The Influence of Socio-economic and Socio-demographic Factors in the Association Between Urban Green Space and Health

TLDR: Results show that there is some positive effect of urban green space on mental health and cardiovascular diseases, but evidence is weak as many other studies show that socio-economic confounders, such as household income or neighbourhood deprivation, have the highest impact.

Abstract: Green spaces can help preventing potential negative health outcomes from climate change and urbanisation. Urban green spaces may reduce cardiovascular diseases exaggerated by heat stress or noise because of their climate regulation and noise-buffering potential. Urban green space may also promote physical activity and social interactions, and thus improve the physical and mental health of residents who tend to be more stressed in urban environments. Research findings on associations between urban green space and health outcomes are, however, not consistent, and potential relationships are often affected by confounding factors. In this chapter, a systematic review of the association between urban green space and health is presented, with a particular focus on socio-economic and socio-demographic confounders that may over-ride potential associations. Results show that there is some positive effect of urban green space on mental health and cardiovascular diseases. However, evidence is weak as many other studies show that socio-economic confounders, such as household income or neighbourhood deprivation, have the highest impact. The mediating effect of urban green space to decrease health inequality among different socio-economic groups may be more important. Based on the results of the review, conclusions are drawn on how to design green space that is beneficial for the health and well-being of all population groups including the vulnerable groups of children, the elderly and deprived people. This field of research is growing, and important prospects for future research on urban green and health are highlighted.