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Human Lifestyles and Behaviors. Sustainable Environments for Better Health, Quality of Life and Wellbeing

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Health, Well-Being and Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2021) | Viewed by 38793

Special Issue Editors

Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
Interests: oxidative stress (OS) imbalance in humans, a pre-pathological condition responsible for many chronic diseases; correlation between OS and the environment; predictive parameter of an imbalance due to environmental exposition
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
Interests: oxidative stress; physical activity; body composition; respiratory health; environmental health; greenness; spatial analysis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues, 

We are pleased to share with you the opportunity to submit a paper to the Special Issue “Human lifestyles and behavior: Sustainable environments for better health, quality of life, and well-being” in the journal Sustainability.

In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) asserted that known avoidable environmental risks to health cause at least 12.6 million deaths every year, and air pollution alone causes about 7 million deaths per year. Global environmental challenges are increasing, including climate change and rapid urbanization, and human influences on the environment continue to grow. Many of the resulting risks generate diseases and negative impacts on health and quality of life. It is now essential to develop more sustainable and healthier environments, with an enhanced focus on prevention through action targeting the root causes of disease.

By focusing on reducing environmental and social risk factors, nearly a quarter of the global burden of disease can be prevented through better health promotion strategies, better preventive and hygiene measures, and safer management of toxic substances in homes and workplaces.

In this context, the main purpose of this Special Issue is to underline the interdisciplinary connections between the environment and human health, focusing principally on new ideas and suggestions to promote both sustainable development and human health and well-being. The overall goal is to create a new approach to the analysis of human impacts on the natural environment and, conversely, to determine how the environment can modulate human lifestyles and behaviors, and thus human health This Special Issue is intended to integrate knowledge on these themes, adding relevant and innovative findings to the existing scientific literature.

Dr. Valeria Bellisario
Dr. Giulia Squillacioti
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. Sustainability 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 2400 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

  • human well-being
  • quality of life
  • walkability
  • greenness
  • outdoor physical activity
  • urban planning

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 352 KiB  
Article
Social Media and Students’ Wellbeing: An Empirical Analysis during the Covid-19 Pandemic
by Hedviga Tkáčová, Martina Pavlíková, Zita Jenisová, Patrik Maturkanič and Roman Králik
Sustainability 2021, 13(18), 10442; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su131810442 - 18 Sep 2021
Cited by 41 | Viewed by 11820
Abstract
Various forms of social media (SM) appear to be very popular among young people because they provide information and entertainment, including a wide range of web technologies such as blogs, wikis, online social networks, and virtual networks. SM plays a huge role in [...] Read more.
Various forms of social media (SM) appear to be very popular among young people because they provide information and entertainment, including a wide range of web technologies such as blogs, wikis, online social networks, and virtual networks. SM plays a huge role in the lives of children and teenagers, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the computer becomes not only a means of entertainment or leisure, but also a necessary and everyday means of education and communication with other people. Thus, COVID-19 has brought a radical change, not only in the daily schedule and leisure time of pupils and students, but also in the perception of the procedures used by this specific group in the online space. Through our own research, using structured interviews and a questionnaire, we examine the use of SM as a tool to promote sustainable well-being in a group of high school students from various schools in central Slovak Republic (formerly Czechoslovakia). The research confirms that during the pandemic, the use of SM by the young respondents contributes significantly to well-being. This is the case when SM is used by high school students as a tool in promoting: (1) personal interests; (2) motivation; (3) communication and interpersonal connectivity; (4) preferred forms of online education; and (5) online games. The article presents a set of recommendations regarding the use of SM as a tool for sustaining the well-being of young people during the pandemic. Full article
11 pages, 237 KiB  
Article
Factors Affecting the Development of Metabolic Syndrome in Single-Person Households: A Sex-Stratified Analysis
by Jui Kim and Hyoungshim Choi
Sustainability 2021, 13(16), 9032; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13169032 - 12 Aug 2021
Viewed by 1509
Abstract
Various sociodemographic and behavioral health factors have been reported to influence the development of metabolic syndrome (Mets). In addition, the effects of various sociodemographic and health related characteristics on single-person households appear to be influenced by sex. Considering the surge in the number [...] Read more.
Various sociodemographic and behavioral health factors have been reported to influence the development of metabolic syndrome (Mets). In addition, the effects of various sociodemographic and health related characteristics on single-person households appear to be influenced by sex. Considering the surge in the number of single-person households globally, we conducted a sex-stratified analysis of the factors that affect the development of Mets among single-person Korean households. We used secondary data from the 2016–2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) for this study. A total of 1830 participants (aged ≥19 years) without any missing data were analyzed in this study. The chi-square test and multiple logistic regression were used to analyze the study data. The results of the multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the significant risk factors for Mets in men were age, body mass index (BMI), subjective health status, subjective recognition of body shape, household income, and sleep hours, whereas age, BMI, subjective health status, exercise, and sleep hours were the significant risk factors for Mets in women. Specialized sex-specific health policies and programs are needed to reduce the prevalence of Mets in single-person households. Full article
18 pages, 300 KiB  
Article
Individual Subjective Well-Being during the COVID-19 Pandemic
by Trinh Q. Long
Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7816; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13147816 - 13 Jul 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2585
Abstract
This paper examines how contextual and institutional factors are associated with individual subjective well-being, which is measured by individuals’ happiness, during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using data collected in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), the Republic of Korea, Japan, [...] Read more.
This paper examines how contextual and institutional factors are associated with individual subjective well-being, which is measured by individuals’ happiness, during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using data collected in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), the Republic of Korea, Japan, Italy, the United Kingdom (UK), and the four biggest states of the United States (US) in April 2020, we find that the financial effects (represented by employment and income change) and nonfinancial effects (represented by experiencing negative nonfinancial effects including mental health issues and enjoying positive benefits) caused by nonpharmaceutical measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 are associated with individual subjective well-being. Moreover, positive benefits could reduce the likelihood of becoming unhappy for those who have experienced negative nonfinancial effects or those who have lost their jobs. The results also suggest that the degree to which people agree with their government’s approach to dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic is positively correlated with their happiness. The risks associated with the pandemic, however, are only slightly associated with people’s happiness. We also find that the correlation between the above factors and individual well-being varies from country to country. Full article
19 pages, 1416 KiB  
Article
Examining the Impacts of the Built Environment on Quality of Life in Cancer Patients Using Machine Learning
by Roya Etminani-Ghasrodashti, Chen Kan, Muhammad Arif Qaisrani, Omer Mogultay and Houliang Zhou
Sustainability 2021, 13(10), 5438; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13105438 - 13 May 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2508
Abstract
Despite accumulative evidence regarding the impact of the physical environment on health-related outcomes, very little is known about the relationships between built environment characteristics and the quality of life (QoL) of cancer patients. This study aims to investigate the association between the built [...] Read more.
Despite accumulative evidence regarding the impact of the physical environment on health-related outcomes, very little is known about the relationships between built environment characteristics and the quality of life (QoL) of cancer patients. This study aims to investigate the association between the built environment and QoL by using survey data collected from cancer patients within the United States in 2019. To better understand the associations, we controlled the effects from sociodemographic attributes and health-related factors along with the residential built environment, including density, diversity, design, and distance to transit and hospitals on the self-reported QoL in cancer patients after treatment. Furthermore, machine learning models, i.e., logistic regression, decision tree, random forest, and multilayer perceptron neural network, were employed to evaluate the contribution of these features in predicting the QoL. The results from machine learning models indicated that the travel distance to the closest large hospital, perceived accessibility, distance to transit, and population density were among the most significant predictors of the cancer patients’ QoL. Additionally, the health insurance status, age, and education of patients are associated with QoL. The adverse effects of density on the self-reported QoL in this study can be addressed by individuals’ emotions towards negative aspects of density. Given the strong association between QoL and urban sustainability, consideration should be given to the side effects of urban density on cancer patients’ perceived wellbeing. Full article
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15 pages, 5909 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Daily Behaviors Related to Health Risks of the Ger Residents in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
by Enkhchimeg Battsengel, Takehiko Murayama, Shigeo Nishikizawa and Sonomdagva Chonokhuu
Sustainability 2021, 13(9), 4817; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13094817 - 25 Apr 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2178
Abstract
The capital city in Mongolia comprises two types of dwellings: apartments and Gers. The Ger is a traditional Mongolian house. Residents of Ger districts in Ulaanbaatar use coal as a source of fuel for daily activities such as heating and cooking in winter [...] Read more.
The capital city in Mongolia comprises two types of dwellings: apartments and Gers. The Ger is a traditional Mongolian house. Residents of Ger districts in Ulaanbaatar use coal as a source of fuel for daily activities such as heating and cooking in winter due to lack of central heating systems. After coal burning, the ash deposited at the bottom of the oven converts into a powder containing heavy metals that are toxic to human health. Through questionnaires at sites where concentrations of heavy elements were identified in our previous study, we examined the heavy metal exposure pathways of coal ash, which has potentially adverse effects on the health and quality of life of Ger district residents. Survey results indicate that residents have to store the coal ash in packing bags and metal garbage cans near their household fences for at least two weeks because of poor waste management. Owing to the weak seals of the packaging material and open metal cans that contain the coal ash, it is easily transported into surrounding areas by the wind. Adults come into contact with contaminated soil when they are cleaning areas outside and inside the fences, and children are exposed when they play outside the fences. Such activities enhance the dermal exposure as well as inhalation and ingestion pathways of the contaminants for adults and children. Full article
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26 pages, 2268 KiB  
Article
Neighborhood Built Environments, Walking, and Self-Rated Health among Low-Income Older Adults in St. Paul, Minnesota
by Hae Young Yun
Sustainability 2021, 13(6), 3501; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13063501 - 22 Mar 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2077
Abstract
There have been few studies exploring the relationship between objective and perceived neighborhood built environments, sustainable neighborhood walking behaviors, and the self-rated health of older, low-income adults. This study examined the association between objective neighborhood environments (i.e., neighborhood heterogeneity categorized by Walk Scores [...] Read more.
There have been few studies exploring the relationship between objective and perceived neighborhood built environments, sustainable neighborhood walking behaviors, and the self-rated health of older, low-income adults. This study examined the association between objective neighborhood environments (i.e., neighborhood heterogeneity categorized by Walk Scores or levels of traffic accidents within a 400 or 800 m radius buffer measured by geographic information systems) and perceived neighborhood environments, through two conceptual frameworks (i.e., an ecological model of health behavior/aging) for walking outcomes (walking choice, walking 3+ days, and walking 150+ min a week) and the self-rated health of older adults living in subsidized housing (N = 130, Mage = 74.9 ± 8.3) in St. Paul, Minnesota. The primary analysis is composed of logistic regression models. Key findings indicated that highly walkable neighborhoods also had a higher level of traffic accidents. Thus, the neighborhoods with higher Walk Scores or a higher level of traffic accidents in separate models became negative predictors for all three walking outcomes, with statistical significance. However, other associations with perceived neighborhood environments resulted in different walking outcomes: accessibility to destinations (+) for walking 3+ days a week and 150+ min a week; safety, comfort, and convenience (+) for walking choice and walking 150+ minutes a week; and physical and social disorder (−) for walking 150+ min a week. Self-rated health had no relationship to objective measures but positive relationships to perceptions of safety, comfort and convenience of neighborhood environments, and every walking outcome in each model. The results of this study should be confirmed in a longitudinal study with a larger sample size covering a wider geographical area. Full article
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13 pages, 559 KiB  
Article
The Efficacy of Motivational Interviewing with Cognitive Behavioral Treatment on Behavior Changes in Heavy Drinkers
by Kyonghwa Kang and Sungjae Kim
Sustainability 2021, 13(3), 1338; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13031338 - 27 Jan 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2629
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of motivational interviewing (MI) with cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) on behavioral changes of heavy drinkers. This study used embedded mixed methods that integrate sequential qualitative interviews with quantitative evaluation. Of a total of 47 participants, 24 [...] Read more.
This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of motivational interviewing (MI) with cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) on behavioral changes of heavy drinkers. This study used embedded mixed methods that integrate sequential qualitative interviews with quantitative evaluation. Of a total of 47 participants, 24 belonged to an intervention group, which participated in the MI with CBT on behavioral changes once a week, 25–30 min on average, for 8 weeks. A total of 23 participants were assigned to a control group, which received a 7-page booklet containing information about alcohol. A t-test, generalized linear model, and qualitative analysis were used to evaluate the effects of MI with CBT. The interview data (n = 13) were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. There was a statistically significant change in participants’ beliefs concerning the immediate effects of drinking (F = 3.827, p = 0.025). Additionally, the intervention group had a significantly higher drinking refusal self-efficacy than the control group (F = 4.426, p = 0.015). Four themes emerged from the analysis of qualitative data: reduction of benefits of drinking, changes in thoughts about costs of drinking, changes in drinking behavior, and achieving self-efficacy. The MI with CBT significantly promoted awareness of problem-drinking behaviors among heavy drinkers and increased their self-efficacy, improving their ability to make positive behavioral changes for themselves. Since this intervention is simple and easy to apply, it will be useful for problem drinking-prevention strategies in the public health sector. Therefore, efforts to disseminate these strategies will be worthwhile from sustainable perspectives. Full article
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18 pages, 611 KiB  
Article
Predicting the Purchase Intention and Behaviour towards Green Skincare Products among Malaysian Consumers
by Abdullah Al Mamun, Noorshella Che Nawi, Naeem Hayat and Noor Raihani Binti Zainol
Sustainability 2020, 12(24), 10663; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su122410663 - 21 Dec 2020
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 8397
Abstract
This study examined the effect of environmental concern, attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control, and availability on the intention to purchase green skincare products and the effect of purchase intention on the purchase of green skincare products among Malaysian consumers. By performing multi-group [...] Read more.
This study examined the effect of environmental concern, attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control, and availability on the intention to purchase green skincare products and the effect of purchase intention on the purchase of green skincare products among Malaysian consumers. By performing multi-group analysis (MGA), this study assessed the difference in each association across gender and education groups. A cross-sectional design was adopted in this study to gather quantitative data from 300 respondents in Malaysia via online survey. The study outcomes revealed that environmental concern and attitude towards green skincare products displayed a significant effect on the intention among Malaysians to purchase green skincare products. Purchase intention exhibited a significantly positive effect on the purchase of green skincare products among Malaysian consumers. Further, purchase intention mediated the effect of environmental concern and attitude on the purchase of green skincare products. The MGA outputs revealed that the effect of environmental concern on purchase intention among respondents with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent was significantly higher than those who held a diploma or technical school certificate. Meanwhile, the effect of subjective norms on purchase intention among respondents with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent was significantly lower than those with a diploma or technical school certificate. Next, the effect of availability on purchase intention, as well as the effect of purchase intention on the purchase of green skincare products among male respondents was significantly higher than female respondents. In order to promote the mass adoption of green skincare products among Malaysians, related promotional activities should emphasize the environmental aspects of using green products, in comparison to using conventional skincare products. Full article
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15 pages, 497 KiB  
Article
Understanding Regional Risk Factors for Cancer: A Cluster Analysis of Lifestyle, Environment and Socio-Economic Status in Poland
by Dawid Majcherek, Marzenna Anna Weresa and Christina Ciecierski
Sustainability 2020, 12(21), 9080; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12219080 - 31 Oct 2020
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2295
Abstract
To date, no results have been published regarding cluster analysis of risk factors for cancer in Poland. Many cancer deaths are preventable through the modification of cancer risk behaviours. This study explores the multidisciplinary connection between lifestyle, environment and socio-economic status (SES). Cluster [...] Read more.
To date, no results have been published regarding cluster analysis of risk factors for cancer in Poland. Many cancer deaths are preventable through the modification of cancer risk behaviours. This study explores the multidisciplinary connection between lifestyle, environment and socio-economic status (SES). Cluster analyses indicate that major metropolitan areas and large industrial regions differ significantly in terms of SES, lifestyle and environment when compared with other parts of Poland. Our findings show that in order for interventions to be effective, cancer-prevention policy should be addressed on both local and national scales. While anti-cancer policies in Poland’s industrial regions should focus on air pollution, the country’s northern regions should aim to curb smoking, increase sports activity and improve SES. Policy interventions must target the root causes of cancer in each region of Poland and must account for SES. Full article
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9 pages, 235 KiB  
Article
Impacts of Sociodemographic Characteristics and Cardinal Health Problems on Health-Related Quality of Life among Korean Older Adults
by Sang-Dol Kim
Sustainability 2020, 12(18), 7656; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12187656 - 16 Sep 2020
Viewed by 1523
Abstract
Background: Health-related quality of life is a critical health index for older adults. Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify the impacts of sociodemographic characteristics and cardinal health problems on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among Korean older adults. Methods: Data [...] Read more.
Background: Health-related quality of life is a critical health index for older adults. Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify the impacts of sociodemographic characteristics and cardinal health problems on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among Korean older adults. Methods: Data were extracted from the 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2018. The data were analyzed using SPSS 24.0, employing multiple linear regression with a complex sample design. Results: The overall mean score for HRQoL in the older Korean population was 0.89 points. HRQoL scores were significantly influenced by covariances adjusted for sociodemographic variables such as gender, age, marital status, and economic activities among Korean elderly (R2 = 0.110, p < 0.001). They were also significantly influenced by covariances adjusted for cardinal health problems such as obesity, activity limitation, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia among Korean older adults (R2 = 0.286, p < 0.001); however, among the covariances, activity limitation was the only variable to significantly affect HRQoL among older Korean people (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The findings implied that public health policies and programs for HRQoL are needed to promote proper physical activity and devise tailored measures for targeted sociodemographic variables among Korean older adults. Full article
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