Neighborhood Environmental Factors Research Articles

Neighborhood environment and falls: a longitudinal Japan gerontological evaluation study

Abstract Background Older adults who experience falls are at a high risk of injury and death and require long-term care. Notably, the risk of falls varies among different neighborhood environments. No prior longitudinal studies have examined the association between falls and neighborhood environment at the community level. Identifying such associations will help prevent people falling by improving their neighborhood environment. Herein, we aimed to identify neighborhood environmental factors associated with falls among older adults in Japan. Methods We analyzed the data of 27,346 older adults living in 416 communities who participated in the 2010, 2013, and 2016 Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study surveys. The dependent variable was the occurrence of falls in 2016, and the explanatory variables were the mean scores of each of eight community-level neighborhood environment variables, categorized into tertiles (high, middle, and low groups) in 2013. Our model was adjusted for covariates (e.g., sex, age, and socioeconomic status) using the variables from 2010. A multilevel Poisson regression analysis was performed to obtain the relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) between the neighborhood environment and falls. Missing variable values were supplemented by multiple imputations. Results Older adults living in neighborhood environments with more parks or foot paths suitable for exercise or walking had a lower risk of falling after 3 years compared to those living in neighborhood environments with fewer parks or foot paths (RR: 0.89; CI: 0.80-0.99). For the variable ‘locations difficult for walking, such as hills or steps’, older adults in the middle group had a lower risk of falling than those in the low group (RR: 0.94; CI: 0.88-0.99). Conclusions Parks or foot paths are important environmental improvements that may prevent falls. Having hills or steps in the neighborhood could be beneficial when properly integrated into the environment. Key messages • Older adults with access to parks, footpaths, and challenging terrains suitable for exercise and walking, had a lower risk of falling. • These findings could be applied in urban designs to prevent falls among older adults.

Abstract C032: Take Charge during Treatment: A randomized exercise trial for breast cancer patients

Abstract Introduction. Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequently diagnosed cancer with over 4 million survivors living in the United States. Recent treatment (Tx) advances such as in targeted (e.g. anti-HER2), systemic (e.g. anthracyclines), or combined therapies have supported the increased survival rates but continue to present adverse effects. Cardiotoxicity, which may be induced during or after Tx, is the second highest cause of mortality in BC survivors and also negatively impacts quality of life (QoL). Black/African American (B/AA) patients have higher rates of this effect along with a higher incidence of aggressive BC types. Limited research has targeted vascular function as an area of focus in the cardio-oncology field. Methods. The Discovery and Elimination of Cardio-Oncology Disparities Toward Equity in the Heartland Center is examining how anti-cancer treatments impact vascular function, the potential mitigating effects of exercise and how socioenvironmental factors moderate these effects. The Take Charge during Treatment randomized trial within this Center is testing the feasibility and acceptability of an exercise during treatment program for B/AA and non-Hispanic White (NHW) women newly diagnosed with BC. The study also examines and compares the effects of exercise on VO2 peak and QoL in participants. The 16-week intervention promotes adherence to the American College of Sports Medicine exercise guidelines for cancer survivors and is guided by a certified exercise trainer. To evaluate the intervention, patient's complete surveys including the FACT-B for QoL, a VO2 peak assessment, physical assessments, and anthropometry measurements at baseline (before BC Tx), after the 16-week program, and at a 12-month timepoint. Socioenvironmental factors are examined using participant addresses. Results. To date, 1330 patients were assessed for eligibility, 60 consented, and 49 enrolled and randomized. Herein, we present data on 45 of the 49 (35 NHW, 10 B/AA). The mean age of participants is 52 years (SD=12), most were diagnosed with Stage I or II BC, and they have varied education and income levels. Baseline (pre-treatment) differences are noted by racial group for QoL (Total score – 88 (SD=9) for NHW vs 74 (SD=29) for B/AA; Physical function – 25 (SD=3) for NHW vs 22 (SD=5) for B/AA; Functional – 21 (SD=4) for NHW vs 18 (SD=8) for B/AA), VO2 peak (22 (SD=5) for NHW vs 17 (SD=6) for B/AA), and obesity (NHW – 30%, B/AA – 70%). Cognitive function, pain interference, social isolation and perceived stress were similar across groups. B/AA women were more likely to report living in a highly redlined area (50%) compared to NHW women (3%), with lower percent tree canopy (13% vs 24%) and lower perceived social cohesion (15 vs 19). Reports of discrimination and resilience were similar across groups. Conclusions. Preliminary baseline results suggest that B/AA women enter BC Tx more vulnerable to developing QoL challenges and cardiotoxicity. Neighborhood environmental factors will be further examined to understand the association with adverse outcomes. Citation Format: Estefania Alonso, Melinda Stolley, Kirsten Beyer, Alison Kriegel, Shane Phillips, Matt Durand, Michael E. Widlansky, Amanda L. Kong, Kent Hoskins, Andreas Beyer. Take Charge during Treatment: A randomized exercise trial for breast cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr C032.

West African Genetic Ancestry, Neighborhood Deprivation, and Prostate Cancer

Racial disparities in prostate cancer are likely the result of complex relationships between both socioeconomic and environmental factors captured by the neighborhood environment and genetic factors, including West African genetic ancestry. However, few studies have examined the combined role of neighborhood environment and genetic ancestry in developing lethal prostate cancer. To examine the interactions between West African genetic ancestry and neighborhood deprivation in modifying prostate cancer risk and mortality. This case-control study was conducted in the Greater Baltimore area. Participants included men of African and European descent (617 cases with prostate cancer, 852 controls without prostate cancer) enrolled between January 2005 and January 2016. Follow-up was performed through December 31, 2020, using the National Death Index. Analysis was conducted from August 2023 to January 2024. Included exposures were West African genetic ancestry, derived from large-scale genotyping, and neighborhood deprivation, defined using 2000 census-tract-level Neighborhood Deprivation Index (NDI) score. Outcomes of interest were prostate cancer and all-cause mortality. Among a total of 1469 participants (mean [SD] age, 64.96 [7.95] years), there were 736 self-identified Black and 733 White men, and the mean (range) proportion of West African genetic ancestry was 0.27 (0.04-0.84) among participants residing in areas with low levels of deprivation and 0.48 (0.07-0.83) among participants residing in areas with high levels of deprivation. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed a significant multiplicative interaction of West African genetic ancestry and neighborhood deprivation with the odds of a prostate cancer diagnosis (P for interaction = .02). Among individuals living in neighborhoods with high NDI scores, West African genetic ancestry was associated with increased odds of a prostate cancer diagnosis (age-adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.98; 95% CI, 1.23-3.19). In contrast, West African genetic ancestry was associated with reduced odds of this diagnosis among individuals residing in areas with medium to low levels of deprivation (age-adjusted OR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.11-0.44). There was no significant multiplicative interaction between West African genetic ancestry and neighborhood deprivation for all-cause mortality (P for interaction = .44). The positive association of neighborhood deprivation with prostate cancer was independent of West African genetic ancestry (age- and West African ancestry-adjusted OR, 1,70; 95% CI, 1.50-1.94). This case-control study of men with West African and European ancestry found that West African genetic ancestry was associated with increased odds of prostate cancer among males who resided in neighborhoods with high deprivation but lower odds in more affluent neighborhoods. Thus, neighborhood environments may play a critical role in defining how genetic ancestry modulates prostate cancer risk.

Examining the importance of neighborhood natural, and built environment factors in predicting older adults' mental well-being: An XGBoost-SHAP approach

BackgroundPrevious studies have shown that urban neighborhood environmental factors significantly influence the health outcomes of urban older adults. However, most cross-sectional studies exploring the health effects of these factors have failed to quantify the relative importance of each factor. MethodsWe use XGBoost machine learning techniques and SHAPley Additive Interpretation (SHAP) to rank the importance of urban neighborhood environmental factors in shaping the mental health of urban older adults. To address self-selection bias in housing choice, we distinguish older adults living in private housing from those living in public as residents in private housing have more freedom to choose where to live. ResultsThe results show that both natural and built environmental factors in urban neighborhoods are important predictors of mental well-being scores. Five natural environmental factors (blue space, perceived greenery quantity, NDVI, street view greenness, aesthetic quality) and three built environmental factors (physical activity facilities quality, physical activity facilities quantity, neighborhood disorder) had considerable predictive power for mental well-being scores in two groups. Among them, blue space, perceived greenery quantity and street view greenness quantity became less important after controlling for self-selection bias, possibly because of the unequal distribution of quantity and quality, and the performance of neighborhood disorder, aesthetic quality and physical activity facilities quality was more sensitive in public housing. ConclusionsThese results highlight the nuanced and differential effects of neighborhood environmental exposures on mental well-being outcomes, depending on housing preferences. The results of this study can provide support for decision makers in urban planning, landscape design and environmental management in order to improve the mental well-being status of urban older adults.

National trends and ecological factors of physical activity engagement among U.S youth before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cohort study from 2019 to 2021

BackgroundThis study aims to investigate the trends and ecological determinants of physical activity among U.S. children and adolescents during the 2019–2021 period, encompassing the COVID-19 pandemic’s onset and subsequent years.MethodsUtilizing data from the National Survey of Children’s Health over three years, this cohort study analyzed physical activity levels and ecological determinants among 82,068 participants aged 6–17. The sample included 36,133 children (44%) and 45,935 adolescents (56%), with variables assessed by caregiver reports.ResultsThe analysis revealed a significant decline in physical activity among children from 2019 to 2020, followed by a recovery in 2021, whereas adolescents showed a continued decrease without recovery. Over the study period, children were consistently more active than adolescents. Better health status, normal weight, less screen time, stronger peer relationships, higher parental involvement, better family resilience and greater school participation were consistently correlated with increased physical activity in both age groups. Sleep duration was a predictor of activity only in children, while mental health status was solely a predictor in adolescents. Neighborhood environment consistently predicted children’s activity levels but was a significant factor for adolescents only in 2020.ConclusionsThese findings highlight the differing impacts of the pandemic on physical activity between children and adolescents, emphasizing the need for targeted public health interventions, particularly for adolescents whose activity levels have not recovered from the pandemic period. Age-specific physical activity interventions should consider sleep duration and neighborhood environmental factors when targeting children and mental health factors when focused on adolescents.

The Association Between a Neighborhood Adverse Childhood Experiences Index and Body Mass Index Among New York City Youth.

Background: The role of neighborhood factors in the association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and body mass index (BMI) has not been widely studied. A neighborhood ACEs index (NAI) captures neighborhood environment factors associated with ACE exposure. This study examined associations between BMI and an NAI among New York City (NYC) youth. An exploratory objective examined the NAI geographic distribution across NYC neighborhoods. Methods: Data for students attending NYC public general education schools in kindergarten-12th grade from 2006-2017 (n = 1,753,867) were linked to 25 geospatial datasets capturing neighborhood characteristics for every census tract in NYC. Multivariable hierarchical linear regression tested associations between BMI and the NAI; analyses also were conducted by young (<8 years), school age (8-12 years), and adolescent (>12 years) subgroups. In addition, NAI was mapped by census tract, and local Moran's I identified clusters of high and low NAI neighborhoods. Results: Higher BMI was associated with higher NAI across all sex and age groups, with largest magnitude of associations for girls (medium NAI vs. low NAI: unstandardized β = 0.112 (SE 0.008), standardized β [effect size]=0.097, p < 0.001; high NAI vs. low NAI: unstandardized β = 0.195 (SE 0.008), standardized β = 0.178, p < 0.001) and adolescents (medium NAI vs. low NAI: unstandardized β = 0.189 (SE 0.014), standardized β = 0.161, p < 0.001, high NAI vs. low NAI: unstandardized β = 0.364 (SE 0.015), standardized β = 0.334, p < 0.001 for adolescent girls; medium NAI vs. low NAI: unstandardized β = 0.122 (SE 0.014), standardized β = 0.095, p < 0.001, high NAI vs. low NAI: unstandardized β = 0.217 (SE 0.015), standardized β = 0.187, p < 0.001 for adolescent boys). Each borough of NYC included clusters of neighborhoods with higher and lower NAI exposure, although clusters varied in size and patterns of geographic dispersion across boroughs. Conclusions: A spatial index capturing neighborhood environment factors associated with ACE exposure is associated with higher BMI among NYC youth. Findings complement prior literature about relationships between neighborhood environment and obesity risk, existing research documenting ACE-obesity associations, and the potential for neighborhood factors to be a source of adversity. Collectively, evidence suggests that trauma-informed place-based obesity reduction efforts merit further exploration as potential means to interrupt ACE-obesity associations.

Exposome-Wide Association Study of Body Mass Index Using a Novel Meta-Analytical Approach for Random Forest Models.

Overweight and obesity impose a considerable individual and social burden, and the urban environments might encompass factors that contribute to obesity. Nevertheless, there is a scarcity of research that takes into account the simultaneous interaction of multiple environmental factors. Our objective was to perform an exposome-wide association study of body mass index (BMI) in a multicohort setting of 15 studies. Studies were affiliated with the Dutch Geoscience and Health Cohort Consortium (GECCO), had different population sizes (688-141,825), and covered the entire Netherlands. Ten studies contained general population samples, others focused on specific populations including people with diabetes or impaired hearing. BMI was calculated from self-reported or measured height and weight. Associations with 69 residential neighborhood environmental factors (air pollution, noise, temperature, neighborhood socioeconomic and demographic factors, food environment, drivability, and walkability) were explored. Random forest (RF) regression addressed potential nonlinear and nonadditive associations. In the absence of formal methods for multimodel inference for RF, a rank aggregation-based meta-analytic strategy was used to summarize the results across the studies. Six exposures were associated with BMI: five indicating neighborhood economic or social environments (average home values, percentage of high-income residents, average income, livability score, share of single residents) and one indicating the physical activity environment (walkability in buffer area). Living in high-income neighborhoods and neighborhoods with higher livability scores was associated with lower BMI. Nonlinear associations were observed with neighborhood home values in all studies. Lower neighborhood home values were associated with higher BMI scores but only for values up to . The directions of associations were less consistent for walkability and share of single residents. Rank aggregation made it possible to flexibly combine the results from various studies, although between-study heterogeneity could not be estimated quantitatively based on RF models. Neighborhood social, economic, and physical environments had the strongest associations with BMI. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP13393.

The cross-sectional and prospective associations of parental practices and environmental factors with 24-hour movement behaviours among school-aged Asian children

BackgroundParental practices and neighbourhood environmental factors may influence children’s movement behaviours. We aimed to investigate the cross-sectional and prospective associations of parental practices and neighbourhood environmental factors with accelerometer-measured 24-hour movement behaviours (24 h-MBs) among school-aged children in Singapore.MethodsThe Growing Up in Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) study collected information on dimensions of parental practices and neighbourhood environment at age 5.5 years. Confirmatory factor analyses were performed to generate latent variables and used to compute overall parental practices [involvement in PA + support for PA + control of screen viewing context] and environmental scores [facilities for active play + active mobility facilitators + barriers*-1]. Children wore an accelerometer on their non-dominant wrist for seven consecutive days at ages 5.5 and 8 years. The R-package GGIR 2.6 was used to derive moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA), light-intensity physical activity (LPA), inactivity, and total-sleep (napping+night sleep) minutes per day. Associations were determined using compositional data analysis with multivariate linear regression models, taking into account potential confounders.ResultsAmong 425 children (48% girls, 59% Chinese), higher parental involvement in PA, parental support for PA and overall parental practices were associated with 24 h-MBs at ages 5.5 and 8 years, specifically with greater time spent in MVPA and less time being inactive relative to the remaining movement behaviours. The corresponding mean changes in the overall 24 h-MB for increasing parental practices from lowest to highest scores (− 2 to + 2 z-scores) indicated potential increases of up to 15-minutes in MVPA, 20-minutes in LPA, 5-minutes in sleep duration, and a reduction of 40-minutes in inactivity at age 5.5 years. At age 8 years, this could translate to approximately 15-minutes more of MVPA, 20-minutes more of LPA, a 20-minute reduction in sleep duration, and a 20-minute reduction in inactivity. Parental control of screen viewing contexts and neighbourhood environmental factors were not associated with 24 h-MBs.ConclusionsParental practices but not environmental factors were associated with higher MVPA and lower inactivity among Singaporean children, even at a later age. Further research may provide insights that support development of targeted public health strategies to promote healthier movement behaviours among children.Study registrationThis study was registered on 4th August 2010 and is available online at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01174875.

Increasing habitual walking in mobility-limited older adults through a personalized GIS-based intervention

Background&#x0D; Ample evidence supports the health benefits of low-intensity physical activity such as walking, which is universally accessible and impacted by neighbourhood environmental factors like green spaces and availability of local amenities.&#x0D; Aim&#x0D; The MOBITEC-Routes project will investigate the effects of an individualized GIS-based walking intervention on physical and psychosocial functioning in mobility-limited older adults.&#x0D; Methods&#x0D; A randomized controlled trial to promote habitual walking will take place. The sample will include 130 inactive, chronically ill, mobility-limited older adults. The intervention will combine professional consultations with map-based planning and behaviour change techniques derived from the Health Action Process Approach.&#x0D; Results&#x0D; Expected outcomes include increase in participants’ daily step count, physical activity levels, physical function, life space mobility, self-efficacy, social participation, and quality of life.&#x0D; Conclusion&#x0D; MOBITEC-Routes is poised to offer new insights into personalized GIS-based interventions’ effectiveness in improving mobility and overall well-being in older adults with mobility impairments.

Investigating neighbourhood environmental risk factors associated with childhood acute respiratory infection symptoms in Ethiopia mixed effect and multilevel logistic regression analysis based on EDHS 2016.

Acute respiratory infection is an infectious illness caused by acute viral or bacterial infection. According to a 2018 WHO report, exposures to indoor and ambient air environmental pollution were contributing factors to a higher risk of respiratory problems following 7 million deaths of children under five globally. Housing conditions such as wall material, roof type, kitchen location, sanitation condition, and cooking fuel type are household-level predictors of acute respiratory disease among children under five years of age. This research used EDHS-2016 secondary data, which are nationally representative. The data collection period was from January 18, 2016, to June 27, 2016. Among the 16,650 total surveys, 10,006 households that had children below 5 years of age. The outcome variable for this study was acute respiratory infection symptoms. Analyses were performed using STATA Version 17.1. The data were weighted before performing analysis to reinstate the representativeness of the sample. In the bivariable analysis, a p value <0.2 was used to screen for multivariable. Multicollinearity was checked using the variance inflation factor. Then, a multilevel multivariable regression model was used in this study for the analysis of acute respiratory infection symptoms and possible predictor variables. Variables with a p value <0.05 in multivariable regression analysis were considered statistically significant predictors. Most (95.00%) households commonly used solid fuel for cooking, and household main construction materials: 81.44 and 91.03% of floors and walls of households were constructed with unprocessed natural materials, respectively. The prevalence of acute respiratory infection symptoms among children under five years of age was 7.955% (7.397, 8.551%). The findings indicated that acute respiratory infection symptoms among children under five years of age were significantly linked with the age of the children, diarrhea status, residence, region, fuel type, stool disposal, wall material, and floor material. Interventions should target modifiable factors such as proper stool disposal of the youngest child, informing the health effects of poor housing conditions such as improving wall and floor construction material to reduce acute respiratory infection symptoms among children under five years of age.

A Study of Objective and Perceived Neighborhood Environmental Factors Associated with the Subjective Well-Being of Urban Residents

A Study of Objective and Perceived Neighborhood Environmental Factors Associated with the Subjective Well-Being of Urban Residents

LEVERAGING NEIGHBORHOOD EXPOSURES AS MODIFIERS OF INDIVIDUAL RISK FACTORS FOR COGNITIVE DECLINE AND DEMENTIAS

Abstract There are numerous ways in which neighborhood environmental factors have been shown to contribute to adverse health. More remains to be done to link long-term neighborhood exposures, such as social and physical activities, to modifiable individual risk factors for cognitive decline and dementia. Individual interventions are usually small in scale and conducted in those with higher socioeconomic status (SES). Additionally, increases in healthy behaviors, such as walking, have been difficult to promote and sustain. Each of these risk factors is known to be influenced by environmental features. This symposium will explore the roles of neighborhood-level social (nSES, affluence, cohesion, discrimination) and physical (air pollution) factors as drivers of cognitive aging and dementia across multiple longitudinal studies of community-based aging. Studies span urban and rural communities, including the Health ABC Study, the Cardiovascular Health Study, and the Think Phresh study. These studies are important to evaluating the role of neighborhood features on cognitive aging by expanding beyond cross-sectional data and by studying residentially stable older adults most likely to be affected by their local context. Those neighborhood factors that impact individual activity, cognitive aging, and Alzheimer’s disease risk will be further discussed for differences by race/ethnicity.

Examining the impact of neighborhood environment factors on residents’ emotions during COVID-19 lockdown and reopening: A Wuhan study on mediation and moderation

Due to COVID-19, the urban lockdown has caused a significant impact on the mental health of residents. However, limited research investigates the role of neighborhood factors on residents’ mental health during and after the lockdown. This study examines Wuhan, the first city to experience the COVID-19 outbreak, employing multiple linear regression and XGBoost algorithms to analyze the emotional status and distribution of Wuhan residents. The goal of this study is to identify the moderating effect of the neighborhood environment scale on emotional positivity and the marginal effect of the neighborhood environment on residents’ emotions. The results of the study indicate that specific neighborhood environmental characteristics have varying effects on residents’ positive emotions, both before and after the COVID-19 lockdown. The green space ratio, attraction density, waterfront space density, and service facility density all positively affected mood within different distance ranges. Shopping facilities, on the other hand, had mainly positive effects during the open period, with negative effects during the closed period. Furthermore, this study determined scale thresholds where neighborhood environments had a positive effect on mood. For instance, attractions and waterfront areas improved the mood of residents in residential areas, up to at least 3 km away. Medical facilities had a positive effect on residents’ mood beyond 2.2 km. This study highlights crucial implications for planning and managing neighborhoods to promote resilience during future public health crises.

Abstract B089: Understanding the relationship between neighborhood disorder, racial segregation, and ovarian cancer survival in African American women

Abstract Black women have a 10% lower 5-year survival of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) than White women, despite having a 25% lower incidence of OC than White women. Evidence suggests that these health disparities can be partially explained by neighborhood social and environmental factors such as disorder. We used Google Street View (GSV) imagery to estimate a measure of neighborhood disorder (ND) at the block group level within the largest multi-state cohort study of Black women diagnosed with EOC (AACES) between 2010 and 2015. 592 AACES participants were enrolled and geocoded residing in 544 unique block groups. We used the online Computer Assisted Neighborhood Visual Assessment System (CANVAS), to conduct virtual audits at 5 street address locations in each block group. These audits included questions related to the presence of different types of land use, the quality of the built structures, and the presence of other markers of ND. Factor analysis identified 5 distinct neighborhood factors: developmental intensity, development age, neighborhood disorder, land use, and green/blue space. An ND score was calculated for each block group audited based on the ND factor, which included the condition of residential units and yards, and assigned to the residents of that block group. Initial analyses indicated that this score did not impact EOC survival. We conducted Weibull AFT survival analyses with frailty to assess the impact of racial segregation on the relationship between ND and EOC survival. An Isolation Index was calculated to quantify the segregation of non-Hispanic Blacks compared to other racial groups. Increased racial isolation was associated with decreased survival (HR: 1.234, 95%CI: 1.03-1.60), after adjustment. Additionally, to understand the impact of the social aspects of disadvantage compared to the built aspects of our disorder score, we examined ADI as a predictor of EOC survival. Increasing ADI was associated with marginally decreased survival (HR: 1.002, 95%CI: 1.00-1.01), after adjustment. The lack of association between our disorder score and EOC survival and the presence of an association between the measures of racial isolation and ADI and EOC survival could indicate that it is the social aspects of an environment, not the built factors, that are driving EOC survival. Future research should explore the impacts of racial segregation and individual-level perceived racism on EOC survival. Citation Format: Christopher Pierson, Steve J. Mooney, Andrew B. Lawson, Joellen M. Schildkraut, Edward S. Peters. Understanding the relationship between neighborhood disorder, racial segregation, and ovarian cancer survival in African American women [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr B089.

The relationship of single-family detached house prices with neighborhood walkability and disaster risk.

People's preferences regarding their neighborhood environment can vary depending on their socioeconomic status and the cities where they live. This study aims to discern the relationship between neighborhood environment factors and single-family detached house sales by sale price and by central and noncentral cities. We analyzed sale prices in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area from 2015 to 2020. The neighborhood environment was assessed using flood/sediment risk and neighborhood walkability measured by net residential density, intersection density, and facility density (walking opportunity). Flood and sediment risk is a major concern that restricts the available land and is included as a negative aspect of the neighborhood environment, taking the topographic features into consideration. A comparison of the results showed that the preference for neighborhood walkability varies by socioeconomic status as well as by target cities. For most facility types, the number of walking opportunities within walking distance from houses was found to be positively related to the sale price of single-family detached houses in all quantiles. The relationship of house price with population and intersection density was found to vary depending on the price level, with a negative relationship with the sale price of relatively more expensive houses being exhibited. People who considered buying houses with relatively higher sale prices were found to devalue houses located in flood/sediment-hazardous areas more. However, it was also found that the negative relationship was slightly mitigated in the highest quantile of sale prices for houses in areas with a moderate flood risk (maximum flooding depth: 3-5 m). Plains near rivers with amenities offer high walkability but pose a flood risk, resulting in a trade-off between flood risk and neighborhood walkability. The findings suggest the use of indices representing diverse preferences in accordance with the target socioeconomic status when policymakers assess the neighborhood environment.

Outdoor Physical Activity and Play Among Canadian Children and Youth With Disabilities During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings From the National Physical Activity Measurement Study.

This study explored the association between socioecological factors and outdoor physical activity (PA) and play in children with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Parents (N = 133) completed a survey to report changes in their child's outdoor PA and play during the pandemic (from prepandemic levels), and child, household, and neighborhood environment factors. Children with a PA-supporting parent and from multichild and White households had lower odds of reporting decreased outdoor PA. Children from multichild, higher income, married couple households and a PA-supporting parent had lower odds of decreased outdoor play. Living in neighborhoods with higher urbanization (i.e.,high dwelling density, street intersections, and land-use mix) was associated with greater odds of decreased outdoor PA and play. Future research that uses larger and more representative samples of children with disabilities is needed to test for the multivariate effects of socioecological variables on outdoor PA and play.

Invasion dynamics of the European Collared-Dove in North America are explained by combined effects of habitat and climate

Abstract Global biodiversity is increasingly threatened by the spread of invasive species. Understanding the mechanisms influencing the initial colonization and persistence of invaders is therefore needed if conservation actions are to prevent new invasions or strive to slow their spread. The Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto, EUCO) is one of the most successful avian invasive species in North America; however, to our knowledge, no study has simultaneously examined the role that climate-matching, human activity, directional propagation, and local density have in this invasion process. Our research expands upon a cellular-automata-based hierarchical model developed to assess directional invasion dynamics to further quantify the impacts of climate, elevation, and land cover type on the spread of EUCO in North America. Our results suggest that EUCO’s dispersal patterns can largely be explained by the effects of habitat, climate, and environmental conditions at different stages of the invasion process rather than some innate preferred north-westerly spread. Specifically, EUCO initially colonized warm and wet grassland habitats and tended to persist in urban areas. We also found that while EUCO were more likely to spread to the northeast of existing habitats, directional preference did not drive persistence and recolonization events. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating both neighborhood effects and environmental factors in the modelling of range-expanding species, adding to the toolset available to researchers to model invasive species spread. Further, our research demonstrates that historical records of invasive species occurrences can provide the data resources needed to disentangle the characteristics driving species invasion and enable predictions that are of critical importance to resource managers.

Prospective associations of neighborhood healthy food access and walkability with weight status in a regional pediatric health system

BackgroundMost neighborhood food and activity related environment research in children has been cross-sectional. A better understanding of prospective associations between these neighborhood environment factors and children’s weight status can provide stronger evidence for informing interventions and policy. This study examined associations of baseline and changes in neighborhood healthy food access and walkability with changes in children’s weight status over 5 years.MethodsHeight, weight, and home address were obtained for 4,493 children (> 75% were Black or Latinx) from primary care visits within a large pediatric health system. Eligible participants were those who had measures collected during two time periods (2012–2014 [Time 1] and 2017–2019 [Time 2]). Data were integrated with census tract-level healthy food access and walkability data. Children who moved residences between the time periods were considered ‘movers’ (N = 1052; 23.4%). Mixed-effects models, accounting for nesting of children within census tracts, were conducted to model associations of baseline and changes in the neighborhood environment variables with Time 2 weight status (BMIz and overweight or obese vs. healthy weight). Models adjusted for weight status and child and neighborhood sociodemographics at baseline.ResultsChildren living in a neighborhood with [ample] healthy food access at Time 1 had a lower BMIz at Time 2, regardless of mover status. A decrease in healthy food access was not significantly associated with children’s weight status at Time 2. Baseline walkability and improvements in walkability were associated with a lower BMIz at Time 2, regardless of mover status.ConclusionsFindings provide evidence that residing in a neighborhood with healthy food access and walkability may support a healthy weight trajectory in children. Findings on changes in the neighborhood environment suggested that improved walkability in the neighborhood may support children’s healthy weight. The greater and more consistent findings among movers may be due to movers experiencing greater changes in neighborhood features than the changes that typically occur within a neighborhood over a short period of time. Future research is needed to investigate more robust environmental changes to neighborhoods.

Association of Neighborhood Environment with the Outcomes of Childhood Glaucoma

To determine the association between different neighborhood environment factors and the outcomes of childhood glaucoma. A retrospective cohort. Childhood glaucoma patients ≤ 18 years of age at the time of diagnosis. A retrospective chart review of childhood glaucoma patients who presented to Boston Children's Hospital between 2014 and 2019. Data collected included etiology, intraocular pressure (IOP), management, and visual outcomes. Child Opportunity Index (COI) was used as a metric of neighborhood quality. The association of visual acuity (VA) and IOP with COI scores using linear mixed-effect models, adjusting for individual demographics. A total of 221 eyes (149 patients) were included. Of these, 54.36% were male and 56.4% were non-Hispanic Whites. The median age at the time of presentation was 5 months for primary glaucoma and 5 years for secondary glaucoma. The median age at the last follow-up was 6 and 13 years for primary and secondary glaucoma, respectively. A chi-square test revealed that the COI, health and environment, social and economic, and education indexes between primary and secondary glaucoma patients were comparable. For primary glaucoma, the overall COI and a higher education index were associated with a lower final IOP (P<0.05), and higher education index was associated with a lower number of glaucoma medications at the last follow-up (P<0.05). For secondary glaucoma, higher overall COI, health and environment, social and economic, and education indices were associated with better final VA (lower logarithms of the minimum angle of resolution VA) (P<0.001). Neighborhood environment quality is a potentially important variable for predicting outcomes in childhood glaucoma. Lower COI scores were associated with worse outcomes. Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Linking social and built environmental factors to leisure-time physical activity in rural cancer survivors.

This study explored associations between social and built environmental factors and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) in rural cancer survivors (RCS) and whether these associations differed by exercise stage of change (SOC). RCS (n = 219) completed questionnaires assessing LTPA, SOC, and social (social status, connectedness, support) and environmental (home environment, neighborhood environment) factors. Linear regression models examined associations between social and built environmental factors and LTPA and tested for moderation by SOC. Half (50.7%) of RCS were physically active, and 49.3% were not active. Social factors positively associated with LTPA included subjective social status in the community (B = 89.0, P = .014) and in the United States (B = 181.3, P < .001), social connectedness (B = 122.3, P = .024), and social support for physical activity from family (B = 41.9, P < .001) and friends (B = 44.3, P < .001). Environmental factors positively associated with LTPA included the home environment (B = 111.2, P < .001), perceived environmental support for PA (B = 355.4, P = .004), and neighborhood attributes, including bicycling infrastructure (B = 191.3, P = .003), proximity to recreation facilities (B = 140.1, P = .021), traffic safety (B = 184.5, P = .025), and aesthetics (B = 342.6, P < .001). SOC statistically significantly moderated the association between social status in the United States and LTPA (B = 160.3, P = .031). Social and built environmental factors were consistently linked with LTPA and provide context for multilevel interventions promoting LTPA in RCS.