Evaluating the potential health benefits of a large-scale investment in green space infrastructure within a diabetes 'hotspot' in western Sydney, Australia

Thomas Astell-Burt, Xiaoqi Feng, Gregory Kolt

Research output: Chapter in Book / Conference PaperConference Paper

Abstract

![CDATA[Background: Natural experiments wherein the amount, type and/or quality of green space are modified and then evaluated within the context of health outcomes will help to enhance the quality of evidence for policymakers. The purpose of this study is to evaluate a multimillion dollar investment in the 'Western Sydney Parklands' (WSP). Methods: The WSP is Australia's largest urban park stretching 27km north to south and spanning many socioeconomically disadvantaged communities where the prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is high. Discussions with the WSP Trust on the nature of developments that have occurred within the WSP since 2009, and the availability of spatial data for deriving measures of exposure, were initiated. Epidemiological data for potential study participants living within proximity of the WSP prior to 2009 was assessed in relation to sample size, relevant outcome measures, potential confounders and the time period of follow-up. A Geographic Information System was used to map areas of the WSP that had been enhanced since 2009. The patterning of outcome measures and confounders were assessed in the baseline data with respect to WSP proximity, which could be potentially treated as an instrumental variable in future analyses. Results: The '45 and Up Study' was identified as suitable source of epidemiological data to conduct the analysis, with approximately 267,000 people aged 45 years or older participating in a baseline postal survey between 2006 and 2008. Follow-up data collection was initiated in 2012 and is ongoing, with over 120,000 participants contacted by late 2013. A sample of 7,272 participants was selected from the baseline data as they lived between 0-5km of the WSP. Outcome measures include psychological distress, physical functioning, body mass index, physical activity, sitting time, dietary measures, indicators of social support and quality of life. None of the outcome measures were patterned by proximity to the WSP at baseline, though those living nearby tended to be younger, married/ cohabiting and with higher incomes. Conclusion: Once follow-up data becomes available, multilevel models will be used to assess the degree of change in outcome measures over time and in relation to different types of investment in green space.]]
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAbstract Book of the 2015 International Society for Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity Conference, 3-6 June 2015, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
PublisherInternational Society for Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity
Pages433-433
Number of pages1
Publication statusPublished - 2015
EventInternational Society for Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity. Conference -
Duration: 1 Jan 2015 → …

Conference

ConferenceInternational Society for Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity. Conference
Period1/01/15 → …

Keywords

  • urban parks
  • public health
  • Sydney (N.S.W.)

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