Evaluating Streetscape Modifications in Los Angeles, California with a Health Lens

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Despite growing evidence linking health and the built environment, local health departments are often not involved in the evaluation of a streetscape modification project. This paper describes an assessment conducted by a local health department to address this gap by using a health lens to evaluate the installation of painted curb extensions on a commercial corridor in Los Angeles. Methods: The local health department conducted an observational pre-post study of pedestrian and motorist data at both an intersection receiving the painted curb extension and a comparison intersection along the same corridor that had already received the extension. The study also analyzed streetscape features along the corridor related to walkability, to understand the painted curb extension in the context of the broader built environment. Results: The painted curb extension did not appear to significantly impact pedestrian and motorist behavior, though some slight changes were observed. Pedestrians along the corridor generally exhibited safe behavior at intersections, but encountered dangerous driver behavior and built environment barriers, which can discourage walking. Conclusion: This case study demonstrates how health considerations can be integrated into an evaluation of a streetscape modification project, and can provide guidance for other health practitioners developing such evaluation projects in their own jurisdictions.

Norwegian music students’ perceptions and experiences of challenges and resources for health

“…It may also show a need to increase health literacy among music students, so they are aware of their rights to healthy learning environments. Moreover, other approaches such as the need for supportive health policies and increased awareness of the social determinants of health are warranted ( Green et al, 2019 ). The social determinants of health are related to general socioeconomic, cultural and environmental conditions and need to be taken into account since they are part of the core principles of health promotion ( Green et al, 2019 ).…”

“…When you do not know what you need to know, you have less opportunity to be in control of and promote your own health ( Green et al, 2019 ). Research indicates that health education and health literacy provide music students with greater opportunities to influence their health ( Matei et al, 2018 ).…”

“…Health-related topics need to be integrated with music-related topics in the education to be meaningful for music students. If they can identify the meaningfulness of engaging with health-related topics and link that to their identity as musicians, it might increase motivation, which is an important driving force for engaging with health literacy and health education ( Green et al, 2019 ).…”

“…Given that the tool measures PMHI and health literacy quantitatively, it is important to conduct qualitative research to gain more in depth understanding of the construct. Green et al (2019) define health education as “Any planned activity designed to produce health-or illness-related learning.” Accordingly, effective health education may result in the development of cognitive capabilities such as acquisition of information, understanding and insights and health related psychomotor and social interaction skills. Thus, health education provides opportunities to learn, health literacy is the ability to understand and apply what one has learnt and thus enable promotion of health: both health literacy and health education may therefore be considered as resources for health.…”

Healthcare leaders’ and elected politicians’ approach to support- systems and requirements for complying with quality and safety regulation in nursing homes – A case study

“…To create functional work system that promotes health, it is important to understand the external environment, such as legislation, requirements, and policy factors (23,24). Reform processes in Norway (regionalization and mergers), have resulted in frequent reorganization within and across municipalities.…”