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The Effectiveness of Healthy Community Approaches on Positive Health Outcomes in Canada and the United States

Author

Listed:
  • Hazel Williams-Roberts

    (Community Health and Epidemiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E5, Canada)

  • Bonnie Jeffery

    (Faculty of Social Work, Saskatchewan Population Health and Evaluation Research Unit, University of Regina, Prince Albert Campus, Saskatchewan S6V 7S3, Canada)

  • Shanthi Johnson

    (Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Saskatchewan Population Health and Evaluation Research Unit, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan S4S 0A2, Canada)

  • Nazeem Muhajarine

    (Community Health and Epidemiology, Saskatchewan Population Health and Evaluation Research Unit, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E5, Canada)

Abstract

Healthy community approaches encompass a diverse group of population based strategies and interventions that create supportive environments, foster community behavior change and improve health. This systematic review examined the effectiveness of ten most common healthy community approaches (Healthy Cities/Communities, Smart Growth, Child Friendly Cities, Safe Routes to Schools, Safe Communities, Active Living Communities, Livable Communities, Social Cities, Age-Friendly Cities, and Dementia Friendly Cities) on positive health outcomes. Empirical studies were identified through a search of the academic and grey literature for the period 2000–2014. Of the 231 articles retrieved, 26 met the inclusion criteria with four receiving moderate quality ratings and 22 poor ratings using the Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment Tool. The majority of studies evaluated Safe Routes to School Programs and reported positive associations with students’ active commute patterns. Fewer studies assessed benefits of Smart Growth, Safe Communities, Active Living Communities and Age-Friendly Cities. The remaining approaches were relatively unexplored in terms of their health benefits however focused on conceptual frameworks and collaborative processes. More robust studies with longer follow-up duration are needed. Priority should be given to evaluation of healthy community projects to show their effectiveness within the population health context.

Suggested Citation

  • Hazel Williams-Roberts & Bonnie Jeffery & Shanthi Johnson & Nazeem Muhajarine, 2015. "The Effectiveness of Healthy Community Approaches on Positive Health Outcomes in Canada and the United States," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 5(1), pages 1-21, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:5:y:2015:i:1:p:3-:d:61460
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Buckley, Aaron & Lowry, Michael B. & Brown, Helen & Barton, Benjamin, 2013. "Evaluating safe routes to school events that designate days for walking and bicycling," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 30(C), pages 294-300.
    2. de Leeuw, Evelyne & Skovgaard, Thomas, 2005. "Utility-driven evidence for healthy cities: Problems with evidence generation and application," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 61(6), pages 1331-1341, September.
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    5. Staunton, C.E. & Hubsmith, D. & Kallins, W., 2003. "Promoting Safe Walking and Biking to School: The Marin County Success Story," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 93(9), pages 1431-1434.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jerry D. Marx, 2016. "Healthy Communities: What Have We Learned and Where do We Go from Here?," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 5(3), pages 1-4, August.

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