Publications

Study in Mexico City evaluates strengths and limitations of road safety data sources, emphasizing need for improved data quality to enhance road safety efforts internationally.

Study in Latin America found higher road-traffic mortality at extreme temperatures. Risks are higher in hotter climates, longer commutes, among certain groups. Policymakers urged to protect vulnerable road users in peripheral areas.

Study in Latin American cities found motorcyclist mortality linked to urban characteristics. Higher population density, intersection density, and social environment index associated with lower mortality rates. Improving street connectivity and promoting safer urban environments may reduce motorcycle deaths and enhance road safety.

In Latin America, climate change, urbanization, and an aging population are increasing health risks from extreme temperatures. Accurate assessment of future temperature-related mortality impacts requires integrating demographic factors like population age composition and mortality rates.

This study aims to explore the community food environments in Chilean cities and their impact on fruit and vegetable consumption among adults, filling a gap in current research on dietary behavior in Latin America.

Study on parental leave policy impact on infant mortality in 3 countries found steeper declines in Chile after paid parental leave reform, but no significant changes in Colombia and Mexico. Results suggest combined paid maternal and paternal leave policies could reduce infant mortality and promote gender equality in childcare.

Study examines how neighborhood characteristics in Latin American cities impact BMI, considering social, built, and natural elements, and how individual socioeconomic status can influence these associations.

This paper examines the scaling behavior of cardiovascular risk factors across 230 cities in Latin America. Diabetes and hypertension tend to increase with city size, while obesity decreases and tobacco use varies. Results suggest the need for further research on the drivers of these patterns.

Study examines cancer mortality variations in 343 Latin American cities to inform prevention strategies. Results show links between rates and city-level socioeconomic status.

Climate change will increase flooding exposure for urban populations, particularly in low-income countries. Socioeconomic disparities in flooding were found based on neighborhood education levels, with those in lower educational attainment neighborhoods more at risk. Policies must focus on adapting and recovering from floods in disadvantaged areas.

Latin American cities face challenges like unplanned urbanization and violence with profound health implications. A structured tool based on feminist urbanism and urban health research offers a way to develop gender-sensitive urban policies, interventions, and research. Key dimensions include "proximity", "autonomy", and "representativeness" at the neighborhood level. This tool can address urban inequities and improve urban health in diverse Latin American contexts.

Study across 144 Latin American cities found variability in fruit and vegetable intake. Higher intake was associated with higher GDP, women's empowerment, and temperate climate zones. Interventions should consider local socio-economic and climate factors.

SALURBAL study aims to investigate urban health determinants, effects of policies, use systems approaches, and create dialogue. It focuses on cities in Latin America, aims to support collaborative research, and capacity-building. Key findings and challenges are summarized.

SALURBAL is the largest health survey data resource in Latin America, with harmonized data from 40 surveys in 11 countries. Includes info on demographics, health behaviors, and outcomes for adults and children. Data can be linked to environmental factors. Visit [https://data.lacurbanhealth.org] for more information.

Study analyzes obesity trends in Colombia and Mexico by SES, gender, and age using SALURBAL data. Improving understanding of obesity transition in urban areas.

Limited data and research on factors driving urban green space availability in Latin America. Study of 371 cities in 11 countries shows climate zone as primary driver, with education, street density, and population also significant. Inequitable green space distribution highlights challenges for heat mitigation and health promotion.

Study of 124 Latin American cities shows most report climate hazards like storms, water scarcity, and extreme temperatures. Cities vary in adaptation actions, with most focusing on hazard mapping and vegetation. Challenges include urban development and living conditions. More research needed on local responses to climate hazards and adaptation efforts.

Projected increases in heatwaves over Latin America are significant, with more frequency, duration, and intensity expected. Even under low emission scenarios, heatwave exposure is set to rise, with climate change driving these changes. Urgent action is needed to reduce emissions and implement sustainable practices to mitigate the impacts of heatwaves.

Study examines segregation patterns in 84 Colombian cities using satellite data, revealing higher segregation in education level and race/ethnicity. Associations between segregation and built environment metrics are identified, with implications for urban policies to address spatial segregation beyond income, including ethnicity.

Study in Latin American cities found high levels of both childhood stunting and adult overweight/obesity, with poor social environments, women's education, and labor force linked to the double burden of malnutrition.