How Visual Cues in the Built Urban Environment Influence Health-Related Behaviors

Introduction

Urban planning and design features, often referred to as the built environment, have a profound effect on the health behaviors of residents. Neighborhoods with walkeable sidewalks encourage pedestrian activity, while lack of safe parks, and green space facilitate community cohesion. This photo journal experience stresses the importance of collaboration among city, community and health planners to reduce health disparities

Methods

This photojournal project conveys the temporality of lifestyle choices within a low-income community of Tampa, Florida. As a former resident of this neighborhood, I am able to apply both objective research components with sensitivity of space and circumstance. Photographs are coded and categorized according to urban design and planning element. These design and planning elements affecting health behaviors are identified and considered utilizing the socio-ecological model of health.

Results

Urban socio-spatial indicators of health such as proximity to transit, accessibility to grocery stores, and perception of neighborhood safety are identified and described in each photograph using contextualized interviews of residents as well as related literature. The photographs become a method for creating a common language between urban planners, health researchers and communities. This methodology could be extended to community-based participatory research within the emerging partnership between urban planning and public health efforts.