Submit to IJERPH Review for IJERPH Propose a Special Issue

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Special Issue "HEAL: Transformational Change for Environmental, Planetary, and Human Health"

Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Published Papers

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2023) | Viewed by 12781

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Sotiris Vardoulakis

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
Interests: climate change and health; air pollution; urban health; exposure assessment; risk and vulnerability assessment; sustainable development
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Veronica Matthews

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

University Centre for Rural Health, University of Sydney, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia
Interests: indigenous health; health equity; health services; environmental health

Prof. Dr. Wenbiao Hu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
Interests: climate change and infectious disease transmission; GIS and spatiotemporal model; biostatistics; environmental epidemiology; development of early warning systems for infectious diseases
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Nigel Goodman

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
Interests: indoor and outdoor air quality; volatile organic compounds; particulate matter; air filtration technologies; low emission building materials; consumer products

Dr. Michael Tong

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
Interests: climate change and population health; emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases; environmental risk and health impact assessment; environmental health; heatwaves and extreme weather events; healthcare cost evaluation; health system capacity building

Dr. Carmel Williams

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
Interests: public health; health in all policies; health policy; research translation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Environmental and climate change pose great challenges to planetary and human health, including direct effects associated with exposure to bushfires, heatwaves, floods, and other extreme events, as well as indirect effects associated with food, water, housing, and energy insecurity, as well as infectious disease outbreaks. These direct and indirect impacts require cross-sectoral adaptation responses, as well as a drastic reduction in emissions. There is great potential for well-targeted mitigation and adaptation policies to reduce environmental impacts, and to protect and improve public health.

Interventions that target urban, rural, and remote health have the ability to help strengthen the resilience of communities and the health sector against environmental and climate change impacts. The respectful integration of indigenous knowledge systems and Western science and data is essential for this effort, recognizing that indigenous concepts of health holistically encompass connections to culture, family, language, community, and country. The translation of research into policy and practice in the health, environmental protection, planning, housing, transport, food, and energy sectors, as well as cross-sectoral collaboration and genuine community engagement, are crucial for achieving transformational changes towards a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable world.

This Special Issue of the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health aims to feature full-length articles, reviews, and communications from HEAL network and HEAL 2022 Conference: Transformational Changes for Environmental, Planetary, and Human Health, addressing novel research on this topic from an interdisciplinary point of view, including (but not limited to):

Indigenous health and knowledge translation;
Bushfires, air pollution, heatwaves, and other extreme events;
Health system resilience and sustainability;
Food, soil, and water security;
Biosecurity, COVID-19, and emerging infections;
Urban health, built environment, and nature-based solutions;
Rural and remote health;
Clean energy solutions;
At-risk populations and early life effects;
Data and decision support systems;
Science communication and risk perception;
Planetary health equity.

Prof. Dr. Sotiris Vardoulakis
Dr. Veronica Matthews
Prof. Dr. Wenbiao Hu
Dr. Nigel Goodman
Dr. Michael Tong
Dr. Carmel Williams
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

climate change
environmental change
extreme events
public health
planetary health
health system resilience
community resilience
health equity

Published Papers (7 papers)

Download All Papers

Research

Jump to: Review, Other

Open AccessArticle

Association between High Ambient Temperatures and Road Crashes in an Australian City with Temperate Climate: A Time-Series Study, 2012–2021

Yannan Li

Blesson Mathew Varghese

Jingwen Liu

Peng Bi

and

Michael Tong

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(11), 6000; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20116000 - 30 May 2023

Viewed by 983

Abstract

(1) Background: High ambient temperatures are associated with increased morbidity and mortality rates, and some evidence suggests that high temperatures increase the risk of road crashes. However, little is known regarding the burden of road crashes attributable to no-optimal high temperatures in Australia. Therefore, this study examined the effects of high temperatures on road crashes using Adelaide in South Australia as a case study. (2) Methods: Ten-year daily time-series data on road crashes (n = 64,597) and weather during the warm season (October–March) were obtained between 2012 and 2021. A quasi-Poisson distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM) was used to quantify the cumulative effect of high temperatures over the previous five days. The associations and attributable burden at moderate and extreme temperature ranges were computed as relative risk (RR) and attributable fraction. (3) Results: There was a J-shaped association between high ambient temperature and the risk of road crashes during the warm season in Adelaide, and pronounced effects were observed for minimum temperatures. The highest risk was observed at a 1 day lag and lasting for 5 days. High temperatures were responsible for 0.79% (95% CI: 0.15–1.33%) of road crashes, with moderately high temperatures accounting for most of the burden compared with extreme temperatures (0.55% vs. 0.32%). (4) Conclusions: In the face of a warming climate, the finding draws the attention of road transport, policy, and public health planners to design preventive plans to reduce the risk of road crashes attributable to high temperatures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue HEAL: Transformational Change for Environmental, Planetary, and Human Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Heatwaves on Hospital Admissions for Cardiovascular and Respiratory Diseases, in Southern Vietnam, 2010–2018: Time Series Analysis

Nguyen Thi Trang Nhung

and

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(5), 3908; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20053908 - 22 Feb 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1057

Abstract

This study investigated the associations between heatwaves and daily hospital admissions for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases in two provinces in Viet Nam known to be vulnerable to droughts during 2010–2018. This study applied a time series analysis with data extracted from the electronic database of provincial hospitals and meteorological stations from the corresponding province. To eliminate over-dispersion, this time series analysis used Quasi-Poisson regression. The models were controlled for the day of the week, holiday, time trend, and relative humidity. Heatwaves were defined as the maximum temperature exceeding P90th over the period from 2010 to 2018 during at least three consecutive days. Data from 31,191 hospital admissions for respiratory diseases and 29,056 hospitalizations for cardiovascular diseases were investigated in the two provinces. Associations between hospital admissions for respiratory diseases and heatwaves in Ninh Thuan were observed at lag 2, with excess risk (ER = 8.31%, 95% confidence interval: 0.64–16.55%). However, heatwaves were negatively associated with cardiovascular diseases in Ca Mau, which was determined amongst the elderly (age above 60), ER = −7.28%, 95%CI: −13.97–−0.08%. Heatwaves can be a risk factor for hospital admission due to respiratory diseases in Vietnam. Further studies need to be conducted to assert the link between heat waves and cardiovascular diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue HEAL: Transformational Change for Environmental, Planetary, and Human Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research, Other

Open AccessReview

Identifying Environmental Impact Factors for Sustainable Healthcare: A Scoping Review

Marieke Sijm-Eeken

Monique Jaspers

and

Linda Peute

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(18), 6747; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20186747 - 12 Sep 2023

Viewed by 779

Abstract

The healthcare industry has a substantial impact on the environment through its use of resources, waste generation and pollution. To manage and reduce its impact, it is essential to measure the pressures of healthcare activities on the environment. However, research on factors that can support these measurement activities is unbalanced and scattered. In order to address this issue, a scoping review was conducted with the aims of (i) identifying and organizing factors that have been used to measure environmental impact in healthcare practice and (ii) analyzing the overview of impact factors in order to identify research gaps. The review identified 46 eligible articles publishing 360 impact factors from original research in PubMed and EBSCO databases. These factors related to a variety of healthcare settings, including mental healthcare, renal service, primary healthcare, hospitals and national healthcare. Environmental impacts of healthcare were characterized by a variety of factors based on three key dimensions: the healthcare setting involved, the measurement component or scope, and the type of environmental pressure. The Healthcare Environmental Impact Factor (HEIF) scheme resulting from this study can be used as a tool for selecting measurable indicators to be applied in quality management and as a starting point for further research. Future studies could focus on standardizing impact factors to allow for cross-organization comparisons and on expanding the HEIF scheme by addressing gaps. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue HEAL: Transformational Change for Environmental, Planetary, and Human Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessReview

Culturally Informed Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Evaluations: A Scoping Review

and

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(14), 6437; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20146437 - 24 Jul 2023

Viewed by 1177

Abstract

Rigorous and effective evaluations inform policy and service delivery and create evidence of program impacts and outcomes for the communities they are designed to support. Genuine engagement of communities is a key feature of effective evaluation, building trust and enhancing relevancy for communities and providing meaningful outcomes and culturally relevant findings. This applies to Indigenous peoples’ leadership and perspectives when undertaking evaluations on programs that involve Indigenous communities. This systematic scoping review sought to explore the characteristics of culturally informed evaluations and the extent of their application in Australia, including the use of specific evaluation tools and types of community engagement. Academic and grey literature were searched between 2003 and 2023, with 57 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Over time, there was an increase in the number of culturally informed evaluations undertaken, predominantly in the health and wellbeing sector. Around a quarter used a tool specifically developed for Indigenous evaluations. Half of the publications included Indigenous authorship; however, most studies lacked detail on how evaluations engaged with communities. This review highlights the need for further development of evaluation tools and standardised reporting to allow for shared learnings and improvement in culturally safe evaluation practices for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue HEAL: Transformational Change for Environmental, Planetary, and Human Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessReview

Impacts of Climate Change on Health and Health Services in Northern New South Wales, Australia: A Rapid Review

and

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(13), 6285; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20136285 - 03 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 5430

Abstract

Climate change is exposing populations to increasing temperatures and extreme weather events in many parts of Australia. To prepare for climate challenges, there is a growing need for Local Health Districts (LHDs) to identify potential health impacts in their region and strengthen the capacity of the health system to respond accordingly. This rapid review summarised existing evidence and research gaps on the impact of climate change on health and health services in Northern New South Wales (NSW)—a ‘hotspot’ for climate disaster declarations. We systematically searched online databases and selected 11 peer-reviewed studies published between 2012–2022 for the Northern NSW region. The most explored health outcome was mental health in the aftermath of floods and droughts, followed by increased healthcare utilisation due to respiratory, cardiovascular and mortality outcomes associated with bushfire smoke or heat waves. Future research directions were recommended to understand: the compounding impacts of extreme events on health and the health system, local data needs that can better inform models that predict future health risks and healthcare utilisation for the region, and the needs of vulnerable populations that require a whole-of-system response during the different phases of disasters. In conclusion, the review provided climate change and health research directions the LHD may undertake to inform future adaptation and mitigation policies and strategies relevant to their region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue HEAL: Transformational Change for Environmental, Planetary, and Human Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

Open AccessBrief Report

A Research Translation, Implementation and Impact Strategy for the Australian Healthy Environments and Lives (HEAL) Research Network

Daniela A. Espinoza Oyarce

and

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(14), 6383; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20146383 - 18 Jul 2023

Viewed by 801

Abstract

Healthy Environments And Lives (HEAL) is the Australian national research network established to support improvements to health, the Australian health system, and the environment in response to the unfolding climate crisis. The HEAL Network comprises researchers, community members and organisations, policymakers, practitioners, service providers, and other stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and sectors. HEAL seeks to protect and improve public health, reduce health inequities and inequalities, and strengthen health system sustainability and resilience in the face of environmental and climate change, all with a commitment to building on the strengths, knowledge, wisdom, and experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culture, and communities. Supporting applied research that can inform policy and practice, and effective research translation, implementation, and impact are important goals across the HEAL Network and essential to achieve its intended outcomes. To aid translation approaches, a research translation, implementation, and impact strategy for the HEAL Network was developed. The strategy has been created to inform and guide research translation across HEAL, emphasising communication, trust, partnerships, and co-design with communities and community organisations as well as the decision-makers responsible for public policies and programs. Development of the strategy was guided by research translation theory and practice and the Health in All Policies and Environment in All Policies frameworks. As described in this paper, the strategy is underpinned by a set of principles and outlines preliminary actions which will be further expanded over the course of the HEAL Network’s activities. Through these actions, the HEAL Network is well-positioned to ensure successful research translation and implementation across its program of work. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue HEAL: Transformational Change for Environmental, Planetary, and Human Health)

Open AccessPerspective

Ross Bailie

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(8), 5553; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20085553 - 18 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 943

Abstract

The increasing frequency and severity of climate-related disasters will exacerbate the health inequities that already exist between people living in rural communities and those living in urban areas. There is a need to improve understanding of the differences in the impacts on and needs of rural communities, in order that policy, adaptation, mitigation, response and recovery efforts meet the needs of those who are most affected by flooding and who have the fewest resources to mitigate the impact and adapt to the increased flood risk. This paper is a reflection by a rural-based academic on the significance and experience of community-based flood-related research, with a discussion of the challenges and opportunities for research on rural health and climate change. From an equity perspective, there is a need for all analyses of national and regional datasets on climate and health to, wherever possible, examine the differential impacts and policy and practice implications for regional, remote and urban communities. At the same time, there is a need to build local capacity in rural communities for community-based participatory action research, and to enhance this capacity through building networks and collaborations between different researchers based in rural areas, and between rural- and urban-based researchers. We should also encourage the documentation, evaluation and sharing of experience and lessons from local and regional efforts to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change on health in rural communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue HEAL: Transformational Change for Environmental, Planetary, and Human Health)

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Special Issue "HEAL: Transformational Change for Environmental, Planetary, and Human Health"

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (7 papers)

Research

Review

Other

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI