Tackling Childhood Obesity: quantitative investigation of the associations of urban form, physical activity and obesity (Advert Reference: RDF18/ABE/TORUN)

Increasing prevalence of childhood obesity has drawn attention of various disciplines. Researchers from health and sociology have demonstrated the impacts of genetic and socio-economic factors on the prevalence of obesity. On the other hand, researchers of urban design and planning have highlighted the significance of physical activity in the struggle against obesity. Related studies have found that people living in pedestrian-friendly environments tend to have relatively higher daily walking rates and lower Body Mass Index. Although much research has been done on the associations of urban form, physical activity and obesity, relatively little is known about street network configuration related health associations in children. A key underlying reason is that in most small-scale research designs that accompany studies on walking behavior the range of environmental variables considered is almost entirely concerned with local qualities of the environment (ie. sidewalk quality). However, environmental factors are actually associated with the character of an entire area —a neighborhood or a district. Hence, walking behavior prevalent in an area cannot be described by analysing the immediate neighborhood isolated from its global surroundings.

This study will focus on improving the reliability and validity of urban form indicators, in general, and street connectivity measures, in particular, and developing better conceptual models to link those to physical activity. The spatial and structural qualities of street networks will be assessed by applying both standard and recently developed detailed measures of street connectivity. Consideration will also be given to the comparison of perceived (self-reported environmental attributes) and objectively verifiable environmental attributes in explaining physical activity outcomes in an attempt to offer standardised and reliable self-report measures in related studies.

The framework will aim at integrating multiple methodologies and techniques. Space syntax will be used in evaluating the street network design of children’s urban environment; GIS-based analyses of the built environment will be utilised to identify obesogenic environments; and questionnaires will be explored to determine children’s physical activity levels and their perception of the environment. This study will use small-scaled units of measurement of urban form (parcel-level land-use data, segment-level street connectivity measures) and will include the use of GIS, statistical analyses, and syntactical software.

Offering a comprehensive methodological approach, this study may provide some insights into the design and policy interventions that target increased physical activity among children. Successful completion of this research will enable the widespread application of such small-scale forecasting models in urban design and master planning projects aimed at creating sustainable urban forms.

Eligibility and How to Apply:
Please note eligibility requirement:
• Academic excellence of the proposed student i.e. 2:1 (or equivalent GPA from non-UK universities [preference for 1st class honours]); or a Masters (preference for Merit or above); or APEL evidence of substantial practitioner achievement.
• Appropriate IELTS score, if required.
• Applicants cannot apply for this funding if currently engaged in Doctoral study at Northumbria or elsewhere.

For further details of how to apply, entry requirements and the application form, see:
https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/

Please note: Applications that do not include a research proposal of approximately 1,000 words (not a copy of the advert), or that do not include the advert reference (e.g. RDF18/…) will not be considered.

Deadline for applications: 28 January 2018

Start Date: 1 October 2018

Northumbria University takes pride in, and values, the quality and diversity of our staff. We welcome applications from all members of the community. The University holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award in recognition of our commitment to improving employment practices for the advancement of gender equality and is a member of the Euraxess network, which delivers information and support to professional researchers.