Understanding transportation-related health determinants and their interrelationships in rural U.S.

Transportation and health are undeniably related topics. Transportation choices impact physical and mental health, affecting activity levels and access to different opportunities. In recent years, research on the transportation and health domain has mainly focused on urban settings, while the rural population has been overlooked. Research is needed to explore the complex relationships across transportation-related health determinants in the rural context and support policies prioritizing health in these areas. A conceptual framework is proposed based on an extensive literature review to identify the factors representing the transportation and health relationships in the rural U.S. Confirmatory factor analyses are employed to identify the variables representing each transportation-related health determinant. A structural equation model (SEM) is then estimated to quantify the relationships between these determinants in the rural U.S. For this endeavor, the authors collected individual data from an online survey and available secondary spatial data. A policy approach, the ABC PATH, is also proposed to support community health through transportation changes. The authors find strong and significant associations across all transportation-related health determinants, particularly with physical activity. Decreasing car usage and providing alternative transportation options can increase health and well-being. The proposed ABC PATH policy approach comprehensively promotes a healthy lifestyle and identifies potential interventions, with particular attention to vulnerable groups. This paper presents a conceptual framework and quantifies the complex interrelationships between transportation and health in rural areas. The policy implications suggest that decision-makers must identify all-inclusive solutions and promote active lifestyles, considering the interlinked connections of the transportation-related determinants examined herein.

• Record URL:
  • https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jth.2024.101887
• Record URL:
  • http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214140524001336
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/22141405
• Supplemental Notes:
  • © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies. Abstract reprinted with permission of Elsevier.
• Authors:
  • Losada-Rojas, Lisa L
  • 0000-0002-7221-4900
  • Pyrialakou, V Dimitra
  • Waldorf, Brigitte S
  • Banda, Jorge A
  • Gkritza, Konstantina
  • 0000-0002-6598-4771
• Publication Date: 2024-9

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Features: References;
• Pagination: 101887
• Serial:
  • Journal of Transport & Health
  • Volume: 38
  • Issue Number: 0
  • Publisher: Elsevier
  • ISSN: 2214-1405
  • Serial URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/22141405

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Health care services; Mobility; Mode choice; Public health; Rural areas; Travel behavior
• Geographic Terms: United States
• Subject Areas: Safety and Human Factors; Transportation (General);

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01930788
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 16 2024 4:51PM