Neighborhood Types Research Articles

Children’s Perspectives of Neighbourhood Spaces: Gender-Based Insights From Participatory Mapping and GIS Analysis

Although several urban design and planning features, such as community spaces, green infrastructure, and traffic measures that prioritise pedestrians and children, have been identified as important characteristics of child-friendly cities and neighbourhoods, there remains a gap in our understanding regarding the specific elements of children’s daily environments that influence their experiences. This study focuses on the everyday activity spaces of children (aged 9–12) living in physically and socially diverse neighbourhoods of low-to-average income in Ankara, Turkey. Drawing on findings from thematic and qualitative GIS-based analyses of 40 participatory map-based focus groups with 217 children, this study aims to understand how neighbourhood design influences children’s everyday experiences across different neighbourhood types and genders. By visualising children’s perceptions of their neighbourhoods and activity spaces, and thematically analysing their comments related to neighbourhood design features that may facilitate positive and negative experiences, this child-centred study contributes to the limited research on children’s experiences of place. Our findings revealed key neighbourhood design features influencing children’s experiences and highlighted gender-based differences. While natural settings were valued across settings and genders, boys reported more physical activities in open spaces while girls more frequently emphasised the need for accessible playgrounds and natural settings. Children in urban neighbourhoods frequented streets, parks, and local shops more often, while those in suburban and sprawling areas preferred amenities near their homes. The study demonstrates that children’s positive everyday experiences can be supported by modifying the neighbourhood design, providing valuable insights for practitioners and policymakers on developing more child-friendly neighbourhoods.

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.

Built environmental characteristics, physical activity in neighbourhoods of Accra, Ghana

Abstract There is increasing evidence that characteristics of the built environment can influence residents’ lifestyles, physical activity thereby influencing the development of obesity and non-communicable diseases even in low- and middle-income countries. The aim of this study is to describe the characteristics of the built and the social environment of neighbourhoods of Accra, Ghana, and to explore association between neighbourhood characteristics and the physical activity of the residents. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Accra, 12 neighbourhoods were randomly selected based on high and low values of residential density and socioeconomic status. Sociodemographic, household and neighbourhood information were collected with an adapted questionnaire of NEWS (Neighbourhood Environment Walkability Scale) for Africa. Physical activity was assessed by WHO Global Physical Activity Questionnaire and social cohesion by the Perceived Neighbourhood Social Cohesion Questionnaire. Differences between variables by neighbourhood types were analysed using Chi square test and Kruskal Wallis test. Generalized linear model was performed to determine the association between neighbourhood characteristics and residents’ physical activity. The built environmental characteristics of different neighbourhood types and the physical activity of the residents showed significant differences. The associations indicated that individuals living in high residential density neighbourhoods had increased levels of engaging in physical activities. Land use mix, street connectivity, safety, aesthetics and social cohesion of neighbourhoods showed correlation with physical activity of residents. The built environment and social characteristics of neighbourhoods can influence the lifestyle and physical activity of residents in Accra, Ghana. Key messages • High residential density neighbourhoods correlated with higher level of physical activity. • Land use, street connectivity, safety and aesthetic of neighbourhoods and social cohesion showed correlation with physical activity.

Movement matters: uncovering life-course similarities and differences in residential environment perspectives

Neighbourhoods play a crucial role in residents’ everyday lives. People become attached to neighbourhood attributes throughout their lives and various activities performed within residential environments. Everyday time-space mobility routines actively impact how residents connect with their neighbourhoods. This paper aims to analyse residents’ links with their residential surroundings arising from their everyday spatial behaviours. It examines the topic in two dynamically transforming neighbourhood types in the Prague Metropolitan Area and from the perspectives of two population groups: older children from the suburbs and older adults from the gentrifying inner city. The study adopted qualitative data analysis using semi-structured interviews. Both groups fulfil neighbourhood attachments through various obligatory and optional movement types as well as accompanying social ties that constitute an important part of such moves. The neighbourhood links achieved through movement are shaped by complex mechanisms that occur at various spatial and temporal scales adding to the variety of functional and affective meanings of everyday mobility practices. They emerge along life-course shifts of individuals, changes in the neighbourhoods and activities happening within these spatial contexts. Residents then use numerous adaptive strategies to adjust their movements (and in turn their links with the neighbourhoods) to the combined effects of those conditions.

International and internal migration and the subjective wellbeing of wives left behind in Ghana

AbstractHusbands' labour migration has ramifications for significant family members, particularly wives left behind. However, limited studies have been conducted to examine the impacts of husbands' migration on women left behind married to international and internal migrants. Drawing on a purposive sampling survey of 298 Ghanaian women (international = 129 and internal = 169) in the Volta Region, we assessed their subjective wellbeing using three dimensions: self‐reported health, self‐reported satisfaction with life, and self‐reported happiness. The results from t‐tests show that on average, international women left behind have higher perceived health (3.72), perceived happiness (3.82) and satisfaction with life (3.19). Results from the multivariable binary logistic regression analyses reveal that while no variables predict self‐reported health for international women left behind, high frequency of communication is statistically associated with internal women left behind self‐assessed health. International women left behind who lived in nuclear households and internal women left behind who reported high wealth quintiles were both statistically associated with satisfaction with life, respectively. While demographic factors (age and duration of marriage) were significant predictors of happiness for international women left behind, neighbourhood type and frequency of communication predicted happiness for internal women left behind. The differences in variables predicting each of the subjective wellbeing dimensions demonstrate the concept's multidimensionality. It also highlights factors influencing subjective wellbeing outcomes of women left behind are not solely due to their husbands' migration. The policy implications of this study are highlighted.

Existence and density theorems of Henig global proper efficient points

In this work, we provide some novel results that establish both the existence of Henig global proper efficient points and their density in the efficient set for vector optimization problems in arbitrary normed spaces. Our results do not require the assumption of convexity, and in certain cases, can be applied to unbounded sets. However, it is important to note that a weak compactness condition on the set (or on a section of it) and a separation property between the order cone and its conical neighbourhoods remains necessary. The weak compactness condition ensures that certain convergence properties hold. The separation property enables the interpolation of a family of Bishop-Phelps cones between the order cone and each of its conic neighbourhoods. This interpolation, combined with the proper handling of two distinct types of conic neighbourhoods, plays a crucial role in the proofs of our results, which include as a particular case other results that have already been established under more restrictive conditions.

Do affluent neighbourhoods pay more for transit access? Exploring the capitalization of employment accessibility within different housing submarkets in Vancouver

Decades of research indicate that accessibility plays a fundamental role in the urban systems of cities by influencing land markets and household location choices. Accessibility is also often positioned as a policy tool in enhancing the well-being of disadvantaged population groups. Considered together, recent research into transportation equity underscores the need to critically investigate the distribution of accessibility with their affordability impacts. To better understand this dynamic, this research assesses variability in the relationship between employment access and house prices within different neighbourhood types in Metro Vancouver. We first calculate network accessibility to employment opportunities. Next, to integrate equity, we use sociodemographic indicators from census data to establish a typology of four neighbourhoods: Affluent, Stable Middle-class, At-Risk Middle-class and Economically-disadvantaged. Finally, using real estate data, we employ spatial econometric models to estimate differences in the capitalization of accessibility in residential property prices across these neighbourhood types. Results suggest that the value of transit access does differ by neighbourhood type in Metro Vancouver. While more affluent neighbourhoods exhibit the highest marginal willingness to pay for accessibility, predicted prices are highest in disadvantaged neighbourhoods due to their higher absolute levels of access. The research offers new insight into how property price effects vary according to different accessibility and sociodemographic contexts, and highlights important implications for both policy and future research.

Exploring the interplay of urban form and greenery in residents’ affective and cognitive responses

Stress is a prevalent issue in modern cities, exacerbated by urban development and significantly affecting urban dwellers. While it is known that greenery can contribute to people’s wellbeing, it is unclear if it can mitigate the negative effects of urban development. In this study, we aim to explore the intricate dynamics between urban form and greenery to dissect their collective effect on human wellbeing, operationalized through physiological relaxation, preference, and emotional responses. The study employs an experimental study design using virtual reality technology to immerse participants (n=156) into residential neighborhood scenes, and measures affective and cognitive responses using skin conductance measures and a survey, respectively. In general, the findings confirm the critical role of urban greenery on affective and cognitive responses. Interestingly, we observe that this effect is highly dependent on the context and shows diverging patterns between different neighborhood types. In particular, in certain neighborhoods (popular, 60 s, and cooperative), greenery, no matter if species-poor or biodiverse, consistently improves preference and physiological relaxation. In contrast, urban centers and single-family residential areas may accommodate more biodiverse green spaces without compromising their existing high preference levels when compared to less affluent neighborhoods. The study concludes with a call for urban planning to cultivate equitable, green, and distinctively designed urban environments. This shift underscores the critical role of innovative urban design in improving the wellbeing of urban dwellers.

Toward energy for all? Heterogeneous electricity constellations in Mozambique’s Greater Maputo region

ABSTRACT Debates on urban infrastructures in the global South have suggested that heterogeneous infrastructures may help improve urban electricity access yet also raise equality concerns. However, neither the urban inequalities associated with such electricity access nor how those inequalities play out in different urban neighbourhoods has been systematically studied. To better understand how electricity access develops in the context of heterogeneity, we examine five urban neighbourhood types in Mozambique’s Greater Maputo region, where heterogeneous electricity constellations provide some access to critical services yet have been unable to advance equal access to electricity. Connectivity is increasing at city level, but affordability and reliability are compromised in some neighbourhoods, and negative health, safety, and environmental impacts are observed in others. To accelerate equal electricity access throughout the city more attention must be paid to reducing trade-offs between different access dimensions that affect specific user groups in different settlements.

Exploring the Differences in Types of Commodities and Delivery Methods among Online Shoppers during the Early Stage of the COVID-19 Pandemic

During the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, the temporary limitations to in-store shopping during the lockdown period generated a significant increase in online shopping. During that period, the total spending amount and the number of online purchases increased across the whole population, although with rather heterogeneous patterns among various groups of consumers. This research examines the factors that can help explain the differences between users and non-users of online shopping in the U.S.A. during April and May 2020 to help understand the barriers to home-based shopping accessibility. The study uses data collected in the first survey wave of a longitudinal mobility study to analyze individual commodities and delivery options chosen for goods purchased online. Binomial logistic regression and Poisson regression models reveal differences in adopting e-shopping across various delivery channels, the frequency of purchase, and shipping used across commodities. In addition, a latent class cluster analysis identifies three heterogeneous groups of shoppers whose members differ mainly in income, age, education, neighborhood type, and technology attitudes. The results also highlight several differences in usage across crowdshipping markets and novel delivery options, such as in-store or locker pickup. The results also show variation in home-based accessibility across numerous factors during the pandemic.

Exploring Floristic Diversity, Propagation Patterns, and Plant Functions in Domestic Gardens across Urban Planning Gradient in Lubumbashi, DR Congo

Urbanization degrades natural habitats and creates new urban ecosystems like domestic gardens. The plant composition of these gardens varies with socio-economic factors and urban planning levels. However, the diversity and impact of introduced species are often poorly assessed, causing potential ecological imbalances (disruptions in the natural functioning and stability of ecosystems), particularly in Lubumbashi (DR Congo). The objective was to analyze the spatial structure, plant diversity, propagation strategies, and ecological functions of domestic gardens. Three distinct neighborhoods were selected: a planned, unplanned, and residential neighborhood. Twenty avenues (with five plots per avenue) were chosen to represent the diversity within each neighborhood, and stratified random sampling of plots was conducted to analyze gardening practices. Gardens were classified into types, and their vegetation was evaluated based on species origin and ecological impact. The analysis of domestic gardens in Lubumbashi reveals significant variations across different neighborhood types. Residential neighborhoods exhibit larger average garden sizes (315.1 m2), higher species richness (22 species), and larger plot sizes (1032 m2) compared to unplanned and planned neighborhoods, where garden areas and species richness are notably lower. Rectangular gardens dominate in unplanned areas, while planned neighborhoods feature more intentional landscaping elements, such as flowerbeds and hedges. The use of gardens for food production is prominent in planned areas (40.7%), whereas residential neighborhoods prioritize ornamentation (51.4%). The study identified 232 taxa across 68 families, with a predominance of exotic species (80%) in all neighborhoods, particularly in unplanned areas (82.25%). The data revealed that Mangifera indica and Persea americana are abundant in all neighborhoods, illustrating their adaptability to different urban contexts. Herbaceous species are most common, followed by woody plants, with vines being sparse. Species dispersal is primarily driven by human activities (anthropochory), accounting for over 85% in all neighborhoods. These findings highlight the strong human influence on the composition and structure of domestic gardens in Lubumbashi, emphasizing the dominance of exotic species and the importance of anthropogenic factors in shaping urban green spaces. Urban policies should incorporate strategies to minimize the negative impacts of exotic species on native flora.

Does Proximity to MRT Stations Affect Online Shopping Use? An Analysis Using Data from Japan and New York

The rapid growth of the e-commerce market in the retail sector has led to a greater demand for home delivery services in recent years. In order to develop policies to address the issues related to delivery demand, it is critical to understand the demand mechanism of online shopping. Furthermore, the relationship between proximity to mass rapid transit and shopping mode choice mechanisms has not been studied, although, in the field of urban design, accessibility to mass rapid transit is known to affect travel behaviors. We focus on the relationship between proximity to mass rapid transit stations and the shopping mode choice mechanism and estimate structural equation models, considering in-person and online shopping propensities as the latent variables. We use the two datasets. One is from a web-based survey of online shoppers in Japan. The other is the 2019 NYC Citywide Mobility Survey data. The results based on Japanese survey data indicate a clear difference in shopping mode choice mechanisms between MRT-dependent neighborhoods and non-MRT-dependent neighborhoods, while such a difference is limited in NYC. Furthermore, the study reveals how individual and household characteristics and accessibility indicators affect online shopping propensity based on the type of neighborhood and city/country.

Children's out-of-home placements: Associations with parental substance use and neighbourhood sociodemographics.

Background: Studies have shown an association between parental problematic substance use (PSU) and children's out-of-home care (OHC). But there is little researech on the kind of urban neighbourhoods in which such associations typically show up. This study aims to shed light on the associations between neighbourhood characteristics, parental PSU and children's OHC. Using register data, we explore the spatial concentration of parental PSU and children's OHC in urban areas. Methods: Register data of all children born in Finland in 2002 and their biological parents living in 14 Finnish cities were used to follow the children from birth until their 18th birthday or first OHC episode. The study looks at parental PSU andother individual-level indicators as well-as the sociodemographic neighbourhood characteristics. Cox proportional hazards modelling was used as the analysis method. Results: Parental PSU increased the probability of children's OHC regardless of neighbourhood type. The probabilty was highest if both parents had PSU (hazard ratio [HR] = 8.05, 95% confidence interval [Cl] 6.38-10.16), but this outcome did not look the same for all neighbourhoods. The risk of children's OHC placements was higher in suburbs compared to city centres (HR = 1.76, 95% Cl 1.38-2.25). Conclusion: As parental substance use is a complex problem that is often intertwined with other life challenges, such as financial difficulties and mental health problems, it is insufficient to treat caregiver conditions, such as problematic substance use in isolation. Services that increase positive, pro-social connections may be lacking in the neighbourhoods with the most challenges.

Daily Diversity Flows: Racial and Ethnic Context Between Home and Work.

The racial and ethnic diversification of the U.S. population has transformed the demographic makeup of communities and rapidly increased exposure to diversity in American neighborhoods. Although diversity exposure occurs throughout people's daily lives, the conventional approach to describing diversity only at places of residence potentially understates the full extent of this phenomenon. In this study, we explore short-term, within-day changes in the diversity of different neighborhoods by considering U.S. workers' work and residential locations. Using estimates for daytime and nighttime populations among metropolitan census tracts, our empirical analyses investigate the extent to which the process of daytime mobility for work relates to changes in the racial and ethnic diversity of different spaces. Our results indicate widespread daily shifts toward diversity for most neighborhood types, especially those with residential (nighttime) populations that are predominantly Black, Latino, or Asian. We find that patterns of intraday diversification experienced minor declines across recent decades but are present in most metropolitan areas. Our findings also show that intraday changes in racial and ethnic diversity overlap with nonracial forms of daily diversity change. Further, average within-day changes in diversity are more pronounced in areas with greater residential segregation.

Association between neighbourhood poverty and type 2 diabetes risk. Does moving from a high to lower poverty neighbourhood reduce diabetes risk?

ObjectivesDiabetes, a pressing global public health crisis, Diabetes, a global health crisis, is significantly impacted by social determinants, including neighborhood characteristics. This study aims to to assess whether relocation from a high poverty to lower poverty neighbourhood is associated with a reduction in T2D incidence. Methods and ResultsThis population-based, propensity-matched cohort study will use linked administrative health to examine the association between neighborhood relocation and T2D incidence. The study population will include adults (age ≥20 years) residing in high poverty urban neighborhoods between April 1st, 2002, to March 31st, 2021, as defined by an area Low-Income Measure - After Tax value of 38,730 dollars for a household size 4 based on the Canadian Census. Individuals will be followed for a new diagnosis of T2D using a validated algorithm based on hospitalization and physicians’ claims data. Propensity score matching will used to match individuals who moved from high-to-lower poverty neighbourhoods to one of two comparison groups: those moving from high-to-high poverty areas and those who remain in their original neighbourhood. Time-to-event analysis utilizing Cox proportional hazards regression with a robust variance estimator will be used to compare T2D incidence between matched groups. As a sensitivity analysis, non-propensity score modeling will be conducted using neighbourhood of residence as a time-varying covariate. The results of the aforementioned analyses will be presented during the conference. ImplicationsBy clarifying the link between neighborhood poverty and T2D incidence, the results will guide focused interventions to alleviate health inequalities in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas.

Whose sidewalk is it? Street vendors and the battle for San Diego’s foodscape

ABSTRACT Urban governments have become increasingly involved in gastrodevelopment, managing and monitoring foodscapes to stimulate growth. In that context, sidewalk vendors’ access to urban space has been fiercely debated in many cities. Stressing their informality, some argue that vendors activate public space, provide valuable services, and encourage entrepreneurship, while others emphasize the threats they pose to public safety, health, and competing businesses. This paper examines the motives behind San Diego’s restrictive sidewalk vending ordinance and assesses its impact on different types of vendors and neighborhoods across the city. Using mixed methods, including analyses of city records, census and online data, stakeholder interviews, and a 2022 survey of sidewalk and food truck vendors, we map the social geographies of street vending in San Diego and analyze their unevenness in the context of neoliberal urbanism, manifested in state-sanctioned gentrification, gastrodevelopment, increased policing of public space, and racial exclusion. Our findings show that instead of improving community food security and supporting immigrant microentrepreneurs, San Diego’s sidewalk vending ordinance privileges the demands of affluent and primarily white residents, resulting in an uneven street foodscape in which vending is mostly prohibited in exclusive areas, heavily managed in gentrifying areas, and merely tolerated in low-income areas.

Beyond “buzz”: knowledge interactions, innovation, and neighborhood characteristics

Abstract We examine the link between neighborhood characteristics, the importance of knowledge exchange, and firm innovation in Montreal. To this end we combine two sources of data: place-of-residence census data from Statistics Canada and the results of an original firm survey. Through principal component analysis and subsequent clustering, we define five types of neighborhoods. The results revealed that firms assign higher importance to local knowledge exchange when located in dense, walkable neighborhoods with higher educated residents. Knowledge exchange, both local and global, correlates with incremental and radical innovation. Moreover, firms are innovative in any neighborhood, provided they engage in knowledge exchange.

Neighbourhood Environments and Lifestyle Behaviours in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes

ObjectivesEarly prevention strategies are needed to mitigate the high risk of cardiovascular disease in adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Residential neighbourhood features can promote healthy lifestyle behaviours and reduce cardiovascular risk, but less is known about their role in lifestyle behaviours in adolescents with T1D, and no studies used comparisons to healthy controls. MethodsWe examined associations between residential neighbourhood features and lifestyle behaviours in adolescents with T1D and healthy controls. Data were analyzed from the CARdiovascular Disease risk factors in pEdiatric type 1 diAbetes (CARDEA) study, a cross-sectional investigation of 100 adolescents with T1D (14 to 18 years) from a pediatric diabetes clinic in Montréal, Canada, and 97 healthy controls. Outcomes included physical activity and sedentary behaviour (accelerometry), screen time and sleep duration (questionnaires), and dietary habits (24-hour recalls). Cluster analysis of selected neighbourhood indicators computed for participants’ postal codes resulted in 2 neighbourhood types: central urban and peri-urban. Central urban neighbourhoods were characterized by very high population density, high active living index, numerous points of interest, higher social deprivation, higher residential mobility, and lower median household income compared with peri-urban neighbourhoods. Associations of neighbourhood type with lifestyle behaviours were estimated with multiple linear regressions and interactions by T1D status were tested. ResultsLiving in central urban neighbourhoods was associated with greater daily minutes of moderate-to-vigourous physical activity (beta = 8.61, 95% confidence interval 1.79 to 15.44) compared with living in peri-urban neighbourhoods. No associations were observed for other lifestyle behaviours, and no statistically significant interactions were found between neighbourhood type and T1D status. ConclusionFeatures that characterize central urban built environments appear to promote physical activity in adolescents, regardless of T1D status.

Socio-spatial features of neighbourhoods supporting social interaction between locals and migrants in peri-urban China

Western literature shows evidence of a positive relationship between socio-spatial features of neighbourhoods and social interaction. However, there is little research exploring this relationship in the Chinese context, particularly between locals and migrants in peri-urban China where significant housing is being created. This paper studies the socio-spatial features of neighbourhoods in supporting social interaction between locals and migrants across different neighbourhood types in the peri-urban areas in Guangzhou. In this research, data were collected using door-to-door questionnaires and site surveys in 9 peri-urban neighbourhoods in Guangzhou. The nature and strength of relationships between socio-spatial features of neighbourhoods and social interaction were examined through statistical analysis. The results of this study suggest that the level of maintenance and accessibility can help improve social interaction for locals and migrants living together in villages, redeveloped villages, and commodity housing. Neighbourhood boundaries and quality of neighbourhoods were found to be positively related to social interaction for locals and migrants in redeveloped villages only. In addition, the perceived character of the neighbourhood can positively impact social interaction for locals in villages only. This study demonstrates that high-quality neighbourhoods can improve social interaction between migrants and locals in peri-urban villages, commodity housing, and redeveloped villages in China. The study provides a guide for neighbourhood designers, urban planners, and property managers in peri-urban China regarding how to create a neighbourhood supporting social interaction between locals and migrants in villages, redeveloped villages and commodity housing respectively.

Independent mobility and physical activity among children residing in an ultra-dense metropolis

Abstract Objectives Independent mobility (IM), which is defined as the freedom of children moving without adult supervision, has been found to be positively associated with physical activity (PA). This study explored IM by sociodemographic factors and type of neighborhoods and its association with PA among children in Hong Kong. Methods A convenience sample of 330 children aged 8–12 years and their parents was recruited. The children wore an ActiGraph accelerometer for eight consecutive days to measure PA and sedentary time (ST). Parents reported parents’ license and children self-reported their actual mobility. Generalized estimating equations were conducted to examine the associations of IM with sociodemographics (e.g., children’s age, sex, body weight status, parents’ age, sex, maternal education) and type of neighborhood. Linear mixed models were performed to determine the associations of IM with PA and ST. Results Valid data from 296 children (8.8±0.6 years old, 42.2 % boys) were included in analysis. Children residing in sprawl and rural areas had greater parents’ license and actual mobility than those in urban areas. Greater parents’ license was associated with more moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA) on weekend days (β=1.33, 95% CI: 0.15–2.51), while children’s actual mobility was positively associated with MVPA on weekdays (β=1.14, 95% CI: 0.10–2.18). Conclusions In densely populated metropolis, children living in highly urbanized areas with higher SES experienced reduced parental license and actual mobility compared to their peers in less affluent neighborhoods, irrespective of the level of urbanization.