable cameras to categorise type and context of accelerometer-identified episodes of physical activity
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2013
Transport, urban design, and physical activity: an evidence-based update
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2005
Association of neighbourhood residence and preferences with the built environment, work-related travel behaviours, and health implications for employed adults: Findings from the URBAN study
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2012
Environmental and socio-demographic associates of children’s active transport to school: a cross-sectional investigation from the URBAN Study
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-06-2014
Understanding the relationship between town size and physical activity levels: A population study
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2006
DOI: 10.1016/J.HEALTHPLACE.2005.08.007
Abstract: Little is known about the relationship between town size and physical activity levels. A representative population s le survey was used to identify activity and environmental barrier differences between residents in erse town sizes (n=7916). Binary logistic regression analysis identified residents in large cities (>100,000 people) were 15% less likely to be sedentary for overall activity classifications in comparison to small town dwellers (<1000 people) (OR=0.85 95%Cl=0.74-0.99). Barriers to physical activity participation differed by town size smaller town residents reported a higher prevalence of infrastructural barriers, whereas larger city residents cited personal constraints. Community physical activity interventions should address issues associated with town size.
Neighbourhood built environment associations with body size in adults: mediating effects of activity and sedentariness in a cross-sectional study of New Zealand adults
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 24-09-2015
Discussion of “How to Have Sustainable Transportation without Making People Drive Less or Give Up Suburban Living” by Mark Delucchi and Kenneth S. Kurani
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 06-2016
Who does well where? Exploring how self-rated health differs across diverse people and neighborhoods
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.HEALTHPLACE.2013.03.006
Abstract: This work establishes whether neighborhood disadvantage lifies the impact of socioeconomic position (SEP) on a graded measure of self-rated health (SRH). SRH data were taken from 10,932 adults recruited across 200 Brisbane neighborhoods. After adjusting for demographics, those who lived in the most disadvantaged neighborhoods were more likely to report poor SRH than those living in the least disadvantaged neighborhoods (OR=2.67). Those with the lowest SEP and lived in the most advantaged neighborhoods had a similar probability of reporting excellent SRH as those with the highest SEP living in the most disadvantaged neighborhoods. This work highlights the importance of examining SEP and neighborhood-level disadvantage simultaneously when planning communities.
Cross-sectional evidence of the cardiometabolic health benefits of urban liveability in Australia
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-10-2021
DOI: 10.1038/S42949-021-00039-5
Abstract: Recognition is increasing globally that urban planning interventions to improve neighbourhood liveability enable healthy sustainable lifestyles and assist in the prevention and management of chronic disease. We present the spatial urban liveability index (ULI) as a tool to inform localised interventions that would create healthier, more sustainable cities and examine its associations with cardiometabolic and wellbeing-related health outcomes. The ULI and associated indicators were calculated for Melbourne address points and spatially linked with health outcomes for participants from the 2014 Victorian Population Health Survey. Residing in higher liveability areas was found to be positively associated with a more physically active lifestyle and negatively associated with BMI—more so than for a comparable walkability index. Although walkable neighbourhoods underpin a liveable city, areas with erse ‘community, culture and leisure’ destinations displayed strongest beneficial associations with cardiometabolic health outcomes, suggesting that access to erse local destinations may encourage more active sustainable living.
Planning Healthy, Liveable and Sustainable Cities: How Can Indicators Inform Policy?
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 20-02-2015
Measuring and monitoring liveability in a low-to-middle income country: a proof-of-concept for Bangkok, Thailand and lessons from an international partnership
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 07-09-2021
Modest ratios of fast food outlets to supermarkets and green grocers are associated with higher body mass index: Longitudinal analysis of a sample of 15,229 Australians aged 45 years and older in the
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.HEALTHPLACE.2017.10.004
Abstract: Food purchasing decisions are made within the context of the range of options available, yet most epidemiological studies focus upon single outlet types. Ratios of fast food outlets to supermarkets and green grocers were linked to addresses of 15,229 adults in the 45 and Up Study at baseline (2006-2008) and follow-up (2009-2010). Compared to having no fast food outlet but having healthy food outlets within 3.2km from home, multilevel growth curves revealed that relative exposure>25% fast food outlets were associated with 0.36-1.19kg/m
OP08 Evaluating the Health Inequalities Impact of the New Deal for Communities Initiative
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 09-2012
Measuring children's independent mobility: comparing objective and self-report approaches
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 05-2011
Utility of accelerometer thresholds for classifying sitting in office workers
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2010.08.010
Abstract: To investigate the utility of a variety of Actical accelerometer count thresholds for determining sitting time in a s le of office workers. Data were collected from 21 participants in Auckland, New Zealand, between December 2009 and January 2010. Participants wore a hip-mounted Actical accelerometer and thigh-mounted activPAL inclinometer (criterion) for a 48-h period. Raw inclinometer and accelerometer data for each 15s epoch of wear time were matched by date and time. Candidate accelerometer count thresholds for sitting classification were compared with the criterion measure using receiver operating characteristic analyses. Agreement in sitting time classification was determined using Bland-Altman methodology. Significant differences in area under the curve (AUC) values by threshold criteria were found (p<0.001). A threshold of 0 counts provided the highest combined sensitivity and specificity (AUC 0.759, 95%CI 0.756, 0.761). The 95% limits of agreement for time spent sitting were wide, at 328min (range -30.8, 297.5). A threshold of 0 counts/15s epoch with Actical accelerometers is likely to yield the most accurate quantification of sitting in office-based workers, however the wide limits of agreement found indicate limited utility of this threshold to accurately distinguish sitting time in office-based workers.
Examining commute routes: applications of GIS and GPS technology
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-03-2010
What are the associations between neighbourhood walkability and sedentary time in New Zealand adults? The URBAN cross-sectional study
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 10-2017
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2017-016128
Abstract: We estimated associations between objectively determined neighbourhood ‘walkability’ attributes and accelerometer-derived sedentary time (ST) by sex, city or type of day. A cross-sectional study. The URBAN (Understanding the Relationship between Activity and Neighbourhoods) study was conducted in 48 neighbourhoods across four cities in New Zealand (August 2008 to October 2010). The response rate was 41% (2029 recruited participants/5007 eligible households approached). In total, 1762 participants (aged 41.4±12.1, mean±SD) met the data inclusion criteria and were included in analyses. The exposure variables were geographical information system (GIS) measures of neighbourhood walkability (ie, street connectivity, residential density, land-use mix, retail footprint area ratio) for street network buffers of 500 m and 1000 m around residential addresses. Participants wore an accelerometer for 7 days. The outcome measure was average daily minutes of ST. Data were available from 1762 participants (aged 41.4±12.1 years 58% women). No significant main effects of GIS-based neighbourhood walkability measures were found with ST. Retail footprint area ratio was negatively associated with sedentary time in women, significant only for 500 m residential buffers. An increase of 1 decile in street connectivity was significantly associated with a decrease of over 5 min of ST per day in Christchurch residents for both residential buffers. Neighbourhoods with proximal retail and higher street connectivity seem to be associated with less ST. These effects were sex and city specific.
Could strength of exposure to the residential neighbourhood modify associations between walkability and physical activity?
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.SOCSCIMED.2015.10.053
Abstract: The importance of neighbourhoods for health and wellbeing may vary according to an in idual's reliance on their local resources, but this assertion is rarely tested. We investigate whether greater neighbourhood 'exposure' through reliance on or engagement with the residential setting magnifies neighbourhood-health associations. Three built environment characteristics (destination density, streetscape (attractiveness of built environment) and street connectivity) and two physical activity components (weekday and weekend accelerometer counts) were measured for 2033 residents living in 48 neighbourhoods within four New Zealand cities in 2009-2010, giving six different built environment-physical activity associations. Interactions for each built environment-physical activity association with four in idual-level characteristics (acting as proxies for exposure: gender, working status, car access, and income) were assessed with multi-level regression models a total of 24 'tests'. Of the 12 weekday built environment-physical activity tests, 5 interaction terms were significant (p < 0.05) in the expected direction (e.g. stronger streetscape-physical activity among those with restricted car access). For weekend tests, one association was statistically significant. No significant tests were contradictory. Pooled across the 12 weekday physical activity 'tests', a 1 standard deviation increase in the walkability of the built environment was associated with an overall 3.8% (95% CI: 3.6%-4.1%) greater increase in weekday physical activity across all the types of people we hypothesised to spend more time in their residential neighbourhood, and for weekend physical activity it was 4.2% (95% CI 3.9%-4.5%). Using multiple evaluation methods, interactions were in line with our hypothesis, with a stronger association seen for proxy exposure indicators (for ex le, restricted car access). Added to the wider evidence base, our study strengthens causal evidence of an effect of the built environment on physical activity, and highlights that health gains from improvements of the residential neighbourhood may be greater for some people.
Too far from home? Adult attitudes on children's independent mobility range
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 08-12-2016
The development of policy-relevant transport indicators to monitor health behaviours and outcomes
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2015
Identifying, creating, and testing urban planning measures for transport walking: Findings from the Australian national liveability study
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2017
The Disability and Wellbeing Monitoring Framework: data, data gaps, and policy implications
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2020
Public open space desktop auditing tool—Establishing appropriateness for use in Australian regional and urban settings
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2016
Perceptions of air pollution during the work-related commute by adults in Queensland, Australia
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2009
Socio-demographic factors and neighbourhood social cohesion influence adults’ willingness to grant children greater independent mobility: A cross-sectional study
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 22-07-2015
Public open space, physical activity, urban design and public health: Concepts, methods and research agenda
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.HEALTHPLACE.2015.02.009
Abstract: Public open spaces such as parks and green spaces are key built environment elements within neighbourhoods for encouraging a variety of physical activity behaviours. Over the past decade, there has been a burgeoning number of active living research studies examining the influence of public open space on physical activity. However, the evidence shows mixed associations between different aspects of public open space (e.g., proximity, size, quality) and physical activity. These inconsistencies hinder the development of specific evidence-based guidelines for urban designers and policy-makers for (re)designing public open space to encourage physical activity. This paper aims to move this research agenda forward, by identifying key conceptual and methodological issues that may contribute to inconsistencies in research examining relations between public open space and physical activity.
Testing spatial measures of alcohol outlet density with self-rated health in the Australian context: Implications for policy and practice
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-09-2016
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12341
Abstract: Reducing access to alcohol is an important and cost-effective strategy for decreasing alcohol consumption and associated harm. Yet this is a less common approach to alcohol control in Australia. The aim of this research was to ascertain which alcohol outlet density spatial measures were related to long-term health outcomes, and the extent to which this differs for those living in more or less disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Existing Australian state-level spatial alcohol policies were reviewed. No appropriate spatial policies were identified therefore, the literature was used to identify potential alcohol-related spatial measures. Spatial measures of alcohol outlet density were generated in a geographical information system and linked with health survey data drawn from 3141 adults living in metropolitan Melbourne. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine associations between alcohol outlet density measures, self-rated health and area-level disadvantage. Twelve spatial measures of alcohol outlet density were generated. Alcohol outlet density and self-rated health associations varied by area-level disadvantage. For those living in more disadvantaged areas, not having off-licenses available within 800 m, or on-licenses available within 400 m were protective of self-rated health. Local alcohol outlet density may have a more detrimental effect on self-rated health for those living in more disadvantaged neighbourhoods, compared with those living in more advantaged areas. There is a need for spatial alcohol policies to help reduce alcohol-related harm. This research proposes a set of spatial measures to generate a more consistent understanding of alcohol availability in Australia. [Badland H, Mavoa S, Livingston M, David S, Giles-Corti B. Testing spatial measures of alcohol outlet density with self-rated health in the Australian context: Implications for policy and practice. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016 :298-306].
Supermarket access, transport mode and BMI: the potential for urban design and planning policy across socio-economic areas
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 07-09-2017
DOI: 10.1017/S1368980017002336
Abstract: To investigate dietary intake, BMI and supermarket access at varying geographic scales and transport modes across areas of socio-economic disadvantage, and to evaluate the implementation of an urban planning policy that provides guidance on spatial access to supermarkets. Cross-sectional study used generalised estimating equations to investigate associations between supermarket density and proximity, vegetable and fruit intake and BMI at five geographic scales representing distances people travel to purchase food by varying transport modes. A stratified analysis by area-level disadvantage was conducted to detect optimal distances to supermarkets across socio-economic areas. Spatial distribution of supermarket and transport access was analysed using a geographic information system. Melbourne, Australia. Adults ( n 3128) from twelve local government areas (LGA) across Melbourne. Supermarket access was protective of BMI for participants in high disadvantaged areas within 800 m ( P =0·040) and 1000 m ( P =0·032) road network buffers around the household but not for participants in less disadvantaged areas. In urban growth area LGA, only 26 % of dwellings were within 1 km of a supermarket, far less than 80–90 % of dwellings suggested in the local urban planning policy. Low public transport access compounded disadvantage. Rapid urbanisation is a global health challenge linked to increases in dietary risk factors and BMI. Our findings highlight the importance of identifying the most appropriate geographic scale to inform urban planning policy for optimal health outcomes across socio-economic strata. Urban planning policy implementation in disadvantaged areas within cities has potential for reducing health inequities.
Health service access in urban growth areas: examining the evidence and applying a case study approach
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 19-12-2015
Local Housing Characteristics Associated with Early Childhood Development Outcomes in Australian Disadvantaged Communities
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 16-05-2019
Abstract: Disadvantaged communities tend to have poorer early childhood development outcomes. Access to safe, secure, and stable housing is a well-known social determinant of health but there is a need to examine key features of neighbourhood housing that reduce early childhood development inequities. The 2012 Australian Early Development Census (AEDC), a population-wide measure of early childhood development, and the Australian Bureau of Statistics Socio-economic Index for Areas Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage were used to select fourteen disadvantaged local communities in five Australian states and territories based on those performing better (off-diagonal), or as expected (on-diagonal) on the AEDC relative to their socio-economic profile. Between 2015–2017, qualitative and quantitative housing data were collected in the local communities. In total, 87 interviews with stakeholders, 30 focus groups with local service providers and parents, and Australian Census dwelling information were analysed. A comparative case study approach was used to examine differences in housing characteristics (e.g., public housing, density, affordability, and tenure) between disadvantaged local communities performing ‘better than expected’ and ‘as expected’ on early childhood development. Perceived better housing affordability, objectively measured housing tenure (ownership) and perceived and objectively measured lower-density public housing were housing characteristics that emerged as points of difference for disadvantaged local communities where children had relatively better early childhood development outcomes. These characteristics are potential modifiable and policy sensitive housing levers for reducing early childhood development inequities.
Thinking differently: Reducing obesity and health inequities through action on the social determinants of health
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1002/HPJA.221
Portable Global Positioning System Receivers
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2012.10.013
Abstract: GPS receivers are becoming increasingly common as an objective measure of spatiotemporal movement in free-living populations however, research into the effects of the surrounding physical environment on the accuracy of off-the-shelf GPS receivers is limited. The goal of the current study was to (1) determine the static validity of seven portable GPS receiver models under erse environmental conditions and (2) compare the battery life and signal acquisition times among the models. Seven GPS models (three units of each) were placed on six geodetic sites subject to a variety of environmental conditions (e.g., open sky, high-rise buildings) on three separate occasions. The observed signal acquisition time and battery life of each unit were compared to advertised specifications. Data were collected and analyzed in June 2012. Substantial variation in positional error was observed among the seven GPS models, ranging from 12.1 ± 19.6 m to 58.8 ± 393.2 m when averaged across the three test periods and six geodetic sites. Further, mean error varied considerably among sites: the lowest error occurred at the site under open sky (7.3 ± 27.7 m), with the highest error at the site situated between high-rise buildings (59.2 ± 99.2 m). While observed signal acquisition times were generally longer than advertised, the differences between observed and advertised battery life were less pronounced. Results indicate that portable GPS receivers are able to accurately monitor static spatial location in unobstructed but not obstructed conditions. It also was observed that signal acquisition times were generally underestimated in advertised specifications.
Comparing private and public transport access to diabetic health services across inner, middle, and outer suburbs of Melbourne, Australia
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 13-04-2018
Health Associations with Transport-Related Physical Activity and Motorized Travel to Destinations
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 22-01-2008
Associations between the neighbourhood built environment and out of school physical activity and active travel: An examination from the Kids in the City study
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.HEALTHPLACE.2015.09.005
Abstract: This study's aim was to examine selected objectively-measured and child specific built environment attributes in relation to proportion of out-of-school time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (%MVPA) and active travel in a group of ethnically and socio-economically erse children (n=236) living in Auckland, New Zealand. Street connectivity and distance to school were related to the proportion of trips made by active modes. Ratio of high speed to low speed roads and improved streetscape for active travel were related to %MVPA on weekdays only. Inconsistent results were found for destination accessibility. Local destinations (particularly schools) along a safe street network may be important for encouraging children's activity behaviours.
Intersection of neighborhood dynamics and socioeconomic status in small-area walkability: the Heart Healthy Hoods project
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-06-2017
Associations of children's independent mobility and active travel with physical activity, sedentary behaviour and weight status: A systematic review
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2012.11.001
Abstract: Health benefits from children's independent mobility and active travel beyond school travel are largely unexplored. This review synthesized the evidence for associations of independent mobility and active travel to various destinations with physical activity, sedentary behaviour and weight status. Systematic review. A systematic search in six databases (PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, SportDiscus, PsychInfo, TRIS) for papers published between January 1990 and March 2012 was undertaken, focussing on children aged 3-18 years. Study inclusion and methodological quality were independently assessed by two reviewers. 52 studies were included. Most studies focussed solely on active travel to and/or from school, and showed significant positive associations with physical activity. The same relationship was detected for active travel to leisure-related places and independent mobility with physical activity. An inverse relationship between active travel to school and weight status was evident but findings were inconsistent. Few studies examined correlations between active travel to school and self-reported screen-time or objectively measured sedentary behaviour, and findings were unclear. Studies on independent mobility suggested that children who have the freedom to play outdoors and travel actively without adult supervision accumulate more physical activity than those who do not. Further investigation of children's active travel to leisure-related destinations, measurement of erse sedentary behaviour beyond simply screen-based activities, and consistent thresholds for objectively measured sedentary behaviour in children will clarify the inconsistent evidence base on associations of active travel with sedentary behaviour and weight status.
Development of a systems model to visualise the complexity of children's independent mobility
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 16-03-2015
Using the Public Open Space Attributable Index tool to assess children’s public open space use and access by independent mobility
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-08-2016
Recruitment and Retention of Children in Behavioral Health Risk Factor Studies: REACH Strategies
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-10-2013
DOI: 10.1007/S12529-013-9347-5
Abstract: Children are a common target group in behavioral health research. Yet their recruitment into community setting studies poses challenges to researchers and little guidance exists on recruitment and retention methods. This study aims to present successful strategies for the recruitment and retention of children into behavioral health risk factor studies. Firstly, a literature search in various databases was undertaken for papers published 1990-2012, focusing on recruitment and retention methods used in community-based studies with children aged 3-18 years. Secondly, a Delphi study was conducted in 2012 with 27 international experts in the fields of child-related behavioral health risk factors to gather expertise and consensus on successful recruitment and retention strategies applicable in children. The literature review and Delphi study yielded a set of successful child recruitment and retention strategies, and ex les for implementation. These are presented as strategies to Recruit, Engage and retAin Children in behavioral Health risk factor studies (REACH). Recognized strategies for successful recruitment and retention included building trustful relationships between researchers and study partners, parents, and children having project ch ions optimizing consent and follow-up procedures offering incentives to study partners, children, and parents minimizing participant burden and designing feasible studies with cohesive research teams. Using multiple REACH strategies is most promising for maximizing response rates and minimizing attrition of children in cross-sectional, longitudinal, and behavioral intervention studies in community settings such as schools, child care centers, and other youth-related organizations. Researchers can select the most suitable strategies based on their specific study design and requirements.
Travel perceptions, behaviors, and environment by degree of urbanization
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2008
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2008.01.021
Abstract: This study examines how engagement in transport-related physical activity (TPA), perceptions of the commute route, actual travel distance, and perceptions of travel distance vary by degree of urbanization in rural and remote areas of Central Queensland, Australia. A random, cross-sectional s le of 1230 adults aged 18 years and over residing in rural and remote Central Queensland were surveyed by telephone in October-November 2006. Engagement in and attitudes towards TPA, perceptions of the commute route, actual travel distances, and perceived appropriate travel distances for TPA were assessed. For this study 765 adults were eligible for the analysis as they traveled to an occupation. Overall, 86% of the s le commuted to their occupation by motorized modes, 71% of in iduals recognized 5 km or less as an appropriate distance to travel via TPA modes, and 45% of respondents reported travel distances less than five kilometers (km) to reach their workplace. Participants from small rural and remote settings more frequently traveled greater than 20 km to reach their occupation, reported fewer sidewalks and shops, and less heavy traffic enroute compared to respondents in large rural settings. Infrastructure for, and participation in TPA varies according to degree of urbanization. Future work in this area should target the substantial population that recognizes they could engage in TPA. As such, increasing TPA participation in these settings likely requires a cultural shift and infrastructure improvements.
Travel behavior and objectively measured urban design variables: Associations for adults traveling to work
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2008
DOI: 10.1016/J.HEALTHPLACE.2007.05.002
Abstract: Mixed land use, residential density, street connectivity, and commute distance have been identified as potential variables affecting transport-related physical activity (TPA) behaviors. In this study, objectively measured urban design variables and TPA behaviors for adults who commuted to an occupation (n=364) were examined. Utilitarian walking and cycling for other purposes were not investigated. Commute distance was negatively associated with TPA behaviors. Logistic regression analysis identified respondents who commuted through the most connected streets were more likely to engage in TPA modes to access their occupation (OR=6.9) when compared to those traveling along the least connected. No other associations between TPA behaviors and urban variables were shown. Improved street connectivity and reduced commute distances will likely support TPA.
Assessing neighbourhood destination access for children: development of the NDAI-C audit tool
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1068/B140009P
Abstract: Considerable societal changes across many countries have altered how children interact with their local environment, yet child-specific destination data have not been translated into a child-related destination accessibility index to further understand how neighbourhood locations support or hinder child mobility. Using data sourced from 238 9–11 year-old children living in Auckland, New Zealand, we aimed to: identify common destinations children travelled to and develop a spatially derived objective index to quantify access to destinations that may support child mobility in the neighbourhood. Our findings show that children accessed a wide range of destinations during their daily activities, and the neighbourhoods that supported children's mobility tended to be located in more established areas, rather than newer greenfield developments.
Liveable for whom? Prospects of urban liveability to address health inequities
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.SOCSCIMED.2019.05.001
Abstract: The aspiration of liveable cities, underpinned by the New Urban Agenda, is gaining popularity as a mechanism to enhance population health and wellbeing. However, less attention has been given to understanding how urban liveability may provide an opportunity to redress health inequities. Using an environmental justice lens, this paper investigates whether urban liveability poses an opportunity or threat to reducing health inequities and outlines a future research agenda. Selected urban liveability attributes, being: education employment food, alcohol, and tobacco green space housing transport and walkability, were investigated to understand how they can serve to widen or narrow inequities. Some domains showed consistent evidence, others suggested context-specific associations that made it difficult to draw general conclusions, and some showed a reverse patterning with the social gradient, but with poorer outcomes. This suggests urban liveability attributes have equigenic potential, but operate within a complex system. We conclude more disadvantaged neighbourhoods and their residents likely have additional policy and design considerations for optimising outcomes, especially as changes to the contextual environment may impact neighbourhood composition through displacement and/or pulling up effects. Future research needs to continue to explore downstream associations using longitudinal and natural experiments, and also seek to gain a deeper understanding of the urban liveability system, including interactions, feedback loops, and non-linear and linear responses. There is a need to monitor neighbourhood population changes over time to understand how liveability impacts the most vulnerable. Other areas worthy of further investigation include applying a life course approach and understanding liveability within the context of other adversities and contextual settings.
Measuring time spent outdoors using a wearable camera and GPS
Publisher: ACM Press
Date: 2013
Are public open space attributes associated with walking and depression?
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2018
Use of health services by preschool-aged children who are developmentally vulnerable and socioeconomically disadvantaged: testing the inverse care law
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 13-03-2020
Abstract: The inverse care law suggests that those with the greatest need for services are least likely to receive them. Our aim of this study was to test the inverse care law in relation to the use of health services by children aged 4–5 years in Australia who were developmentally vulnerable and socioeconomically disadvantaged. Cross-sectional data were collected from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children birth cohort when the children were aged 4–5 years. Children were grouped according to the combination of developmental vulnerability (yes, no) and socioeconomic disadvantage (lower, higher), resulting in four groups (reference group: developmentally vulnerable and disadvantaged). Multivariate regression was used to examine the impact of the combination of developmental vulnerability and disadvantage on health service use, adjusting for other sociodemographic characteristics. 3967 (90%) of children had data on developmental vulnerability at 4–5 years. A third of children (32.6%) were classified as developmentally vulnerable, and 10%–25% of these children had used health services. Non-disadvantaged children who were developmentally vulnerable (middle need) had 1.4–2.0 times greater odds of using primary healthcare, specialist and hospital services and non-disadvantaged children who were not developmentally vulnerable (lowest need) had 1.6–1.8 times greater odds of using primary healthcare services, compared with children who were developmentally vulnerable and disadvantaged (highest need). We found some evidence of the inverse care law. Equity in service delivery remains a challenge that is critically important to tackle in ensuring a healthy start for children.
International comparisons of the associations between objective measures of the built environment and transport-related walking and cycling: IPEN adult study
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2016
School Travel Plans: Preliminary Evidence for Changing School-Related Travel Patterns in Elementary School Children
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 07-2011
DOI: 10.4278/AJHP.090706-ARB-217
Abstract: In New Zealand, the School Travel Plan (STP) program was developed to increase school-related active travel rates and decrease traffic congestion. The plan was developed through collaboration among the school, community, and local council. The STP was tailored to each school's specific needs and incorporated educational initiatives, physical infrastructural changes in the vicinity of schools, and policy development. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the STP program in changing school travel modes in children. Effectiveness was assessed by determining the difference between pre-STP and follow-up travel mode data in schools. The differences were assessed using multilinear regression analysis, including decile (measure of socioeconomic status), school roll at baseline, and STP year of implementation as predictors. Thirty-three elementary schools from the Auckland region participated in the study. School size ranged from 130 to 688 students. The final 2006 s le consisted of 13,631 students. On a set day (pre- and post-STP), students indicated their mode of transport to school and intended mode for returning home that day. Differences are reported as percentage points: there was an increase in active transport by 5.9% ± 6.8% when compared to baseline travel modes. School roll, STP year of implementation, and baseline values predicted engagement with active transport. Preliminary findings suggest that the STP program may be successful in creating mode shift changes to favor school-related active travel in elementary-school children.
Using Geovisualization Tools to Examine Attitudes towards Alcohol Exposure in Urban Environments: A Pilot Study in Madrid, Spain
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 27-07-2022
Abstract: Pervasiveness of alcohol products and their promotion in the urban landscape may normalize alcohol consumption. This study aims to utilize geovisualization-based methods to assess attitudes towards different levels of alcohol exposure in the urban environment. We selected a typical downtown location, Lavapiés Square in Madrid, Spain, to conduct our study. First, we designed and created realistic 3D models simulating three different urban scenes with varying degrees of exposure to alcohol in the environment. Second, we used a survey on 159 adults to explore the level of acceptance of, attitudes towards, and perceptions of alcohol exposure in each scene. Participants reported a higher level of comfort in the scene with null alcohol exposure compared with the other scenes (p 0.001). Acceptance towards alcohol exposure decreased as the level of alcohol elements increased in the scenes (p 0.01). Acceptance also decreased when children were present in the scenes (p 0.01). This study demonstrated that geovisualization tools provide a useful and well-suited approach to analyze perceptions of the alcohol environment. The use of geovisualization can help understand attitudes and perceptions towards the alcohol environment and may offer a way to simulate different scenarios prior to development or retrofitting.
Combining GPS, GIS, and Accelerometry: Methodological Issues in the Assessment of Location and Intensity of Travel Behaviors
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 2010
DOI: 10.1123/JPAH.7.1.102
Abstract: Global positioning systems (GPS), geographic information systems (GIS), and accelerometers are powerful tools to explain activity within a built environment, yet little integration of these tools has taken place. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of combining GPS, GIS, and accelerometry to understand transport-related physical activity (TPA) in adults. Forty adults wore an accelerometer and portable GPS unit over 7 consecutive days and completed a demographics questionnaire and 7-day travel log. Accelerometer and GPS data were extracted for commutes to/from workplace and integrated into a GIS database. GIS maps were generated to visually explore physical activity intensity, GPS speeds and routes traveled. GPS, accelerometer, and survey data were collected for 37 participants. Loss of GPS data was substantial due to a range of methodological issues, such as low battery life, signal drop out, and participant noncompliance. Nonetheless, greater travel distances and significantly higher speeds were observed for motorized trips when compared with TPA. Pragmatic issues of using GPS monitoring to understand TPA behaviors and methodological recommendations for future research were identified. Although methodologically challenging, the combination of GPS monitoring, accelerometry and GIS technologies holds promise for understanding TPA within the built environment.
Examining the Contribution of the Neighborhood Built Environment to the Relationship Between Neighborhood Disadvantage and Early Childhood Development in 205,000 Australian Children
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2023
Kids in the city study: research design and methodology
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 24-07-2011
Abstract: Physical activity is essential for optimal physical and psychological health but substantial declines in children's activity levels have occurred in New Zealand and internationally. Children's independent mobility (i.e., outdoor play and traveling to destinations unsupervised), an integral component of physical activity in childhood, has also declined radically in recent decades. Safety-conscious parenting practices, car reliance and auto-centric urban design have converged to produce children living increasingly sedentary lives. This research investigates how urban neighborhood environments can support or enable or restrict children's independent mobility, thereby influencing physical activity accumulation and participation in daily life. The study is located in six Auckland, New Zealand neighborhoods, erse in terms of urban design attributes, particularly residential density. Participants comprise 160 children aged 9-11 years and their parents/caregivers. Objective measures (global positioning systems, accelerometers, geographical information systems, observational audits) assessed children's independent mobility and physical activity, neighborhood infrastructure, and streetscape attributes. Parent and child neighborhood perceptions and experiences were assessed using qualitative research methods. This study is one of the first internationally to examine the association of specific urban design attributes with child independent mobility. Using robust, appropriate, and best practice objective measures, this study provides robust epidemiological information regarding the relationships between the built environment and health outcomes for this population.
Neighborhood Built Environment and Transport and Leisure Physical Activity: Findings Using Objective Exposure and Outcome Measures in New Zealand
Publisher: Environmental Health Perspectives
Date: 07-2012
DOI: 10.1289/EHP.1104584
Conceptualising and Measuring Spatial Indicators of Employment Through a Liveability Lens
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-05-2015
Public transport access and availability in the RESIDE study: Is it taking us where we want to go?
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2014
Daily Walking among Commuters: A Cross-Sectional Study of Associations with Residential, Work, and Regional Accessibility in Melbourne, Australia (2012–2014)
Publisher: Environmental Health Perspectives
Date: 09-2019
DOI: 10.1289/EHP3395
Reconnecting urban planning with health: a protocol for the development and validation of national liveability indicators associated with noncommunicable disease risk behaviours and health outcomes
Publisher: The Sax Institute
Date: 11-2014
DOI: 10.17061/PHRP2511405
Abstract: Liveable communities create the conditions to optimise health and wellbeing outcomes in residents by influencing various social determinants of health - for ex le, neighbourhood walkability and access to public transport, public open space, local amenities, and social and community facilities. This study will develop national liveability indicators that are (a) aligned with state and federal urban policy, (b) developed using national data (where available), (c) standard and consistent over time, (d) suitable for monitoring progress towards creating more liveable, equitable and sustainable communities, (e) validated against selected noncommunicable disease risk behaviours and/or health outcomes, and (f) practical for measuring local, national and federal built environment interventions. Protocol. Over two years, the National Liveability Study, funded through The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre (TAPPC), will develop and validate a national set of spatially derived built environment liveability indicators related to noncommunicable disease risk behaviours and/or health outcomes, informed by a review of relevant policies in selected Australian state and territory governments. To create national indicators, we will compare measures developed using national data with finer-grained state-level data, which have been validated against a range of outcomes. Finally, we will explore the creation of a national database of built environment spatial indicators. A national advisory group comprising stakeholders in state and federal government, federal nongovernment organisations and state-based technical working groups located in the ACT, Victoria, NSW, Queensland and WA has been established a policy analysis is under way and work programs are being prepared. This project seeks to build the capacity for built environment and health systems research by developing national indicators to monitor progress towards creating healthy and liveable communities. This ambition requires multisector engagement and an interdisciplinary research team.
Reducing Inequities in Early Childhood Mental Health: How Might the Neighborhood Built Environment Help Close the Gap? A Systematic Search and Critical Review
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 29-04-2019
Abstract: Background: Optimal mental health in early childhood is key to later mental health, physical health, education, and social outcomes yet, children facing disadvantage tend to have worse mental health and fewer opportunities to develop this foundation. An emerging body of research shows that neighborhoods provide important opportunities for the development of children’s mental health. Synthesizing this evidence can advance understandings of the features of the neighborhood built environment (e.g., housing, parks) that (1) promote optimal mental health in childhood and (2) reduce mental health inequities. Methods: We systematically searched and critically reviewed the international quantitative literature investigating associations between the neighborhood built environment and young children’s mental health. Results: 14 articles met inclusion criteria most examined nature or public open space. Studies tended to find greater access to or quantity of neighborhood nature or public open space were associated with better mental health. Significant gaps included a lack of studies investigating social infrastructure, and few studies examined how the built environment related to positive mental health (i.e., functioning, rather than problems). Conclusions: Current evidence suggests there is some relationship, but additional research is needed that addresses these gaps and examines differences in associations between child subgroups (e.g., erse socioeconomic backgrounds).
Physical Activity Levels by Occupational Category in Non-Metropolitan Australian Adults
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 11-2010
DOI: 10.1123/JPAH.7.6.718
Abstract: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between occupational category and 3 health-related behaviors: participation in leisure-time physical activity, active transport (AT) and occupational sitting in a s le of employed Australian adults. A random, cross-sectional s le of 592 adults aged 18 to 71 years completed a telephone survey in October/November 2006. Reported occupations were categorized as professional (n = 332, 56.1%), white-collar (n = 181, 30.6%), and blue-collar (n = 79, 13.3%). Relationships between occupational category and AT, sufficient physical activity and occupational sitting were examined using logistic regression. White-collar employees (OR = 0.36, 95% CI 0.14−0.95) were less likely to engage in AT and more likely to engage in occupational sitting (OR = 3.10, 95% CI 1.63−5.92) when compared with blue-collar workers. Professionals (OR = 3.04, 95% CI 1.94−4.76) were also more likely to engage in occupational sitting compared with blue-collar workers. No relationship was observed between occupational category and engagement in sufficient physical activity. No association between occupational category and sufficient physical activity levels was observed, although white-collar and professionals were likely to engage in high levels of occupational sitting. Innovative and sustainable strategies are required to reduce occupational sitting to improve health.
The Role of Transport in Supporting an Equitable, Liveable City: A Review of the Evidence
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2019
What constitutes a ‘trip’? Examining child journey attributes using GPS and self-report
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-03-2014
Children’s independence and affordances experienced in the context of public open spaces: a study of diverse inner-city and suburban neighbourhoods in Auckland, New Zealand
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 23-10-2017
Evaluating the health inequalities impact of area-based initiatives across the socioeconomic spectrum: A controlled intervention study of the New Deal for Communities, 2002-2008
Publisher: No publisher found
Date: 2014
Abstract: Previous evaluations of area-based initiatives have not compared intervention areas with the full range of areas from top to bottom of the social spectrum to evaluate their health inequalities impact. Deprived areas subject to the New Deal for Communities (NDC) intervention, local deprivation-matched comparator areas, and areas drawn from across the socioeconomic spectrum (representing high, medium and low deprivation) in England between 2002 and 2008. Secondary analysis of biannual repeat cross-sectional surveys collected for the NDC National Evaluation Team and the Health Survey for England (HSE). Following data harmonisation, baseline and time trends in six health and social determinants of health outcomes were compared. In idual-level data were modelled using regression to adjust for age, sex, ethnic and socioeconomic differences among respondents. Compared with respondents in HSE low deprivation areas, those in NDC intervention areas experienced a significantly steeper improvement in education, a trend towards a steeper improvement in self-rated health, and a significantly less steep reduction in smoking between 2002 and 2008. In HSE high deprivation areas, significantly less steep improvements in five out of six outcomes were seen compared with HSE low deprivation areas. Although unable to consider prior trends and previous initiatives, our findings provide cautious optimism that well-resourced and constructed area-based initiatives can reduce, or at least prevent the widening of, social inequalities for selected outcomes between the most and least deprived groups of areas.
Do low-income neighbourhoods have the least green space? A cross-sectional study of Australia’s most populous cities
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 31-03-2014
Are Area-Level Measures of Employment Associated with Health Behaviours and Outcomes?
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 29-07-2016
Seasonality in physical activity: Should this be a concern in all settings?
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.HEALTHPLACE.2011.06.003
Abstract: This study examines the relationship between weather conditions and overall and domain-specific physical activity in adults living in a city with a temperate, stable climate. Objective and self-reported physical activity levels were measured in 1754 adults participating in RESIDE, a longitudinal study undertaken in Perth, Australia. Steps per week and self-reported minutes of domain-specific physical activity were compared with date-st ed weather data. Weather conditions were relatively constant across all seasons, showing little impact on physical activity behaviour. Variation in weather conditions had modest explanatory power (<6%) for predicting overall and domain-specific physical activity engagement in this s le. Weather variations observed in this study were of insufficient magnitude to impact on physical activity levels. This has implications for study designs and exploration of other factors associated with physical activity in these settings.
Improving planning analysis and decision making: The development and application of a Walkability Planning Support System
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2018
Do Area-Level Environmental Factors Influence Employment for People with Disability? A Scoping Review
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 26-07-2022
Abstract: Employment is an important social determinant of health and wellbeing. People with disability experience labour market disadvantage and have low labour force participation rates, high unemployment rates, and poor work conditions. Environmental factors are crucial as facilitators of or barriers to participation for people with disability. Understanding how the physical, social, and economic characteristics of local areas influence employment for people with disability can potentially inform interventions to reduce employment inequalities. We conducted a scoping review of research investigating associations between area-level environmental factors and employment for people with disability. Eighteen articles published between 2000 and 2020 met the inclusion criteria, and data were extracted to map the current evidence. Area-level factors were categorised into six domains relating to different aspects of environmental context: socioeconomic environment, services, physical environment, social environment, governance, and urbanicity. The urbanicity and socioeconomic environment domains were the most frequently represented (15 and 8 studies, respectively). The studies were heterogeneous in terms of methods and data sources, scale and type of geographic units used for analysis, disability study population, and examined employment outcomes. We conclude that the current evidence base is insufficient to inform the design of interventions. Priorities for future research are identified, which include further theorising the mechanisms by which area-level factors may influence employment outcomes, quantifying the contribution of specific factors, and interrogating specific factors underlying the association between urbanicity and employment outcomes for people with disability.
Examining associations between urban design attributes and transport mode choice for walking, cycling, public transport and private motor vehicle trips
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2017
Exercise facility availability and incidence of type 2 diabetes and complications in Spain: A population-based retrospective cohort 2015–2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2023
Mismatch between Perceived and Objectively Measured Land Use Mix and Street Connectivity: Associations with Neighborhood Walking
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-12-2014
People living in hilly residential areas in metropolitan Perth have less diabetes: Spurious association or important environmental determinant?
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2013
Using simple agent-based modeling to inform and enhance neighborhood walkability
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2013
Can the Neighborhood Built Environment Make a Difference in Children's Development? Building the Research Agenda to Create Evidence for Place-Based Children's Policy
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.ACAP.2015.09.006
Abstract: Healthy child development is determined by a combination of physical, social, family, in idual, and environmental factors. Thus far, the majority of child development research has focused on the influence of in idual, family, and school environments and has largely ignored the neighborhood context despite the increasing policy interest. Yet given that neighborhoods are the locations where children spend large periods of time outside of home and school, it is plausible the physical design of neighborhoods (built environment), including access to local amenities, can affect child development. The relatively few studies exploring this relationship support associations between child development and neighborhood destinations, green spaces, interaction with nature, traffic exposure, and housing density. These studies emphasize the need to more deeply understand how child development outcomes might be influenced by the neighborhood built environment. Pursuing this research space is well aligned with the current global movements on livable and child-friendly cities. It has direct public policy impact by informing planning policies across a range of sectors (urban design and planning, transport, public health, and pediatrics) to implement place-based interventions and initiatives that target children's health and development at the community level. We argue for the importance of exploring the effect of the neighborhood built environment on child development as a crucial first step toward informing urban design principles to help reduce developmental vulnerability in children and to set optimal child development trajectories early.
Living liveable? RESIDE's evaluation of the “Liveable Neighborhoods” planning policy on the health supportive behaviors and wellbeing of residents in Perth, Western Australia
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2020
Public transport availability and healthcare use for Australian adults aged 18–60 years, with and without disabilities
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2021
High group level validity but high random error of a self-report travel diary, as assessed by wearable cameras
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2014
Objectively-measured physical activity in New Zealand workers
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2005
DOI: 10.1016/S1440-2440(05)80005-2
Abstract: To date, no objective measurements of New Zealanders' physical activity have been reported. The relative contribution of work time activity to total daily physical activity by gender and occupational category has also not been measured objectively in any population. The present study reports such data using pedometer steps counts to quantify both work and non-work physical activity in a s le of New Zealand adult workers in six different occupational categories over a three-day period. Females (9943+/-3855 steps) had slightly higher, but not significantly different (F=0.084(1,179)1, p=0.772) daily step counts than males (9766+/-3965 steps). Using the 10 000 steps a day criterion, 57% of the s le were considered at least low-active. Analysis of variance was used to identify between group (occupational) differences in workplace physical activity (F=11.189(5,175), p<0.001), non-work physical activity (F=2.596(5.175), p=0.027), and total physical activity (F=6.265(5,175), p<0.001). Tukey post hoc comparisons showed significant differences with retail and blue collar workers achieving higher activity levels in comparison to the other occupational categories in work and total physical activity. Odds ratios were calculated to find the odds of being in the top half of activity classification for work and non-work physical activity by tertile splits of work time, active transportation use, sport and exercise participation, television and computer viewing, and passive recreation. Active transportation and passive recreation were related to increased odds of higher work pedometer steps. For non-work pedometer values, television and computer use increased the likelihood of being in the lowest activity group, while sport and exercise participation were associated with increased activity levels.
Developing indicators of public open space to promote health and wellbeing in communities
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2015
Associations between Public Transport Accessibility around Homes and Schools and Walking and Cycling among Adolescents
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 06-04-2020
Abstract: Good public transport accessibility is associated with active travel, but this is under-researched among adolescents. We tested associations between public transport accessibility and active travel among school-going adolescents (12–18 years n = 1329) from Melbourne, Australia analysing Victorian Integrated Survey of Travel and Activity data. Outcomes included main mode of transport to school and accumulating ≥20 min of active travel over the day. Low and high compared to no public transport accessibility around homes were associated with higher odds of public transport use (low (odds ratio (OR): 1.94 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.28, 2.94) high (OR: 2.86 95% CI: 1.80, 4.53)). Low and high public transport accessibility around homes were also associated with higher prevalence of achieving ≥20 min of active travel (low (prevalence ratio (PR): 1.14 95% CI: 0.97, 1.34) high (PR: 1.31 95% CI: 1.11, 1.54)) compared to none. Public transport accessibility around schools was associated with public transport use (low (OR: 2.13 95% CI: 1.40, 3.24) high (OR: 5.07 95% CI: 3.35, 7.67)) and achieving ≥20 min of active travel (low (PR: 1.18 95% CI: 1.00, 1.38) high (PR: 1.64 95% CI: 1.41, 1.90)). Positive associations were confirmed between public transport accessibility and both outcomes of active travel.
Using an Online Data Portal and Prototype Analysis Tools in an Investigation of Spatial Livability Planning
Publisher: IGI Global
Date: 04-2017
Abstract: This paper introduces an online spatial data portal with advanced data access, analytical and visualisation capabilities which can be used for evidence based city planning and supporting data driven research. Through a case study approach, focused in the city of Melbourne, the authors show how the Australian Urban Infrastructure Network (AURIN) portal can be used to investigate a multi-facetted approach to understanding the various spatial dimension of livability. While the tools explore separate facets of livability (employment, housing, health service and walkability), their outputs flow through to the other tools showing the benefits of integrated systems.
Understanding child disadvantage from a social determinants perspective
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 20-12-2018
Abstract: Child health and developmental inequities exist in all countries. Comprehensive and robust concepts of disadvantage are fundamental to growing an evidence base that can reveal the extent of inequities in childhood, and identify modifiable leverage points for change. We conceptualise and test a multidimensional framework of child disadvantage aligned to a social determinants and bioecological perspective. The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children is a nationally representative s le of two cohorts of Australian children, including the birth cohort of 5107 infants, which commenced in May 2004. The analysis focused on disadvantage indicators collected at age 4–5 years. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test a theoretically informed model of disadvantage. Concurrent validity was examined through associations with academic performance at 8–9 years. The model comprising four latent factors of sociodemographic (10 indicators), geographical environments (three indicators), health conditions (three indicators) and risk factors (14 indicators) was found to provide a better fit for the data than alternative models. Each factor was associated with academic performance, providing evidence of concurrent validity. The study provides a theoretically informed and empirically tested framework for operationalising relative child disadvantage. Understanding and addressing inequities will be facilitated by capturing the complexity of children’s experiences of disadvantage across the multiple environments in which their development unfolds.
Neighbourhood socioeconomic and transport disadvantage: The potential to reduce social inequities in health through transport
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2017
Assessing Walking and Cycling Environments in the Streets of Madrid: Comparing On-Field and Virtual Audits
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-09-2015
Local Food Environments, Suburban Development, and BMI: A Mixed Methods Study
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 02-07-2018
Building Capacity in Monitoring Urban Liveability in Bangkok: Critical Success Factors and Reflections from a Multi-Sectoral, International Partnership
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 08-07-2021
Abstract: Cities are widely recognised as important settings for promoting health. Nonetheless, making cities more liveable and supportive of health and wellbeing remains a challenge. Decision-makers’ capacity to use urban health evidence to create more liveable cities is fundamental to achieving these goals. This paper describes an international partnership designed to build capacity in using liveability indicators aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and social determinants of health, in Bangkok, Thailand. The aim of this paper is to reflect on this partnership and outline factors critical to its success. Partners included the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, the UN Global Compact—Cities Programme, the Victorian Government Department of Health and Human Services, the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation, and urban scholars based at an Australian university. Numerous critical success factors were identified, including having a bilingual liaison and ch ion, establishment of two active working groups in the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and incorporating a six-month hand-over period. Other successful outcomes included contextualising liveability for erse contexts, providing opportunities for reciprocal learning and knowledge exchange, and informing a major Bangkok strategic urban planning initiative. Future partnerships should consider the strategies identified here to maximise the success and longevity of capacity-building partnerships.
The incidence of injuries traveling to and from school by travel mode
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2008
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2007.09.002
Abstract: To assess the absolute and relative risks of youth school-related travel using the New Zealand's no fault accident liability scheme and Census at School datasets. Injury risk associated with traveling to and from school was assessed by combining census data from the Accident Compensation Commission database, New Zealand's no fault liability accident scheme database and the Census at School survey. Population injury and cost was assessed for incidents during a 2-year period (1 July 2003 to 30 June 2005) and during normal school travel hours (7.30 a.m.-9.00 a.m., 3.00 p.m.-4.30 p.m., weekdays) for youth 5-17 years of age. Overall, 7573 cases were identified as being school travel-related, representing 1.6% of total, and 11.4% school travel period injuries. Walking (30.7%), cycling (30.3%), and motor vehicles (27.7%) provided the majority of injuries. Risk of injury per million trips was highest for cycling (46.1), walking (10.3), and motor vehicle travel (6.1). These data provide the first comprehensive examination of absolute risk of travel to and from school and by transport mode, showing that school-related travel is a relatively safe activity contributing to a minority of all injuries sustained by youth.
Associations between children׳s active travel and levels of physical activity and sedentary behavior
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2015
Linking GPS and travel diary data using sequence alignment in a study of children's independent mobility
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2011
The Built Environment and Transport-Related Physical Activity: What We Do and Do Not Know
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 10-2005
DOI: 10.1123/JPAH.2.4.435
Abstract: Leisure time physical activities have been a priority in recent years for many health practitioners, with transport-related physical activity (TPA) largely ignored. The urban environment has altered in the last few decades, increasing the reliance on automobiles. Simultaneously we have seen increases in obesity and other non-communicable diseases related to sedentary lifestyles. Information was sourced from major health databases. The remainder of the literature was directed from citations in articles accessed from the initial search. Clear health benefits result from regular TPA engagement, with opportunities closely linked to accessible urban design infrastructure. Much of the existing evidence, however, has been extracted from cross-sectional research, rather than interventions. As such, drawing causal relationships is not yet possible. Existing evidence necessitates TPA research and promotion should be public health and urban design priorities. Collaborative research needs to incorporate prospective study designs to understand TPA behavior.
Understanding the Relationship between Activity and Neighbourhoods (URBAN) Study: research design and methodology
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-07-2009
Abstract: Built environment attributes are recognized as being important contributors to physical activity (PA) engagement and body size in adults and children. However, much of the existing research in this emergent public health field is hindered by methodological limitations, including: population and site homogeneity, reliance on self-report measures, aggregated measures of PA, and inadequate statistical modeling. As an integral component of multi-country collaborative research, the Understanding the Relationship between Activity and Neighbourhoods (URBAN) Study seeks to overcome these limitations by determining the strengths of association between detailed measures of the neighborhood built environment with PA levels across multiple domains and body size measures in adults and children. This article outlines the research protocol developed for the URBAN Study. The URBAN Study is a multi-centered, stratified, cross-sectional research design, collecting data across four New Zealand cities. Within each city, 12 neighborhoods were identified and selected for investigation based on higher or lower walkability and Māori demographic attributes. Neighborhoods were selected to ensure equal representation of these characteristics. Within each selected neighborhood, 42 households are being randomly selected and an adult and child (where possible) recruited into the study. Data collection includes: objective and self-reported PA engagement, neighborhood perceptions, demographics, and body size measures. The study was designed to recruit approximately 2,000 adults and 250 children into the project. Other aspects of the study include photovoice, which is a qualitative assessment of built environment features associated with PA engagement, an audit of the neighborhood streetscape environment, and an in idualized neighborhood walkability profile centered on each participant's residential address. Multilevel modeling will be used to examine the in idual-level and neighborhood-level relationships with PA engagement and body size. The URBAN Study is applying a novel scientifically robust research design to provide urgently needed epidemiological information regarding the associations between the built environment and health outcomes. The findings will contribute to a larger, international initiative in which similar neighborhood selection and PA measurement procedures are utilized across eight countries. Accordingly, this study directly addresses the international priority issues of increasing PA engagement and decreasing obesity levels.
Associations of the perceived and objective neighborhood environment with physical activity and sedentary time in New Zealand adolescents
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-10-2017
Street network measures and adults' walking for transport: Application of space syntax
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.HEALTHPLACE.2015.12.009
Abstract: The street network underpins the walkability of local neighborhoods. We examined whether two street network measures (intersection density and street integration from space syntax) were independently associated with walking for transport (WT) and, to what extent the relationship of street integration with WT may be explained by the presence of destinations. In 2003-2004, adults living in Adelaide, Australia (n=2544) reported their past-week WT frequency and perceived distances to 16 destination types. Marginal models via generalized estimating equations tested mediation effects. Both intersection density and street integration were significantly associated with WT, after adjusting for each other. Perceived destination availability explained 42% of the association of street integration with WT this may be because of an association between street integration and local destination availability - an important element of neighborhood walkability. The use of space syntax concepts and methods has the potential to provide novel insights into built-environment influences on walking.
(Re)Designing the built environment to support physical activity: Bringing public health back into urban design and planning
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2013
Testing spatial measures of public open space planning standards with walking and physical activity health outcomes: Findings from the Australian national liveability study
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2018
Time Spent Commuting to Work and Mental Health: Evidence From 13 Waves of an Australian Cohort Study
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 27-04-2016
DOI: 10.1093/AJE/KWW243
Leveraging research to drive more equitable reading outcomes: an update.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2022
Examining Public Open Spaces by Neighborhood-Level Walkability and Deprivation
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 11-2010
DOI: 10.1123/JPAH.7.6.818
Abstract: Public open spaces (POS) are recognized as important to promote physical activity engagement. However, it is unclear how POS attributes, such as activities available, environmental quality, amenities present, and safety, are associated with neighborhood-level walkability and deprivation. Twelve neighborhoods were selected within 1 constituent city of Auckland, New Zealand based on higher (n = 6) or lower (n = 6) walkability characteristics. Neighborhoods were dichotomized as more (n = 7) or less (n = 5) socioeconomically deprived. POS (n = 69) were identified within these neighborhoods and audited using the New Zealand-Public Open Space Tool. Unpaired 1-way analysis of variance tests were applied to compare differences in attributes and overall score of POS by neighborhood walkability and deprivation. POS located in more walkable neighborhoods have significantly higher overall scores when compared with less walkable neighborhoods. Deprivation comparisons identified POS located in less deprived communities have better quality environments, but fewer activities and safety features present when compared with more deprived neighborhoods. A positive relationship existed between presence of POS attributes and neighborhood walkability, but the relationship between POS and neighborhood-level deprivation was less clear. Variation in neighborhood POS quality alone is unlikely to explain poorer health outcomes for residents in more deprived areas.
Examining associations between area-level spatial measures of housing with selected health and wellbeing behaviours and outcomes in an urban context
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.HEALTHPLACE.2016.11.003
Abstract: Adequate and affordable housing is a major social determinant of health yet no work has attempted to conceptually map and spatially test area-level measures of housing with selected health and wellbeing outcomes. Sourcing data from 7,753 adults from Melbourne, Australia, we tested associations between area-level measures of housing density, tenure, and affordability with in idual-level measures of neighbourhood safety, community satisfaction, and self-rated health. Compared with the reference groups, the odds of: feeling unsafe was higher for residents living in areas with less affordable housing community dissatisfaction was ~30% higher in those living in areas with >36% residential properties assigned as rentals, and was significantly higher in the least affordable areas (OR =1.57). Compared with the reference groups, as dwelling density, proportion of rental properties, and housing unaffordability increased, the odds of reporting poorer self-rated health increased however these associations did not always reach statistical significance. This work highlights the benefits of evidenced-based planning spatial measures to support health and wellbeing.
Policy-Relevant Spatial Indicators of Urban Liveability And Sustainability: Scaling From Local to Global
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 05-09-2022
Are measures derived from land use and transport policies associated with walking for transport?
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 2018
Abstract: Background: There is growing urgency for higher quality evidence to inform policy. This study developed geographic information system spatial measures based on land use and transport policies currently used in selected Australian states to assess which, if any, of these measures were associated with walking for transport. Methods: Overall, 6901 participants from 570 neighborhoods in Brisbane, Australia, were included. Participants reported their minutes of walking for transport in the previous week. After a review of state-level land use and transport policies relevant to walking for transport across Australia, 7 geographic information system measures were developed and tested based on 9 relevant policies. Data were analyzed using multilevel multinomial logistic regression. Results: Greater levels of walking for transport were associated with more highly connected street networks, the presence of public transport stops, and having at least 2 public transport services per hour. Conversely, neighborhoods with shorter cul-de-sac lengths had lower levels of walking for transport. There was no evidence of associations between walking for transport and street block lengths less than 240 m or traffic volumes. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for urban design and transport policies developed by governments to be assessed for their impact on transport-related physical activity.
Associations between individual socioeconomic position, neighbourhood disadvantage and transport mode: baseline results from the HABITAT multilevel study
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 04-08-2015
Abstract: Understanding how different socioeconomic indicators are associated with transport modes provide insight into which interventions might contribute to reducing socioeconomic inequalities in health. The purpose of this study was to examine associations between neighbourhood-level socioeconomic disadvantage, in idual-level socioeconomic position (SEP), and usual transport mode. This investigation included 11,036 residents from 200 neighbourhoods in Brisbane, Australia. Respondents self-reported their usual transport mode (car or motorbike, public transport, walking or cycling). Indicators for in idual-level SEP were education, occupation and household income and neighbourhood disadvantage was measured using a census-derived index. Data were analysed using multilevel multinomial logistic regression. High SEP respondents and residents of the most advantaged neighbourhoods who used a private motor vehicle as their usual form of transport was the reference category. Compared with driving a motor vehicle, the odds of using public transport were higher for white collar employees (OR 1.68, 95% CrI 1.41-2.01), members of lower income households (OR 1.71 95% CrI 1.25-2.30) and residents of more disadvantaged neighbourhoods (OR 1.93, 95% CrI 1.46-2.54) and lower for respondents with a certificate-level education (OR 0.60, 95% CrI 0.49-0.74) and blue collar workers (OR 0.63, 95% CrI 0.50-0.81). The odds of walking for transport were higher for the least educated (OR 1.58, 95% CrI 1.18-2.11), those not in the labour force (OR 1.94, 95% CrI 1.38-2.72), members of lower income households (OR 2.10, 95% CrI 1.23-3.64) and residents of more disadvantaged neighbourhoods (OR 2.73, 95% CrI 1.46-5.24). The odds of cycling were lower among less educated groups (OR 0.31, 95% CrI 0.19-0.48). The relationships between socioeconomic characteristics and transport modes are complex, and provide challenges for those attempting to encourage active forms of transportation. Further work is required exploring the in idual-level and neighbourhood-level mechanisms behind choice of transport mode, and what factors might influence in iduals from different socioeconomic backgrounds to change to more active transport modes.
Erratum
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 18-06-2015
Built environment and physical activity in New Zealand adolescents: a protocol for a cross-sectional study: Table 1
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 04-2014
Indicators of a health-promoting local food environment
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-2017
DOI: 10.1071/HE15098
Data to Decisions: Methods to Create Neighbourhood Built Environment Indicators Relevant for Early Childhood Development
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 03-05-2022
Abstract: Healthy development in the early years lays the foundations for children’s ongoing physical, emotional, and social development. Children develop in multiple contexts, including their local neighbourhood. Neighbourhood-built environment characteristics, such as housing, walkability, traffic exposure, availability of services, facilities, and parks, are associated with a range of health and wellbeing outcomes across the life course, but evidence with early years’ outcomes is still emerging. Data linkage techniques were used to assemble a dataset of spatial (objectively-measured) neighbourhood-built environment (BE) measures linked to participant addresses in the 2015 Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) for children living in the 21 most populous urban and regional Australian cities (n = 235,655) to help address this gap. This paper describes the methods used to develop this dataset. This linked dataset (AEDC-BE) is the first of its kind worldwide, enabling opportunities for identifying which features of the built environment are associated with ECD across Australia at scale, allow comparisons between erse contexts, and the identification of where best to intervene. National data coverage provides statistical power to model real-world complexities, such as differences by city, state/territory, and remoteness. The neighbourhood-built environment can be modified by policy and practice at scale, and has been identified as a way to help reduce inequitable early childhood development outcomes.
How Does Car Parking Availability and Public Transport Accessibility Influence Work-Related Travel Behaviors?
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 12-02-2010
DOI: 10.3390/SU2020576
Can virtual streetscape audits reliably replace physical streetscape audits?
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-11-2010
Urban liveability: Emerging lessons from Australia for exploring the potential for indicators to measure the social determinants of health
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.SOCSCIMED.2014.04.003
Abstract: It has long been recognised that urban form impacts on health outcomes and their determinants. There is growing interest in creating indicators of liveability to measure progress towards achieving a wide range of policy outcomes, including enhanced health and wellbeing, and reduced inequalities. This review aimed to: 1) bring together the concepts of urban 'liveability' and social determinants of health 2) synthesise the various liveability indicators developed to date and 3) assess their quality using a health and wellbeing lens. Between 2011 and 2013, the research team reviewed 114 international academic and policy documents, as well as reports related to urban liveability. Overall, 233 indicators were found. Of these, 61 indicators were regarded as promising, 57 indicators needed further development, and 115 indicators were not useful for our purposes. Eleven domains of liveability were identified that likely contribute to health and wellbeing through the social determinants of health. These were: crime and safety education employment and income health and social services housing leisure and culture local food and other goods natural environment public open space transport and social cohesion and local democracy. Many of the indicators came from Australian sources however most remain relevant from a 'global north' perspective. Although many indicators were identified, there was inconsistency in how these domains were measured. Few have been validated to assess their association with health and wellbeing outcomes, and little information was provided for how they should be applied to guide urban policy and practice. There is a substantial opportunity to further develop these measures to create a series of robust and evidence-based liveability indices, which could be linked with existing health and wellbeing data to better inform urban planning policies within Australia and beyond.
Exercise facilities and the prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes in the city of Madrid
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-10-2021
DOI: 10.1007/S00125-021-05582-5
Abstract: We aimed to study the association between the availability of exercise facilities and the likelihood of obesity and type 2 diabetes in the adult population of Madrid, Spain. We analysed the electronic medical records of all 1,270,512 residents of Madrid aged 40–75 years in 2017. Exercise facility availability was defined as the count of exercise facilities in a 1000 m street network buffer around each residential building entrance. Poisson regression with standard errors clustered at census tract level was used to assess prevalence ratios of exercise facility availability tertiles and obesity and type 2 diabetes. We also examined stratified results by tertiles of area-level socioeconomic status (SES) and sex. People living in areas with lower availability of exercise facilities had a higher prevalence of obesity (prevalence ratio [PR] 1.22 [95% CI 1.20, 1.25]) and diabetes (PR 1.38 [95% CI 1.34, 1.43]). We observed effect modification by area-level SES ( p .001), with stronger associations for residents living in low-SES areas and no association for residents living in high-SES areas. Associations with type 2 diabetes were stronger among women compared with men, while associations with obesity were similar by sex. People living in areas with low availability of exercise facilities had a higher prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes, and this association was strongest in low-SES areas and for women. Understanding the potential role of exercise facilities in driving inequities in obesity and type 2 diabetes prevalence may inform interventions to reduce health inequities.
Understanding the relationships between private automobile availability, overall physical activity, and travel behavior in adults
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 13-12-2007
Combining GPS with heart rate monitoring to measure physical activity in children: A feasibility study
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2009
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2008.09.010
Abstract: The recent development of global positioning system (GPS) receivers with integrated heart rate (HR) monitoring has provided a new method for estimating the energy expenditure associated with children's movement. The purpose of this feasibility study was to trial a combination of GPS surveillance and HR monitoring in 39 primary-aged children from New Zealand. Spatial location and HR data were recorded during a school lunch break using an integrated GPS/HR receiver (1Hz). Children averaged a total distance of 1.10+/-0.56km at speeds ranging from 0 to 18.6kmh(-1). Activity patterns were characterised by short bursts of moderate to high speeds followed by longer periods of slow speeds. In addition, boys averaged higher speeds than girls (1.77+/-0.62kmh(-1) and 1.36+/-0.50kmh(-1), respectively p=0.003). The percentage of time spent at 0kmh(-1) (stationary) ranged from 0.1% to 21.3% with a mean of 6.4+/-4.6%. These data suggest that while children were relatively active during the lunch period, they spent a substantial portion of time engaged in slow or stationary physical activities. Furthermore, associations between HR, average speed, and stationary time demonstrated that children who moved at faster speeds expended more energy than those who moved at slower speeds. We conclude that the combined approach of GPS and HR monitoring is a promising new method for investigating children's play-related energy expenditure. There is also scope to integrate GPS data with geographic information systems to examine where children play and accumulate physical activity.
From Ballarat to Bangkok: how can cross-sectoral partnerships around the Sustainable Development Goals accelerate urban liveability?
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 10-01-2020
Identifying appropriate land-use mix measures for use in a national walkability index
Publisher: Center for Transportation Studies
Date: 10-10-2018
Abstract: Walkability indices can guide planning and policy for more sustainable and liveble cities. Land-use mix is an important component of walkability that can be measured in a number of ways. Many land-use mix measures require fine-scaled land-use data that are not always available, especially when analyzing walkability across larger geographic extents. This study investigated the feasibility of calculating a national walkability index in Australia, using metropolitan Melbourne as a case study. The study focused on the dual challenges of selecting an appropriate measure of land-use mix and identifying an appropriate land-use data source. We calculated an entropy land-use mix measure with three different Australian land-use datasets. Our comparison of the resulting land-use mix measures highlighted the differences in the land-use datasets and led to our conclusion that none of the three land-use datasets was appropriate for use in a national land-use mix measure. Therefore, we also developed two new exploratory “intensity” measures of land use — daily living and local living — that were able to be calculated nationally with readily available data. Modelled associations with transport walking and comparisons with the entropy land-use mix measures indicate that these new measures were appropriate for assessing national land use in a national walkability index.
The Urban Liveability Index: Developing a policy-relevant urban liveability composite measure and evaluating associations with transport mode choice
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-06-2019
Associations between children’s independent mobility and physical activity
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 29-01-2014
Public Open Spaces, Children’s Independent Mobility
Publisher: Springer Singapore
Date: 2016
Using the SenseCam to Improve Classifications of Sedentary Behavior in Free-Living Settings
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2012.11.004
Abstract: Studies have shown relationships between important health outcomes and sedentary behavior, independent of physical activity. There are known errors in tools employed to assess sedentary behavior. Studies of accelerometers have been limited to laboratory environments. To assess a broad range of sedentary behaviors in free-living adults using accelerometers and a Microsoft SenseCam that can provide an objective observation of sedentary behaviors through first person-view images. Participants were 40 university employees who wore a SenseCam and Actigraph accelerometer for 3-5 days. Images were coded for sitting and standing posture and 12 activity types. Data were merged and aggregated to a 60-second epoch. Accelerometer counts per minute (cpm) of <100 were compared with coded behaviors. Sensitivity and specificity analyses were performed. Data were collected in June and July 2011 and analyzed in April 2012. TV viewing, other screen use, and administrative activities were correctly classified by the 100-cpm cutpoint. However, standing behaviors also fell under this threshold, and driving behaviors exceeded it. Multiple behaviors occurred simultaneously. A nearly 30-minute per day difference was found in sedentary behavior estimates based on the accelerometer versus the SenseCam. Researchers should be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of the 100-cpm accelerometer cutpoint for identifying sedentary behavior. The SenseCam may be a useful tool in free-living conditions to better understand health behaviors such as sitting.
Area-Level Disparities of Public Open Space: A Geographic Information Systems Analysis in Metropolitan Melbourne
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-12-2014
An Ethical Framework for Automated, Wearable Cameras in Health Behavior Research
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2012.11.006
Abstract: Technologic advances mean automated, wearable cameras are now feasible for investigating health behaviors in a public health context. This paper attempts to identify and discuss the ethical implications of such research, in relation to existing guidelines for ethical research in traditional visual methodologies. Research using automated, wearable cameras can be very intrusive, generating unprecedented levels of image data, some of it potentially unflattering or unwanted. Participants and third parties they encounter may feel uncomfortable or that their privacy has been affected negatively. This paper attempts to formalize the protection of all according to best ethical principles through the development of an ethical framework. Respect for autonomy, through appropriate approaches to informed consent and adequate privacy and confidentiality controls, allows for ethical research, which has the potential to confer substantial benefits on the field of health behavior research.
Related Organisations
University College London
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Related Funding Activities
Discovery Projects - Grant ID: DP160101735
Start Date: 06-2016
End Date: 06-2020
Amount: $580,000.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityLinkage Projects - Grant ID: LP140100680
Start Date: 06-2015
End Date: 12-2018
Amount: $225,000.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityLinkage Projects - Grant ID: LP190100921
Start Date: 04-2021
End Date: 04-2024
Amount: $475,014.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityARC Future Fellowships - Grant ID: FT230100131
Start Date: 07-2023
End Date: 06-2027
Amount: $1,123,156.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
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