Contextualizing research on transportation and health: A systems perspective

Publication date: Available online 11 February 2016 Source:Journal of Transport & Health Author(s): Michael J. Widener, Marianne Hatzopoulou During the past few decades, there has been a surge of interest in research seeking to understand how personal and public health are affected by transportation systems. A large and diverse literature has recently emerged as a result, which complements a rich literature developed beginning in the early 20th century. In this manuscript, we identify five unique research trajectories in health and transportation that, in many cases, seem unrelated. After exploring these five areas, we argue that a holistic viewpoint that links all of the ways transportation systems impact health will provide new opportunities for health and transport researchers. To do this, we present a causal loop diagram, which illustrates a systems perspective on the complex relationships between health and transportation. Finally, a discussion on future directions points out ways that such a perspective will benefit researchers going forward.

Source: Journal of Transport and Health - February 11, 2016 Category: Occupational Health Source Type: research