Health-promoting Environments Research Articles

The Impact of Urban Architecture on the Lifestyle and Health of the People of Mehrauli, South Delhi

This research investigates the intricate relationship between urban design and its influence on human health and lifestyle, focusing on the specific case of Mehrauli, South Delhi. The study aims to understand how urban development can affect public health and explore the principles of New Urbanism that could mitigate these risks. Through a mixed-method approach, the study analyzes the impact of various architectural factors, such as building design, green spaces, and infrastructure, on the physical and mental health of residents. The research delves into specific health concerns, including non-communicable diseases, mental health issues, and the overall quality of life in the urban environment. By examining existing literature and conducting surveys among residents, the study identifies key areas where urban architecture can be improved to promote healthier lifestyles and enhance the overall well-being of the community. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and architects to create more sustainable and health-promoting urban environments.

Health-Related Parameterization Evaluating Thermal Comfort in Urban Green Spaces: Data Sourced from a Global Database and Mapping at National Scale

Outdoor thermal comfort (OTC) is one of the most important issues for people exposed to urban green space (UGS). It is mainly evaluated by assessing equivalent meteorological factors that may combine and result in human responses of perceptions about comfortable vs. uncomfortable environments. The assessment of these responses is challenged by limits in a database that is powerful enough to support big-data analysis and an essential parameter that can evaluate health-related responses to OTC in urban forests. In this study, a meta-analysis was conducted by synthesizing studies of physiological and psychological health responses of green space (GS) visitors to meteorological factors in host cities on a global scale. A total of 15,000 numerical records about the psychological and physiological responses of UGS visitors were obtained from 105 papers across 68 global cities in 21 countries. A novel parameterization was developed to evaluate OTC by normalizing changes in health-related parameters and detecting their regressions against multiple meteorological factors. It was revealed that OTC resulted in more benefits in psychological health parameters than in physiological ones for UGS visitors worldwide. Globally, health-promoting OTC environments were more found in temperate countries than in countries subjected to other climates. People in Asian countries were indicated to live in environments with higher comfort that benefitted health states in cities at low latitudes. Thermal environments tended to be harsher and more challenging, mostly too chilling, in northern cities than in the south globally. A deep learning model using the ResNet algorithm was found to perform to an expected level with R2 as high as >70% and errors controlled generally lower than 0.01. Taking mainland China for instance, it was predicted that thermal environments in eastern cities of China highly challenged the psychological health of local UGS visitors across all seasons of the year. Northern cities of China were predicted to have satisfied thermal environments that benefited psychological and psychological health responses in spring. In summer, cities in West China were predicted to have comfortable thermal environments, and in winter, environments in the southwestern cities were more comfortable.

Environmental Education and Health Promotion: Diagnosis of the Epidemiological Profile of Dengue Cases in the City of Anápolis, Goiás, From 2014 to 2017

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the epidemiological profile of dengue cases reported in the city of Anápolis - Goiás, during the years 2014 to 2017, with the aim of providing an overview to support control and prevention actions. Theoretical Framework: Considered a Public Health problem in Brazil, dengue is a disease transmitted by the main arbovirus vector, the Aedes aegypti mosquito, through the bite of an infected female, which causes morbidity in the country and it is re-emerging. In the case of dengue fever in the urban environment, it is necessary to monitor the epidemiology, due to the probability of epidemics due to the conditions that facilitate the formation of the transmission chain. Method: The methodology adopted for this research was an exploratory study, in order to understand the subject to be addressed, and a documentary research to present the data, which were obtained from the Notifiable Diseases Information System – Goiás (SINAN), and in the IT Department of the Brazilian Unified Health System / Health Information System (DATASUS). Results and Discussion: During the period evaluated, 22,592 cases were reported. Data for the years 2014 to 2017 showed that the number of cases of dengue fluctuated over the period studied and the need for more investment in information as a disease prevention strategy. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed below, providing insights into how the results can be applied or influence practices in the field of Epidemiology and Environmental Sciences. These implications can cover the Surveillance and Health Care sectors, as well as directly impact the management sector. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the democratization of information and is relevant for identifying the epidemiological reality of certain geographic areas, identifying certain weaknesses and providing data for managers in light of scientific evidence.

Older Adults' Needs and Wishes for Contact With the Outdoors at Residential Care Facilities: Implications for Theory and Practice.

Aim: This qualitative study aimed to explore needs and wishes of older adults concerning their perceived need for contact with outdoor environments at residential care facilities (RCFs) and what implications it has for theory and practice. Background: There is increased awareness of the importance of health-promoting everyday environments for persons with special needs. Therefore, it is important to include the experiences of older adults at RCFs in research. Methods: Twelve older adults from three Swedish RCFs participated in semistructured walking interviews. Results: Two categories were identified concerning the needs and wishes of older adults for contact with outdoor environments. The first category, Outdoor environments as part of everyday life, describes aspects of normality linked to outdoor stays at RCFs. The second category, Getting outdoors in practice, describes supportive and hindering aspects of outdoor stays, as well as accessibility regarding different body positions and access to personal support. Conclusion: It was found in this study that the needs and wishes of older adults are important to consider to increase their opportunities for outdoor stays. Their needs and wishes could also be included in briefs and programs for the design and planning of new construction or refurbishment of RCFs. The results of the study can serve as the basis for further discussions concerning older adults' outdoor stays and the accessibility of outdoor environments. Further, the results are intended to facilitate practical knowledge that is useful for care workers and managers at RCFs and to support decision makers, property developers, architects, and planners.

Balancing nutrition and budgets: Socio-ecological impacts on nutritional environments of families with low incomes

BackgroundResearch on childhood nutritional environments, which are predictive of a variety of child and family health and wellbeing outcomes, has primarily focused on parenting behaviors and the home food environment. However, broader social and community factors play an important role in shaping nutritional environments during early childhood. Food security is a key example that is closely linked to nutrition-related health disparities, which can arise from constrained financial resources and material deprivations. Understanding parent and caregiver lived experiences related to social and community components of family nutritional environments in the context of economic constraints could help to support multi-level nutritional practices that are optimal for healthy child development. MethodSemi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted using a narrative approach with parents (n = 21) of pre-school aged children living near or below the poverty line. Participants were recruited from social and community service sites pertinent to maternal and child health in Philadelphia where health disparities are highly concentrated. Analysis was conducted using MAX QDA analytic software following a systematic approach for thematic analysis in narrative research. ResultsThree themes describe the feeding and eating environments in the home and community context: 1) Food Procurement and Meal Planning; 2) Family Togetherness; 3) Creativity, Variety, and Flexibility. Creative decision making and food procurement strategies responsive to child preferences were balanced by shopping to save and visiting multiple stores for the best foods and savings. Logistical (e.g., transportation, childcare) and emotional supports facilitated food shopping habits and routines, while lack of trusted childcare, reliable transportation, and social support barriers challenged feeding and eating decisions. ConclusionStrategies for improving cost and time-efficiencies could help support health-promoting nutritional environments of families with food insecurity. Building social and community capacity and facilitating connections to practical supports that include trustworthy childcare and peer support may be particularly important for this population.

Effectiveness of Interventions on Habits Among University Staff in Southeastern Iran

Background: Health-promoting environments are a key focus of the Ottawa Strategic Charter, which aims to enhance health in the workplace and reduce unhealthy behaviors among employees. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of health-promoting interventions on the habits of university staff in Southeastern Iran. Methods: This semi-experimental study was conducted from 2020 to 2021 in Zahedan, Southeastern Iran. A total of 254 administrative staff from the University of Medical Sciences and Sistan & Balochistan University were selected using available randomized methods and divided into control and intervention groups. The study instrument was a researcher-designed questionnaire, which demonstrated a content validity ratio (CVR) of 0.8, a Content Validity Index (CVI) ranging from 0.83 to 0.97, and an internal consistency with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.85. The questionnaire was distributed online via the Porsline platform. For the intervention, training sessions were conducted online, and the session files and training booklet were made available to intervention group staff through the university's education system. A post-test was administered one month after the pretest. Data were analyzed using SPSS 21 software, with pretest results adjusted using chi-square and ANCOVA statistical tests. Results: The study found that the mean age of participants was 40.5 ± 7.4 years. Scores for employee knowledge, attitude, and behavior were 80.0 ± 16.4, 86.6 ± 22.8, and 80.8 ± 17.6, respectively. The most significant factors influencing attitudes were education (P < 0.001) and health status (P = 0.001). Type of employment (P = 0.025), work experience (P = 0.017), and health status (P = 0.037) were also significantly associated with behavior. After adjusting for pretest results, there were significant differences between the intervention and control groups in terms of scores for knowledge, attitude, and behavior (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The study concluded that employees with correct attitudes and healthy behaviors reported better health outcomes. Additionally, educational interventions effectively improved staff knowledge, attitudes, and behavior. To enhance health status, reduce employee disability, decrease absenteeism, and increase organizational productivity, it is recommended to plan and implement workplace health promotion programs focused on employees.

Factors contributing to the development of health-promoting schools, applying Fullan’s triple change model – A qualitative study

Objective: Schools and the education system are powerful tools for cultivating healthy lifestyles. This research focuses on characterising the factors contributing to the development of health-promoting schools in Israel, and understanding how schools can offer a framework for improving students’ health. Fullan’s triple change model with its focus on three phases in the change process in schools – the initiation phase, the implementation phase and the institutionalisation phase – served as a framework for analysis. Design and setting: This qualitative-constructivist study involved the analysis of data collected from 26 elementary school principals in Israel, 15 of whom belonged to the health promotion school network (HPSN) and 11 who did not. In addition, 10 health promotion leaders from within the schools were interviewed. Methods: Data collection took place by means of semi-structured interviews. in which the questions asked referred to the three phases identified in Fullan’s process of change model. We analysed the data using thematic content analysis. Results: Each identified theme was associated with one of the phases proposed in Fullan’s model of change. The initiation phase included collaboration with key stakeholders, principals’ personal commitment, and dissemination of ideas through personal connections. The implementation phase included gaining access to appropriate tools and materials, action to deal with barriers to change, and the creation of a holistic health promotion environment. The institutionalisation phase included the development of administrative strategies such as adherence to routines, the inclusion of regular events in the school calendar, and the allocation of time frames for the activities undertaken. Conclusion: Fullan’s model proved useful in analysing efforts to develop health-promoting schools. The model signalled the importance of using a structured approach throughout the institutionalisation phase in a manner attuned to the unique nature of the school. Alongside identifying key factors that support assimilation, it is crucial to assess their integration into the school culture. The school principal’s role is critical throughout all the phases of the development process.

The Design of Health Promoting Outdoor Environments for People with Young-Onset Dementia-A Study from a Rehabilitation Garden.

Health-promoting outdoor environments designed for people living with dementia (PLwD) has proved to be an effective non-pharmacological intervention for treatment of symptoms and improved well-being. However, for individuals with Young-Onset Dementia (YOD), who have particular symptoms and needs, the content and design of these environments are underexplored. This study aimed to explore the needs of individuals with YOD in a garden setting, to generate design-related knowledge for 'dementia-friendly' outdoor environments, while contributing to the field of Evidence-Based Design (EBD). An 8-week long nature-based program was carried out in Alnarp's rehabilitation garden, a specifically developed garden based on research from e.g., landscape architecture, environmental psychology and medical science. The study used a triangulation of qualitative methods including six participants with YOD and a multidisciplinary team of five staff members. Content analysis was used for all gathered data, including 17 semi-structured interviews with participants with YOD and with staff. Data collection and analysis was performed based on the evidence-based Quality Evaluation Tool (QET). The study led to a target group adapted version of the QET for people with YOD containing 20 developed environmental qualities for designers to pursue in therapeutic gardens, including the additional quality of Calmness. A progression was noted, as a result of perceived positive effects during the intervention, indicating possible change and development of the group's needs and preferences in the outdoors.

Low Carbon Sustainable Diet Choices-An Analysis of the Driving Factors behind Plant-Based Egg Purchasing Behavior.

In the face of escalating climate change, environmental pollution, and global crises, plant-based eggs are a viable solution for environmental conservation and health promotion. This study uses an integrated framework combining value-belief-norm (VBN) theory and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to explore the factors influencing Taiwanese consumers' inclination towards plant-based eggs. Through convenience sampling, 417 questionnaires were issued and 387 valid responses were received, indicating a 92.8% valid response rate. The analysis indicates that consumers' biospheric and altruistic values significantly enhance their awareness of outcomes, which, coupled with their sense of responsibility, strengthens personal norms. From the TPB perspective, perceived behavioral control is identified as a critical driver of the intention to purchase plant-based eggs, with attitudes and subjective norms playing significant roles. Subjective norms positively impact personal norms, thereby influencing consumers' behavioral intentions. The findings confirm the integrated model's theoretical and practical validity, and offer valuable insights for businesses. By developing adept marketing strategies that consider market dynamics, this study enhances the effectiveness and value of marketing efforts by boosting consumers' engagement with plant-based eggs. These insights contribute to advancing environmental sustainability goals.

Using a participatory action research approach to explore, understand and evaluate well-being among children living in socially deprived areas in Southern Sweden: a study protocol

IntroductionResearch suggests that participating in after-school leisure activities has been related to promoting health, well-being and safety among children living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. The United Nations Child Rights Convention emphasises...

Brief instruments for measuring nutrition literacy - the Nutrition Health Literacy Scale and the Self-Perceived Food Literacy Scale Short Form

BackgroundA healthy diet is a critical factor in maintaining long-term health. In addition to a health-promoting food environment, the nutrition health literacy (NHL) and food literacy (FL) of the population are important in this context. This paper describes the development and validation of two short instruments to measure the nutrition literacy of the population, used in the Austrian Nutrition Literacy Survey 2021.MethodsAn instrument to measure NHL (Nutrition Health Literacy Scale; NHLS) has been adapted and further developed. To measure FL, the Self-perceived Food Literacy Scale by Poelman et al. has been modified and shortened (SPFL-SF). Validation of the instruments was based on data from a web survey conducted in Austria in 2021 with almost 3,000 participants aged 18 years and older. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed to assess the factorial validity/dimensionality of the instruments. Additionally, internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, ordinal alpha, and McDonald’s omega.ResultsBoth instruments demonstrate excellent data-model fit. The NHLS also shows excellent internal consistency (α = 0.91), while the SPFL-SF displays a sufficient internal consistency for all (α between 0.70 and 0.89) but one sub-dimension (resisting temptation α = 0.61). Furthermore, the distribution of the items indicates that the measures are understandable and suitable, as evidenced by the absence of missing values in the sample. In addition, the items of both instruments differ in their level of difficulty or agreement.ConclusionsThe NHLS and SPFL-SF are reliable and valid instruments for measuring NHL and FL in the general adult population. The brief instruments measuring the different aspects of nutrition literacy can be easily used in nutritional or evaluation studies. Further work is required to investigate other aspects of validity.

Promotion of environmental public health and environmental justice in communities affected by large and long lasting industrial contamination: methods applied and lessons learned from the case study of Porto Torres (Italy).

Communities affected by large scale and long lasting industrial contamination are often keen to understand whether their health has been impaired by such contamination. This requires answers that integrate environmental public health and environmental justice perspectives. At these sites, exposure scenarios from environmental contamination over time by multiple chemicals, often involving different environmental matrices, are complex and challenging to reconstruct. An approach for describing the health of such communities in association with environmental contamination is presented, with the methods applied across the three domains of environmental contamination, population exposure and toxicology, environmental and social epidemiology, and environmental public health communication. The approach is described with examples from its application to the case study of Porto Torres, a town with a substantial industrially conditioned evolution. Activities in the field of environmental contamination, population exposure and toxicology focus on the collection and systematization of available contamination data, the identification of priority pollutants based on their toxicological profiles, the qualitative assessment of the likelihood of exposure for the population to priority pollutants and their known health effects. Environmental and social epidemiology methods are applied to describe the health profiles and socioeconomic conditions of the local population, taking into account multiple health outcomes from local information systems and considering specific diseases based on exposure and toxicological assessments. The environmental public health communication methods are directed to produce a communication plan and for its implementation through interaction with local institutional and social actors. The interpretation of health profiles benefits from a transdisciplinary analysis of the results. The proposed approach combines the needs of environmental public health and environmental justice allowing the integration of multidisciplinary knowledge to define recommendations for reducing and/or preventing hazardous environmental exposures and adverse health effects, stimulating the interactions between stakeholders, and making the study results more accessible to citizens.

Does internet use benefit health?-PSM-DID evidence from China's CHARLS.

Amid the increasing global internet penetration, understanding the impact of internet use on residents' health is crucial. This aids in formulating more effective health policies and provides empirical evidence for promoting health equity and improving overall public health. Drawing on the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), this paper employs the Propensity Score Matching-Difference in Differences (PSM-DID) method to examine the impact of the internet on individual health and further explores the pathways through which the internet affects health. We introduce the research background and significance in the introduction. Then, in the theoretical analysis, it incorporates internet variables into the Becker health demand model to analyze changes in health demand and impact pathways. The empirical analysis tests the theoretical findings, leading to empirical results. Finally, the study discusses the results and provides relevant recommendations. The findings indicate significant positive effects of the internet on both physical and psychological health. These effects are realized through reducing health information asymmetry, lowering health costs, and increasing exposure to health-promoting environments. In the heterogeneity analysis, economic-related internet content shows a significant positive impact on resident health. Intensive internet use adversely affects psychological health. The beneficial effects of the internet on health are more pronounced among older individuals, those covered by medical insurance, and regions with higher levels of digital economy. Based on these findings, the study offers policy recommendations concerning individuals' internet use patterns, the digital evolution of the healthcare industry, and government infrastructure development.

Towards healthier, enabling environments for all: positioning the ‘runnability of cities’ as a spatial planning approach

ABSTRACT The interplay between urban design and public health is a critical concern in modern cities, with the COVID-19 pandemic underscoring the necessity of accessible, safe, and health-promoting urban environments. This paper aimed to unpack the concept of ‘runnability’ as a cornerstone of healthy urban environments, advocating for the integration of running-friendly spaces into city planning, in order to enhance border public health and well-being. The paper followed a reflective praxis methodology, combining academic research with introspective analysis of running experiences, and offers novel insights into the subjective dimensions of urban runnability. Our findings advocate for a global initiative to promote runnable cities through transdisciplinary collaboration, infrastructure development, policy reform, educational efforts, and design innovation. By positioning ‘runnable cities’ as a spatial planning approach, there could be global progress towards healthier, enabling environments for all.

Between paper and plan: contrasting data on urban habitats in literature with planning documents

Abstract In this study, we evaluated the integration of urban habitat data in spatial development documents across Poland’s 28 largest cities and assessed the implications for urban environmental management and biodiversity conservation. The detailed habitat maps identify critical areas for protection, enhancing ecosystem services, and supporting nature-based solutions that positively impact residents’ health and social cohesion. A total of 372 sources were analyzed and 467 habitat types were identified primarily from phytosociological surveys. However, only 33.2% of these habitats have been included in urban planning documents, highlighting a substantial integration gap. Complete taxa lists and habitat maps covering the entire city area, suitable for biodiversity management needs, are rarely included in urban planning documents. The findings have underscored the need for detailed habitat mapping to improve urban environmental management, biodiversity conservation, and public health promotion.

Physically Active Lifestyles within the School context: Morpho-Physiological and Functional Aspects

The school context embodies the optimal environment for educating children towards the adoption of active lifestyles. This is auspicious not only in terms of physical health but also from a psycho-pedagogical and social standpoint. The need to integrate physical activity into the school routine, particularly in primary education, where behaviors are established and carried on into later stages of life, emerges clearly from the scientific literature. Health education sessions with a focus on preventive measures can be organized by the school’s medical services for the benefit of students. It is imperative within educational practices to view the motor domain as a crucial instrument for instilling appropriate lifestyles, enhancing cognitive growth, fostering inclusivity, and addressing psycho-emotional and socio-relational aspects. The school environment can significantly contribute by serving as a pivotal setting for promoting physical activity throughout various periods of the day. Movement can be incorporated into teaching activities, and active breaks can be integrated into class hours, either before or after lessons. This study stems from a comprehensive examination of the existing literature regarding the correlation between the school environment, health, and preventive health promotion. It recognizes the ongoing nature of the issue and the need for further investigation to align with forthcoming changes. Keywords: physical activity, physiology, school.

Information practices in multi-professional work in urban planning

Introduction. This study investigates information practices to develop multi-professional work in the planning of healthy living environments in and around urban planning. Method. A qualitative approach was used to study information practices in two city organisations in Finland. 16 professionals working in urban planning, urban planning, traffic, landscaping, promotion of well-being and environmental health and protection were interviewed in semi-structural interviews. Analysis. Interview data was analysed with content analysis, focusing on the information practices in their organisational and multi-professional context. Results. The professionals maintained and developed information practices to use, seek, share and create information in their work on urban planning within city organisations and in the stakeholder networks. Conclusion. The complexity of information-based decision-making can be understood by understanding the wide range of information practices as using, seeking, sharing, and creating information in multi-professional work. In addition, it is important to note, that also organising and managing both information and information practices are needed in information-based decision-making.

Population attributable fractions of modifiable risk factors for dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

More than 57 million people have dementia worldwide. Evidence indicates a change in dementia prevalence and incidence in high-income countries, which is likely to be due to improved life-course population health. Identifying key modifiable risk factors for dementia is essential for informing risk reduction and prevention strategies. We therefore aimed to estimate the population attributable fraction (PAF) for dementia associated with modifiable risk factors. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched Embase, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO, via Ovid, from database inception up to June 29, 2023, for population-derived or community-based studies and reviews reporting a PAF value for one or more modifiable risk factor for later-life dementia (prevalent or incident dementia in people aged ≥60 years), with no restrictions on dementia subtype, the sex or baseline age of participants, or the period of study. Articles were independently screened for inclusion by four authors, with disagreements resolved through consensus. Data including unweighted and weighted PAF values (weighted to account for communality or overlap in risk) were independently extracted into a predefined template by two authors and checked by two other authors. When five or more unique studies investigated a given risk factor or combination of the same factors, random-effects meta-analyses were used to calculate a pooled PAF percentage estimate for the factor or combination of factors. The review protocol was registered on PROSPERO, CRD42022323429. 4024 articles were identified, and 74 were included in our narrative synthesis. Overall, PAFs were reported for 61 modifiable risk factors, with sufficient data available for meta-analysis of 12 factors (n=48 studies). In meta-analyses, the highest pooled unweighted PAF values were estimated for low education (17·2% [95% CI 14·4-20·0], p<0·0001), hypertension (15·8% [14·7-17·1], p<0·0001), hearing loss (15·6% [10·3-20·9], p<0·0001), physical inactivity (15·2% [12·8-17·7], p<0·0001), and obesity (9·4% [7·3-11·7], p<0·0001). According to weighted PAF values, low education (9·3% [6·9-11·7], p<0·0001), physical inactivity (7·3% [3·9-11·2], p=0·0021), hearing loss (7·2% [5·2-9·7], p<0·0001), hypertension (7·1% [5·4-8·8], p<0·0001), and obesity (5·3% [3·2-7·4], p=0·0001) had the highest pooled estimates. When low education, midlife hypertension, midlife obesity, smoking, physical inactivity, depression, and diabetes were combined (Barnes and Yaffe seven-factor model; n=9 studies), the pooled unweighted and weighted PAF values were 55·0% (46·5-63·5; p<0·0001) and 32·0% (26·6-37·5; p<0·0001), respectively. The pooled PAF values for most individual risk factors were higher in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) versus high-income countries. Governments need to invest in a life-course approach to dementia prevention, including policies that enable quality education, health-promoting environments, and improved health. This investment is particularly important in LMICs, where the potential for prevention is high, but resources, infrastructure, budgets, and research focused on ageing and dementia are limited. UK Research and Innovation (Medical Research Council).

Impactful co-design: Adult decision-makers’ perspectives on actualising children's ideas for health-promoting neighbourhoods in Aotearoa New Zealand

Our study sought to understand adult decision-makers’ views on what was important for actualising children's ideas using co-design, towards creating health-promoting local environments. Ten adult decision-makers, experienced in co-design with children aged 5–13 years in Aotearoa New Zealand, participated in individual interviews. We generated three themes (Empowering children within co-design; Being intentional about children's influence; Curating who is involved) using reflexive thematic analysis. Our themes informed a novel framework of ‘impactful co-design’ accompanied by a practical checklist for adult decision-makers (practitioners, policy-makers, and researchers). Study findings affirm co-designing local neighbourhoods as an inherently social and technical endeavour, advocate for greater consideration of inclusivity and cultural context, and highlight the need for co-design with children to include safety, empowerment, and evaluation. We position impactful co-design as one useful process to enact children's meaningful participation.

Floristic changes and environmental drivers of soil fungi and archaea in different salt-tolerant plant communities in the intertidal habitat of coastal wetlands.

Microorganisms are crucial elements of terrestrial ecosystems, which play significant roles in improving soil physicochemical properties, providing plant growth nutrients, degrading toxic and harmful chemicals, and biogeochemical cycling. Variations in the types and quantities of root exudates among different plants greatly alter soil physicochemical properties and result in variations in the diversity, structure, and function of soil microorganisms. Not much is understood about the differences of soil fungi and archaea communities for different plant communities in coastal wetlands, and their response mechanisms to environmental changes. In this study, fungal and archaea communities in soils of Suaeda salsa, Phragmites australis, and Spartina alterniflora in the intertidal habitat of coastal wetlands were selected for research. Soil fungi and archaea were analyzed for diversity, community structure, and function using high throughput ITS and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The study revealed significant differences in fungi and archaea's diversity and community structure in the rhizosphere soil of three plant communities. At the same time, there is no significant difference in the functional groups. SOM, TP, AP, MC, EC and SOM, TN, TP, AP, MC, EC are the primary environmental determinants affecting changes in soil fungal and archaeal communities, respectively. Variations in the diversity, community structure, and ecological functions of fungi and archaea can be used as indicators characterizing the impact of external disturbances on the soil environment, providing a theoretical foundation for the effective utilization of soil microbial resources, thereby achieving the goal of environmental protection and health promotion.