Greenspace, urbanity and health: relationships in England

Mitchell, R. and Popham, F. (2007) Greenspace, urbanity and health: relationships in England. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 61(8), pp. 681-683. (doi: 10.1136/jech.2006.053553)

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/jech.2006.053553

Abstract

<b>Objectives:</b> To determine the association between the percentage of greenspace in an area and the standardised rate of self-reported “not good” health, and to explore whether this association holds for areas exhibiting different combinations of urbanity and income deprivation.<p></p> <b>Design and setting:</b> Cross-sectional, ecological study in England.<p></p> <b>Participants:</b> All residents of England as at the 2001 Census.<p></p> <b>Main outcome measures:</b> Age and sex standardised rate of reporting “not good” health status.<p></p> <b>Results:</b> A higher proportion of greenspace in an area was generally associated with better population health. However, this association varied according to the combination of area income deprivation and urbanity. There was no significant association between greenspace and health in higher income suburban and higher income rural areas. In suburban lower income areas, a higher proportion of greenspace was associated with worse health.<p></p> <b>Conclusions:</b> Although, in general, higher proportion of greenspace in an area is associated with better health, the association depends on the degree of urbanity and level of income deprivation in an area. One interpretation of these analyses is that quality as well as quantity of greenspace may be significant in determining health benefits.<p></p>

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Popham, Dr Frank and Mitchell, Professor Rich
Authors: Mitchell, R., and Popham, F.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Public Health
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU
Journal Name:Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
Publisher:BMJ Publishing Group
ISSN:0143-005X
ISSN (Online):1470-2738
Related URLs:

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record