Health-promoting Environments Research Articles

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)

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)

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.

Leading Quality and Safety on the Frontline - A Case Study of Department Leaders in Nursing Homes.

The role of healthcare leaders is becoming increasingly complex, and carries great responsibility for patients, employees, and the quality of service delivery. This study explored the barriers and enablers that department leaders in nursing homes encounter when managing the dual responsibilities in Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) and Quality and Patient Safety (QPS). Case study design with data collected through semi structured interviews with 16 department leaders in five Norwegian municipalities. We analyzed the data using qualitative content analysis. Data analysis resulted in four themes explaining what department leaders in nursing homes experience as barriers and enablers when handling the dual responsibility of HSE and QPS: Temporal capacity: The importance of having enough time to create a health-promoting work environment that ensures patient safety. Relational capacity: Relationships have an impact on work process and outcomes. Professional competence: Competence affects patient safety and leadership strategies. Organizational structure: Organizational frameworks influence how the dual responsibilities are handled. Evidence from this study showed that external contextual factors (eg, legislations and finances) and internal factors (eg, relationships and expectations) are experienced as barriers and enablers when department leaders are enacting the dual responsibility of HSE and QPS. Of these, relationships were found to be the most significant contributor.

The Bee Gut Microbiota: Bridging Infective Agents Potential in the One Health Context.

The bee gut microbiota plays an important role in the services the bees pay to the environment, humans and animals. Alongside, gut-associated microorganisms are vehiculated between apparently remote habitats, promoting microbial heterogeneity of the visited microcosms and the transfer of the microbial genetic elements. To date, no metaproteomics studies dealing with the functional bee microbiota are available. Here, we employ a metaproteomics approach to explore a fraction of the bacterial, fungal, and unicellular parasites inhabiting the bee gut. The bacterial community portrays a dynamic composition, accounting for specimens of human and animal concern. Their functional features highlight the vehiculation of virulence and antimicrobial resistance traits. The fungal and unicellular parasite fractions include environment- and animal-related specimens, whose metabolic activities support the spatial spreading of functional features. Host proteome depicts the major bee physiological activities, supporting the metaproteomics strategy for the simultaneous study of multiple microbial specimens and their host-crosstalks. Altogether, the present study provides a better definition of the structure and function of the bee gut microbiota, highlighting its impact in a variety of strategies aimed at improving/overcoming several current hot topic issues such as antimicrobial resistance, environmental pollution and the promotion of environmental health.

Sociodemographic and behavioural differences between frequent and non-frequent users of convenience food in Germany.

Convenience foods are a double-edged sword in that they provide quick and easy nutrition but may promote non-communicable diseases related to excess intakes of sugar, fat, and salt. To inform the German national reduction and innovation strategy for less sugar, fat, and salt in processed foods, the present study sought to analyse the consumption frequency of selected convenience foods and to determine sociodemographic and behavioural factors that characterise frequent users. In a representative computer-assisted telephone interview survey in the adult German population (N = 3,997) conducted in 2018, consumption frequency of 21 convenience foods was assessed. To characterise frequent in contrast to non-frequent users, data on sociodemographics and behavioural aspects were compared. Statistical analyses comprised chi-square tests with Bonferroni correction as well as Spearman's rank correlation. Cramer's V was used to determine the strength of an association. Overall and among frequent users (7.7% of the sample) sweet convenience foods and savoury cooking aids were consumed most frequently. Around 75% of the participants indicated little-to-no consumption of 19 of the 21 convenience foods. Male gender (p < 0.001), younger age (p < 0.001), and not having a high level of education (p = 0.017) were identified as key characteristics of frequent users. Furthermore, frequent users were more likely than non-frequent users to live in a family household (p = 0.003) or without a partner (p < 0.001), and to work in shifts (p = 0.002). Additionally, they showed significantly lower cooking skills (p < 0.001). Public health interventions to limit excess intakes of sugar, fat, and salt from convenience food in Germany should target people of male gender, younger age, and having a lower level of education. On the behavioural side, developing the skills to cook from scratch emerged as major point of focus. Simultaneously, reformulation of the food offer should continue in order to help transition to a more health-promoting food environment.

Hospital Environment and Medical Sociology: User-Centered Environmental Sociology Model Based on a Systematic Review.

This study investigates the relationship between environmental quality and medical sociology in hospitals and suggests a conceptual framework for understanding their interrelation. Despite the importance of environmental properties in the sociological approach to users' health and the role of medical sociology research in the design of hospital environments, few studies have been conducted in the field of hospital environments and medical sociology interrelation. Therefore, this article attempts to fill this gap in our knowledge. A systematic review was carried out in five databases (Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, and ScienceDirect) based on PRISMA guidelines to survey how environmental quality and medical sociology factors are related in the medical/environmental sociology research and the hospital design. The search yielded the final 17 potentially relevant articles after finding 3,840 records, screening 1,295 nonduplicate articles, and reviewing 158 full-text articles. The findings revealed that four main aspects of medical sociology (physical-biological, psychological, social, and economic) and hospital environmental quality (physical, social, and psychological dimensions) influence users' health and disease status. The hospital environment includes various social issues in medical sociology (like interactions, behavior patterns, lifestyle, work motivation, and culture). The physical and psychosocial factors of the hospital environment (such as spatial configuration, aesthetics, scale, privacy, and collective spaces) are associated with psychosocial aspects of medical sociology (like social class, behavior patterns, culture, and lifestyle). Environmental features and psychosocial issues should be considered to improve users' health and experience in hospitals and to create a user-centered health-promoting environment.

Green Oases in the Concrete Desert: Combatting Beijing’s Heat with Urban Greenery

In the face of rapid urbanization, Beijing confronts the escalating challenge of the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, characterized by significantly higher temperatures in urban areas compared to their rural surroundings. This phenomenon not only exacerbates the thermal discomfort in city environments but also poses a substantial risk to public health and well-being. Amidst this urban climate crisis, the potential of green spaces emerges as a crucial mitigative and adaptive strategy. This comprehensive study embarks on an in-depth exploration of the multifaceted role that urban greenery plays in combatting the UHI effect and bolstering the well-being of Beijing’s residents. Employing a triangulated research methodology, the study harnesses high-resolution satellite imagery to delineate the thermal footprint of green spaces within the urban matrix of Beijing. Through detailed temperature analysis, it meticulously quantifies the extent to which parks, gardens, and tree-lined avenues contribute to cooling urban environments. Complementing this quantitative analysis, the study engages with the urban populace through extensive surveys, capturing perceptions and lived experiences of the thermal environment and the subjective well-being associated with access to green spaces. The findings reveal a significant cooling effect attributed to urban greenery, with marked temperature reductions in areas with dense vegetation cover. Beyond the thermal benefits, the research uncovers a positive correlation between access to green spaces and improvements in residents’ physical and psychological health, highlighting the critical role of green spaces in promoting urban livability and sustainability. This study advances the discourse on urban planning and public health by providing empirical evidence of the benefits of integrating green spaces into the urban fabric of Beijing. It underscores the urgency of adopting green infrastructure as a standard in urban development projects, not only as a countermeasure to the UHI effect but also as a foundational element for enhancing the quality of life in densely populated urban centers. The research concludes with strategic recommendations for urban policymakers, advocating for the expansion and optimization of green spaces as indispensable assets for achieving a resilient and health-promoting urban environment in Beijing.

Imagine your perfect park: a qualitative study on adolescents’ usage of green spaces, perceived benefits and preferences

ABSTRACT Green spaces are essential urban infrastructures. They represent cost-effective interventions to reduce health inequities and contribute to climate-resilient cities and adolescents’ health and well-being. Nevertheless, evidence suggests they are underused by adolescents, especially in Southern Europe. We explored the perspectives of adolescents on their use of green spaces (including frequency of use, activities performed, and types of space), perceived benefits, and preferences regarding green spaces’ characteristics. We performed seven online focus groups with 34 adolescents (15–16 years old) recruited from the Generation XXI cohort (a population-based birth cohort from the Porto Metropolitan Area, Portugal), stratified by socioeconomic status. Data were analyzed thematically by a deductive-inductive approach. Participants reported regular use of green spaces to perform physical activity, rest, and socialize. They perceived associated benefits for their general well-being and respiratory and mental health. The views shared by the participants suggest that the perfect park was idealized as large and multifunctional, providing a diversity of equipment and sufficient vegetation. It should be close to school and residential neighborhoods, upkeep, and made dynamic by the organization of cultural or sports events. Youth-led perspectives in urban planning might improve adolescents’ use of green spaces and encourage sustainable and equitable health-promoting urban environments.

A participatory approach to model the neighbourhood food environment.

Inequalities in exposure to a health-promoting local food environment have been implicated in the generation of inequalities in diet-related behaviours and outcomes, including obesity and diabetes. Increasingly, poor diet and diet-related disease have been characterised as an emergent property of a complex system and, as such, the drivers of poor diet may be better understood by using a complex system perspective. In this study, we describe a participatory approach for understanding the system drivers of unhealthy food consumption. System dynamics (SD) was used to identify, understand, and visualise the elements of the neighbourhood food retail system that influence individuals' eating behaviour. Group Model Building (GMB), undertaken online with stakeholders (n = 11), was used to funnel existing knowledge and evidence on urban food environments and to build a conceptual system map of the local food retail environment inclusive of the drivers that influence the decision to purchase and consume meals that are high in fat, salt, and sugar (HFSS), and calories. The GMB was organised as a knowledge elicitation process involving a questionnaire, a workbook, and a structured workshop. The GMB generated a comprehensive causal loop diagram (CLD) of the retail environment inclusive of the drivers that influence the decision to purchase and consume unhealthy meals. The CLD was designed around two main variables (i) exposure to food outlets and (ii) food consumption. The system map built during the Group Model Building session linked exposure to food outlets with the possibility to purchase and consume unhealthy meals. The effectiveness of this link will be tested in an Agent-Based model. The conceptual model illustrates the complexity of the factors responsible for inequalities in unhealthy eating. The GMB approach provides a basis for building an agent-based model for local authorities to characterise their food retail environment, uncover potential leverage points for interventions and test them 'in silico' in a virtual environment.

Utilizing fish wastewater in aquaponic systems to enhance anti-inflammatory and antioxidant bioactive compounds in Sarcodia suae

Aquaculture wastewater, rich in organic nutrients, is an essential environmental factor. When applied to seaweed cultivation systems, this wastewater holds the potential to notably increase the growth rate and carbon capture of Sarcodia suae. Sarcodia suae has the potential to be a healthy food due to its various biological activities; however, its chemical composition has yet to be completely defined. In this study, we applied a UHPLC-HRMS-based foodomics strategy to determine and classify possible bioactive metabolites in S. suae. From pooled seaweed samples (S. suae cultured in filtered running, FR, aquaponic recirculation, AR systems), we identified 179 and 146 compounds in POS and NEG modes, respectively. These compounds were then classified based on their structures using the Classyfire classification. Results show that S. suae in AR exhibited higher growth performance, and ten upregulated metabolites were determined. We also validated the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative bioactivities of some selected compounds. Our study provided important insights into the potential use of fish wastewater in aquaponic systems to profile and produce bioactive compounds in S. suae comprehensively. This has significant implications for the development of sustainable food and the promotion of environmental health.

Small Urban Green Spaces: Insights into Perception, Preference, and Psychological Well-being in a Densely Populated Areas of Tehran, Iran.

In metropolitan areas worldwide, abandoned properties are prevalent, prompting a need for small urban green spaces (SUGS) to meet the growing demand. Understanding residents' preferences and perceptions of transformed spaces is vital for effective urban design. This study delves into residents' preferences and perceptions regarding the transformation of such spaces into SUGS and their impact on psychological well-being. By examining how these preferences and perceived health benefits shape the value of transformed spaces, the research aims to inform effective urban design strategies. The participants underwent visual stimulation, with psychological reactions recorded through Electroencephalogram (EEG) readings and assessed via Questionnaire. Machine learning techniques analyzed EEG sub-band data, achieving an average accuracy of 92.8% when comparing leftover and designed spaces. Results revealed that different types of transformed spaces provoke distinct physiological and preference responses. Specifically, viewing SUGS was associated with significant changes in gamma wave power, suggesting a correlation between enhanced gamma activity and increased feelings of empathy. Moreover, participants also reported enhanced comfort, relaxation, and overall mood, and a strong preference for SUGS over untransformed spaces, emphasizing the value placed on these areas for their health benefits. This research highlights the positive impact of even SUGS on mental health, using EEG data to assess emotional states triggered by urban spaces. The study concludes with a call for further research to investigate the long-term benefits of SUGS on well-being, alongside an exploration of the gamma band as a neural marker for emotional restoration in urban green spaces. This research highlights the crucial role of urban design in fostering psychological well-being through the strategic development of green spaces, suggesting a paradigm shift toward more inclusive, health-promoting urban environments.

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.

Income inequalities in exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals among pregnant women in Taiwan

BackgroundExposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is being rigorously studied in associations with various health outcomes, however less attention has been paid to its socio-economic determinants. This study investigated how EDCs exposure levels in pregnant women could differ on individual- and area- level income in Taiwan. MethodsUrinary measurements of phthalates, nonylphenol, bisphenol A, parabens and individual socio-economic variables (income, education, etc.) of pregnant women from Taiwan Maternal and Infant Cohort Study (TMICS) were linked via residence to area-level average annual household income. EDCs concentrations were compared between the four main Taiwan regions (North, Central, South and East) and between individual income groups. Lorenz curves were plotted to describe inequalities in EDCs exposure, and EDCs exposure related to income. Concentration indexes (CIx) were calculated and compared between the four regions. ResultsNo significant differences between EDCs concentrations adjusted for molar mass and creatinine across individual-level income groups were detected. Exposure inequalities were highest for parabens (CIx = 73.6 %), BPA (CIx = 73.6) and low molecular weight (LMW) phthalates (CIx = 63.3 %). Lorenz curve for LMW phthalates distribution across area-level income was significantly above the equality line (CIx = -21.9 %, p-value < 0.05). Stratification showed significant differences in inequality (p = 0.046) in LMW phthalates exposure across area-level income between South (CIx = -23.1 %), East (CIx = -35.3 %), North (CIx = -3.3 %) and Central (CIx = -6.5 %) regions. ConclusionInequalities in LMW phthalates exposure related to area-level income in East and South regions suggest target areas for public health interventions in terms of environmental regulations and health promotion. Using Lorenz curves and CIx to describe inequalities can be useful in case of inadequate sample sizes in costly human biomonitoring studies, however this method needs to be further developed and validated using human biomonitoring datasets in more diverse populations with larger socio-economic inequalities.

Development and psychometric properties of the supporting mental health in sport instrument

Mental health conditions are a significant global health concern. To address this concern, sport settings are increasingly being viewed as environments in which to support individual mental health and wellbeing. Not all sports settings are, however, conducive to supporting mental health. Efforts to improve mental health in sport settings are likely to be less effective if the club culture, policy, and environment do not promote behaviors known to support mental health. Understanding the extent to which sport clubs offer environments conducive to mental health and wellbeing is important for mental health initiatives targeting sport clubs. Currently and to our knowledge, there is no known instrument that captures member/participant perceptions of how supportive the sport setting is regarding mental health and wellbeing. This study explored the content validity, internal construct validity and external construct validity of the Supporting Mental Health in Sport Instrument (SMHSI) intended to measure the extent to which sport clubs provided a supportive environment for mental health promotion. A process of reliability analysis, principal component analysis and Rasch analysis was conducted confirming the psychometric fit of the items to the overall construct. The instrument could distinguish between two sport club environments providing different levels of mental health support, demonstrating external construct validity. The instrument can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the sport club context to support mental health, to identify suitable club targets for mental health programs, to better determine training needs, or to better understand the impact of mental health programs on wider club contexts. Lay summary: Mental health promotion in sport clubs is becoming increasingly popular. The effectiveness of these promotion efforts may be compromised by the contexts in which they are delivered. This paper describes the properties of the Supporting Mental Health in Sport Instrument designed to measure the contextual support for the promotion of mental health in sport clubs.

Abstract PR003: An examination of tobacco and alcohol outlet density in Boston to identify priority areas for cancer prevention efforts using environmental justice mapping

Abstract Background. Inequitable access to health-harming substances in the built environment can create and exacerbate race and SES-based disparities in cancer incidence and mortality. Availability and density of tobacco and alcohol outlets is associated with increased experimentation, initiation, and regular use of alcohol and tobacco products. Prior studies examining the sale of tobacco and alcohol indicate that these outlets tend to be concentrated in communities of color and low-income areas. Massachusetts has highlighted environmental justice (EJ), one’s right to be protected from hazards and live in clean, health-promoting environments, as a priority issue and identified block group populations who are at most risk of environmental burdens. The objective of this study was to (a) examine the distribution of tobacco and alcohol outlets in environmental justice block groups in Boston, and (b) compare outlet density in more deprived neighborhoods to more privileged neighborhoods. Methods. Publicly available licensing lists for tobacco and alcohol retailers with geocoded data were obtained from the City of Boston’s open data hub. Lists were de-duplicated so that retailers that sell both tobacco and alcohol products were only represented once. The environmental justice block group layer (2020) was downloaded from Mass.gov. EJ block groups meet one or more of the following criteria: ‘high minority’ (&amp;gt;40% non-white population), ‘low-income’, or ‘high English isolation.’ ArcGIS Pro software was used to spatially join retailer data to Boston block groups and calculate tobacco and alcohol outlet density (the number of retailers per 1,000 people). Sociodemographic and cancer mortality data from the Health of Boston Report was used to classify neighborhoods as ‘more privileged’ (Back Bay, Beacon Hill, North End, West End) or ‘more deprived’ (Dorchester, Hyde Park, Mattapan, Roslindale, Roxbury). Results. Of the 560 Boston block groups analyzed, 458 (81.8%) were considered environmental justice block groups with 60% of EJ block groups classified as ‘high minority’. There were 931 retailers that sell tobacco or alcohol products for off-premises consumption in Boston, with 86% of these retailers (n=811) located in EJ block groups. On average, tobacco and alcohol outlet density was greater in EJ block groups compared to non-EJ block groups (2.09 vs 1.25 retailers per 1,000 residents). Nearly half (48%) of environmental justice block groups in Boston are located in the most deprived neighborhoods compared to only 3.7% in the most privileged neighborhoods. Tobacco outlet density is significantly higher in deprived neighborhoods compared to privileged neighborhoods (1.25 vs 0.98, p &amp;lt; 0.01). However, alcohol density is lower in more deprived block groups compared to more privileged ones (0.35 vs 0.74, p &amp;lt; 0.01). Conclusion. Environmental justice mapping can be used as a tool to identify areas where cancer prevention efforts may be enhanced by modifying the built environment to reduce clusters of alcohol and tobacco outlets. Citation Format: Lindsay Kephart. An examination of tobacco and alcohol outlet density in Boston to identify priority areas for cancer prevention efforts using environmental justice mapping [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr PR003.

The Impact of Different Levels of Typical School Provision of Physical Education, Physical Activity and Sports on Adolescent Physical Activity Behaviors, Health and Wellbeing

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of different levels of typical school provision of physical education, physical activity and sports on the physical activity behaviors, health and wellbeing of Irish adolescents (13–14 years). Methods: A cross-sectional sample (n = 795) of adolescents (age: 14.28 ± 0.45), enrolled at schools that are representative of higher (n = 7), moderate (n = 6) and lower (n = 7) levels of a typical school provision of physical education, physical activity and sports was included. A physical activity behaviors, health and wellbeing questionnaire with established test–retest reliability was utilized to measure the variation in physical activity behaviors, health and wellbeing. Results: Data analysis indicated a significant variation in the levels of physical activity behaviors and health across different levels of typical school provision of physical education, physical activity and sports. The evidence was reported both as unadjusted group level analysis and adjusted covariate analysis. Favorable outcomes for higher levels of typical school provision were found for physical activity participation, body mass index, social support from peers to participate in physical activity and enjoyment of physical education for girls and somatic health complaints and enjoyment of physical education for boys. Conclusions: The findings stemming from this inquiry enable schools to optimize their environments for health promotion and, thus, further enhance their contribution to public health policy.

Corrigendum: A scoping review of the evidence available for the use of salons as health promotion environments, for the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases in women from different ethnic backgrounds

Corrigendum: A scoping review of the evidence available for the use of salons as health promotion environments, for the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases in women from different ethnic backgrounds

Healing Obesity with health-promoting environments – can interventions in Urban Policies bring health benefits?

Abstract Obesity is a complex chronic disease associated with numerous health and social consequences. In 90% of cases, obesity is multifactorial, with a basis in a discrepancy between energy intake and consumption, but also caused by endocrine, psychological factors, environment, improper diet, physical inactivity, and lifestyle. The environment where people live and work must provide opportunity for enough physical activity to prevent obesity. The availability of fitness parks, bike paths, and publicly accessible swimming pools are the many possibilities that a positive and encouraging environment could provide. Urban areas demand publicly accessible places for physical activity. At the same time, it is important to motivate citizens in urban areas to increase their physical activity, because of a predominantly sedentary lifestyle. If the city's urban and health policies promote a healthy lifestyle, for example encouraging cycling and walking by providing infrastructure that will allow for a greater percentage of people to engage daily in physical activity. A healthy-behaviors-promoting environment is important to combat obesity (walkable neighborhood, green space, safe cycling, healthy food availability). A variety of policy strategies are available to create an active and safe environment: 1) increasing green and blue areas in urban settings: to promote recreation and relaxation; 2) promoting cycling and walking as a form of active mobility; 3) reducing or banning of public advertising of unhealthy food, while promoting healthy nutrition and increase of markets with healthy food; 4) encouraging socialization through sport, etc. Providing a healthy and safe environment is necessary to curb the obesity epidemic. Numerous interventions aimed at implementing a plan to change the environment and create a safe and stimulating environment for children and adults are needed.