scholarly journals Exploring the views of planners and public health practitioners on integrating health evidence into spatial planning in England: a mixed-methods study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janet lge-Elegbede ◽  
Paul Pilkington ◽  
Emma L Bird ◽  
Selena Gray ◽  
Jennifer S Mindell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Built Environment ◽  
Spatial Planning ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Local Authority ◽  
Health Planning ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Health Resource

Abstract Background This study explored barriers and facilitators to integrating health evidence into spatial planning at local authority levels and examined the awareness and use of the Public Health England ‘Spatial Planning for Health’ resource. Methods A sequential exploratory mixed-methods design utilized in-depth semi-structured interviews followed by an online survey of public health, planning and other built environment professionals in England. Results Views from 19 individuals and 162 survey responses revealed high awareness and use of the Spatial Planning for Health resource, although public health professionals reported greater awareness and use than other professionals. Key barriers to evidence implementation included differences in interpretation and the use of ‘evidence’ between public health and planning professionals, lack of practical evidence to apply locally and lack of resource and staff capacity in local authorities. Key facilitators included integrating health into the design of local plans, articulating wider benefits to multiple stakeholders and simplifying presenting evidence (regarding language and accessibility). Conclusion The Spatial Planning for Health resource is a useful resource at local authority level. Further work is needed to maximize its use by built environment professionals. Public health teams need support, capacity and skills to ensure that local health and well-being priorities are integrated into local planning documents and decisions.

scholarly journals Exploring correlates of depression, quality of life and alcohol misuse: a nationwide cross-sectional study of international migrants during the COVID-19 epidemic in China

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. e048012
Author(s):  
Brian J Hall ◽  
Peizhen Zhao ◽  
Ming Zhou Xiong ◽  
Carl Latkin ◽  
Bin Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Alcohol Misuse ◽  
Health Planning ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
International Migrants

ObjectivesThe COVID-19 pandemic has overwhelmed health systems globally. With the increase of global migration, quantifying the health needs and key correlates of these outcomes is a global health priority. This study assessed migration characteristics, COVID-19 attitudes and the postmigration social environment as key correlates of depression, quality of life and alcohol misuse among international migrants in China.DesignA nationwide cross-sectional online survey was conducted from 17 February and 1 March 2020.SettingLinks to the online survey were disseminated by migrant-focused community-based organisations through WeChat.ParticipantsEnglish speaking international migrants who met the inclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria were being born in a country outside of China, aged 18 years or over, cumulatively living in China for 1 month or more and staying in China between December 2019 and February 2020.Outcome measuresDepression, quality of life and alcohol misuse.ResultsRegression models indicated that planning or considering leaving China due to COVID-19, lacking the confidence to protect themselves and not being confident that the epidemic would end soon was associated with greater depression, lower quality of life and greater levels of alcohol misuse. Worry about contracting COVID-19 and feeling helpless to prevent infection were associated with greater depression and lower quality of life. General perceived social support, and trust in Chinese people, institutions and systems were protective factors for depression and associated with higher reported quality of life.ConclusionsThis study identifies key correlates that, if adequately addressed through public health outreach, may safeguard migrant well-being during a public health emergency. Trust in people and systems within the postmigration environment is an important consideration for future public health planning efforts.

scholarly journals Companion Animal Type and Level of Engagement Matter: A Mixed-Methods Study Examining Links between Companion Animal Guardianship, Loneliness and Well-Being during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 2349
Author(s):  
Heather Clements ◽  
Stephanie Valentin ◽  
Nicholas Jenkins ◽  
Jean Rankin ◽  
Nancy R. Gee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Companion Animal ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mental Well Being

To reduce the spread of COVID-19, countries worldwide placed limitations on social interaction, which is anticipated to have severe psychological consequences. Although findings are inconsistent, prior research has suggested that companion animals may positively influence human well-being and reduce loneliness. In the context of COVID-19, this has important implications, as companion animal guardians may be less negatively affected by the pandemic. The primary aim of this research was to investigate the influence of companion animals on mental well-being and loneliness during the pandemic, with specific interest in the role of ornamental fishes. A mixed-methods study was conducted, using an international sample. Quantitative data were collected via an online survey (n = 1199) and analysed using robust hierarchical multiple regression analyses; the influence of level of engagement with companion animals was examined for dogs, cats and ornamental fishes. There was no evidence that companion animal guardianship was associated with loneliness and mental well-being during the pandemic but spending more time engaging physically or socially with dogs (and to a lesser extent cats) was generally associated with poorer outcomes. Qualitative data were collected through open-ended survey responses (n = 757) and semi-structured interviews (n = 25) and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Two themes were developed—one related to companion animals as providers of social and emotional support, and the other to companion animals as providers of purpose and perspective. Concerns regarding the impact of the pandemic on animal welfare were also identified. Compared to other animal types, more participants expressed indifference regarding the impact of their fishes on their well-being during the pandemic, possibly because fishes cannot provide comfort via physical touch. The findings of this study reflect the wider field of human–animal interaction; although qualitative data suggest guardians believe their companion animals are a positive influence in their lives, there is little convincing quantitative data to support these beliefs. This highlights the need to refine theories regarding which aspects of companion animal guardianship may influence human well-being; the findings from this research may be useful in the refinement of such theories.

How Community and Public Health Partnerships Contribute to Disaster Recovery and Resilience

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 635-643 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joie D. Acosta ◽  
Lane Burgette ◽  
Anita Chandra ◽  
David P. Eisenman ◽  
Ingrid Gonzalez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
New York ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Health Department ◽  
Hurricane Sandy ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Storm Damage ◽  
Public Health Services ◽  
Role Of Government ◽  
Community Needs

AbstractObjectiveTo summarize ways that networks of community-based organizations (CBO), in partnership with public health departments, contribute to community recovery from disaster.MethodsThe study was conducted using an online survey administered one and 2 years after Hurricane Sandy to the partnership networks of 369 CBO and the New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The survey assessed the structure and durability of networks, how they were influenced by storm damage, and whether more connected networks were associated with better recovery outcomes.ResultsDuring response and recovery, CBOs provide an array of critical public health services often outside their usual scope. New CBO partnerships were formed to support recovery, particularly in severely impacted areas. CBOs that were more connected to other CBOs and were part of a long-term recovery committee reported greater impacts on the community; however, a partnership with the local health department was not associated with recovery impacts.ConclusionCBO partners are flexible in their scope of services, and CBO partnerships often emerge in areas with the greatest storm damage, and subsequently the greatest community needs. National policies will advance if they account for the dynamic and emergent nature of these partnerships and their contributions, and clarify the role of government partners. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018;12:635–643)

Building a National Model of Public Mental Health Preparedness and Community Resilience: Validation of a Dual-Intervention, Systems-Based Approach

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 511-526 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. Lee McCabe ◽  
Natalie L. Semon ◽  
Carol B. Thompson ◽  
Jeffrey M. Lating ◽  
George S. Everly ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Health Planning ◽  
Public Mental Health ◽  
Community Resilience ◽  
The United States ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Health Departments ◽  
Preparedness Planning

AbstractObjectiveWorking within a series of partnerships among an academic health center, local health departments (LHDs), and faith-based organizations (FBOs), we validated companion interventions to address community mental health planning and response challenges in public health emergency preparedness.MethodsWe implemented the project within the framework of an enhanced logic model and employed a multi-cohort, pre-test/post-test design to assess the outcomes of 1-day workshops in psychological first aid (PFA) and guided preparedness planning (GPP). The workshops were delivered to urban and rural communities in eastern and midwestern regions of the United States. Intervention effectiveness was based on changes in relevant knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSAs) and on several behavioral indexes.ResultsSignificant improvements were observed in self-reported and objectively measured KSAs across all cohorts. Additionally, GPP teams proved capable of producing quality drafts of basic community disaster plans in 1 day, and PFA trainees confirmed upon follow-up that their training proved useful in real-world trauma contexts. We documented examples of policy and practice changes at the levels of local and state health departments.ConclusionsGiven appropriate guidance, LHDs and FBOs can implement an effective and potentially scalable model for promoting disaster mental health preparedness and community resilience, with implications for positive translational impact.(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2014;8:511-526)

scholarly journals ROLE OF LAND USE PLANNING IN IMPROVING PUBLIC HEALTH: WAY FORWARD FOR MALAYSIA

2008 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ainul Jaria Maidin
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Land Use ◽  
Traffic Safety ◽  
Land Use Planning ◽  
Health Planning ◽  
Environmental Pollutants ◽  
Health Department ◽  
Transportation Systems ◽  
Local Health

It is an undeniable fact that land use planning regulatory framework and concern for improving living and built environment originated from the desire to improve public health, Planning issues remained at the root of some of the most intractable public health problems, including the declining rates of physical activity resulting from automobile-dependent environments or the isolation of poor and minority conmunities in areas plagued by environmental pollutants, violent crime, and high rates of disease. Land use, community design, and transportation systems substantially impact local air quality, water quality and supply, traffic safety, physical activity and exposure to contaminated industries. Mental health and quality of life issues also are profoundly affected by factors ranging fro1n the stress and difficulties of commuting to the presence or absence of natural areas and green spaces. There is a general realization that health specialists or planning departtnents cannot afford to operate in isolation from one another. This article intends to examine the important role that can be assumed by the members of local health department and other public health professionals in protecting local environmental health and improving the health of the communities through land use planning.

scholarly journals Effect of lockdown on activities of daily living in built environment and well-being

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sudhir Kumar Pasala ◽  
Lakshmi Gumpeny ◽  
Madhu Kosuri ◽  
Snehalatha Tippana ◽  
Gumpeny, R Sridhar
Keyword(s):  
Built Environment ◽  
Activities Of Daily Living ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Sleep Patterns ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Work Habits ◽  
The Way

In an effort to arrest the spread of COVID-19 infection, a nation-wide lockdown was declared in India in March 2020. To assess how personal built environment affected the citizens in the first few weeks, an explorative online survey was conducted, eliciting responses about the work habits before the lockdown, the psychological well-being, time spent in various activities, characteristics of those who worked from home and sleep patterns. The major difference entailed by thelockdown was a reduction of time and distance to go to their workplace, which was an average of 8.9 km. In terms of diet, subjects who were vegetarian did not experience any difference, unlike those who were non-vegetarians, who reduced the intake of meat. Forced social isolation did not alter the television channels that were viewed. Among those who worked from home, most preferred to work from their bedroom. There was no change in the quality or quantity of sleep during the lockdown. This study in the early weeks of the lockdown documents the way in which individuals lived through it in terms of the built environment at home.

Understanding national barriers to climate change adaptation for public health: a mixed-methods survey of national public health representatives

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 287-306
Author(s):  
Hannah Marcus ◽  
Liz Hanna
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Climate Change ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Adaptive Capacity ◽  
Climate Change Adaptation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
National Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Resources ◽  
National Public Health

PurposeTo uncover the major government constraints to enactment and implementation of public health-targeted climate change adaptation (CCA) strategies in order to equip public health stakeholders and health advocates with the knowledge resources necessary to more effectively mobilize and support CCA for public health responses at the national level.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-methods online survey was distributed to the representatives of national public health associations and societies of 82 countries. The survey comprised 15 questions assessing national progress on CCA for public health and the effects of various institutional, economic/financial, technical and sociopolitical barriers on national adaptive capacity.FindingsSurvey responses from 11 countries indicated that national commitments to CCA for public health have increased markedly since prior assessments but significant shortcomings remain. The largest apparent barriers to progress in this domain were poor government coordination, lack of political will and inadequate adaptation finances.Originality/valueThis study is unique in relation to the prior literature on the topic in that it effectively captures an array of country-specific yet cross-cutting adaptation constraints across diverse national contexts. With a deepened understanding of the major determinants of national adaptive capacity, international actors can devise more effective, evidence-informed strategies to support national governments in responding to the health impacts of climate change.

Epidemiological Principles

2021 ◽  
pp. 20-33
Author(s):  
J Patrick Vaughan ◽  
Cesar Victora ◽  
A Mushtaque R Chowdhury
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Health Planning ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Causes And Risk Factors ◽  
Public Health Programmes ◽  
Health Programmes

This chapter reviews the basic epidemiological concepts and principles that are relevant for all primary health care workers. It describes patterns of disease frequency in populations and quantifies diseases, disability, and deaths with the use of health indicators. It measures causes and risk factors that influence disease frequency and the use of epidemiology in improving the effectiveness of health interventions in health services and public health programmes. Epidemiology is also essential for local health planning, management, and evaluation of these services at the district level.

Student, academic and professional services staff perspectives of postgraduate researcher well-being and help-seeking: a mixed-methods co-designed investigation

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca Crook ◽  
Patricia Gooding ◽  
Chloe Whittaker ◽  
Dawn Edge ◽  
Claire Faichnie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Professional Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative Approaches ◽  
Postgraduate Research

Purpose This study aimed to address three key gaps in existing knowledge about postgraduate researchers’ (PGRs) well-being. It investigated 1) the frequency and nature of depression, anxiety and well-being amongst PGRs, and relatedly, characteristics that convey vulnerability, 2) factors that impact PGR well-being, and 3) factors that influence help-seeking. Design/methodology/approach The mixed-methods design comprised quantitative and qualitative approaches. Using opportunity sampling, 585 PGRs registered at a large UK University completed an online survey. The perspectives of a purposive sample of academic and Professional Services staff (n = 61) involved in supporting PGRs were sought through in-depth focus groups and semi-structured interviews, which were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Findings PGRs scored lower on measures of well-being and higher on measures of anxiety and depression than aged-matched groups in the general population. PGR well-being was positively affected by personal and professional relationships, and negatively affected by academic challenges and mental health problems. Academic supervisors were the primary source of support for students experiencing well-being difficulties. Thematic analysis revealed four domains that impact upon PGR well-being: postgraduate researcher identity; pressures and expectations of postgraduate research; complexity of the supervisor role; and pinch points in postgraduate research. Each domain had associations with help-seeking behaviours. Originality/value This study provides evidence that the PGR experience is perceived to be distinct from that of other students, and this helps understand sources of stress and barriers to help-seeking. It provides a steer as to how higher education institutions could better support the PGR learning experience.

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