High-income Neighborhoods Research Articles

Microbiological characterization of stormwater in a high-income neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Stormwater harvesting and reuse in the urban environment is emerging as an alternative water source, despite human pathogens in the stormwater may represent a hazard to public health. This study presents the results of 1-year monitoring to evaluate the quality of stormwater obtained in a high-income neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro for a set of microbiological parameters as total coliforms, Escherichia coli (E. coli), human adenovirus (HAdV), human JC polyomavirus (JCPyV), Group A rotavirus (RVA), and norovirus GI and GII. Forty-eight stormwater samples obtained from two multiplex units presented total coliforms and E. coli in 91.7% (n = 44) and 58.3% (n = 28) of samples, while HAdV and JCPyV were detected in 20.8% (n = 10) and 12.5% (n = 6), respectively. Viral quantification ranged from 103 to 104 genomic copies/liter (GC/L) for HAdV and from 101 to 104 GC/L for JCPyV. Neither RVA nor norovirus GI and GII was detected. Fifteen out of sixteen (93.8%) samples containing viruses were compliant as per fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) according to Brazilian standards for rainwater reuse and US EPA Guidelines for Water Reuse, suggesting that viruses monitoring should complement the study of bacterial indicators.

Patient characteristics associated with enrolment under voluntary programs implemented within fee-for-service systems in British Columbia and Quebec: a cross-sectional study.

Background:There is a paucity of information on patient characteristics associated with enrolment under voluntary programs (e.g. incentive payments) implemented within fee-for-service systems. We explored patient characteristics associated with enrolment under these programs in British Columbia and Quebec.Methods:We used linked administrative data and a cross-sectional design to compare people aged 40 years or more enrolled under voluntary programs to those who were eligible but not enrolled. We examined 2 programs in Quebec (enrolment of vulnerable patients with qualifying conditions [implemented in 2003] and enrolment of the general population [2009]) and 3 in BC (Chronic disease incentive [2003], Complex care incentive [2007] and enrolment of the general population [A GP for Me, 2013]). We used logistic regression to estimate the odds of enrolment by neighbourhood income, rural versus urban residence, previous treatment for mental illness, previous treatment for substance use disorder and use of health care services before program implementation, controlling for characteristics linked to program eligibility.Results:In Quebec, we identified 1 569 010 people eligible for the vulnerable enrolment program (of whom 505 869 [32.2%] were enrolled within the first 2 yr of program implementation) and 2 394 923 for the general enrolment program (of whom 352 380 [14.7%] were enrolled within the first 2 yr). In BC, we identified 133 589 people eligible for the Chronic disease incentive, 47 619 for the Complex care incentive and 1 349 428 for A GP for Me; of these, 60 764 (45.5%), 28 273 (59.4%) and 1 066 714 (79.0%), respectively, were enrolled within the first 2 years. The odds of enrolment were higher in higher-income neighbourhoods for programs without enrolment criteria (adjusted odds ratio [OR] comparing highest to lowest quintiles 1.21 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.20–1.23] in Quebec and 1.67 [95% CI 1.64–1.69] in BC) but were similar across neighbourhood income quintiles for programs with health-related eligibility criteria. The odds of enrolment by urban versus rural location varied by program. People treated for substance use disorders had lower odds of enrolment in all programs (adjusted OR 0.60–0.72). Compared to people eligible but not enrolled, those enrolled had similar or higher numbers of primary care visits and longitudinal continuity of care in the year before enrolment.Interpretation:People living in lower-income neighbourhoods and those treated for substance use disorders were less likely than people in higher-income neighbourhoods and those not treated for such disorders to be enrolled in programs without health-related eligibility criteria. Other strategies are needed to promote equitable access to primary care.

Precision approaches to food insecurity: A spatial analysis of urban hunger and its contextual correlates in an African city

Although progress has been made in addressing hunger and poor diets in African cities, many urban residents still suffer from food insecurity, and there is large heterogeneity within cities. We examine spatial variations in hunger and dietary quality using a representative study of 983 households and 440 food retailers in a South African secondary city. Substantial variation existed both between and within urban neighborhoods: high-income neighborhoods were not free of hunger, and low-income neighborhoods varied in diet quality according to individual characteristics. After controlling for income and gender, individual characteristics including access to consumer technologies for food transportation and storage, and informal food assistance from neighbors, were protective against hunger and poor quality diets. Results suggest that meaningful variations exist at smaller geographic units than the city-level or neighborhood-level statistics typically reported in food security research. Average socioeconomic status of neighborhoods may not be a sufficient proxy for their food insecurity, as poor areas vary substantially in their food access options and food choices. Precision estimates of hunger and poor diets are needed to target interventions at those neighborhoods and those households with the greatest need, and to tailor interventions for the specific and different needs of urban residents within neighborhoods.

National Trends in Emergency Department Visits for Child Maltreatment, 2007-2014.

To understand the prevalence of child maltreatment-related emergency department (ED) visits in the United States, we examined data from the 2007 to 2014 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample. Based on existing literature, International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9 CM) ED discharge codes for children less than 10 years of age were characterized as specified child maltreatment, defined as visits with an explicit maltreatment ICD-9 CM or external causes of injury codes. The prevalence of child maltreatment visits per 100,000 children in the United States (based on Center for Disease Control Wide-ranging ONline Data for Epidemiologic Research estimates) overall and by sociodemographic factors was examined, and tests for trends over time were evaluated with Cochran-Armitage tests. Analyses were conducted in 2019. The prevalence of child maltreatment based in ICD-9 CM discharge codes ED visits dropped from 69.2 visits per 100,000 in 2007 to 65.9 visits per 100,000 in 2014; this trend was statistically significant. The prevalence was lowest in 2010 (60.1 visits per 100,000 children). There were increases observed for some demographic groups in this period. Throughout the 8-year period examined, the prevalence of child maltreatment visits was highest for physical abuse compared with other forms of maltreatment, higher for boys compared with girls; highest for children younger than 1 year, and higher for children living in neighborhoods with the lowest median income compared with children in higher-income neighborhoods. The Nationwide Emergency Department Sample data set is a valuable surveillance tool for examining trends in child maltreatment. Future studies should explore what factors may explain variations in child maltreatment over time to best develop prevention strategies.

Housing Instability and Socioeconomic Disparities in Health: Evidence from the U.S. Economic Recession.

While a number of studies have observed the effects of housing instability on health outcomes, fewer have emphasized pre-existing socioeconomic disparities in health and the influence of housing instability on subsequent health outcomes in the wake of the economic recession. Using national data on six adult health indictors and foreclosure data aggregated by census tract, this study examines the association between neighborhood housing insecurity and health outcomes, particularly focusing on various income levels and racial groups in about 200 U.S. metropolitan areas after the 2008 housing crisis. Results suggest that high levels of housing instability induced by high levels of foreclosed properties in certain neighborhoods were strongly associated with more health problems among residents, but the results varied according to the income level and the dominant racial group in these neighborhoods. With regard to income levels, adverse health conditions in lower income neighborhoods remained longer and became stronger than those in higher income neighborhoods. The findings also show variation among racial groups: While multiple health problems plagued all income levels in white tracts, more severe and worsening pre-existing health problems appeared in lower income minority tracts. In addition, neighborhood housing instability generated by mortgage foreclosures was strongly associated with heart-related diseases, particularly in middle-income White neighborhoods, and mental health problems, particularly in upper-income Hispanic tracts. Finally, among multiple health indicators, mental health problems were the most common health conditions during the U.S. economic recession. In light of the socioeconomic disparities in health, policy makers should establish effective policy tools that integrate health and urban and housing planning.

Following the Epidemic Waves: Child and Youth Mental Health Assessments in Ontario Through Multiple Pandemic Waves.

Emerging studies across the globe are reporting the impact of COVID-19 and its related virus containment measures, such as school closures and social distancing, on the mental health presentations and service utilization of children and youth during the early stages of lockdowns in their respective countries. However, there remains a need for studies which examine the impact of COVID-19 on children and youth's mental health needs and service utilization across multiple waves of the pandemic. The present study used data from 35,162 interRAI Child and Youth Mental Health (ChYMH) assessments across 53 participating mental health agencies in Ontario, Canada, to assess the mental health presentations and referral trends of children and youth across the first two waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in the province. Wave 1 consisted of data from March to June 2020, with Wave 2 consisting of data from September 2020 to January 2021. Data from each wave were compared to each other and to the equivalent period one year prior. While assessment volumes declined during both pandemic waves, during the second wave, child and youth assessments in low-income neighborhoods declined more than those within high-income neighborhoods. There were changes in family stressors noted in both waves. Notably, the proportion of children exposed to domestic violence and recent parental stressors increased in both waves of the pandemic, whereas there were decreases noted in the proportion of parents expressing feelings of distress, anger, or depression and reporting recent family involvement with child protection services. When comparing the two waves, while depressive symptoms and recent self-injurious attempts were more prevalent in the second wave of the pandemic when compared to the first, a decrease was noted in the prevalence of disruptive/aggressive behaviors and risk of injury to others from Wave 1 to Wave 2. These findings highlight the multifaceted impact of multiple pandemic waves on children and youth's mental health needs and underscore the need for future research into factors impacting children and youth's access to mental health agencies during this time.

Gentrification and Food Retail Instability: A Census Tract Analysis of the Bronx, New York, 2008 and 2017

As food retailers open, close, and change ownership, the resulting instability in local food environments can affect food access and health. Gentrification, and its associated socioeconomic changes, can be a factor in destabilizing food environments. This study examined food retail in lower income, gentrifying, and higher income census tracts in the Bronx, New York, in 2008 and 2017 to analyze the level of instability of retailers over this period. We created an instability index and tested unweighted and weighted variants to examine disruptions in food retail over time, within and across different food retail segments. We argue that, compared to an unweighted version of the index, a weighted index better captures meaningful food environment changes. The results of this weighted index show that although the odds of food retail change varied among segments and census tract types, gentrifying neighborhoods were not particularly vulnerable to food retail changes in the Bronx compared to lower income and higher income neighborhoods. Our weighted instability index can be applied to other contexts and commercial sectors to track the status of retailers over time and across neighborhoods.

Commercial gentrification and neighbourhood change: A dynamic view on local residents' quality of life in Tehran

While scholars have given considerable attention to the dramatic changes that residential gentrification and displacement bring, the phenomenon of commercial gentrification and its possible impacts on residents' quality of life remain relatively unexplored. Over the recent decades, many affluent and high-income neighbourhoods of Tehran Metropolis (the capital of Iran) are experiencing land-use change and unbridled development of commercial activities within the residential areas. However, this process could exacerbate the potential socio-economic conflicts in the neighbourhoods and lead to a decrease in the quality of life of residents. This paper aims to better understand the process of commercial gentrification and its impacts on the residents’ quality of life in a high-income neighbourhood of Tehran (Nasr Neighbourhood) by using a mixed-method approach including semi-structured interview, purposeful field survey, impact ranking, origin-destination (O-D) survey, and parking survey. The findings demonstrate that the latest Comprehensive Plan of Tehran and its land-use policies played a significant role in triggering the commercial gentrification which led to the clustering of non-local commercial activities along the main streets of Nasr Neighbourhood. Although the process improved the accessibility of residents to urban facilities and utilities and reduced their travel time/cost, the results yield the commercial gentrification that took place over the period of study (2002–2018) declined the residents’ quality of life by degrading the neighbourhood's privacy and socio-cultural homogeneity as well as its detrimental effects on the physical quality of the neighbourhood and residents' tranquillity and safety.

Dual Use of Off-Premise Outlets for Alcohol and Grocery Purchases: Results From the East Bay Neighborhoods Study

Alcohol privatization efforts have enabled consumers in many states in the United States to purchase alcohol in a variety of off-premise outlets, including grocery stores. This study examines the dual use of outlets to purchase both alcohol and groceries and the extent to which dual use is related to individual income, neighborhood income, and local physical availability of alcohol. The East Bay Neighborhoods Study surveyed residents from 72 microecological neighborhoods across six cities in Alameda County, California. Eligible respondents who purchased alcohol in the last year (n = 707) were asked about the off-premise outlet in which they most often purchase alcohol. Purchasing behaviors within this outlet, including purchasing groceries and frequency of visits to the outlet, were assessed. Multilevel logistic regression and negative binomial models assessed outcomes. Seventy-three percent of participants reported dual use of their most used outlet for groceries and alcohol. In adjusted models, dual use of the outlet was not associated with individual income, alcohol use, or neighborhood outlet density but was positively associated with neighborhood income and the number of outlet visits. After adjustment, dual use of the most used outlet was associated with 0.77 more visits per 28 days. Results suggest that convenience and reduced time costs for purchasing alcohol encourage the dual use of outlets, particularly in high-income neighborhoods. Differences in the dual use of outlets and frequency in outlet use by neighborhood environments highlight the importance of understanding the role of alcohol availability in distinct neighborhood income and outlet-level contexts.

Using the five Ws to explore bikeshare equity in Santiago, Chile

Various studies show that bikeshare systems have positive implications for people's health, social cohesion, urban livability, and urban congestion, although many suggest bikeshare systems are not achieving equity goals, particularly regarding low-income people and women. To date, most of these studies come from cities in the Global North, the majority with well-managed governance structures and less inequality. Less is known about how well bikeshare systems work in the highly fragmented and unequal cities that characterize Latin America.Using both primary and secondary data, we analyzed equity through the five Ws of bikeshare in Santiago, Chile, exploring which population groups are using the system (‘who’), travel purposes (‘what’) and time periods (‘when’), from/to which locations (‘where’) and the reasons behind using this transport alternative (‘why’). To do this, we used three main data sources: data from tracked trips of bikeshare cyclists (BSC) using the primary system in Santiago (Bike Santiago system run by Tembici), Santiago's Origin-Destination Survey data for own-bike cyclists (OBC), and a survey of BSC. This article contributes to current knowledge about bikeshare and equity in a still underexplored Latin American context with limited bikeshare data, providing some conclusions regarding the adaptation of these systems to local contexts.In line with findings elsewhere, we found that the largest group of users consisted of educated men aged 25–45 from medium- to high-income neighborhoods, mainly using the system to travel to work. Santiago's fragmented governance has limited the placement of bikeshare systems in low- and middle-income communities and left them with few intermodal alternatives to relevant destinations. As a result, bikeshare mimics the existing inequity and economic concentration patterns that characterize Santiago's daily mobility. Based on these findings, we suggest key considerations and local adaptations that could improve, expand, and redistribute bikeshare facilities to attract currently excluded users.

Sociodemographic and Geographic Factors Associated With Non-Obstetrical Ultrasound Imaging Utilization: A Population-Based Study

Ultrasound is one of the most commonly used imaging modalities, though some populations face barriers in accessing ultrasound services, potentially resulting in disparities in utilization. The objective of this study was to assess the association between sociodemographic and geographic factors and non-obstetrical ultrasound utilization in the province of Saskatchewan, Canada. All non-obstetrical ultrasound exams performed from 2014 to 2018 in Saskatchewan, Canada were retrospectively identified from province-wide databases. Univariate and multivariate Poisson regression analyses were performed to assess the association between ultrasound utilization and sex, age, First Nations status, Charlson Comorbidity Index, urban vs. rural residence, geographic remoteness, and neighborhood income. A total of 1,324,846 individuals (5,857,044 person-years) were included in the analysis. Female sex (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR], 2.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.19-2.22), age (aIRR, 4.97; 95% CI, 4.90-5.05 for ≥57 years vs. <11 years), comorbidities (aIRR, 4.36 for Charlson Comorbidity Index >10 vs. 0; 95% CI, 3.78-5.03), and higher neighborhood income (aIRR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02-1.05 for highest vs. lowest quintile) were associated with higher rates of ultrasound utilization. Individuals who were status First Nations (aIRR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.90-0.92) or resided in geographically remote areas (aIRR, 0.87 for most vs. least remote; 95% CI, 0.83-0.91) had lower rates of ultrasound utilization. Individuals who lived in a rural area also had lower rates of ultrasound utilization (aIRR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.92-0.94). Substantial disparities exist in non-obstetrical ultrasound utilization among individuals in low-income neighborhoods, status First Nations individuals, and individuals in rural and remote communities.

Understanding urban logistics and consumer behavior in São Paulo city

Making deliveries of Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) to small retailers in dense areas is a challenge. This has different levels of impact between high-income and low-income neighborhoods. They are more evident in megacities in developing countries, where there is a clear division between classes. On the one hand, governments do not attend low-income neighborhoods where there are many unsafe areas, lack of planning, and infrastructure that hinders FMCG deliveries. On the other hand, traffic regulations in high-income neighborhoods make delivery processes more complex. This paper aims to analyze urban logistics, comparing low- and high-income areas in São Paulo city taking into account local markets, consumer buying behavior, and the distribution process. To achieve this, a questionnaire in loco was applied to the stakeholders involved (consumers, small retailers, and carriers). The data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics. The results from small retailers, consumers, and carriers reveal that in their point of view the delivery of products is different between Base of the Pyramid (BOP) and high-income consumers (HIC). Factors such as ‘time window regulation’ and ‘infrastructure of neighborhoods’ hinder the delivery of products from companies to small retailers in regions of HIC, while in BOP regions small retailers' security and infrastructure are the major problems from the point of view of the actors. Consumer behavior poses an important factor to guide urban freight transport planning in both regions.

Degree of processing and nutritional value of children's food products.

This study aimed to characterise the availability, the nutritional composition and the processing degree of industrial foods for 0-36-month-old children according to the neighbourhoods affluence. A cross-sectional exploratory study. All food products available in retail stores for children aged 0-36 months were analysed. Data collection took place in two neighbourhoods, comparing two different sociodemographic districts (high v. low per capita income), Campanhã and Foz do Douro in Porto, Portugal. A total of 431 commercially processed food products for children aged 0-36 months which are sold in 23 retail stores were identified. Food products were classified according to their processing degree using the NOVA Food Classification System. For NOVA analysis, of the 244 food products that were included 82 (33·6 %) were minimally processed, 25 (10·2 %) processed and 137 (56·1 %) ultra processed. No food product was classified as a culinary ingredient. The products included mostly cereals, yogurts, prevailed in high-income neighbourhoods for the 0-6-month-old group. It was observed that some categories of ultra-processed food (UPF) presented higher amounts of energy, sugars, saturated fat and salt than unprocessed/minimally processed products. The high availability of UPF offered for 0-36-month-old children should be considered when designing interventions to promote a healthy diet in infancy.

Sociodemographic and Geographic Disparities in Obstetrical Ultrasound Imaging Utilization: A Population-based Study

Obstetrical ultrasound imaging is an important part of prenatal care, though not all patients have readily available access to ultrasound services. This study aimed to assess the association between sociodemographic and geographic factors and (1) having a second trimester complete obstetrical ultrasound and (2) overall obstetrical ultrasound utilization. All pregnancies and obstetrical ultrasound exams billed from 2014-2018 in Saskatchewan, Canada were identified from province-wide databases. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models with binomial and Poisson distributions were used to identify factors associated with having a second trimester ultrasound and overall obstetrical ultrasound utilization, respectively. 80,536 pregnancies from 57,881 individuals were included. Of 57,186 pregnancies carried to ≥23 weeks, a second trimester ultrasound was performed in 50,180 (87.7%). Patients living in rural areas (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.63-0.77; p <0.0001), remote areas (aOR, 0.35 for greatest vs. least remoteness level; 95% CI, 0.32-0.39; p <0.0001), and status First Nations individuals (aOR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.46-0.53; p <0.0001) were less likely to have a second trimester ultrasound. Patients living in higher income neighbourhoods (aOR, 1.86 for highest vs. lowest quintile; 95% CI, 1.62-2.13; p <0.0001) were more likely to have a second trimester ultrasound. GEE Poisson regression analysis demonstrated these same factors, except rural residence, were associated with overall obstetrical ultrasound utilization. Substantial disparities in obstetrical ultrasound utilization exist among patients in remote geographic areas, Indigenous peoples, and patients in low income neighbourhoods. Addressing barriers which these demographic groups face in accessing ultrasound imaging is critical to ensure health equity.

Neighborhood drivability and diabetes incidence in Toronto, Canada

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Reliance on cars contributes to physical inactivity, and therefore may be a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. We investigated whether living in neighborhoods that are highly conducive to driving is associated with an increased incidence of diabetes. METHODS: Working age adults (20-64 yrs) who were living in Toronto, Canada on April 1st 2011, were followed over 6 yrs for incident diabetes using a validated algorithm based on hospital records and physicians’ services claims. For neighborhood drivability, we used a novel index capturing three factors of the built environment: urban sprawl, pedestrian unfriendliness and parking options. Cox regression was used to examine the association between neighborhood drivability quintiles (Q) and diabetes incidence, adjusting for age, sex, income, ethnicity, immigration status and comorbidity, and censoring for death. RESULTS:Among 1,473,994 individuals in our sample (mean age 40.9±12.2, 48.5% male), 77,835 developed diabetes. Overall, there was a direct relationship between drivability and diabetes incidence, however the magnitude of this effect varied by age and income. Among young adults (20-34 yrs), those living in the most drivable neighborhoods (Q5) had a 58% higher incidence of diabetes (adjusted HR: 1.58 (95%CI: 1.47-1.69)) relative to those in the least drivable neighborhoods (Q1), whereas the same comparison in older adults (55-64 yrs) yielded smaller differences (HR: 1.31 (95%CI: 1.26-1.36)). High drivability was most strongly associated with diabetes risk in the middle income neighborhoods with 96% increased risk for young residents (HR:1.96 (95%CI: 1.64-2.33) and a 46% increased risk for older residents (HR: 1.46 (95%CI:1.32-1.62). Associations between drivability and diabetes incidence were significant but of a lesser magnitude in low- and high-income neighborhoods. CONCLUSIONS:In our setting, neighborhood drivability is a risk factor for the diabetes incidence among working age adults, especially younger, middle-income populations. KEYWORDS: drivability, walkability, built environment, diabetes

Park environment and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in parks among adolescents in a high-density city: the moderating role of neighbourhood income

BackgroundUrban parks are critical environmental resources in which adolescents engage in physical activity (PA). Evidence on the associations between park environmental characteristics and park-based PA in adolescents is mixed, particularly for high-density cities. Evidence is also lacking concerning the moderating role of neighbourhood socioeconomic status on the park-PA relationships. The current study aimed to examine the associations between park environmental characteristics and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in parks among adolescents in Hong Kong and the moderating effect of neighbourhood income on these associations.MethodsA cross-sectional study involving direct observations of adolescents was conducted in 32 randomly selected urban parks in Hong Kong. Park environmental characteristics were measured using the Community Park Audit Tool. Park-based MVPA among adolescents was measured using the System for Observation Play and Recreation in Communities. Neighbourhood income was extracted from the 2011 Hong Kong Population Census data on median household income.ResultsThere was a significant positive association between the quality of amenities and park-based MVPA (metabolic equivalents per observation) in adolescents. However, the associations between the diversity of active facilities, greenness and adolescents’ park-based MVPA were not significant. Neighbourhood income moderated the association between adolescents’ park-based MVPA and park safety, where the relationship between park safety and park-based MVPA was significantly positive in low-income neighbourhoods but not significant in high-income neighbourhoods. An income-by-environment interaction was also observed concerning park aesthetics, with a negative relationship between park aesthetics and park-based MVPA in high-income neighbourhoods but not in low-income neighbourhoods.ConclusionOur findings provide evidence regarding how park environment and neighbourhood income impact adolescents’ park-based MVPA in Hong Kong. These findings can inform urban planning and policymakers who seek to improve urban park development in high-density cities.

Proximate sources of growth in neighborhood income segregation: Class-selective migration versus in situ change

The growth in residential segregation by income implies an increase over time in the neighborhood income gap between rich and poor households. This analysis uses data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, in concert with tract-level decennial U.S. census data, to quantify the relative contribution of two proximate sources of this increase: change in the income-class-selectivity of inter-neighborhood migrants and change in the class difference in neighborhood income among non-migrants, or in situ change. Change in the income-class-selectivity of migrants is likely to be particularly important for explaining the increase in the neighborhood income gap among blacks to the extent that declining housing discrimination enables middle-class blacks to access higher-income neighborhoods. Decomposition of the change between 1980 and 1990 in the class difference in neighborhood income shows that, among blacks, the increase in the neighborhood income gap between rich and poor persons is attributable in large measure to a change in migrant selectivity. An increase in the class difference in average income among the destination neighborhoods of short-distance migrants is a particularly important source of the growth in the class difference in neighborhood income among blacks. In contrast, among whites, the bulk of the increase in the class difference in neighborhood income is attributable to a divergence in neighborhood income between rich and poor non-migrants.

Availability, variety and distribution of healthy and unhealthy foods and beverages sold at street food stands in Mexico City.

To examine differences in the availability, variety and distribution of foods and beverages sold at street food stands (SFS) across neighbourhood income levels in Mexico City. Cross-sectional. Twenty neighbourhoods representing low-, middle- and high-income levels in Mexico City. Direct observations of SFS (n 391). The availability of healthy foods such as fruits/vegetables was high in middle- and high-income neighbourhoods, whereas the availability of unhealthy foods such as processed snacks was higher in low-income neighbourhoods. However, statistically significant differences in food availability across neighbourhoods were only observed for dairy and processed snack items (P < 0·05). Similarly, differences in variety were only observed for cereal and processed snacks (P < 0·05). No statistically significant differences were seen for variety of fruits/vegetable across neighbourhood income levels (P > 0·05). No statistically significant differences across neighbourhood income levels were observed for beverage availability and variety (P > 0·05). Although street foods and beverages were often distributed near homes, public transportation centres and worksites, no differences were observed across neighbourhood income levels (P > 0·05). Findings suggest that SFS can be a source of both unhealthy foods and healthy foods for communities across neighbourhoods in Mexico City. Additional studies are needed to assess the relationship between street food and beverage availability, and consumption.

Assessing the level of compliance of telecommunication masts to locational planning standards towards harmonious and orderly city growth

ABSTRACT The increasing demand for telecommunication services in Ghanaian cities has contributed to the expansion of the telecommunication with its associated health and safety concerns. To regulate the siting of masts towards orderliness, there exists several locational planning standards. There is however dearth of research on the extent of compliance by operators to the regulations with regards to the siting of telecommunication masts. Using Kumasi as a case study, data was gathered through observations and interviews with relevant institutions and households living within a 50 m radius of installed masts in three suburbs – low, middle and high-income neighborhoods. Findings of the research showed that there was a general non-compliance by telecommunication providers with the locational planning standards. For example, 90 percent of masts installed in the study communities do not comply with the minimum setback to the nearest building. The research further indicated that only 11 percent of residents interviewed from the three communities were consulted before the masts in their neighborhood were installed. There is the urgent need for city authorities to integrate telecommunication infrastructure into future land use plans. The study therefore calls for well-planned land use planning regime where the siting of telecommunication mast is done before physical development catches up with peri-urban neighborhoods.

Development and Interrater Reliability of a Street Food Stand Assessment Tool

ObjectiveTo design and test the interrater reliability of a Street Food Stand Assessment Tool (SFSAT). DesignVariables were adapted from validated assessment tools, field observations, and the Mexican Dietary Guidelines. Two researchers tested the SFSAT by observing street food stands (SFS) in 3 middle- to high-income neighborhoods. SettingMexico City. ParticipantsFifty-two SFS. Variables MeasuredThe SFSAT contains 14 items for SFS characteristics and 44 items for food and beverages. AnalysisPercent agreement and kappa interrater reliability scores were calculated for each variable. ResultsAlmost perfect kappa interrater reliability scores (0.81–1.00) were reported for 62.7% of SFS characteristic items. Interrater reliability scores for food and beverage availability and variety ranged from 0.00–1.00, whereas the percent agreement for these items ranged from 59.6%–100.0%. Conclusions and ImplicationsThe SFSAT is a reliable assessment tool to measure the availability and variety of street foods and beverages in Mexico City. Future research can update and adapt the SFSAT to the street food environment of other cities—in Mexico and abroad.