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Based on a study involving over 35,000 adults presented at the ESC Congress 2023, the sense of security from crime is linked to a 9 percent reduction in the risk of early mortality and a 6 percent decrease in the likelihood of experiencing a heart attack. Dr. Mengya Li, the study’s author from the National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases in Beijing, China, noted, “Evidence is growing that our residing environment plays a role in influencing our health.”
“This research underscores the significance of various elements in our environment that impact heart health and lifespan. These factors encompass feelings of safety, accessibility to shops, transportation, and parks, cleanliness, as well as the overall perception of our neighborhood being a desirable place for both residence and raising children.”
Using data from the PURE-China study, the researchers delved into the correlation between neighborhood attributes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and mortality. The study encompassed 35,730 individuals aged 35 to 70, residing in 115 communities (70 urban and 45 rural) across 12 Chinese provinces during the period from 2005 to 2009. The participants, with an average age of 51, included 60 percent women.
Professionally trained research personnel conducted in-person interviews to gather initial data on the neighborhood environment utilizing the Neighbourhood Environment Walkability Scale (NEWS). The questionnaire comprised eight distinct subscales, and the cumulative scores from each subscale contributed to an overall NEWS score. Higher scores indicated favorable perceptions of the community.
The eight subscales encompassed the following aspects:
- Proximity to Essential Facilities: Walking duration to shops, restaurants, banks, pharmacies, workplaces, transportation stops, and parks.
- Walkability Perception: How easy it is perceived to walk to shops and transportation stops.
- Intersection Distance: Distance between intersections, reflecting ease of navigation.
- Walking/Cycling Infrastructure: Presence of infrastructure for walking and cycling, like walkable pavements.
- Aesthetics: Aesthetic elements such as shaded pathways, visually appealing sights, and cleanliness.
- Traffic Safety: Factors related to safety from traffic, including traffic volume and street crossing safety.
- Crime Safety: Safety from crime, including night-time street lighting, crime rates, and safety while walking during different times.
- Community Satisfaction: Satisfaction with public transportation, commute, access to shopping, and the neighborhood’s suitability for living and raising children.
During the study, participants were tracked for outcomes including all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease (CVD) related mortality, major CVD events (defined as deaths from cardiovascular causes, non-fatal heart attacks, strokes, or heart failure), heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure. The primary outcome focused on a composite of major CVD events and all-cause mortality.
The researchers conducted an analysis that factored in potential influencing variables, such as age, gender, body mass index, education, household income, marital status, tobacco and alcohol consumption, physical activity, household cooking fuel, pollution exposure, history of cardiovascular disease (CVD), high blood pressure, diabetes, and regular medication usage. During a median follow-up duration of 11.7 years, there were 2,034 instances (5.7 percent) of all-cause mortality, among which 765 were attributed to CVD, and 3,042 instances (8.5 percent) of major CVD events.
A higher score in the neighborhood environment assessment correlated with a 6 percent lowered risk of the composite outcome of major CVD events and all-cause mortality, a 12 percent reduced chance of death during the follow-up period, and a 10 percent decreased risk of death from CVD.
Notably, the subscale with the most substantial connection to health outcomes was safety from crime. A higher score in neighborhood safety was linked to a 9 percent diminished risk of death during follow-up, a 10 percent lower risk of CVD-related death, a 3 percent reduced likelihood of major CVD events, a 6 percent decreased risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack), and a 10 percent lower chance of experiencing heart failure.
Elevated scores across all subscales were linked with a reduced risk of all-cause mortality during the follow-up period, with the percentage of reduction spanning from 2 percent to 9 percent. Furthermore, a higher score on the subscale concerning walking distance to amenities was also associated with a 1 percent decreased risk of mortality due to cardiovascular disease (CVD), major CVD events, and heart attacks.
Dr. Li noted, “Although some of the risk reduction percentages may appear modest, their impact could be substantial when considering the large number of individuals affected. These findings hold the potential to guide policymakers in addressing the negative impact of unfavorable community conditions on health. This could involve enhancements in local amenities, better transportation connections, provision of green spaces and improved street lighting, as well as the creation of pathways suitable for walking, jogging, and cycling.”
Source ANI
