Neighborhood Perceptions Research Articles

Assessing Physical Therapists' Outdoor Walking Recommendations and Neighborhood Walkability for Older Adults.

Neighborhood walkability is the extent to which built and social environments support walking. Walkability influences older adults' participation in outdoor physical activity. Identifying factors that influence physical therapists' (PTs) decisions about prescribing outdoor walking is needed, especially for those who are aging in place. The purpose of this study is to describe the neighborhood walkability knowledge, perceptions, and assessment practices of PTs who work with community-dwelling older adults. A cross-sectional survey was sent via email to 5,000 PTs nationwide. The 40-item survey assessed walking prescriptions, walkability perceptions and assessments, and gathered demographic data. Categorical variables were compared using Chi-square analyses. Using a total of 122 PTs who worked in outpatient geriatric physical therapy settings, a significant difference was found between perceptions of whether PTs should assess walkability and whether they actuallyassess walkability (χ2 = 78.7, p < .001). Decisions to prescribe outdoor walking were influenced by the availability (n = 79, 64.8%) and maintenance (n = 11, 9.0%) of sidewalks, crime (n = 9, 7.4%), terrain (n = 7, 5.7%), and aesthetics (n = 6, 4.9%). Objective walkability measures were not used by the respondents. When considering the assessment of walkability, PTs prioritize the built environment over the social environment. Although most believe it is the responsibility of the PT to assess walkability, most do not. Significance/Implications: Assessment of walkability may allow PTs to identify barriers and make more informed recommendations concerning outdoor walking for older adults. Objective measures are available for PTs when prescribing outdoor walking.

Abstract 4140142: Neighborhood Perceptions Associate with Lipid Biomarkers in African-American Women with Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome: Data from the Step It Up Digital Health-Enabled, Community-Engaged Physical Activity Intervention

Background: Cardiovascular-kidney metabolic (CKM) syndrome is exacerbated among individuals experiencing chronic exposure to both environmental and psychosocial stressors. Both neighborhood and individual-level stressors increase chronic inflammation resulting in worsened CKM factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, and dys/hyperlipidemia. However, associations between neighborhood perceptions (NP) and lipid profiles remain understudied. Therefore, we examined associations between NP domains and lipid profiles among African-American (AA) women with ≥Stage 1 CKM syndrome (overweight/obesity) residing in resource-limited neighborhoods within the Washington, DC area. Methods: Participants were enrolled in Step It Up, a technology-enabled, community-engaged physical activity (PA) intervention. Fasting blood samples were drawn at baseline to measure lipoproteins using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Factor analysis of overall NP identified four perception sub-scores: disorder, social cohesion, violence, and safety (higher score=favorable perception). Associations between NP domains and lipoprotein particles were analyzed using multivariable regression adjusting for BMI, ASCVD 10-year risk score, and lipid-lowering therapy. Results: Participants (n=169) had mean age=57.16 ± 12.00 and BMI 35.99 ± 6.57. Perceptions of safety were positively associated with LDL concentrations (LDLc) and large LDL particles (L-LDLp) (β=4.70 [SD=2.41], p=0.05, β= 43.75 [17.70], p= 0.01), respectively). Perceptions about neighborhood violence were positively associated with L-LDLp (marginally) and very-low-density lipoprotein size (VLDLz) (β= 7.10 [3.96], p=0.08, β= 0.31 [0.14], p= 0.02, respectively). No associations were found between disorder and social cohesion with lipid biomarkers. Conclusions: After adjusting for BMI, ASCVD risk, and lipid-lowering therapy, there were significant associations between neighborhood perceptions of safety and violence with lipid profiles among AA women with CKM syndrome. Greater perceived safety was associated with higher LDLc and L-LDLp while more favorable perception about neighborhood violence was associated with higher L-LDLp. Future work should examine whether improving neighborhood resources and perceptions may improve CKM health among urban AA women.

Abstract 4121672: Multi-level Factors Mediated the Associations Between Perceived Neighborhood Measures and Type 2 Diabetes: The Midlife in the United States III

Introduction: The determinants of type 2 diabetes (T2D) are multifaceted, encompassing individual, psychosocial, health, and neighborhood factors. While these factors have been explored, the mechanisms underlying perceived neighborhood measures and T2D remain understudied. We aimed to test whether psychosocial, health, and inflammatory factors mediate the association between perceived neighborhoods and T2D among adults. We hypothesized that these factors mediate the relationship between perceived neighborhoods and T2D. Methods: Data from the Midlife in the United States 3 (MIDUS3, 2013-2014; MUDIS3 Biomarker Project, 2017-2022) were used (n=564, mean age: 60.7y, female:53.2%, White adults:95.7%). Higher perceived neighborhood scores (social cohesion, safety, quality) represent favorable neighborhoods. T2D (y/n) was defined as either A1c≥6.5%, FGL≥126mg/dL or self-reported T2D. Physical activity (PA), BMI, depression, stress, and CRP were tested as mediators in the cross-sectional association between perceived neighborhood measures and T2D using linear regression (reported odds ratio [OR]) with bootstrap-generated 95% bias-correct confidence intervals (BC CIs) adjusted for covariates (Table). Results: Higher neighborhood social cohesion was indirectly related to lower odds of T2D by PA (OR: 0.93 [95%BC CI: 0.86, 0.98]), BMI (OR: 0.90 [0.80, 0.99]), depression (OR: 0.86 [0.75, 0.97]), stress (OR: 0.88 [0.78, 0.97]), and CRP (OR: 0.91 [0.82, 0.98]). Higher neighborhood safety was indirectly related to lower odds of T2D by depression (OR: 0.90 [0.79, 0.98]) and stress (OR: 0.89 [0.77, 0.97]). Higher neighborhood quality was indirectly related to lower odds of T2D by PA (OR: 0.90 [0.82, 0.98]), depression (OR: 0.82 [0.68, 0.96]), stress (OR: 0.83 [0.70, 0.96]), and CRP (OR: 0.88 [0.75, 0.98]). Conclusions: Favorable perception of neighborhoods had significant indirect associations with T2D via PA, BMI, depression, stress, and CRP. These mediators could be potential targets for intervention alongside promoting better neighborhoods to improve T2D outcomes. Future studies should replicate this line of research in diverse cohorts to address T2D disparities by socioeconomic status.

(Dis)connected by design? Using participatory citizen science to uncover environmental determinants of social connectedness for youth in under-resourced neighbourhoods.

Social isolation and loneliness are a growing public health concern. Inadequacies in neighbourhood social infrastructure can undermine social connectedness, particularly for youth, who are dependent on their local environments yet often marginalized from public spaces and city planning. Integrating citizen science with participatory action research, the Youth.hood study set out to explore how neighbourhood built environments help or hinder social connectedness from the understudied perspective of youth in under-resourced and racialized communities. Youth (n = 42) from three neighbourhoods in Vancouver, Canada were recruited to: (1) Assess environmental assets and barriers to connectedness in their neighbourhoods using a digital photovoice app; (2) Analyze and prioritize their collective data into themes; and (3) Design and advocate for environmental improvements through a participatory workshop and forum with residents, city planners, and elected officials. Data on participant characteristics and neighbourhood perceptions were collected via an online survey and analyzed descriptively. Participatory analysis was conducted with youth using methods from thematic analysis, photovoice, and design thinking. Youth captured 227 environmental features impacting their connectedness. The most frequently reported assets were parks and nature (n = 39, 17%), including formal and informal green spaces, and food outlets (n = 25, 11%). Top barriers included poor neighbourhood aesthetics (n = 14, 6%) and inadequate streets and sidewalks (n = 14, 6%). Thematic analysis with youth underscored four themes: (1) Connecting through mobility: The fun and functionality of getting around without a car; (2) The power of aesthetics: Mediating connections to people and place; (3) Retreating to connect: Seeking out social and restorative spaces for all; and (4) Under-resourced, not under-valued: Uncovering assets for sociocultural connection. Youth described their local environments as affording (or denying) opportunities for physical, emotional, and cultural connection at both an individual and community level. Our findings extend evidence on key environmental determinants of social connectedness for youth, while highlighting the potential of community design to support multiple dimensions of healthy social development. Additionally, this work demonstrates the resilience and agency of youth in under-resourced settings, and underscores the importance of honouring assets, co-production, and intergenerational planning when working to advance healthy, connected, and youthful cities.

Impact of perceived neighborhood social cohesion on vaccination intentions in the post-pandemic era

ObjectiveTo examine the relationship between perceived neighborhood social cohesion (NSC) and intentions to obtain seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccines among US adults post COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional, nationally representative survey of US residents (N = 2189) in May 2023 on their perceived NSC, COVID-19 and seasonal influenza vaccination intentions, healthcare access, perceived risk of COVID-19 or flu infection, loneliness, and trust in doctors. We used bivariate probit regressions to examine joint associations between perceived NSC and intentions to receive influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, controlling for several participant characteristics (e.g., race). Results2164 respondents provided consent to study questions. Trust-related NSC (trust in neighbors) was positively associated with intentions to become vaccinated against both influenza and COVID-19 viruses. Higher relational NSC (perception of a close-knit neighborhood) was positively associated while higher value-based NSC (perception that neighbors share the same values) was negatively associated with intentions to become vaccinated against COVID-19. Healthcare access, perceived risk of infection (COVID-19 or flu), and trust in doctors were positively associated with intentions to become vaccinated against both viruses. ConclusionsIn a post-pandemic era, higher trust-related and relational, perceived NSC (vaccine-dependent), greater access to healthcare, higher perceived risk of infection, and greater trust in doctors were related to higher influenza and COVID-19 vaccination intentions, while higher value-based NSC was related to lower COVID-19 vaccination intentions among US adults. Thus, specific aspects of NSC, healthcare access barriers, misinformation on infection risk, and medical mistrust may influence an individual's willingness and ultimate decision to become vaccinated.

Does growing up in a physical activity-friendly neighborhood increase the likelihood of remaining active during adolescence and early adulthood?

BackgroundThe SOPHYA-cohort-study investigated whether the objectively characterized and perceived residential neighborhood of Swiss youth predict accelerometer-measured physical activity and activity in specific domains (participation in a sports club and cycling) five years later.MethodsAt baseline in 2014, 1230 children and adolescents aged 6 to 16 years participated and wore accelerometers for 7 days. Of these children, 447 participated again in the follow-up study in 2019 and provided longitudinal accelerometer measurements. Sociodemographic factors and perceptions of the local neighbourhood were assessed by questionnaire. Specific objective environmental data (e.g. built environment or social environment) was modelled to the children’s address at baseline. Multivariate linear and logistic regression models were applied to identify short- and long-term characteristics that are associated with accelerometer-based physical activity, cycling and participation in organised sport.ResultsIf the neighborhood-score as perceived by the parents in 2014 was in the middle or lowest tertile, children were significantly less active cross-sectionally in 2014 (-41.1 (-78.0;-4.2) and -52.4 (-88.6;-16.2) counts per minute, cpm), and five years later (-52.4 (-88.6;-16.2) and 48.1 (-86.6;-9.7) cpm). In addition, they were also less likely to accumulate active minutes above the median at both measuring points compared to peers of the same age and sex. Using objective environmental data modeled around the children’s residential address, similar associations were found: In the tertile with the lowest proportion of green space children achieved less cpm in 2014, while a high main street density and a low socioeconomic environment, respectively, hindered physical activity tracking above the median longitudinally. Also for cycling and participation in a sport club, the associations with the perceived and objective environment were more pronounced in the longitudinal analyses.ConclusionThe results suggest that growing up in a physical activity friendly neighborhood increases the likelihood of remaining active during adolescence and early adulthood. Interventions should be implemented to ensure that children growing up in an unfavorable neighborhood do not fall behind at an early stage.

The effects of neighborhood perceptions on response to a technology-assisted parenting intervention for adolescent substance use: protocol of a diversity supplement to parent SMART (Substance Misuse in Adolescents in Residential Treatment)

BackgroundIt is well established that an adolescent’s neighborhood is associated with their likelihood of developing a substance use disorder. The availability of drugs, lack of access to resources, and exposure to violence are all associated with greater substance use among young people, leading to more pronounced health inequities. Technology assisted interventions (TAIs) have been touted to enhance the reach of substance use treatment and improve outcomes for high-need families living in underserved neighborhoods. A key question is whether neighborhood characteristics impact the effectiveness of TAIs, given these interventions are embedded within an adolescent’s natural environment. This National Institute on Drug Abuse-funded Diversity Supplement will examine the role of perceived neighborhood characteristics on response to Parent SMART, a TAI for parents of adolescents in residential substance use treatment (R37DA052918; PI: Becker). Aim 1 will use both adolescent and parent self-report of multiple neighborhood dimensions (e.g., physical environment, social disorder, satisfaction with community resources) to identify indicators predictive of treatment response. Aim 2 will then explore the indirect relationship between neighborhood context and response to Parent SMART, via engagement.MethodsParticipants include adolescent and parent dyads enrolled in an effectiveness trial evaluating Parent SMART, a TAI for parents of adolescents in residential substance youth treatment. Participants will complete self-report measures of neighborhood physical environment, social disorder, and satisfaction with community resources at baseline to predict parenting and youth substance outcomes at 6-, 12-, and 24-weeks post discharge.DiscussionTo date, few studies have explicitly tested how neighborhood affects response to TAIs for adolescent substance use. Assessing adolescent and parent perceptions of neighborhood characteristics holds potential to pinpoint key contextual factors that affect TAI response and to promote consideration of multi-level health equity determinants in substance use research. Understanding neighborhood influences can advance public health by helping tailor TAIs to address the unique needs of adolescents living in underserved communities.Trial registrationThis study extends the measurement and analysis plan of a pragmatic effectiveness trial. The pragmatic effectiveness trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05169385; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05169385

Towards equal neighborhood evolution? A longitudinal study of soundscape and visual evolution and housing value fluctuations in shenzhen

The equitable evolution of neighborhood environments is closely linked to housing economics. However, the lack of quantitative and longitudinal evaluation methods makes it challenging to assess residents' neighborhood perceptions and achieve social inclusiveness goals. Using long-time series street view imagery, we quantified Shenzhen residents' multidimensional neighborhood perceptions before and after micro-renovations, including visual and soundscape dimensions, and revealed the association between perceptual evolution and the housing value. We identified inequitable results during neighborhood renewal: Neighborhoods with high soundscape scores are accompanied by low visual perception scores, and vice versa. The spatial inequality is reflected in the perceptual differentiation prevalent between urban and suburbs. Visual aspects showed a stable but weak relationship with housing value fluctuations, while soundscape aspects had a strong but more dynamic impact. The inequitable spatial evolution is facilitated by changes in residents' perceptions: expectations for positive audio-visual perceptions are increasing, but sensitivity for negative soundscape is decreasing. Meanwhile, residents are increasingly seeking diverse and rich visual neighborhood landscapes and atmospheres filled with human voices. This study provides quantitative support for the equitable evolution of neighborhoods and the economics of neighborhood landscapes. It offers a novel method for measuring multidimensional perceptions that can be applied to settlements worldwide.

Interrelations of Social, Physical and Symbolic Space – Assessing Residents’ Spatial Perceptions of Gentrifying Neighbourhoods with Multiple Factor Analysis

ABSTRACT Adopting a Bourdieusian perspective on the trialectic relationship between symbolic, social, and physical space, we assess how perceptions, evaluations, and expectations towards one’s surroundings interrelate and are associated with social status and physical location. We analyse survey data from two German neighbourhoods undergoing gentrification, arguing that in this process, residents of different class backgrounds and with different expectations towards their residential area live side-by-side. To reconstruct residents’ symbolic space of spatial perceptions, we apply multiple factor analysis (MFA) to several sets of variables on neighbourhood perception, and relate these to residents’ location in physical space (different neighbourhoods) and social space (socio-demographics). We find that differences between neighbourhoods in levels of social cohesion and disorder are the most important dimension in symbolic space, emphasizing the crucial role of social bonds in residents’ perception of their surroundings. Expectations towards neighbourhood change, the second dimension, are strongly influenced by socio-demographic characteristics.

Neighborhood Characteristics Related to Changes in Anthropometrics During a Lifestyle Intervention for Persons with Obesity.

Since obesity has emerged as a major public health concern, there is an urgent need to better understand factors related to weight gain and treatment success. This study included 118 persons with obesity who participated in a multidisciplinary combined lifestyle intervention with cognitive-behavioral therapy at the outpatient clinic ofthe Obesity Center CGG at Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Neighborhood characteristics were assessed using a 13-item questionnaire. Multiple regression analyses were performed to examine the association between perceived safety, social cohesion, and the availability of facilities on relative changes in body mass index and waist circumference changes, adjusted for corresponding neighborhood socioeconomic status scores. Higher total scores, indicating more unfavorable neighborhood perceptions, were associated with less relative improvements in BMI and waist circumference after 1.5years (β = 3.2, 95%CI 0.3-6.0; β = 3.4, 95%CI 0.3-6.6, respectively). Also, more neighborhood unsafety was associated with less relative improvements in BMI and waist circumference on the long term (β = 3.1, 95%CI 1.1-5.1; β = 2.8, 95%CI 0.6-5.1, respectively). The results indicate that living in a neighborhood perceived as less favorable may lower the chances of successful weight loss in response to combined lifestyle interventions in persons with obesity.

Correlation of the Walk Score and Environmental Perceptions with Perceived Neighborhood Walkability: The Quantile Regression Model Approach

The walk score, which is widely used as an index of walkability, does not include pedestrian’s perception, so there is a limit to explaining the level of perceived walkability in a neighborhood. The purpose of this study is to examine how an objectively measured walk score and subjectively measured environmental perceptions correlate with perceived neighborhood walkability. This study conducted a survey on 371 participants aged 18 or older living in Daegu, South Korea to examine perceived neighborhood walkability and perception of the built environment. We measured the walk score based on participants’ location using a geographic information system. We used the quantile regression model, whereby we investigated the effects of explanatory variables (e.g., the walk score, perceptions of the built environment) by classifying perceived neighborhood walkability by quantile into Q10, Q25, Q50, Q75, and Q90. The walk score had a positive association with people with low perceived neighborhood walkability (Q10), but a negative association with people with high perceived neighborhood walkability (Q90). Regarding views of the built environment, in most quantiles, people perceived the environment as walkable if there were abundant green spaces and diverse alternative routes. Conversely, odors, smoke, hills, and stairs impeded walkability. This indicates that along with an objective walkability index, perceptions of the built environment play an important role in determining perceived neighborhood walkability. This implies that our results can help identify appropriate policies to promote walkability for citizens.

Can good neighbourhood perception magnify the positive effect of favourable built environment on recreational walking in China?

BackgroundIt remains unknown whether good neighbourhood perception can enhance the benefits of favourable built environment to physical activity. Moreover, the moderation pattern is less understood in developing countries.ObjectivesThis work aims to examine the moderation effects of perceived neighbourhood safety and aesthetics on the relationship between built environment and time for recreational walking.MethodsWe performed the examination using a sample of 760 residents in Fuzhou City, China. The Negative Binomial Regression Model was developed to examine the moderation roles of neighbourhood safety and aesthetics on the impact of built environment, adjusting for the effects of location, socioeconomic, personal preferences and social environment factors. Moreover, two sensitivity analyses were performed to test whether the moderators found are robust to the control of residential self-selection, and differential measures of conceptually-comparable aspects of built environment.ResultsWe found stronger associations of time for recreational walking with road density and proportion of parks and squares POIs for residents with high perception of neighbourhood safety, compared to those with low perception of neighbourhood safety. There was a greater effect of the proportion of parks and squares POIs, when perceived aesthetics was high than when perceived aesthetics was low. The findings of neighbourhood safety and aesthetics as moderator, were robust in the two sensitivity analyses. No significant moderation effect was found for land use diversity.ConclusionsHigh perceived neighbourhood safety can magnify the positive effects of road connectivity and accessibility to parks and squares. Neighbourhood aesthetics positively moderates the association of time for recreational walking with accessibility to parks and squares. The findings emphasize the need to consider safety- and aesthetics-specific differences in estimates of built environment effects. Improvements in neighbourhood safety and aesthetics are key to effective interventions in built environment to better promote physical activity.

Immigrant Older Adults' Experiences of Aging in Place and Their Neighborhoods: A Qualitative Systematic Review.

Engaging in one's neighborhood fosters independence, promotes social connectedness, improves quality of life, and increases life expectancy in older adults. There is a lack of evidence synthesis on immigrant older adults' neighborhood perceptions and experiences, essential for addressing neighborhood-level influences on aging in place. This study systematically synthesizes qualitative evidence on immigrant older adults' perceptions and experiences of their neighborhoods. A comprehensive search was conducted from inception to 5 April 2023, in multiple databases. This review considered studies including immigrant older adults aged ≥60 years, included studies from any country where the neighborhood was the focus, and only considered qualitative data while excluding review studies, theoretical publications, and protocols. Eligible studies were appraised using the JBI critical appraisal checklist for qualitative research. The Joanna Briggs Institute meta-aggregation approach was used to synthesize findings, and the ConQual approach established confidence in the synthesis. A total of 30 studies were included. Most studies were conducted in North America and explored phenomena such as aging in place, social capital, social cohesion, sense of community, and life satisfaction. Key contextual factors were walkable safe access to social spaces, accessible transportation to amenities, social cohesion with neighbors, and pre-migration neighborhood experiences. Immigrant older adults have varied experiences related to their sense of belonging and social cohesion. Factors such as racial discrimination, feeling unsafe, and social isolation contributed to negative perceptions. This review highlights the need for inclusive neighborhoods that align with the needs and values of immigrant older adults aging in place.

Neighborhood disorder as a predictor of perceptions of firearm access: Examining peers effects

ObjectiveThis study sought to examine the relationship between neighborhood disorder and perceptions of gun access. Further, this study focused on determining whether or not antisocial peer affiliation mediates this relationship. MethodsThe Pathways to Desistance data were analyzed. This is an 11-wave longitudinal study following 1,354 justice-involved youth across seven years post-adjudication. Generalized structural equation modeling was used to assess direct and indirect relationships of interest. ResultsGreater levels of neighborhood disorder were associated with increased perceptions of access to guns in the community. Affiliation with antisocial peers significantly mediated this relationship, accounting for about 15 % of this relationship. ConclusionsAffiliation with antisocial peers may be greater in disordered neighborhoods and they may facilitate access to guns for adolescents living in such communities. Mentoring programs for adolescents living in disordered communities may have some capacity for attenuating this relationship.

Ambush strategy enhances organisms’ performance in rock–paper–scissors games

We study a five-species cyclic system wherein individuals of one species strategically adapt their movements to enhance their performance in the spatial rock–paper–scissors game. Environmental cues enable the awareness of the presence of organisms targeted for elimination in the cyclic game. If the local density of target organisms is sufficiently high, individuals move towards concentrated areas for direct attack; otherwise, they employ an ambush tactic, maximising the chances of success by targeting regions likely to be dominated by opponents. Running stochastic simulations, we discover that the ambush strategy enhances the likelihood of individual success compared to direct attacks alone, leading to uneven spatial patterns characterised by spiral waves. We compute the autocorrelation function and measure how the ambush tactic unbalances the organisms’ spatial organisation by calculating the characteristic length scale of typical spatial domains of each species. We demonstrate that the threshold for local species density influences the ambush strategy’s effectiveness, while the neighbourhood perception range significantly impacts decision-making accuracy. The outcomes show that long-range perception improves performance by over 60%, although there is potential interference in decision-making under high attack triggers. Understanding how organisms’ adaptation their environment enhances their performance may be helpful not only for ecologists, but also for data scientists, aiming to improve artificial intelligence systems.

Reflections on Recidivism and Relapse Prevention among Italian Justice-Involved Juveniles: A General Overview

Research interprets antisocial and illegal behavior among juveniles as an expression of needs, as a conscious action, or as an adherence to family, cultural, and social contexts. Professionals and researchers interested in the topic could benefit from reflections and insights on relapse prevention among justice-involved juveniles (JIJs). In light of these considerations, we investigated the criminal conduct of JIJs, identifying their background, individual characteristics, and the educational and rehabilitative programs of the 17 Italian youth detention centers from a sample of 234 JIJs (214 males and 20 females, 14–25 years old). The sample completed the following questionnaires: the high-risk situation checklist, deviant behavior questionnaire (DBQ), and the neighborhood perception questionnaire (NPQ). The study aims to provide a general overview of the justice-involved adolescents and young adults in Italian youth detention centers, focusing on perpetrator profiles, family systems and the quality of life in the Italian youth detention centers. To achieve our goals, we investigated their occupations and education, the perceived quality of life in their neighborhoods, the use of drugs, and the tendency to commit illegal or antisocial behaviors before incarceration. The study also explored the awareness related to the personal perception of the risk factors in relapse, with the aim of stimulating reflections on behavior and crime-related cognitions to promote relapse prevention. We discuss the main findings and future implications.

Exploring residential relocation– differences between newcomers and settled residents in health, travel behaviour and neighbourhood perceptions

This study explores whether people who have recently moved to an area differ from longer-term residents in their health, travel behaviour, and perceptions of the environment. Using a large, representative sample from the UKHLS, Newcomers demonstrate significantly lower mental and physical health, reduced car commuting, and a higher likelihood of liking their neighbourhood. Area deprivation, urbanicity, household income, and age emerge as influential moderators with i.e. Newcomers in affluent areas experiencing lower physical health than Settled Residents, and rural Newcomers expressing less neighbourhood satisfaction. Our findings highlight that Newcomers' perceptions of their environment diverge and environmental influences vary among population segments, potentially impacting related health behaviours such as active travel. Furthermore, residential relocation introduces Newcomers with distinct characteristics into areas, affecting the context in which potential population health interventions aiming to influence health behaviours operate. This necessitates a deeper understanding of what influences reactions to the environment as well as ongoing adaptation of environmental interventions to respond to changing contexts within the same location over time.

Perception of place, active transportation, and community participation: A mediation analysis

IntroductionActive transportation is associated with many benefits, including community participation, a salient form of social capital. Positive neighborhood perceptions are likewise associated with higher social capital, including community involvement. However, little is known about how active transportation may mediate the relationship between perception of place and community participation. MethodsUsing representative data from the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin (n = 1758), path analysis within a structural equation modeling framework assessed mediation. Covariates include age, education, race/ethnicity, gender, and community size. ResultsResults suggest perception of place (well-maintained, interesting places with walkable destinations) has a relationship to community participation (p = 0.001); however, when assessed for mediation through active transportation, only an indirect effect remained significant (p = 0.003), indicating the relationship between perception of place and community participation occurs through active transportation. ConclusionsInvesting in bike and pedestrian infrastructure that connects places, creates interesting spaces, and protects funding for routine maintenance is critical to support higher participation in active transportation as well as higher social capital in the form of greater involvement in community participation. Inequities in maintenance and infrastructure may impact not only active transportation, but community participation as well.

Gender, race, and space: A qualitative exploration of young Black women's perceptions of urban neighborhoods.

How people think and feel about their neighborhood impacts the way they think of themselves and their futures. These linkages are especially important to understand in the case of urban-residing young Black women. Researchers know very little about what contributes to young Black adults' urban neighborhood perceptions and often rely on "expert" definitions of markers of neighborhood quality. These definitions and subsequent explorations of residents' neighborhood assessment have not adequately considered intersecting oppressive systems that structure urban spaces both physically and socially. Further, within-group diversity of young Black adults based on other social identities, such as gender and class, has gone underexplored in research on residents' neighborhood assessment. We used theory from Black feminist geography and sociology to guide our thematic analysis of interviews with young Black women (N = 9) regarding their urban neighborhood quality. We sought to explore the aspects or features of the neighborhood that young Black women discussed and how social identities may play a role in young Black women's descriptions of their urban neighborhoods. We argue three themes tell an overarching story of young Black women's urban spatial critical analysis: (1) outsiders' perceptions versus our realities, (2) gendered safety, and (3) visibility of young Black women. Young Black women's narratives highlighted communal aspects of neighborhood evaluation and attention to dominant narratives regarding marginalized groups and urban spaces.

Underlining neighbourhood perception: a possible risk factor for dementia that deserves more attention.

This essay highlights the interplay between the neighbourhood structural environment and neighbourhood perceptions on dementia by articulating how an individual's perception of neighbourhood, with respect to their individual differences, may provide key insights to understand the link between the neighbourhood and dementia.