Contextual factors influencing the urban mobility infrastructure interventions and policies for older adults in low- and middle-income countries: A realist review

DS Patil, A Bailey, UN Yadav, S George, M Helbich, D Ettema, L Ashok

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Transportation is among the key aspects that influence active ageing. This realist review intends to understand the mechanisms of urban mobility infrastructure interventions and policies in low- and middle-income countries for older adults and to identify factors, which influenced the success or failure of interventions. We followed the steps suggested by Pawson and colleagues for a realist review. Electronic databases were searched from inception until August 2020. Studies were screened based on titles, abstracts and full text. The quality of included studies was assessed based on rigour and relevance. The evidence was obtained from 36 articles with diverse study designs conducted in 36 low- and middle-income countries. Findings were validated through stakeholder consultations from three low- and middle-income countries. Of the various individual factors identified, behaviour change communication interventions were low-cost, had a long-term impact and were efficient in increasing awareness among users to improve safety, social inclusion and about transport schemes for older adults. Improved transport infrastructure resulted in a shift from private to public transportation. For a sustainable urban transport infrastructure, good governance and involvement of stakeholders for planning and implementing transport interventions were considered necessary. Lack of evaluation, experience of transport planners, and inter-sectoral coordination were key challenges to successful interventions. The review highlighted a lack of older adult-specific transportation policies, and gender-targeted interventions for older women, suggesting a need for interventions and policies based on the contextual factors existing in a region.

Original languageEnglish
Article number1489
Pages (from-to)1-13
JournalBMC Public Health
Volume22
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 5 Aug 2022

Keywords

  • Age-friendly cities
  • Contextual factors
  • Low- and middle-income countries
  • Non-motorised transport
  • Older adults
  • Public transport
  • Transportation policies
  • Urban transportation

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