Advancing Research and Practice in People, Health, and Place in Brazil: Using Community-Based System Dynamics to...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Urban Planning
• Health Equity

Background:

• Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for noncommunicable diseases in Brazil, disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations.
• Addressing physical inactivity requires evidence-based approaches sensitive to Brazil's social, economic, and spatial inequalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify research priorities for promoting physical activity through community-based system dynamics.
• To engage diverse researchers in mapping factors influencing physical activity and developing actionable research agendas.

Main Methods:

• Community-based system dynamics and group model-building workshops were used.
• Causal loop diagrams were developed to visualize factors influencing physical activity in leisure and transport domains.

Main Results:

• Macro determinants like public policies, urban infrastructure, and climate resilience were identified as key drivers of health equity.
• Six priority research areas were identified: monitoring inequalities, understanding socio-environmental influences, climate change impacts, policy/infrastructure effects, health impacts, and research methods.

Conclusions:

• Systems-oriented, place-based approaches are crucial for physical activity promotion.
• Addressing systemic inequalities, fostering equitable urban environments, and integrating health and climate goals are essential.
• The study offers a framework for aligning research, policy, and practice to promote physical activity, health equity, and climate resilience.