Publicaties
Quality of urban green spaces influences residents’ use of these spaces, physical activity, and overweight/obesity Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The quality characteristics of urban green spaces (UGS) have been suggested to play a critical role in their use and their potentials to exert health effects. However, epidemiological studies evaluating such a role are scarce. These studies have generally focused on a limited number of quality dimensions. We studied the association between 10 UGS quality dimensions, assessed through a comprehensive multidimensional tool, and physical ...
Analyzing spatial inequalities in use and experience of urban green spaces Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Early-life residential green spaces and traffic exposure in association with young adult body composition : a longitudinal birth cohort study of twins Universiteit Gent KU Leuven Universiteit Hasselt Universiteit Antwerpen
Urban green spaces and suicide mortality in Belgium (2001-2011) : a census-based longitudinal studY Vrije Universiteit Brussel Universiteit Antwerpen
Exposure to green spaces is associated with improved mental health and may reduce risk of suicide. Here, we investigate the association between long-term exposure to residential surrounding greenness and suicide mortality.
Methods
We used data from the 2001 Belgian census linked to mortality register data (2001–2011). We included all registered individuals aged 18 years or older at baseline (2001) residing ...
How do urban green spaces influence heat-related mortality in elderly?: a realist synthesis Instituut voor Tropische Geneeskunde
An important consequence of climate change for urban health is heat-related mortality. Vulnerable groups, especially elderly, will be the most affected. A solution put forward in many reports and policy documents is the introduction or expansion of urban green spaces. While they have a proven effect in decreasing the ambient temperature and reducing heat related mortality, the causal pathways are far from clear. Moreover, ...
Perceived Health Impact and Usage of Public Green Spaces in Brussels' Metropolitan Area During the COVID-19 Epidemic. Vrije Universiteit Brussel
To fight the COVID-19 epidemic, many countries implemented containment measures that made physical distancing the norm and imposed restrictions on the use of public space. In countries where access to public green spaces (PGSs) was safeguarded, they were expected to partially counterbalance the negative health outcomes of these containment measures, as they offered a unique opportunity to meet others, to avoid isolation, and to move, play and ...
Social Barriers for the Use of Available and Accessible Public Green Spaces Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Background: Our living environment impacts on our health and wellbeing. The physical and mental benefits of interaction with nature and the ecosystem are well-established in literature. From a public health perspective, it is thus crucial that people make use of public green spaces (PGSs) in urban areas. Therefore, it is important to understand why they are potentially under-used. Methods: In this research, we identified social barriers that ...
Tree pollen allergy risks and changes across scenarios in urban green spaces in Brussels, Belgium Universiteit Hasselt KU Leuven
Long-term exposure to residential green spaces and site-specific cancer mortality in urban Belgium: A 13-year follow-up cohort study Vrije Universiteit Brussel Universiteit Antwerpen
Methodology: We linked the 2001 Belgian census, register mortality data for 2001–2014, and environmental information (green spaces and air pollution) at baseline residence (2001). We included residents ...