Healthy Behaviors through Behavioral Design-Obesity Prevention.

Leslee Funderburk,Thomas Cardaci,Debra Harris,Jane Rohde,Keyanna Taylor,Andrew Fink

doi:10.3390/ijerph17145049

Abstract

Evidence for behavior modification for improved health outcomes was evaluated for nutrition, physical activity (PA), and indoor environmental quality (IEQ). The databases searched included LISTA, PubMed, and Web of Science, with articles rated using an a priori baseline score of 70/100 to establish inclusion. The initial search produced 52,847 articles, 63 of which were included in the qualitative synthesis. Thirteen articles met inclusion for nutrition: cafeteria interventions, single interventions, and vending interventions. Seventeen articles on physical activity were included: stair use, walking, and adjustable desks. For IEQ, 33 articles met inclusion: circadian disruption, view and natural light, and artificial light. A narrative synthesis was used to find meaningful connections across interventions with evidence contributing to health improvements. Commonalities throughout the nutrition studies included choice architecture, increasing the availability of healthy food items, and point-of-purchase food labeling. Interventions that promoted PA included stair use, sit/stand furniture, workplace exercise facilities and walking. Exposure to natural light and views of natural elements were found to increase PA and improve sleep quality. Overexposure to artificial light may cause circadian disruption, suppressing melatonin and increasing risks of cancers. Overall, design that encourages healthy behaviors may lower risks associated with chronic disease.

Highlights

The obesity epidemic in the United States (U.S.) requires a response from a public health perspective, emphasizing the changes in environmental drivers that influence the personal, social and economic health of society [1]
The results are divided into three sections—the nutrition, physical activity (PA), and Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) conditions specific to artificial and natural light, daylighting and views
The IEQ evidence specific to artificial lighting, natural lighting, daylighting, and views to the outside contributed to the influence of healthy behaviors contributing to positive comfort, cognitive performance, and health outcomes

Summary

Introduction

The obesity epidemic in the United States (U.S.) requires a response from a public health perspective, emphasizing the changes in environmental drivers that influence the personal, social and economic health of society [1]. The environmental driver of the built environment is an important avenue to consider regarding the behavior modification that can influence the overall health. Active Design is a contemporary design concept that is meant to address those features of the built environment that have been shown to support healthy eating and routine physical activity (PA) [2]. Nightingale’s environmental theory can be viewed as a systems model that focuses on the “person” in the center, surrounded by aspects of the environment, all in balance. Her environmental theory [6] addresses the influence of several elements including fresh air and ventilation, thermal comfort, natural light and nutrition, as factors working

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion