Urban Dwellers Research Articles

How Built Environment Characteristics Influence Social Interactions During Neighbourhood Walks Among Urban Inhabitants

As an accessible and low-risk mode of transportation and recreational activity, walking both produces and is produced by socio-spatial urban features. The health benefits of walking transcend physical fitness, remaining integral to mental health and to fostering social connectedness in urban communities. Understanding what drives walking behaviour, therefore, warrants attention from a public health perspective. This qualitative case study focuses on the social interactions of inhabitants during neighbourhood walks and how built environment features influence walking patterns and experience. Using diaries, maps, and semi-structured interviews with 45 inhabitants of a mid-sized Canadian city, this research investigates the influence of permanent and temporary physical features on the perceived quality of inhabitants’ walks. The findings show the public visibility of urban modifications influences walking behaviour and improves social interactions, leading to a heightened sense of belonging and community. Inhabitant-led modifications in the urban space were mostly neighbourhood-bound and voyeuristic, whereas administrative interventions were more successful for collectivization. Both types of interventions are argued to foster social connectedness through different mechanisms, with positive impacts on inhabitants’ health and wellbeing. The findings underscore the relevance of community-led and administratively planned interventions in built environments in positioning public health policies associated with social cohesion and connectedness.

Sufficiency, consumption patterns and limits: a survey of French households

How can the concept of consumption corridors be operationalised? This research provides socio-demographic knowledge of the setting of the upper limit. Four distinct ‘modes of consumption’ are identified, based on material consumption levels and openness to consumption limits. A survey of French households (n = 2452) reveals people are generally reluctant to accept strict consumption caps, especially binding ones. Both high and low material consumption groups strongly oppose consumption limits, suggesting that wealth does not correlate with a sense of having ‘enough’. Individuals with fewer possessions support the idea of limits to consumption, though not outright bans. Despite the cultural value placed on limitless consumption and political aversion to restrictions, actual consumption modes are inherently limited. Individuals operate within certain boundaries, whether or not acknowledged. Since perceptions of ‘enough’ are shaped by economic, social and technical contexts, urban settings and buildings could play a critical role in establishing these de facto limits. By facilitating frugal-yet-comfortable lifestyles, cities and buildings could help to restrain consumption without invoking a sense of deprivation. This approach suggests a pathway for fostering sustainable consumption corridors that feel normal rather than imposed. Practice relevance This research identifies four main modes of consumption in relation to sufficiency in mainland France. It shows that what constitutes enough is socially and economically situated and is not an external reality that would mechanically satisfy consumption needs. It also shows a general reluctance of individuals towards setting limits to individual consumption levels. To the extent that urban planning and dwelling types are already important forces in the shaping of sustainable modes of consumption, cities and buildings may prove instrumental in providing the condition of de facto upper limits to consumption. By understanding consumption modes and their relationship with sufficiency, policymakers, urban planners and architects could implement the means to conduct frugal lifestyles that do not evoke feelings of deprivation.

Radiation dose estimation for indoor radon, thoron and their progenies using a stochastic method-a small-scale survey in Wuhan, China.

Passive radon monitors with CR-39s are widely used in major epidemiological surveys. However, the conventional CR-39 track density determining strategy makes it difficult to accurately estimate the concentration because of the heterogeneity of tracks on CR-39s. This study introduced a stochastic method, Latin hypercube sampling, to improve the track density determining strategy and provide the probability distribution of 222Rn concentration and equilibrium equivalent thoron concentration. The first 222Rn and 220Rn discriminated survey was conducted in Wuhan, China, in 2018 using RADUET® and deposition-based passive 220Rn progeny monitors and applying the stochastic method to the measurement. The results indicate that the stochastic method could decrease the effects of the track heterogeneity on the CR-39s and provide reliable results. The 220Rn progeny contributed more than 40% of the total inhalation dose in the survey, which cannot be ignored in urban family dwellings.

Cardiovascular disease risk perception among community-dwelling adults in southwest Nigeria: A mixed-method study.

The rising prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remains a global concern. In Nigeria, the current prevalence of CVD was 76.11% with its attendance burden. The CVD risk perception of individuals is a precursor to the desired lifestyle modification necessary for CVD prevention and management. This study assessed the CVD risk perception and sociodemographic determinants among rural and urban dwellers in southwest Nigeria. The study employed a convergent parallel mixed-methods design involving concurrent data collection. The participants' CVD risk perception was obtained using the Perception of Risk of Heart Disease Scale (quantitative data) and a validated focus group discussion (FGD) guide (qualitative data). Quantitative analysis was completed using descriptive statistics, Phi, Cramer's V, and multivariate linear regression, while the FGD was thematically analysed. The quantitative study involved 1,493 participants (62.4% women) with a mean age of 46.90±15.65 years, while the FGD involved 53 participants (52.8% women) with a mean age of 50.10±13.5 years. Over a quarter (28%) of the participants had a poor CVD risk perception; the mean score was 44.40±8.07. Rural residents had a significantly poorer CVD risk perception than their urban counterparts (Mean difference = -3.16, p<0.001). Having tertiary education (β = 0.100, p < 0.001), living in urban areas (β = 0.174, p<0.001), and living in Lagos (β = 0.074, p = 0.013) and in Oyo, other than Ogun state (β = -0.156, p<0.001) significantly predicted having a good perception of CVD risk. FGD produced three themes: knowledge about CVD, CVD risk factors, and CVD prevention. Participants had a fair understanding of the causes and prevention of CVD. Yet, a substantial portion underestimated their own risk of developing CVD, particularly rural dwellers and people with lower education. More public health education is required to improve the CVD risk perception in southwestern Nigeria.

Effects of Social Determinants of Health on Acute Stroke Care Among Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are important contributors to poor stroke-related outcomes. While some have suggested that this association is driven by the increased incidence of stroke observed with poor SDOH, others have raised concerns regarding disparities in acute stroke care. This study aimed to determine the association between SDOH and the administration of thrombolytic therapy and mechanical thrombectomy among patients with acute ischemic stroke. A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted using Texas Emergency Department Public Use Data (2016-2019), including adult patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke. The risk ratios (RRs) of administering thrombolysis and thrombectomy based on variables representing SDOH and a collective measure (Social Vulnerability Index [SVI]) were computed using mixed-effects Poisson regression models accounting for the nested nature of patients in hospitals and neighborhoods. The Charlson comorbidity score was considered as a covariate. Of the 139,852 patients with ischemic stroke (female, 51.7%; White, 67.2%; Black, 16.6%; Hispanic, 25.1%), 16,831 (12.3%) received thrombolytic therapy and 5,951 (4.3%) received mechanical thrombectomy. Age older than 65 years (RR 0.578 [0.537-0.621]) vs 18-45 years, Black (RR 0.801 [0.761-0.844]) vs White, Hispanic (RR 0.936 [0.895-0.98]) vs non-Hispanic, Medicare/Medicaid/Veterans Affairs (VA) (RR 0.917 [0.882-0.954]) or uninsured (RR 0.883 [0.833-0.935]) vs private insurance, and rural (RR 0.782 [0.723-0.845]) vs urban dwelling were less likely to be associated with thrombolysis. Patients in the highest quintile based on the SVI were less likely to receive thrombolysis than those in the lowest quintile (RR 0.926 [0.867-0.989]). Patients were less likely to receive thrombectomy if they were 65 years and older (RR 0.787 [0.691-0.895]), belonged to the Black race (RR 0.745 [0.679-0.818]) or Hispanic ethnicity (RR 0.919 [0.851-0.992]), had Medicare/Medicaid/VA insurance (RR 0.909 [0.851-0.971]), or were from a rural area (RR 0.909 [0.851-0.971]). Similarly, SVI decreased the likelihood of undergoing mechanical thrombectomy (RR 0.842 [0.747-0.95]). Despite many improvements in stroke management, SDOH continue to be a significant driver of treatment access for acute ischemic stroke. While our findings are limited to Texas, our results should raise awareness and promote more studies regarding the effects of these SDOH at the national and international levels.

Socioeconomic Inequality in Perceived Need for Mental Healthcare in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Hamadan, Western Iran

Background and aims: The use of mental healthcare services in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients can depend on socioeconomic status (SES). The current study aimed to evaluate socioeconomic inequality in the perceived need for mental healthcare in patients with T2DM in Hamadan, Western Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between March and July 2023 in Hamadan, Western Iran. The study included T2DM patients who were referred to the Diabetes Center of Hamadan. The variables included in the study were demographics, SES, health insurance status, social support, and self-rated mental health. The outcome of interest was the perceived need for mental healthcare. The socioeconomic inequality was evaluated using concentration index and decomposition analysis. Results: A total of 393 patients (mean age: 56.48±10.65, 62% female and 88% urban inhabitants) were enrolled. The prevalence of perceived need for mental healthcare was 43%, and 50.30% of the patients (85) had delay/avoidance of mental healthcare services. The concentration index (95% confidence interval) of perceived mental healthcare needs was -0.24 (-0.18, -0.30), indicating that perceived needs are more concentrated in the socio-economically disadvantaged patients. Decomposition analysis revealed that low economic status and illiteracy were the main contributors to the inequality (approximately 50%). Cost, minimization, and stigma were the most frequently reported reasons for avoidance/delay of mental healthcare services, respectively. Conclusion: There was a pro-poor socioeconomic inequality in perceived need for mental healthcare among T2DM patients. Healthcare policies and facilities to reduce socioeconomic inequality should mainly focus on disadvantaged T2DM patients.

Climate Change and Heatwaves in India: Review of Impacts on Public Health, Livelihoods, and Policy

This paper presents a literature review studying the impacts of climate change and heatwaves on public health and livelihoods, with a focus on India. As global climate change accelerates, heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, necessitating new approaches to mitigate their effects on vulnerable populations, especially in urban areas. The review draws on recent studies (2021-2024) that explore the intersections of climate change, heatwaves, public health, livelihoods, policy interventions, and Heat Action Plans. The main findings reveal that heatwaves in India have significant public health impacts, such as increased mortality and morbidity, and disproportionately affect livelihoods, especially in agriculture and informal labor sectors. Vulnerable populations, including urban dwellers and informal workers, face heightened risks, further exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure and policy gaps. The purpose of this review is to synthesize current research to highlight these vulnerabilities and identify gaps in knowledge and policy response. A comprehensive, localized approach combining detailed risk assessments, nature-based solutions, technological innovations, and strengthened governance is essential for effective heatwave management in India. The findings underscore the urgent need for continued research focused on local spaces and comprehensive policy interventions to address the escalating risks posed by climate-induced heatwaves, setting the groundwork for future research and effective heatwave management strategies.

Assessment of climate change knowledge of residents of informal sectors of Abuja Federal Capital City, Nigeria

ABSTRACT Urban informal settlement dwellers face uncertainties from climate change (CC) and need to understand its causes and impacts to adapt effectively. Few studies explore their levels of CC knowledge. This research surveyed 388 purposively selected households across five informal sectors in Abuja, Nigeria (Apo, Gaduwa, Garki, Jabi, and Mabushi), using structured questionnaires. Key variables assessed for their influence on CC knowledge included age, family size, education, income, livelihood type, tenure security, and marital status. Mann-Whitney and Chi-Square tests evaluated the significance of these factors. Findings showed that most households are aware of local CC trends, with perceptions closely aligning with scientific insights. However, understanding of CC causes and consequences remains limited. Among seven hypotheses tested, age, family size, income, and livelihood type significantly influenced CC knowledge, while education, tenure security, and marital status had little effect. The study highlights that even educated residents may lack comprehensive knowledge of CC causes. Enhancing scientific understanding in CC-prone communities is essential for effective adaptation and mitigation strategies.

The Contribution of Applicable Smart and Sustainable Technologies in Recreation to City Happiness

We are aware that the efficient use of time is important for individuals. However, the fact that urban dwellers trying to live in cities have limited free time to spare for themselves creates difficulties in terms of the development of social well-being. The presence of technology, which has recently developed in the world, in our individual lives is indisputable. However, the long transportation times of individuals living in the city during the day is an important factor that causes the lack of free time periods. Matching the presence of technology with smart equipment that urban dwellers can enjoy and use in a sustainable way at appropriate points in cities will contribute to the happiness of society. This formation will actually provide us with the opportunity to transform technological renewal in cities into happy cities. For this reason, both the concrete existence of the concepts of smart city and happy city in 4 major cities of the world (Istanbul, Indiana, Amsterdam, Shanghai) and their reflections on the city dwellers are examined. Through interviews with the relevant people who serve the concepts of smart designs, technologies, recreational equipment and happy cities in the cities and concrete data, comparative sources of information on recreational technologies, sustainable and happy cities are provided. These sources consist of people who provide services on recreational technologies and services in the mentioned cities. The purpose of the sample group is to obtain information about city recreational technology studies from people who serve recreational city technologies, as well as to examine their views on city technologies and city happiness. In our study; the reflected and measurable (United Nations World Happiness Reports) dimensions of the concept of happy city are tried to be put forward in a scientific sense by comparing the examples created in cities and their reflections. In my 3rd TİK report on the thesis, the purpose of the study, the research model, the tools used to obtain data in the research, purposive sampling, research reliability, analysis, thematic coding information, ethical evaluation and the sample group information of this study applied online to 4 countries in 3 different continents, the table of research cities information and the findings (maxqda maps) graphics were added. In addition, general information about the concepts of leisure, recreation, smart city and happy city, which constitute the main theme of the research, is included.

Research and Analysis of Smart Home Products Based on the Emotional Needs of Generation Z Living Alone

Abstract: With the rapid transformation of Chinas economic structure, the concentration of industrial resources, and the widespread access to education, the young Generation Z has undergone a conceptual metamorphosis, flocking to first- and second-tier cities, resulting in a phenomenon of living alone. In a sense, these individuals drive social development through their own efforts; however, their collective psychological characteristics often clash with the heterogeneous and transient environment in which they reside. The issue of unmet emotional needs stemming from their solitude is becoming increasingly pronounced. This paper examines the living conditions and consumption characteristics of Generation Z living alone and, from the perspective of their emotional needs, explores their preferences and demands in the application of smart home products. The goal is to provide meaningful insights for improving the quality of life for young urban dwellers living alone and to contribute to the research and development direction of smart home product design.

Time to recovery following cataract surgery and its predictors among patients undergoing surgery at two selected Public Hospitals in Hawassa, Sidama, Ethiopia.

Cataract surgery is a commonly performed procedure aimed at restoring vision in individuals affected by cataracts. The duration of recovery following cataract surgery can vary among patients and is influenced by a multitude of factors. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the time to recovery from cataracts and its predictors among patients treated with cataract surgery at two selected Public Hospitals in Hawassa, Sidama regional state, Ethiopia. Institution-based retrospective cohort study was conducted among 444 cataract patients treated with surgery from January 01, 2019, to December 30, 2021. A simple random sampling method was used to select two public hospitals. The data was collected using Kobo toolbox Version 4 and trained data collectors. STATA Version 16 was used for analysis. To estimate the recovery time and compare survival probability among variables Kaplan-Meir curve and Log-rank test were used. The cox-Proportional hazards model was used to identify significant predictors of time to recovery. The association was reported using the adjusted hazards ratio (AHR) with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI), and the significance level was set at a p-value of 0.05. This study showed that 76.14% of cataract patients recovered from cataracts. The average time taken to recover from a cataract was 30 weeks (IQR = 15 to 48) 95%, CI, (26-33). Age 40-60 years (AHR = 2.04 CI; 1.12-3.82), urban dwellers (AHR = 1.48; 95% CI, 1.13-1.93), medium/high level of visual acuity (AHR = 1.49 CI; 1.14-1.94), secondary cataract (AHR = 1.56 CI; 1.11-2.18) and traumatic cataract (AHR = 1.82 CI; 1.32-2.52) were associated with time to recovery of cataract patients. According to this study, the time to recovery of cataract patients was slightly high. Cataract patients' time to recovery was affected by age, residence, pre-operative visual acuity, presence of diabetes mellitus, and post-operative complications. To improve recovery time of cataract patients, treatment strategies must be prioritized.

Heat and the city: Thermal control, governance and health in urban Asia

This special issue focuses on the under-studied but increasingly pressing issue of urban heat. Cities are getting hotter, both due to the global crisis of climate change, and the related phenomena of Urban Heat Islands, which locally amplify increased global temperatures and exposure to solar radiation. We know a great deal about how heat is affecting cities from a scientific and public health perspective. Urban studies scholarship, however, has been slower to foreground heat as a social, spatial, and political category of analysis, at least in comparison to discussions of carbon emissions and their control, energy and infrastructure, rising sea levels or flooding, and activism towards sustainability. While many of these themes also figure in this collection, our focus is on the varied phenomena of urban dwellers feeling, avoiding, suffering under, mitigating, culturally interpreting and attempting to anticipate and plan for, the reality of elevated air temperatures and solar radiation. What we call thermal control, governance, and health is the multi-level and multivalent social and material response to uncomfortable and potentially injurious temperatures, an elusive topic this special issue makes visible and constitutes what we hope will be an ongoing urban research agenda.

Trend in the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension among adult over in Nigeria over a 4-year period

Abstract Background Hypertension is the commonest risk factor for most cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, also the commonest cause of sudden unexpected death in the country. Despite concerted efforts to reduce the burden of this condition through increasing awareness, treatment and control rate of hypertension among adults in Nigeria. The rates of hypertension awareness (60%), treatment (34%), and control (12%) have been reported recently These figures need to change for the improved health of the citizens. Objective The study assessed the trend in the prevalence, levels of awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension among adults in urban setting in Nigeria, Sub-Sahara Africa. Methods This was a retrospective study. Data collected from opportunistic screening of adults aged 15 years and above in 4 urban communities during May Measurement Month from 2020 to 2023 was analyzed. Standardized protocol was used to collected data on socio-demographics and anthropometric measurements, blood pressure and pulse rate were measured using digital blood pressure monitors after patient have rested for at least 15 minutes. Hypertension was defined based on the 7th Report of the Joint National Committee on the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of Hypertension. Data was analyzed using SPSS 22 and p-value &amp;lt;0.05 was statistically significant Results We analyzed data of 2676participants. The mean age was 40.4years (SD 15·04), 68·5% of whom were women, 2.8% had diabetes mellitus, and 50·9% were overweight/obese. A third of the participants (33·9%) had hypertension, more than half of whom (57·2%) were aware that they were diagnosed of hypertension. The prevalence reduced from 39.7% in 2020 to 26.8% in 2023. Among those diagnosed, 66.5% were taking medication, and among those taking medication 32.5% had controlled blood pressure. We noted an increasing improvement in the rate of awareness from 35.4% to 72.5%, treatment from 46.7% to 82.6% and control from 5.7% to 52.3% over the 4-year period, p-value 0.000 (figure 1). When comparing between the hypertensives and non-hypertensives; higher age group (55years and above), the presence of diabetic mellitus and overweight/obesity showed statistically significant association, all at p-value of 0.000 each (table 1). Conclusion Hypertension is still a major problem among urban dwellers in Akwa Ibom State, with almost every one out of three adults have the condition. Though there is a decreasing trend in the prevalence and increasing trend in the awareness, treatment and control of hypertension, these rates are still suboptimal. Urgent measures are needed to reduce the prevalence and improve hypertension control among this population.

Urban Exposome and Health

Abstract Background The environment in which we live is thought to explain 70% of the non-communicable disease burden. The aim of EXPANSE project (funded from the European Union Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 874627) is to evaluate the optimal strategies for maintaining health in the context of contemporary urban environments. As a component of the project, Urban Labs allow deep phenotyping of the urban exposome and assessing its use and perception. The Urban Labs aim to improve exposure assessment, identify mediating and modifying lifestyle factors, and link the urban exposome to intermediate endpoints relevant for cardiometabolic and pulmonary health. Methods By monitoring the activities of 4,000 individuals in five distinct urban areas, Urban Labs provide a comprehensive understanding of the urban exposome, which can be compared with residential address-based model estimates. The participants complete a baseline questionnaire, repeated bi-monthly questionnaires and exposure-specific questionnaires over a period of 2 years using mobile phone application (ExpanSeeker). Two-week personalized measurements including spatial-temporal activity patterns, sensor-based environmental and behavioral measurements, and minimally invasive biological sample collection are performed covering different seasons. Results The Baseline Questionnaire (BQ) and two-weeks measurement campaigns (MC) were completed in European cities as follows: Athens BQ = 379, MC = 232; Barcelona BQ = 1040, MC = 303; Basel BQ = 731, MC = 655; Lodz BQ = 634, MC = 100; The Netherlands (multicity) BQ = 1033, MC = 326. Data collection process is ongoing. Conclusions The collection of novel data on individuals activities and perceptions within temporal and geographical contexts in Urban Labs will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of how the urban dwellers are exposed to and interact with their environment, thereby supporting healthier urban engineering and policy making. Key messages • Urban Labs will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of the urban environment on individual’s behavior, their exposome, enabling more accurate prediction of non-communicable risk. • Urban Labs will provide a base to support healthier urban engineering and policy making.

Problematizing street vending: The uncanniness of a disembodied urban policy

ABSTRACT Street vending is an important source of livelihood for many urban dwellers in Africa but remains a challenge for urban policy and planning. This paper uses Ghana as a case study to examine how street vending is treated in urban policy frameworks. We use qualitative content analysis to critically review four major urban policies that shape the planning, development, and management of Ghanaian cities. Our findings reveal a misalignment of local urban policies with national policy on the regulation of street vending. The regulation of street vending is unclear, contradictory, and ineffective, failing to provide a clear policy direction and adequate planning tools for integrating street vending into urban spaces. We argue that these policy inconsistencies persist due to power imbalances and governance challenges, with local authorities maintaining ambiguous policies that benefit powerful stakeholders while keeping street vendors in a state of insecurity. We call for more coherent and inclusive policies that recognize the socioeconomic value of street vending and foster more inclusive urban spaces. We also highlight the need for reformed urban governance that empowers marginalized voices and builds cross-scale alliances to address the complexities of urban informality and support the informal economy.

Assessment of socioeconomic and health vulnerability among urban slum dwellers in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundBangladesh is rapidly urbanizing and approximately half of its urban population resides in deprived slums with limited access to basic needs. However, there is a dearth of information on vulnerability levels among slum dwellers. We aimed to assess the level of vulnerability within and between slums via various socioeconomic and health indicators.MethodsA cross-sectional survey of 810 randomly selected households was conducted in two purposively selected slums, Korail and Shyampur, in Dhaka from November to December 2021. Data was collected on various indicators, including demographics, education, employment, access to utility, and healthcare services. Principal component factor analysis was employed to identify the key indicators to construct the socioeconomic and health vulnerability index for the urban slums of Bangladesh (SEHVI-BD). Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin, Bartlett’s test, and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient test were used to assess indicators’ suitability. The selected indicators were used to generate an index on a scale of 100, with a higher index value indicating a higher level of vulnerability. The estimated scores were used to categorize the vulnerability status into three levels: mild, moderate, and severe vulnerability. The Mann-Whitney-U test and Kruskal-Wallis test were applied between the generated index and other socioeconomic variables to validate the relationship.ResultsA total of 27 socioeconomic and health indicators were identified that explained 60% of the variance. The indicators were then grouped into six domains on the basis of their relevance. The prevalence of severe vulnerability in the Korail slum was approximately 9% and moderate vulnerability was 30% whereas these values were approximately 58% and 37%, respectively, in the Shyampur slum. The difference in the vulnerability level between the two slums was also evident across the domains. Households in the poorest wealth quintile, with lower education levels of household heads, and having irregular income experienced higher levels of vulnerability.ConclusionsThe SEHVI-BD offers a critical tool for policymakers to identify and address vulnerabilities, facilitating more targeted public health interventions in urban Bangladesh and similar low-income settings. This study further emphasizes the importance of integrating comprehensive vulnerability assessments into public health policies to reduce inequalities and improve well-being, especially for the urban marginalized slum population.

Public Perception of Urban Green Spaces and its Tree Diversity in Delhi

The relationship between man and nature plays an important role in the everyday lives of human societies. Places like Delhi and its people face major challenges and issues of urbanisation affecting their health and well-being. Urban greens such as parks play a major role in bringing greenness into the lives of urban dwellers. Trees are seen as a major green component in the urban greens. This paper attempts to understand how public sees green spaces and their uses. Tree diversity index (The Shannon Index also known as Shannon Weiner Index, is a statistical index that measures diversity by estimating species richness and evenness.) canopy cover, and tree trunk diameter have been taken as indicators of greenness of park. Tree distribution at the species level is studied in one of the parks managed by Delhi Development Authority as ‘Landmark greens’. The park users’ perception is studied using an ethnographic method. Whereas the Shannon index is 2.2, which is a moderate value, 50 per cent of the visitors could only identify the popular species namely Neem, Banyan, Ashok, and Peepal. People are aware of the potential benefits of trees and plants or the role of green spaces in their overall well-being. Some of the visitors are the regular ones as they use the park with a purpose to heal from respiratory tract infection, obesity, diabetes, and palpitation, while there are 22 per cent visitors who found the park unsafe during certain instances.

Exploring community gardens on mental well-being among urban dwellers in Lagos, Nigeria

Purpose: In Lagos, Nigeria, Rapid urbanization raises serious concerns about mental well-being due to limited green spaces and social isolation; hence, this qualitative study aims to investigate the experiences of individuals engaged in community gardens and their effect on mental health. Method: This research uses semi-structured interviews with five individuals engaged in Lagos community gardens to thoroughly investigate their influence on mental well-being. Result: The findings demonstrate an increased social connection, improved mood, and reduced stress, through nature contact, and gardening. Also, the findings review that community gardens contributed to overall well-being, provided opportunities for mindfulness, and physical activity, and facilitated a sense of belonging Conclusion: The novelty of the research is that it sheds light on the specific experiences of Nigerians in community gardens and their perceived mental health benefits, thereby, pinpointing the potential of these spaces in tackling the urban mental health issues. This systematic study informs the development of culturally relevant community gardens as accessible interventions to enhance mental well-being in Lagos and similar urban settings.

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.

Circular Consumption in Everyday Life: Drawing Insights into the Creation of a Circular City

AbstractAlthough individual consumption is the biggest contributor to cities’ carbon footprints, the link between personal actions and building a circular city remains narrowly researched. Similarly, the implications of the circular economy in individuals’’ everyday lives are not yet well known. This study bridges these research gaps by examining the impacts of circular consumption on urban neighborhood inhabitants’ everyday lives and by considering the relationship between individual consumption and the creation of a circular city. This qualitative research relies on interviews conducted with inhabitants, companies and a school of Tammela neighborhood. Results derived from a directed content analysis suggest that circular consumption is an advisable instrument for living in accordance with environmental values and promotes economic inclusion for individuals. However, circular consumption requires more consumption work from consumers compared to linear consumption. In conclusion, at the city level mainstreaming circular consumption might be achieved with policies aiming at (a) increasing environmental awareness and teaching circular skills and (b) enhancing convenient circular systems of provision to attract people with various values to engage in circular consumption, while considering the amount of consumption work required by the consumer.