Urban Residents Research Articles

Motivating residents to volunteer for urban waterway restoration: A segmentation approach

AbstractUrban landscapes play a crucial role in the health of freshwater ecosystems. The task of protecting and restoring urban freshwater waterways requires concerted efforts from all sectors of society, including volunteers. The recruitment and retention of volunteers is often a challenge for community environmental organizations as urban residents are diverse and influenced by a blend of personal, societal, and environmental factors. We surveyed a representative sample of 1901 urban residents across Aotearoa New Zealand and used the Behaviour Change Wheel framework and audience segmentation to understand the underlying factors influencing volunteering for waterway restoration projects and to identify potential target audiences to recruit new volunteers. We identified four segments within the target audience (“Supportive,” “Receptive but unsure,” “Hesitant and lack opportunity,” and “Reluctant”) each with its own unique profile of capabilities, opportunities, and motivations for volunteering. Recommendations for appropriate intervention designs to increase levels of volunteering include providing tailored messaging and events for those who are “Receptive but unsure” or “Hesitant and lack opportunity” and information about volunteering opportunities to “Supportive” individuals. This knowledge lays the groundwork for future initiatives focused on increasing urbanites' volunteering with community freshwater restoration groups.

The effect of trust in neighbourhood on parents' decision to drive their children to school: Insights from a hybrid choice model

IntroductionThe growing trend of children being driven to school has become a cause of concern in developed countries, with parents' perception of trust in neighbourhoods emerging as a key determinant. Previous research has mainly investigated the influence of either the mother's or the father's perception on children's school travel. While the contribution of each parent's perception to the final decision, and the factors affecting this contribution, remains unclear. MethodsThis study leverages data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) to examine the distinct roles of mothers' and fathers' perceptions of trust in the neighbourhood on their children's school travel mode. It proposes a hybrid choice model (HCM) to measure the contribution of each parent's perception as a function of their socio-economic status (SES) in the school travel mode decision. ResultsThe results indicate that a higher parental perception of trust in the neighbourhood significantly reduces the likelihood of using private car to take children to school. The study also identifies several factors that influence parental perception of trust, highlighting differing impacts on mothers and fathers. Neighbourhood SES has a more pronounced positive impact on mothers’ perceptions of trust, whereas homeownership and urban residency exhibit stronger effects on fathers' perceptions. The analysis further delineates the contribution of individual parents to the overall parental perception of trust, demonstrating that higher levels of income decrease this contribution. ConclusionThis study highlights the significant role of parental perception of neighbourhood trust in children's school travel mode, with both mothers' and fathers' perceptions playing crucial roles. Neighbourhood SES, homeownership, urban residence, and ethnic diversity shape parents' perceptions, with differing effects on mothers and fathers. Future policy initiatives should focus on fostering trust and social inclusion through community events, multicultural programs, and social activities to enhance neighbourhood cohesion and support sustainable school travel choices.

LEAF: A Lifestyle Approximation Framework Based on Analysis of Mobile Network Data in Smart Cities

The increasing use of mobile networks is an opportunity to collect and model users’ movement data for extracting knowledge about life and health while considering privacy leakage risk. This study aims to approximate the lifestyles of urban residents, employing statistical information derived from their movements among various Points of Interest (PoI). Our investigations comprehend a multidimensional analysis of key urban factors to provide insights into the population’s daily routines, preferences, and characteristics. To this end, we developed a framework called LEAF that models lifestyles by interpreting anonymized cell phone mobility data and integrating it with information from other sources, such as geographical layers of land use and sets of PoI. LEAF presents the information in a vector space model capable of responding to spatial queries about lifestyle. We also developed a consolidated lifestyle pattern framework to systematically identify and analyze the dominant activity patterns in different urban areas. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed framework, we tested it on movement data from individuals in a medium-sized city and compared the results with information collected through surveys. The RMSE of 5.167 between the proposed framework’s results and survey-based data indicates that the framework provides a reliable estimation of lifestyle patterns across diverse urban areas. Additionally, summarized patterns of criteria ordering were created, offering a concise and intuitive representation of lifestyles. The analysis revealed high consistency between the two methods in the derived patterns, underscoring the framework’s robustness and accuracy in modeling urban lifestyle dynamics.

The multifaceted effects of migraine on Syrian society: insights from a multicenter cross-sectional study

BackgroundMigraine is the most common primary headache. It’s alone responsible for 1.3% of disability in the world. Migraine both worsen quality of life of individuals and place a significant burden on the society. Despite this, there exists a knowledge gap regarding its repercussions on the Syrian population.MethodsThis cross-sectional study enrolled 679 migraine-diagnosed patients from all over Syria through electronic questionnaires disseminated on official social media platforms. Depending on demographic characteristics, physical and mental debility assessed using the Chalder scale, the Migraine Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MSQ) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2-item (GAD_2) scale.ResultsOur study included 679 participants (mean age: 29.49 years; BMI: 24.55). The sample was predominantly female (74.7%) and mostly single (52%). Females reported higher fatigue (mean = 21.48) than males (mean = 19.22; p < .001). However, Males had better Migraine-Specific Quality of Life (MSQ) scores (mean = 49.90) compared to females (mean = 42.27; p < .001). Females scored higher on anxiety (GAD-2: mean = 2.99 vs. mean = 2.35; p < .001). Moreover, urban residents had higher scores on the Role Preventive (RF-P) subscale of the MSQ than rural residents (mean = 49.93 vs. mean = 44.82; p = .014). Higher fatigue and anxiety levels were associated with lower quality of life scores.ConclusionsThis study aimed to elucidate the multifaceted impact of migraines on daily life, considering diverse demographic variables to enhance diagnostic accuracy, treatment efficacy, and disease management strategies.

Depression Treatment Trajectories and Associated Social Determinants: A Three-Year Follow-Up Study in 66,540 Older Adults Undergoing First-Time Depression Treatment in Denmark.

This study aimed to describe depression treatment patterns, identify unique trajectory groups using a group-based trajectory approach, and explore associated social determinants in older adults undergoing first-time depression treatment during a 3-year follow-up. This Danish register-based cohort study included all adults aged ≥ 65 who initiated depression treatment by redeeming first-time antidepressant prescriptions (no prescriptions in the last 10years) between 2006 and 2015. The outcome of interest during the 2-year follow-up was depression treatment, assessed as antidepressant prescriptions redemptions and psychiatric hospital contacts for depression. Latent class growth analyses were applied to model treatment trajectories during 3years. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to analyze adjusted associations between social determinates and trajectory group membership. Among the 66,540 older adults (55.2% females, mean age: 77.3years), we identified three distinct groups with unique patterns of depression treatment trajectories: 'brief-treatment' where individuals stopped depression treatment within 6months (33.7%); 'gradual-withdrawal' (26.5%) where treatment was gradually stopped over 2years; and 'persistent-treatment' where individuals continued depression treatment for the entire 3years (39.8%). Females, single-person households, and residents of less-urbanized regions were associated with higher odds of membership in the 'persistent-treatment' group, while older age, widowhood or separation, and non-Danish ethnicities were associated with lower odds. Three distinct patterns of depression treatment trajectories were identified in older adults, indicating differential clinical courses of depression-potentially influenced by social determinants, including sex, marital status, urban residence, and ethnicity. Early patient stratification and targeted interventions are crucial in depression care for older adults.

Factors associated with hygiene practices among primary school children in southern Ethiopia

BackgroundEight years into the Sustainable Development Goal period, Ethiopia is not on track to achieve good hygiene practices among school children. Ensuring good hygiene practices among primary school children to prevent the spread of communicable diseases remains a challenge in most primary schools in Ethiopia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify factors associated with hygiene practices among primary school children in southern Ethiopia.MethodsA school-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June 3 to July 28, 2022, in five primary schools. The simple random sampling technique was used to select the school. Subsequently, 640 students were selected from the proportionally allocated sample size. Pretested semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaires and observational checklists were utilized to collect data. The data was then entered into EpiData version 4.6 and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Variables with a p ≤ 0.25 at bivariate analysis were used to develop a multivariable logistic model to identify factors associated with hygiene practices. P &amp;lt; 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe magnitude of overall good hygiene practices was 29.2% (95% CI: 25.81–32.59). Urban residence (AOR = 3.4, 95% CI 2.1–5.55), knowledge of handwashing (AOR = 4.5, 95% CI 2.8–7.36), being a member of a hygiene and sanitation club (AOR = 3.7, 95% CI 2.4–6.86), and experience of visiting a model school (AOR = 3.1, 95% CI 2.1–5.55) were found to be significantly associated with hygiene practices.ConclusionThe overall level of good hygiene practices in Kedida district was low. Therefore, it is essential to enhance health education on handwashing, establish sanitation and hygiene clubs, and conduct visits to district model elementary schools.

Disparity in vulvar cancer survival between rural, urban, and metropolitan residence: A National Cancer Database analysis, 2012–2019

Disparity in vulvar cancer survival between rural, urban, and metropolitan residence: A National Cancer Database analysis, 2012–2019

Rural-urban disparities in basic sanitation access among households: a multivariable decomposition analysis of Ethiopian demographic and health survey 2019

IntroductionDisparities in access to basic sanitation services between rural and urban households pose significant challenges to public health and human development. Understanding the determinants contributing to this gap is vital for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and improving environmental and public health through evidence-based interventions.ObjectiveThis study aims to analyze and understand the disparities in access to basic sanitation services between rural and urban households in Ethiopia.MethodsThis study analyzed a sample of 8,663 weighted households, collected using stratified sampling techniques, utilizing the data from the 2019 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS). The primary outcome was basic sanitation access, defined as access to flush or pour-flush systems, septic tanks, pit latrines, or composting toilets. A multivariable decomposition analysis was conducted to identify factors contributing to rural–urban disparities. Statistically significant variables were determined at a p-value of &amp;lt;0.05 with a 95% confidence interval.ResultsThe weighted proportion of basic sanitation access in Ethiopia was 13.78% (95% CI, 12.67–14.96), with significant disparities between rural (6.02%) and urban (27.15%) residents. Endowment factors accounted for 78.9% of this disparity, while behavioral coefficients contributed 22.1%. If the characteristics of respondents in rural and urban households had been similar, significant factors that would have narrowed the gap included the age of the household head (15–35 years), the absence of under-five children, smaller family size, and the attainment of secondary education, reducing the gap by 1.83, 2.07, 5.08, and 3.25%, respectively. Conversely, illiteracy and primary education levels widened the gap between rural and urban access to basic sanitation services by 16.85 and 0.23%, respectively. Additional factors exacerbating the rural–urban disparity included poverty (which widened the gap by 58.71%), residence in pastoralist regions (which widened the gap by 10.10%) or agrarian regions (which widened the gap by 7.03%), and access to water sources located more than 30 min away (which widened the gap by 7.91%).ConclusionSignificant disparities in access to basic sanitation services exist between rural and urban households in Ethiopia. Key factors contributing to these disparities include the age of the household head, education level, family size, region of residence, and water source proximity. Addressing these factors is essential for improving sanitation access and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Examining the nonlinear relationships between park attributes and satisfaction with pocket parks in Chengdu

Pocket parks have become a popular intervention for improving urban residents’quality of life. Although previous studies have investigated how park attributes contribute to user satisfaction, most assume that they have a (generalized) linear relationship. The assumption may understate the importance of parking attributes that are nonlinearly associated with park satisfaction and misestimate the effects of other attributes, yielding flawed implications for park planning and design. In this study, we employed linear regression and gradient boosting decision trees sequentially on data from Chengdu, a typical large and developing city aiming to become a Garden City by 2035, to examine the associations between park satisfaction and park attributes, which were measured on a five-point scale. Both models showed that the most important correlate of park satisfaction is entrance location, followed by footpath design, trees and shrubs, safety, flowers, convenience for social activities, and greenness.Moreover, some attributes are nonlinearly related to park satisfaction. For instance,green spaces and flowers greatly contribute to park satisfaction only when they perform well (i.e., their performance scores exceed Scale 3 of the five-point scale).The attribute of trees and shrubs diminishes park satisfaction substantially only when its performance is inferior (i.e., its score is lower than Scale 3). Furthermore, some seemingly unimportant attributes (such as recreational facilities and park maintenance) impose a non-trivial detrimental impact on park satisfaction when park users are extremely dissatisfied with the attributes (i.e., their performance scores are at the lowest level). The nonlinear relationships offer nuanced insights on the design of small public parks in densely developed urban areas.

Visitor motivations and design feature use for thermal comfort on hot days in Bochum City Park, Germany

The rising incidence of extreme heat in urban areas poses challenges to urban living, affecting thermal comfort and public health. Public green spaces (PGS), such as parks, play a crucial role in mitigating heat as 'cooling oases' that enhance visitors' thermal comfort and offer various other ecosystem services. Despite their importance, the specific role of thermal comfort in motivating individuals to visit PGS remains unclear. This study aims to clarify the connection between thermal comfort and PGS visits on hot days, with a focus on visitor motivations and the park features that promote comfort. We conducted systematic observations involving quantitative counts of PGS visitors and rapid questionnaires on summer days of varying temperature ranges in Bochum City Park, Germany. Results indicated that the motivation to achieve thermal comfort by visiting the park significantly increased from ‘slightly warm’ to ‘warm’ days, especially among older visitors, and was independent of other motivations for visiting. Furthermore, results showed that the perceived temperature has a limited impact on the use of PGS features, with sun exposure emerging as a decisive factor. These insights can inform the planning and design of PGS to create inviting and thermally comfortable environments serving as cooling oases for urban residents. The findings offer valuable insights that can inform the planning and design of public green spaces, with the aim of creating desirable and thermally comfortable environments as cooling oases for urban residents.

Spatiotemporal Distribution of Human Rabies and Identification of Predominant Risk Factors in China from 2004 to 2020.

Human rabies is a prevalent issue in China, posing a significant public health concern in the country. This study fitted the Bayesian model of separable in spatial and temporal variation and inseparable spatiotemporal variation in disease risk respectively based on Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation (INLA) to investigate the spatiotemporal characteristics of human rabies across 31 provinces in China from 2004 to 2020. It also investigated the influence of natural and socio-environmental factors on the incidence of the disease. Within the study period, a total of 26,807 cases of human rabies were reported, with the highest risk of incidence occurring in 2007, followed by a steady annual decline to the lowest risk in 2020. Guangxi Province exhibited the highest risk, while Jilin Province had the lowest, with the southern, central, and eastern regions reporting higher risks than the northern and western areas. By 2020, most provinces such as Guangxi and Guizhou had significantly reduced their relative risk (RR) of human rabies from historical highs. However, some provinces like Hunan, Henan, and Jiangsu experienced an increase in RR compared to previous years. As the annual average temperature increases, the risk of human rabies incidence in China correspondingly rises. Conversely, with increases in the annual average daily sunshine duration, per capita disposable income of urban residents, and local government healthcare expenditures, the risk of human rabies incidence declines. We conclude that the risk of human rabies in China initially increased and then decreased annually from 2004 to 2020. Future efforts should continuously increase financial investments in rabies prevention and control, focusing particularly on Hunan, Henan, Jiangsu, and provinces characterized by higher temperatures, shorter sunshine durations, and lower economic levels.

Sleep Health Patterns in Romania: Insights from a Nationwide Cross-Sectional Online Survey

Background: Sleep is one of the most essential processes for sustaining cognitive, emotional, and physical health across all age groups. Insomnia or inadequate sleep significantly impacts health and poses economic burdens due to increased healthcare costs and reduced productivity. Objectives and Methods: This study aimed to investigate sleep quality in the Romanian active population using an online survey incorporating the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Conducted over four months in 2023, the survey gathered 2243 complete responses from urban and rural residents over the age of 18. Results: The results highlight gender and urban–rural disparities in sleep quality, revealing that females and urban residents experienced poorer sleep compared to their counterparts. Additionally, sleep quality was found to significantly worsen with age, with elders (56+ years) reporting the highest PSQI scores, indicating greater sleep difficulties compared to middle-aged adults and youngsters. A high prevalence of sleep disturbances, daytime dysfunctions, and sleep medication use was reported. Common pre-sleep activities included using electronic devices and watching TV, while fewer participants engaged in reading books or consuming alcohol and caffeine. Additionally, participants’ bedding preferences were documented. Conclusions: Our study highlights the influence of various factors on sleep quality and emphasizes the need for targeted public health interventions to improve sleep health in Romania.

The Impact of Urban Industrial Structure on Citizen Income: Evidence from China

Technology advancements and the rise of new sectors have caused a steady shift in the urban industrial structure of cities. It is crucial to adopt effective policies to ensure that the industrial structure is conducive to economic development. This study aims to investigate the specific impact of urban industrial structure on residents’ income and how it promotes economic development from the individual level to the city level. Based on data from 5900 prefecture-level cities from 2003 to 2022, the empirical results show the following: (1) Urban industrial structure can significantly benefit both urban and rural residents’ income positively, albeit with a larger marginal effect for urban residents. (2) Enhancing urban industrial structures, rationalizing industrial structures, and upgrading industrial structures can considerably close the economic disparity between urban and rural areas in the corresponding locations. In light of these findings, policymakers should prioritize optimizing urban industrial structures for broader income growth. Balancing industrial reforms between urban and rural areas is crucial for sustainable economic development.

Research on the Impact Mechanism of Food Safety Governance Level on Residents’ Social Attitudes: Empirical research based on CGSS data

Food safety is crucial for public health and the healthy and stable development of society. Therefore, exploring the impact of the government’s food safety governance on residents’ social attitudes is of significant importance. This paper primarily examines how the government’s level of food safety governance affects residents’ subjective well-being and perceptions of social justice. By establishing multiple linear regression models, we analyze the specific direction and extent of these influences. Additionally, this paper delves into the variations in these effects across different age groups and between urban and rural residents. The findings from this study offer a valuable and positive contribution to the field of food safety governance.

Did internet usage reduce the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of middle-aged and older adults? A difference-in-differences study based on CFPS data

IntroductionMental health is the cornerstone of public health, especially where middle-aged and older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic were concerned. The impact of Internet usage on mental health in the time of the crisis still presents a mixed picture.MethodsThis study employs the PSM-DID method according to longitudinal data (CFPS) to explore whether Internet usage reduced the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of middle-aged and older adults.ResultsThe results reveal that Internet use improves the mental health of middle-aged and older adults during the pandemic in China, but that the impact varies between urban and rural residents. Furthermore, the moderator effects model shows that people’s perceptions of the Internet have an impact upon the length of time spent online and its consequent effect on mental health.DiscussionThese findings suggested that Internet use had a significant effect on alleviating the levels of depression in middle-aged and older adults. Greater marginal gains may be realized by enhancing the digital capacity of and narrowing the digital divide that exists among rural residents. The enhancement of digital capacity and proper guidance in digital education should be taken into consideration where the mental health of middle-aged and older adults is at issue.

Assessing cyberchondria and eHealth literacy differences in urban and rural China

Abstract Background and Objectives This study aimed to explore the association between cyberchondria and eHealth literacy in the general Chinese population, and to assess how this relationship changes between urban and rural residents. Methods Data obtained from a web-based, cross-sectional survey that evaluate cyberchondria and its impact on health in February 2024. The Cyberchondria Severity Scale - 12 item was used to measure the cyberchondria, while the eHealth Literacy Scale was used to evaluate eHealth literacy. Descriptive analysis was used to describe the background characteristics of the participants. Then, a multivariable linear regression model was then performed for urban and rural subsample to examine the relationship between cyberchondria and eHealth literacy, respectively, providing a comparative analysis between the urban and rural populations. Results A total of 634 individuals completed the questionnaire. The average age was 33.2 years (SD = 7.4), with approximately 50.3% (n = 319) being female. Urban residents made up 71.4% (n = 451) of the participants. The mean eHEALS scores for urban and rural residents were 31.9 (SD = 4.3) and 30.4 (SD = 4.2), respectively. The CSS-12 scores for urban residents were 40.3 (SD = 7.58) and for rural residents were 39.1 (SD = 7.2). Linear regression analyses showed a significant association between eHealth literacy and cyberchondria for urban residents (Beta = 0.30, p &amp;lt; 0.001), but age and education level had no significant impact. For rural residents, a statistically significant association between eHealth literacy and cyberchondria was also observed (Beta = 0.40, p = 0.002). Conclusions Overall, eHealth literacy consistently predicts cyberchondria severity in both urban and rural samples. Higher eHealth literacy is linked to greater cyberchondria, especially in rural areas. Future research should explore other potential mediators, including psychological factors, internet usage patterns, and access to healthcare services. Key messages • eHealth literacy strongly predicts cyberchondria severity in both urban and rural populations, with a notably stronger impact observed in rural settings. • Urban and rural differences highlight the need for customized digital health literacy programs to effectively address region-specific challenges and behaviors.

Are novel ASCVD risk factors more prevalent in young middle eastern women who have classical risk factors

Abstract Introduction Urbanization is an important contributor to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in the Middle East, especially in the younger age groups. There is a scarcity of data on clinical profiles and cardiovascular risk factors (RFs) in urban young women compared with those who reside in rural areas in this region. Purpose To study the demographic and clinical profiles and prevalence of traditional and novel CV RFs in a cohort study of young urban Middle Eastern women compared with those in rural areas. Methods The prevalence of 19 traditional and novel cardiovascular RFs were compared in urban vs. rural young women residents (18-50 years of age), who were enrolled in 12 centers (August 2020 to October 2023). Results Of 627 young women enrolled (mean age 44.2 ± 5.1 years old), 463 (74%) were urban residents and 164 (26%) were rural residents. ASCVD was diagnosed in 32% of urban and 37.3% of rural young women. Table shows the prevalence of traditional and novel, sex-specific RFs with significant differences in the 2 groups. Other RFs with no significant differences included hypertension, diabetes and gestational diabetes, preterm delivery, persistent weight gain after delivery, radiation for breast cancer, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Conclusion In this cohort of Middle Eastern young women, despite heterogeneity, those who were urban residents had worse clinical profiles with higher prevalence of certain classical and sex-specific risk factors.

A longitudinal study of the impacts of area-level social cohesion on multimorbidity in Scotland

Abstract Background Multimorbidity is a growing global public health challenge, commonly referring to the co-occurrence of 2+ conditions but with varying measurements. Prior evidence has linked social cohesion with single health conditions; however, its impact on multimorbidity remains unclear. This study aims to examine the association between area-level social cohesion and multimorbidity and to explore whether this association will vary across multimorbidity measurements and levels of urban-rural classification. Methods Using a dataset that links the Scottish Longitudinal Study (5.3% of the Scottish population) with hospitalisation records (2001-2019) and an index that reflects area-level social cohesion (2012), focused on the cohorts of adults aged 40+, we used 3-level logistic regression to account for the clustered data structure of diagnosed chronic conditions over time within individuals within neighbourhoods. Results Areas with the highest social cohesion were observed to have the lowest risks of multimorbidity (p &amp;lt; 0.001), even after adjusting for area-level income deprivation. Varying by multimorbidity measurements, an inverted U-shaped pattern was observed between reduced area-level social cohesion and increased risks of having 2+ co-occurring chronic conditions; while a linear pattern was found for mental-physical multimorbidity. Moderated by levels of urban-rural classification, as compared to rural residents, urban residents were more sensitive to the impact of social cohesion on the co-occurrence of 2+ conditions; however, for mental-physical multimorbidity, no interaction effects between area-level social cohesion and urban-rural classification were found. Conclusions Although varying patterns were seen for different multimorbidity measurements, people living in areas with the highest area-level social cohesion were less likely to be multimorbid. This study offers new insights for developing effective place-based public health interventions. Key messages • This is the first longitudinal study that analysed the association between area-level social cohesion and multimorbidity using a nationally representative dataset based on secondary care data. • Area-level social cohesion affects multimorbidity, but its impact may vary by multimorbidity measurements and by urban-rural classification.

Navigating the challenges of public transport and urban mobility in Thohoyandou, South Africa

Background: Transport systems are an essential feature of functional urban settlements. Yet, almost all of South Africa’s secondary cities and small towns lack a true public transportation system. Because of this, quasi-public, privately operated mini-bus taxis are the main form of transport for most urban residents. Thohoyandou, Limpopo, a town of over 70 000 people, is a typical South African town in this regard.Objectives: The purpose of this research was to understand passenger experiences of mini-bus taxis in Thohoyandou, Limpopo province, South Africa.Method: This study used semi-structured interviews to explore the mobility challenges faced by the residents of Thohoyandou.Results: This study revealed several negative aspects impacting passenger experiences. Passengers consistently reported concerns regarding driver’s behaviour that compromised safety and security. This included overloading of vehicles and disregard for traffic regulations. Passengers also highlighted the challenges posed by poor transport infrastructure and a lack of reliable service. Collectively, these factors contribute to limited mobility options, increased transportation costs and a reduced quality of life. Furthermore, the shortcomings of mini-bus taxi services disproportionately affect people with disability, who already face significant societal barriers, further marginalising them within the transportation system.Conclusion: The government should increase investment in transport infrastructure, the enforcement of traffic laws and better driver training. However, a strong government combined with much political will is required if passengers and safety are to be the main priorities of the mini-bus taxi industry.Contribution: This study highlights challenges faced by public transport users in Thohoyandou, where mini-bus taxis serve as the main mode of transport. The challenges experienced by transport users not only reduce their mobility but also contribute to marginalisation of vulnerable groups, especially people with disability.

A university-based counseling program for perpetrators of family violence in Greece: initial evidence

Abstract Penal mediation is defined in Greek Law 3500/2006 and aims at repairing the harm caused to the victim of family violence and rebuild family relationships. Mediation process starts upon victims’ unreserved consent and perpetrators’ willingness to stop further acts of violence, attend a counseling program and restore any harm/damage caused to the victim. Then the prosecutor ceases the case for 3 years and refers the perpetrator to counseling. If any of the previous conditions are violated during this period the criminal procedure continues at the stage before mediation. A university lab in Crete, Greece (LaHeRS, HMU) offers one of the few in Greece perpetrators’ behavior change programs in collaboration with the Prosecutor’s Office. LaHeRS counseling program consists of a minimum of 24 sessions per offender based on an individual or group approach. Emphasis is placed on perceptions of power and control, anger management, trauma management, emotional expression, and social/communication skills. Each perpetrator is offered 2 sessions (intake/violence documentation and assessment of individual/couples’ needs), 2-3 sessions for psychiatric and risk assessment, 12-15 individual or group counseling sessions (combined with couples’ sessions, as necessary), 2-4 individual social support sessions. Sessions are conducted by trained psychologists and social workers. The current presentation reports on the Intimate partner violence (IPV) cases referred between February 2022 and December 2023. A total of 70 IPV cases attended the program (male n = 65; mean age 43.4; Greek n = 56; urban residence n = 49; children average=1.92). Physical violence was reported in 54 cases and verbal aggression in 43 cases. Four perpetrators had mental health problems and 6 were identified with some form of drug and alcohol misuse. Lack of communication and emotional skills, lack of parent emotional support, gender roles stereotypes and patriarchal attitudes were common among perpetrators. Key messages • It is important for perpetrators’ programs to address the underlying causes of criminal behavior to promote positive changes in perpetrators’ lives. • Effective penal mediation programs require collaboration and partnership between justice agencies, academia and community organizations.