Research published ahead of print in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health reports that people living close to green space have lower rates of anxiety and depression and superior physical health than those living in dense cities.
The findings were based on the health records of people registered with 195 family doctors in 95 practices across the Netherlands. In total, the practices serve a population of almost 350,000.
The researchers evaluated the percentages of green space within a 1 and 3 kilometer radius of their home using the household’s postcode. On average, green space accounted for 42 percent of the residential area within a 1 kilometer radius and almost 61 percent within a 3 kilometer radius of people’s homes.
It was apparent that green space within a kilometer radius of an individual’s home had the most impact on rates of ill health.
Within a total of 24 different disease groups, 15 of them were categorized as cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, mental ill health, respiratory disease, neurological disease, digestive disease, and miscellaneous complaints. The annual rates were significantly lower among those living close to more extensive areas of green space.
The impact was particularly evident on rates of mental ill health.
The annual prevalence of anxiety disorders among those living in a residential area containing 10 percent of green space within a 1 km radius of their home was 26 per 1,000. For those living in an area containing 90 percent of green space, it was 18 per 1,000. Similarly, the figures for depression were, respectively, 32 and 24 per 1,000 of the population.
The link was strongest for those who spent a lot of time in the surrounding area, such as children and individuals with low levels of education and income, as well as people aged 45 to 65. It is not exactly clear how the provision of green space affects health. The authors suggest that better air quality as well as offering opportunities for relaxation, de-stressing, socializing and exercise might have an influence.
They write in closing: “This study shows that the role of green space in the living environment for health should not be underestimated.” They add that many of the diseases and disorders on which green space seems to exert a positive influence are widespread and costly to treat.
“Morbidity is related to a green living environment”
J Maas, R A Verheij, S de Vries, P Spreeuwenberg, F G Schellevis, P P Groenewegen
J Epidemiol Community Health 2009
doi: 10.1136/jech.2008.079038
Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
Written by Stephanie Brunner (B.A.)