The impact of greenery on physical activity and mental health of adolescent and adult residents of deprived neighborhoods: A longitudinal study. (July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gubbels, Jessica S.; Kremers, Stef P.J.; Droomers, Mariël; Hoefnagels, Cees; Stronks, Karien; Hosman, Clemens; de Vries, Sjerp
• Is Part Of: Health & place. Volume 40(2016:Jul.)
• Page Start: 153
• Page End: 160
• Publication Date: 2016-07
• Subjects: Greenery -- Deprived neighborhood -- Physical activity -- Depressive symptoms; Health -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Health services accessibility -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Political planning -- Periodicals; Social medicine -- Periodicals; Epidemiology -- Periodicals; Health Policy -- Periodicals; Health Services Accessibility -- Periodicals; Public Health -- Periodicals; Public Policy -- Periodicals; Sociology, Medical -- Periodicals; Épidémiologie -- Périodiques; Politique sanitaire -- Périodiques; Santé, Services de -- Accessibilité -- Périodiques; Health services accessibility; Health -- Social aspects; Political planning; Public health; Social medicine; Periodicals; 613
• DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2016.06.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1353-8292

Abstract

Abstract: The aim of the study is to assess the impact of perceived and objective changes in greenery on physical activity and mental health of adolescents and adults living in severely deprived neighborhoods in the Netherlands. Longitudinal data regarding changes in greenery, walking, cycling, and depressive symptoms (CES-D), were gathered for 401 adolescents and 454 adults, using questionnaires and interviews with local district managers. Multivariate linear regression models examined the association between greenery and outcome variables, correcting for demographic and socioeconomic covariates and season. Overall, the results showed small and non-significant associations, with two exceptions. Objective improvements in greenery were associated with smaller decline in adolescents' leisure time cycling, and improvements in perceived greenery were related to a decrease in adults' depressive symptoms. In addition, there were several subgroup effects. In conclusion, changes in greenery did not yield consistent positive results among residents of severely deprived neighborhoods. However, there are some indications regarding positive effects of greenery in certain subgroups. Highlights: The study examined the impact of changes in greenery on PA and mental health. The study included adolescents and adults from severely deprived neighborhoods. Changes in greenery did not yield consistent positive results on PA and mental health. Greenery was positively related with adolescents' cycling and adults' mental health. There were several subgroup effects of improved greenery on PA and mental health.