A comparison of green space indicators for epidemiological research

Mitchell, R. , Astell-Burt, T. and Richardson, E.A. (2011) A comparison of green space indicators for epidemiological research. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 65(10), pp. 853-858. (doi: 10.1136/jech.2010.119172)

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Abstract

<p><b>Background</b> The potential for natural environments to be salutogenic has received growing interest from epidemiologists, but there has been no critical examination of the extent to which associations between green space and health might vary according to the indicator of green space coverage used.</p> <p><b>Methods</b> Three different indicators of green space coverage were derived for a set of 268 small areas in four cities within Britain. The indicators had different origins and provided a spectrum of sensitivity from larger spaces only, through to ambient greenery. Two indicators reproducible for anywhere in Europe were included. Agreement between the indicators on the quantity of green space in a small area, and their independent association with measures of mortality and self-reported morbidity, were compared.</p> <p><b>Results</b> Overall, the indicators showed relatively close overall agreement (all r2>0.89, p<0.001). However, agreement varied by level of area socioeconomic deprivation (p<0.001). The indicator that detected larger spaces only found less green space in areas of socioeconomic deprivation than the other two. Despite this difference, all indicators showed similar protective associations with the risk of mortality and self-reported morbidity suggesting that larger green spaces may be more important for health effects than smaller spaces.</p> <p><b>Conclusions</b> Associations between green space indicator and health were not sensitive to indicator origin and type. This raises the possibility of trans-European epidemiological studies. Larger green spaces may be the most important for health effects, but may also be less prevalent in more deprived areas.</p>

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Astell-Burt, Mr Thomas and Mitchell, Professor Rich
Authors: Mitchell, R., Astell-Burt, T., and Richardson, E.A.
Subjects:R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Public Health
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
Journal Name:Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
ISSN:0143-005X
Published Online:04 February 2011
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2011 BMJ Publishing Group
First Published:First published in Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health 65(10):853-858
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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