The effects of transport mode use on self-perceived health, mental health, and social contact measures: A cross-sectional and longitudinal study

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Ione Avila-Palencia - , Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) Hospital Clínic, Pompeu Fabra University, CIBER - Center for Biomedical Research Network (Author)
  • Luc Int Panis - , Flemish Institute for Technological Research, Hasselt University (Author)
  • Evi Dons - , Flemish Institute for Technological Research, Hasselt University (Author)
  • Mailin Gaupp-Berghausen - , University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (Author)
  • Elisabeth Raser - , University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (Author)
  • Thomas Götschi - , University of Zurich (Author)
  • Regine Gerike - , Chair of Mobility System Planning (Author)
  • Christian Brand - , University of Oxford (Author)
  • Audrey de Nazelle - , Imperial College London (Author)
  • Juan Pablo Orjuela - , Imperial College London (Author)
  • Esther Anaya-Boig - , Imperial College London (Author)
  • Erik Stigell - , Trivector AB (Author)
  • Sonja Kahlmeier - , University of Zurich (Author)
  • Francesco Iacorossi - , Agenzia Roma Servizi per la Mobilita' Srl (Author)
  • Mark J. Nieuwenhuijsen - , Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) Hospital Clínic, Pompeu Fabra University, CIBER - Center for Biomedical Research Network (Author)

Abstract

Background: Transport mode choice has been associated with different health risks and benefits depending on which transport mode is used. We aimed to evaluate the association between different transport modes use and several health and social contact measures. Methods: We based our analyses on the Physical Activity through Sustainable Transport Approaches (PASTA) longitudinal study, conducted over a period of two years in seven European cities. 8802 participants finished the baseline questionnaire, and 3567 answered the final questionnaire. Participants were 18 years of age or older (16 years of age or older in Zurich) and lived, worked and/or studied in one of the case-study cities. Associations between transport mode use and health/social contact measures were estimated using mixed-effects logistic regression models, linear regression models, and logistic regression models according to the data available. All the associations were assessed with single and multiple transport mode models. All models were adjusted for potential confounders. Results: In multiple transport mode models, bicycle use was associated with good self-perceived health [OR (CI 95%) = 1.07 (1.05, 1.08)], all the mental health measures [perceived stress: coef (CI 95%) = −0.016 (−0.028, −0.004); mental health: coef (CI 95%) = 0.11 (0.05, 0.18); vitality: coef (CI 95%) = 0.14 (0.07, 0.22)], and with fewer feelings of loneliness [coef (CI 95%) = −0.03 (−0.05, −0.01)]. Walking was associated with good self-perceived health [OR (CI 95%) = 1.02 (1.00, 1.03)], higher vitality [coef (CI 95%) = 0.14 (0.05, 0.23)], and more frequent contact with friends/family [OR (CI 95%) = 1.03 (1.00, 1.05)]. Car use was associated with fewer feelings of loneliness [coef (CI 95%) = −0.04 (−0.06, −0.02)]. The results for e-bike and public transport use were non-significant, and the results for motorbike use were inconclusive. Conclusions: Similarity of findings across cities suggested that active transport, especially bicycle use, should be encouraged to improve population health and social outcomes.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)199-206
Number of pages8
JournalEnvironment international
Volume120
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2018
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 30098553

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • Bicycling, Cities, Loneliness, Mental health, Questionnaires, Walking