Publications

High temperatures are linked to increased risk of homicide mortality in Latin America, with extreme heat contributing to 0.61% of deaths. This highlights the need for environmental considerations in homicide prevention strategies in the region.

This study evaluates the dimensionality and longitudinal psychometric properties of the GHQ-12 and PHQ-2 mental health questionnaires in Chilean social housing populations. It highlights the importance of distinguishing true change from measurement error to accurately monitor mental health outcomes in poor urban communities undergoing regeneration.

Global obesity rates are rising, but the impact of urban development on nutrition in low to middle-income cities is not well understood.

Study of 340 cities in Latin America found that better living conditions and services, along with mass transit availability, were associated with lower maternal mortality ratios. Conversely, higher urban isolation and population density were linked to higher ratios. Urban policies targeting social conditions and infrastructure could help reduce maternal mortality and promote health equity.

Study examines poor mental health among urban-poor homemakers in Santiago, Chile during COVID-19 crisis, highlighting effects of social and economic disparities.

Study analyzed PM2.5 levels in 53,041 neighborhoods across 340 Latin American cities. Neighborhoods with higher PM2.5 had higher education levels, more intersections, and were in older cities. Lower levels were found in denser areas with more green space further from city centers.

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.

Study in Latin American cities found low F&V intake, linked to GDP, living conditions, women's empowerment, and education levels.

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.

The Care Block in Bogotá supports low-income unpaid caregivers by offering services that enhance well-being, mental health, and physical activity. This study highlights caregivers’ experiences, environmental barriers, and a community-led virtual reality advocacy process, fostering dialogue to improve access and support within this urban care program.