Population Density Of Municipalities Research Articles

Urban vs. rural differences in psychiatric diagnoses, symptom severity, and functioning in a psychiatric sample.

Identifying whether certain groups of people experience elevated rates or severities of psychiatric symptoms provides information to guide healthcare allocation. People living in urban areas have higher rates of some psychiatric disorders relative to people living in rural settings, however, it is unclear if psychiatric severity is more elevated in urban vs. rural settings. This study investigates the urban vs. rural differences in rates of psychiatric disorders and severity of psychiatric symptoms. A cohort of patients (63% women, 85% White) presenting to an outpatient psychiatric treatment center in the U.S. completed patient-reported outcomes at all clinic visits as part of standard care. Rurality was determined by municipality population density. Sociodemographic characteristics, psychiatric diagnoses, trauma exposure, psychiatric symptom severity, functioning, and suicidality were compared by rural vs. urban municipality. There were virtually no differences between patients living in rural vs. urban municipalities on rates of psychiatric disorders, severity of psychiatric symptoms, functional impairment, and suicidality (ps≥.09). The only difference was that patients living in rural municipalities had higher exposure to serious accidents than patients living in urban municipalities (p < .01); exposure to nine other traumatic events did not differ between groups (p≥.07). People living in urban and rural municipalities have a similar need for mental health treatment. Access to care may be one explanatory factor for the occasional rural-urban differences in rates of psychiatric disorders. In other words, if people living in rural areas can access care, their symptom presentations appear unlikely to differ from those of people living in urban areas.

ГЕНЕЗИС ГОРОДСКИХ АГЛОМЕРАЦИЙ И ИХ ВЛИЯНИЕ НА РАЗВИТИЕ РЕГИОНАЛЬНЫХ СОЦИАЛЬНО-ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКИХ КОМПЛЕКСОВ

This article deals with the problem of the genesis of urban agglomerations and their impact on the development of regional socio-economic complexes. The purpose of the article is to reveal the issues related to the genesis of urban agglomerations in the Russian Federation. Based on the study of the literature found that the identified approaches to the concept of urban agglomeration in relation to the technological development of regions and the distribution of productive forces is not consistent with current conditions and requires a critical rethinking. The criteria for the formation of urban agglomerations, considered in the draft law "About Urban Agglomerations" form a single approach to the population density of municipalities and cities of federal significance, which, in turn, imposes restrictions on the creation of urban agglomerations, and this, in turn, is contrary to the basic objectives for their creation and further development. The author proposed the definition of "urban agglomeration", which is necessary to introduce in the legal acts of the subjects of the Russian Federation, in which the urban agglomerations are already established, as well as to improve the procedures of regulation of the creation and/or development of agglomerations. The proposed criterial approach can be implemented in the legal acts of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation in which urban agglomerations have been created to create optimal conditions for the development of urban agglomerations, taking into account the population density in different regions of the Russian Federation. It is argued that the presence of the problems highlighted by the author with the definition and criteria of urban agglomerations require the urgent adoption of the law "On Urban Agglomerations". It is advisable to merge the two developed bills into one, which should be aligned with the Spatial Development Strategy. If adopted into the current legislative framework, it will have a significant impact on the economic and social stability of the region and will level out the existing legal inconsistencies in the legal and regulatory framework for the creation and development of urban agglomerations. An important aspect is that the author's proposed approach will form the prerequisites for the development of new urban agglomerations in the subjects of the Russian Federation with low population density.

Home environment and noise disturbance in a national sample of multi-family buildings in Sweden-associations with medical symptoms

BackgroundPoor acoustic conditions at home can have negative health impact. The aim was to investigate home environment factors and medical symptoms associated with noise disturbance.MethodsAll adults (≥18 y) registered in selected apartments in Sweden were invited to participate in a questionnaire survey including medical questions and personal factors. Totally 5775 adults participated (response rate 46%). Information on home environment was obtained through an indoor environment questionnaire. Two-level logistic regression models (individual, municipality) were performed to estimate associations.ResultsTotally 11.9% reported noise disturbance in general at home. Noise disturbance from voice/radio/TV/music/similar sounds from neighbours (13.2%), scraping sound/footsteps/thumping from neighbours (16.5%) and road traffic (16.1%) were common. Younger age and smoking were related to more noise disturbance and more medical symptoms. Noise disturbance was related to tiredness, headache and difficulty concentrating (OR = 1.70–8.19). Renting the apartment (OR = 2.53) and living above ground floor (OR = 1.37) were related to more noise disturbance in general. Living in newer buildings (constructed from 1986 to 2005) was related to less noise disturbance in general (OR = 0.40–0.59). A warmer climate (OR = 1.95), higher municipality population density (OR = 1.24), a longer living time (OR = 1.34), construction year (1961–1975) (OR = 2.42), renting (OR = 1.80–2.32), living above ground floor (OR = 1.45) and having a bathroom fan (OR = 1.84) were associated with increased noise disturbance from neighbours. Factors associated with increased noise disturbance from installations or ventilation/fans/heat pumps included a warmer climate, higher municipality population density, construction year (1961–1995), renting and any mechanical ventilation. Higher municipality population density, construction year (especially 1961–1985) and renting were associated with more noise disturbance from traffic (OR = 1.77–3.92). Renting the apartment (OR = 1.73) and living above ground floor (OR = 1.60) were related to more severe traffic noise disturbances. Noise disturbance in general was partly a mediator of the effects of old buildings, renting the apartment and lack of mechanical ventilation on medical symptoms (% of total effect mediated by noise disturbance: 19–44.8%).ConclusionsNoise disturbance can be associated medical symptoms. Younger age, smoking, a warmer climate, higher municipality population density and different building factors (e.g. renting the apartment, construction period 1961–1985) can be associated with noise disturbance.

Optimal Allocation of COVID-19 Test Kits Among Accredited Testing Centers in the Philippines.

Testing is crucial for early detection, isolation, and treatment of coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-infected individuals. However, in resource-constrained countries such as the Philippines, test kits have limited availability. As of 11 April 2020, there are 11 testing centers in the country that have been accredited by the Department of Health (DOH) to conduct testing. In this paper, we use nonlinear programming (NLP) to determine the optimal percentage allocation of COVID-19 test kits among accredited testing centers in the Philippines that gives an equitable chance to all infected individuals to be tested. Heterogeneity in testing accessibility, population density of municipalities, and the capacity of testing facilities are included in the model. Our results show that the range of optimal allocation per testing center are as follows: Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (4.17–6.34%), San Lazaro Hospital (14.65–24.03%), University of the Philippines-National Institutes of Health (16.25–44.80%), Lung Center of the Philippines (15.8–26.40%), Baguio General Hospital Medical Center (0.58–0.76%), The Medical City, Pasig City (5.96–25.51%), St. Luke’s Medical Center, Quezon City (1.09–6.70%), Bicol Public Health Laboratory (0.06–0.08%), Western Visayas Medical Center (0.71–4.52%), Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (1.02–2.61%), and Southern Philippines Medical Center (≈ 0.01%). Our results can serve as a guide to the authorities in distributing the COVID-19 test kits. These can also be used for proposing additional testing centers and utilizing the available test kits properly and equitably, which helps in “flattening” the epidemic curve.

Does poor oral health status increase the risk of falls?: The JAGES Project Longitudinal Study.

We sought to examine if self-reported oral health conditions regarding difficulty eating tough foods, dry mouth, choking, number of teeth and denture use are associated with incident falls. Our study was based on panel data from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study conducted in 2010 and 2013 using self-administered questionnaires. Data from 19,995 male and 20,858 female community-dwelling older people aged ≥65 years without a history of falls within the previous year in 2010 were analyzed. Multilevel logistic regression models were used to determine the association between poor oral health in 2010 and multiple incident falls in 2013 after adjusting for possible confounders and considering differences in municipalities. The percentage of males and females who reported falls in 2013 were 2.4% and 2.1%, respectively. After adjusting for age, educational attainment, equivalized income, depression, self-rated health, instrumental activities of daily living, body mass index, present illness related to falls, social participation, walking in min/day, alcohol drinking status, and municipality population density, dry mouth in males (odds ratio [OR] = 1.41; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12–1.77) and choking in females (OR = 1.64; 95% CI: 1.27–2.11) were significantly associated with incident falls. Difficulty eating tough foods in both sexes and choking in males were marginally associated with incident falls (p<0.1). Females having 10–19 teeth without dentures (OR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.14–2.31), ≤9 teeth with dentures (OR = 1.36; 95% CI: 1.03–1.80), and ≤9 without dentures (OR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.02–2.08) were significantly associated with incident falls compared with those having ≥20 teeth, respectively. These findings suggest that poor oral function, having fewer teeth, and not using dentures are predictors of incident falls. Further studies are needed to determine whether improving oral health can reduce the risk of falls.

Quality indicators of nutritional care practice in elderly care

ObjectivesThe aim is to explore the effects of antecedent, structural and process quality indicators of nutritional care practice on meal satisfaction and screened nutritional status among older adults in residential care homes.DesignData for this Swedish cross-sectional study regarding older adults living in residential care homes were collected by i) a national questionnaire, ii) records from the quality registry Senior Alert, iii) data from an Open Comparison survey of elderly care in 2013/2014. The data represented 1154 individuals in 117 of 290 Swedish municipalities.MeasurementsMeal satisfaction (%) and adequate nutritional status, screened by the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF), were the two outcome variables assessed through their association with population density of municipalities and residents’ age, together with 12 quality indicators pertaining to structure and process domains in the Donabedian model of care.ResultsMeal satisfaction was associated with rural and urban municipalities, with the structure quality indicators: local food policies, private meal providers, on-site cooking, availability of clinical/community dietitians, food service dietitians, and with the process quality indicators: meal choice, satisfaction surveys, and ‘meal councils’. Adequate nutritional status was positively associated with availability of clinical/community dietitians, and energy and nutrient calculated menus, and negatively associated with chilled food production systems.ConclusionMunicipality characteristics and structure quality indicators had the strongest associations with meal satisfaction, and quality indicators with local characteristics emerge as important for meal satisfaction. Nutritional competence appears vital for residents to be well-nourished.

Indicadores socioambientales aplicados en la gestión de ambientes costeros. Caso de estudio Santa Catarina, Brasil

The coastal región of the State of Santa Catarina in Brazil which includes the coastal promontories of Penha, Balneário Camboriú and Itajaí, is among the areas most affected by urbanization in that area, and consequently suffers pressure on natural resources causing destruction or degradation. The purpose of this study was to identify and analyze the main vectors of pressure on coastal promontories of Penha (São Roque and Monge), Itajaí (Farol de Cabeçudas) and Balneário Camboriú (Taquaras and Taquarinhas). This analysis was based on social and environmental indicators, which tend to facilítate the communicability of complex phenomena and to give subsidy to public managers and civilians, since that simplify complex concepts. For this analysis it was performed a fieldwork in the studies areas, bibliographic and documentary research applicant to the impacts and activities in these areas, as well as research based on data relating to tourism, water quality and demographic development of the municipalities. To evalúate the quality of bathing of beaches in the vicinity of areas of study, it was used the data of the monitoring carried out periodically by the environmental agency of the State of Santa Catarina The diagnosis about the demographic characteristics was developed through research of the evolution of population density of municipalities based on the 1991, 2000 and 2010 census, and population counts in 1996 and. For projections of the evolution of population, for the year 2050 in the municipalities under study, it was used the methodology used by the institute ibge (governmental institute of statistics). The data on tourism were provided by santur (government institute of tourism), with data for the years 2005-2009 of the amount of tourists on these areas. The analysis was also correlated with the number of beds of occasional use and vacant, to estímate the number of second homes or the number of tourist beds. After the compilation of data and indicators, it was constructed an Índex of Level of Pressure (lp) composed of three indicators: demographic density, Population Growth and Tourism. The higher the density, population growth and the expressiveness of tourism, the higher the level of pressure, thus establishing a relationship of proportionality between of the Level of Pressure, with the following classes: very high, high, médium, low, very low. This level was combined with the water bathing Índex (classified as proper or improper) and the Access Level to areas with the purpose of verify which areas with the greatest threats. The access level was classified in three levéis: low, médium and high. The higher the rating, the better the local road infrastructure and consequent ease to access it. It was found that the major sources of pressure are population growth and tourism, which end up generating a series of effects to the natural environment. It is possible to observe that the promontories, in generally, has their flora preserved.The bathing water quality is proper for the municipality of Penha, however, in Itajaí there are deteriorating trends, as well as in the outfall of the lagoon of Taquaras in Balneário Camboriu with improper quality, due to sewage releases. Upon analysis of the data, it was found that the combination of the pressure levéis with water quality and level of access to the promontories pointed that the promontory of Balneário Camboriu have the greatest threats, with a level of pressure (lp) very high; besides the improper water quality, and access level (al) high, causing great pressure on the natural resources do promontory. In conclusión, it has been verified the need to expand environmental studies and carry out actions for environmental protection and regulation of land use in these areas of high environmental interest. As regards the use of indicators, these allow to establish relationships and understanding of compact and simplified way of how complex and synergistic phenomena, such as tourism and population growth, interfere with the environmental integrity manifested in these areas and/or municipalities. This interaction approaches the community to monitoring the effectiveness of public policies, as well as supports public managers as guides on planning and to establish goal.

Does transport time help explain the high trauma mortality rates in rural areas? New and traditional predictors assessed by new and traditional statistical methods

BackgroundTrauma is a leading global cause of death. Trauma mortality rates are higher in rural areas, constituting a challenge for quality and equality in trauma care. The aim of the...

Economies of Density and Productivity in Service Industries: An Analysis of Personal Service Industries Based on Establishment-Level Data

Abstract This study aims to empirically investigate the determinants of service industry productivity, such as economies of scale and economies of density. By using establishment-level data related to personal service industries in Japan, the study estimates the production functions for both value-added and physical output measures. In almost all the service industries examined, significant economies of scale and economies of density are observed, wherein productivity increases by 7% to 15% when the municipality population density doubles. These findings are confirmed by an estimation in which the measures of physical output are considered instead of value added.

Effect of degree of urbanisation on age and sex-specific asthma prevalence in Swedish preschool children

BackgroundThere are few studies on age and sex-specific asthma prevalence in the age range 1–6 years. The purpose of this report was to estimate age and sex specific asthma prevalence in preschool children and to analyse the influence of possible demographic and geographic determinants.MethodsAll 70 allergen avoidance day-care centres and 140 matched ordinary day-care centres across Sweden were sampled. The parents of all 8,757 children attending these day-care centres received the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) written questionnaire, supplemented with questions on medical treatment, physician assessed asthma diagnosis, and other asthma related questions. The response rate was 68%.ResultsThe age specific asthma prevalence, adjusted for the underlying municipality population size, was among boys 9.7% at age 1, 11.1% at age 2, 11.4 at age 3, 10.5 at age 4, 8.7 at age 5, and 6.4 at age 6. The corresponding proportions among girls were 8.9%, 9.9%, 9.8%, 8.8%, 7.0%, and 5.0%, on average 9.6% for boys and 8.2% for girls, altogether 8.9%. In addition to age and sex the prevalence increased by municipality population density, a proxy for degree of urbanisation. Moreover, there was a remaining weak geographical gradient with increasing prevalence towards the north and the west.ConclusionThe age-specific asthma prevalence was curvilinear with a peak around age 3 and somewhat higher for boys than for girls. The asthma prevalence increased in a slowly accelerating pace by municipality population density as a proxy for degree of urbanisation.

Temperament and Migration Patterns in Finland

Migration is a central determinant of population dynamics and structure. We examined whether three major temperament traits--sociability, emotionality, and activity--predicted migration propensity, selective urban-rural migration, and migration distance in a 9-year prospective study in Finland. The participants were Finnish women and men (N= 1,733) ages 15 to 30 years at baseline. The home municipality's position on the urban-rural continuum was assessed on the basis of the municipality's population density. We found that high sociability predicted migration to urban areas and longer migration distances. High activity increased general migration propensity (including migration to both urban and rural areas). High emotionality increased the likelihood of leaving the home municipality and decreased migration distances, but was not associated with selective urban-rural migration. These data suggest that temperament predicts the self-selection of environments on a demographic scale and may be relevant in understanding population dynamics.

Residential environment and blood pressure in the PRIME Study: is the association mediated by body mass index and waist circumference?

Few studies have examined whether social characteristics of the residential environment are associated with blood pressure after controlling for individual sociodemographic characteristics. Even less is known about the processes by which these associations operate. Therefore, we examined whether distinct dimensions of the residential environment (socioeconomic position and urbanicity) were associated with systolic blood pressure. To better understand the processes involved in the associations between contextual factors and blood pressure, we assessed the extent to which these associations were mediated by body mass index and waist circumference. We analysed data from the PRIME Study (7850, 50-60-year-old men surveyed in 1991-1993 in three French regions and recently geocoded on a local scale). We used multilevel regression models to estimate associations between contextual factors and blood pressure, and path analysis to investigate possible mediators of these associations. After adjustment for individual socioeconomic variables, systolic blood pressure increased independently with decreasing municipality population density and decreasing neighbourhood educational level. Path analysis indicated that approximately 37% of the association between neighbourhood education and blood pressure was statistically explained by the heavier weight and stronger central adiposity of people from deprived neighbourhoods. Approximately 19% of the association with population density was mediated by anthropometric factors. These data suggest that the neighbourhood environment may influence blood pressure; only part of the associations between contextual factors and blood pressure may operate through body weight and body shape modification.

Geographical pattern of malignant neoplasm by cluster analysis using standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan.

We investigated the geographical patterns of mortality from eight (males)/ten (females) sites of malignant neoplasm, using cluster analysis with Standardized Mortality Ratios (SMRs), and examined the relationship between the mortality structure and urbanization. To explore the geographical tendencies is important for the prevention of cancers; such as noticing risk factors associated with regional variance. The death rates, by site, gender and age from 1990 to 1994 in Japan, were obtained from Vital Statistics. The deaths and population in municipalities were obtained from "Population of Ibaraki Prefecture". These were represented as averaged values in five-year periods. As an indicator of urbanization and mortality structure, the population density of municipalities and the overall rank scores of SMRs were used, respectively. Cluster analysis formed some distinctive structures. For males, Cluster 1 included four municipalities and three of these were located in the mountainous area in northwest Ibaraki, characterized by high SMRs from bone marrow. Cluster 5 consisted of the mid-south areas, characterized by high SMRs from stomach cancer. For females, the clusters seemed to be characterized by SMRs from esophagus cancer. An association between mortality structure and urbanization was found for females, 0.364 (p<0.01), but not for males, 0.162 (p=0.14).