In this study we will take this hypothesis one step further and stipulate, that access to a healt... more In this study we will take this hypothesis one step further and stipulate, that access to a healthy “green” environment will also lead to improved health. To achieve this we will measure the distance to and quality of public green spaces of residences in Swansea (Wales) and link this information with obesity data for children at school entry (3-5 years of age). We will enrich these data with information about household garden sizes, because children living in houses with large gardens are less likely to need public play areas.
International Journal for Population Data Science, Dec 7, 2020
IntroductionGreen and blue spaces (GBS), such as parks, woodlands, rivers, and beaches, are thoug... more IntroductionGreen and blue spaces (GBS), such as parks, woodlands, rivers, and beaches, are thought to be important for mental health and wellbeing. Our longitudinal cohort contains objective household-level environment data linked at the invidual level to routinely recorded mental health data, augmented with cross sectional self-reported health behaviours, including leisure visits to the outdoors. Objectives and ApproachOur overall approach will evaluate if residential proximity to GBS is associated with mental health and wellbeing, and if any associations aremodified by visits to outdoors spaces following individual-level data linkage. Here, we examined cross-sectional survey data on time spent visiting nature outdoors. Wellbeing outcomes were assessed using self-reported scores. Data were analysed using generalised additive models in the SAIL Databank. ResultsUsing a sample of National Survey for Wales respondents (2016/17, n=3,481), over 40% of adults in Wales reported spending less than 30 minutes outdoors each week. Weekly time outdoors was positively associated with wellbeing (p=0.007) and life satisfaction (p=0.03) having adjusted for potential confounders including, age, rurality, loneliness, employment status. Confidence intervals varied along the fitted GAM model. Models using a second wave of survey data (n≈7,000), anonymously record-linked to residential environment and health data will explore these associations further. ConclusionA previous study based in England (White et al. 2019) found an upper wellbeing benefit threshold of 2 hours per week for time spent in nature. This was not apparent in our preliminary models, but may be revealed in further analyses. We will next incorporate longitudinal mental health and environmental data for 2 million adults living in Wales, UK. Linking to ambient and accessible residential GBS, while taking into account changes due to migration and actual visits, will allow us to provide valuable guidance to local government, who are often responsible for provisioning and maintaining outdoor facilities.
International Journal for Population Data Science, Dec 7, 2020
IntroductionA growing evidence base indicates health benefits are associated with access to green... more IntroductionA growing evidence base indicates health benefits are associated with access to green-blue spaces (GBS), such as beaches and parks. However, few studies have examined associations with changes in access to GBS over time. Objectives and ApproachWe have linked cross-sector data collected within Wales, United Kingdom, quarterly from 2008 to 2019, to examine the impact of GBS access on individual-level well-being and common mental health disorders (CMD). We created a longitudinal dataset of GBS access metrics, derived from satellite and administrative data sources, for 1.4 million homes in Wales. These household-level metrics were linked to individuals using the Welsh Demographic Service Dataset within the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage (SAIL) Databank. Linkage to Welsh Longitudinal General Practice data within SAIL enabled us to identify individual-level CMD over time. We also linked individual-level self-reported GBS use and well-being data from the National Survey for Wales (NSW) to routine data for cross-sectional survey participants. ResultsWe created a longitudinal cohort panel capturing all 2.84 million adults aged 16+ living in Wales between 2008 and 2019 and with a general practitioner (GP) registration. Individual-level health data and household-level environmental metrics were linked for each quarter an individual is in the study. Household addresses were linked to 97% of the cohort, creating 110+ million rows of anonymously linked cross-sector data. The cohort provides an average follow-up period of 8 years, during which 565,168 (20%) adults received at least one CMD diagnosis or symptom. Conclusion / ImplicationsThis example of multi-sectoral data linkage across multiple environmental and administrative data sources has created a rich data source, which we will use toquantify the impact of changes in GBS access on individual–level CMD and well-being. This evidence will inform policy in the areas of health, planning and the environment.
This paper describes the contribution of the National Centre for Population Health and Wellbeing ... more This paper describes the contribution of the National Centre for Population Health and Wellbeing Research (NCPHWR) and Farr Institute, Swansea University to the ARCH Case for Change. NCPHWR was commissioned to help with the development of the Case for Change by utilising its expertise and assets to help1. Define wellbeing and relevant associated metrics2. Summarise existing knowledge on what works to improve wellbeing3. Advise on wellbeing indicators to consider for use in ARCH4. Advise on how to measure wellbeing using data from SAIL and on data gapsThe research involved discussion and engagement with subject specific experts, scoping reviews of relevant literature and analysis of linked and unlinked data, primarily through the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage (SAIL) databank. Given the amount of work involved the analysis of data from SAIL and the Welsh Health Survey is contained in the accompanying ARCH Data Analysis Repor
IntroductionSchool-based COVID-19 mitigation strategies have greatly impacted the primary school ... more IntroductionSchool-based COVID-19 mitigation strategies have greatly impacted the primary school day (children aged 3-11) including: wearing face coverings, 2-metre distancing, no mixing of children, and no breakfast clubs or extra-curricular activities. This study examines these mitigation methods and association with COVID-19 infection, respiratory infection, and school staff wellbeing between October to December 2020 in Wales, UK.MethodsA school staff survey captured self-reported COVID-19 mitigation measures in the school, participant anxiety and depression, and open-text responses regarding experiences of teaching and implementing measures. These survey responses were linked to national-scale COVID-19 test results data to examine association of measures in the school and the likelihood of a positive (staff or pupil) COVID-19 case in the school (clustered by school, adjusted for school size and free school meals using logistic regression). Linkage was conducted through the SAIL ...
IntroductionMultimorbidity is widely recognised as the presence of two or more concurrent long-te... more IntroductionMultimorbidity is widely recognised as the presence of two or more concurrent long-term conditions, yet remains a poorly understood global issue despite increasing in prevalence.We have created the Wales Multimorbidity e-Cohort (WMC) to provide an accessible research ready data asset to further the understanding of multimorbidity. Our objectives are to create a platform to support research which would help to understand prevalence, trajectories and determinants in multimorbidity, characterise clusters that lead to highest burden on individuals and healthcare services, and evaluate and provide new multimorbidity phenotypes and algorithms to the National Health Service and research communities to support prevention, healthcare planning and the management of individuals with multimorbidity.Methods and analysisThe WMC has been created and derived from multisourced demographic, administrative and electronic health record data relating to the Welsh population in the Secure Ano...
BackgroundPoor-quality housing adversely affects residents’ health but there is a paucity of high... more BackgroundPoor-quality housing adversely affects residents’ health but there is a paucity of high-quality evidence to support this.ObjectiveThis research investigated the health impact of bringing housing to a national quality standard.DesignA natural experiment of improvements to housing quality analysed using repeated measures of health-care utilisation and economic outcomes at an individual person level.SettingCarmarthenshire, UK.ParticipantsA total of 32,009 residents registered for a minimum of 60 days at 8558 social homes that received housing improvements between January 2005 and March 2015.InterventionsMultiple internal and external housing improvements, including wall and loft insulation, windows and doors, heating system upgrades, new kitchens and bathrooms, garden path safety improvements and electrical system upgrades (adding power sockets, and extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms).Main outcome measuresEmergency hospital admissions for cardiorespiratory conditions an...
In this study we will take this hypothesis one step further and stipulate, that access to a healt... more In this study we will take this hypothesis one step further and stipulate, that access to a healthy “green” environment will also lead to improved health. To achieve this we will measure the distance to and quality of public green spaces of residences in Swansea (Wales) and link this information with obesity data for children at school entry (3-5 years of age). We will enrich these data with information about household garden sizes, because children living in houses with large gardens are less likely to need public play areas.
International Journal for Population Data Science, Dec 7, 2020
IntroductionGreen and blue spaces (GBS), such as parks, woodlands, rivers, and beaches, are thoug... more IntroductionGreen and blue spaces (GBS), such as parks, woodlands, rivers, and beaches, are thought to be important for mental health and wellbeing. Our longitudinal cohort contains objective household-level environment data linked at the invidual level to routinely recorded mental health data, augmented with cross sectional self-reported health behaviours, including leisure visits to the outdoors. Objectives and ApproachOur overall approach will evaluate if residential proximity to GBS is associated with mental health and wellbeing, and if any associations aremodified by visits to outdoors spaces following individual-level data linkage. Here, we examined cross-sectional survey data on time spent visiting nature outdoors. Wellbeing outcomes were assessed using self-reported scores. Data were analysed using generalised additive models in the SAIL Databank. ResultsUsing a sample of National Survey for Wales respondents (2016/17, n=3,481), over 40% of adults in Wales reported spending less than 30 minutes outdoors each week. Weekly time outdoors was positively associated with wellbeing (p=0.007) and life satisfaction (p=0.03) having adjusted for potential confounders including, age, rurality, loneliness, employment status. Confidence intervals varied along the fitted GAM model. Models using a second wave of survey data (n≈7,000), anonymously record-linked to residential environment and health data will explore these associations further. ConclusionA previous study based in England (White et al. 2019) found an upper wellbeing benefit threshold of 2 hours per week for time spent in nature. This was not apparent in our preliminary models, but may be revealed in further analyses. We will next incorporate longitudinal mental health and environmental data for 2 million adults living in Wales, UK. Linking to ambient and accessible residential GBS, while taking into account changes due to migration and actual visits, will allow us to provide valuable guidance to local government, who are often responsible for provisioning and maintaining outdoor facilities.
International Journal for Population Data Science, Dec 7, 2020
IntroductionA growing evidence base indicates health benefits are associated with access to green... more IntroductionA growing evidence base indicates health benefits are associated with access to green-blue spaces (GBS), such as beaches and parks. However, few studies have examined associations with changes in access to GBS over time. Objectives and ApproachWe have linked cross-sector data collected within Wales, United Kingdom, quarterly from 2008 to 2019, to examine the impact of GBS access on individual-level well-being and common mental health disorders (CMD). We created a longitudinal dataset of GBS access metrics, derived from satellite and administrative data sources, for 1.4 million homes in Wales. These household-level metrics were linked to individuals using the Welsh Demographic Service Dataset within the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage (SAIL) Databank. Linkage to Welsh Longitudinal General Practice data within SAIL enabled us to identify individual-level CMD over time. We also linked individual-level self-reported GBS use and well-being data from the National Survey for Wales (NSW) to routine data for cross-sectional survey participants. ResultsWe created a longitudinal cohort panel capturing all 2.84 million adults aged 16+ living in Wales between 2008 and 2019 and with a general practitioner (GP) registration. Individual-level health data and household-level environmental metrics were linked for each quarter an individual is in the study. Household addresses were linked to 97% of the cohort, creating 110+ million rows of anonymously linked cross-sector data. The cohort provides an average follow-up period of 8 years, during which 565,168 (20%) adults received at least one CMD diagnosis or symptom. Conclusion / ImplicationsThis example of multi-sectoral data linkage across multiple environmental and administrative data sources has created a rich data source, which we will use toquantify the impact of changes in GBS access on individual–level CMD and well-being. This evidence will inform policy in the areas of health, planning and the environment.
This paper describes the contribution of the National Centre for Population Health and Wellbeing ... more This paper describes the contribution of the National Centre for Population Health and Wellbeing Research (NCPHWR) and Farr Institute, Swansea University to the ARCH Case for Change. NCPHWR was commissioned to help with the development of the Case for Change by utilising its expertise and assets to help1. Define wellbeing and relevant associated metrics2. Summarise existing knowledge on what works to improve wellbeing3. Advise on wellbeing indicators to consider for use in ARCH4. Advise on how to measure wellbeing using data from SAIL and on data gapsThe research involved discussion and engagement with subject specific experts, scoping reviews of relevant literature and analysis of linked and unlinked data, primarily through the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage (SAIL) databank. Given the amount of work involved the analysis of data from SAIL and the Welsh Health Survey is contained in the accompanying ARCH Data Analysis Repor
IntroductionSchool-based COVID-19 mitigation strategies have greatly impacted the primary school ... more IntroductionSchool-based COVID-19 mitigation strategies have greatly impacted the primary school day (children aged 3-11) including: wearing face coverings, 2-metre distancing, no mixing of children, and no breakfast clubs or extra-curricular activities. This study examines these mitigation methods and association with COVID-19 infection, respiratory infection, and school staff wellbeing between October to December 2020 in Wales, UK.MethodsA school staff survey captured self-reported COVID-19 mitigation measures in the school, participant anxiety and depression, and open-text responses regarding experiences of teaching and implementing measures. These survey responses were linked to national-scale COVID-19 test results data to examine association of measures in the school and the likelihood of a positive (staff or pupil) COVID-19 case in the school (clustered by school, adjusted for school size and free school meals using logistic regression). Linkage was conducted through the SAIL ...
IntroductionMultimorbidity is widely recognised as the presence of two or more concurrent long-te... more IntroductionMultimorbidity is widely recognised as the presence of two or more concurrent long-term conditions, yet remains a poorly understood global issue despite increasing in prevalence.We have created the Wales Multimorbidity e-Cohort (WMC) to provide an accessible research ready data asset to further the understanding of multimorbidity. Our objectives are to create a platform to support research which would help to understand prevalence, trajectories and determinants in multimorbidity, characterise clusters that lead to highest burden on individuals and healthcare services, and evaluate and provide new multimorbidity phenotypes and algorithms to the National Health Service and research communities to support prevention, healthcare planning and the management of individuals with multimorbidity.Methods and analysisThe WMC has been created and derived from multisourced demographic, administrative and electronic health record data relating to the Welsh population in the Secure Ano...
BackgroundPoor-quality housing adversely affects residents’ health but there is a paucity of high... more BackgroundPoor-quality housing adversely affects residents’ health but there is a paucity of high-quality evidence to support this.ObjectiveThis research investigated the health impact of bringing housing to a national quality standard.DesignA natural experiment of improvements to housing quality analysed using repeated measures of health-care utilisation and economic outcomes at an individual person level.SettingCarmarthenshire, UK.ParticipantsA total of 32,009 residents registered for a minimum of 60 days at 8558 social homes that received housing improvements between January 2005 and March 2015.InterventionsMultiple internal and external housing improvements, including wall and loft insulation, windows and doors, heating system upgrades, new kitchens and bathrooms, garden path safety improvements and electrical system upgrades (adding power sockets, and extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms).Main outcome measuresEmergency hospital admissions for cardiorespiratory conditions an...
Uploads
Papers by Ronan Lyons