Accepted 10 July 2009 Published Online First 15 October 2009 | J Maas, R A Verheij, S de Vries, P Spreeuwenberg, F G Schellevis, P P Groenewegen
This study investigates the relationship between green space in people's living environments and physician-assessed morbidity. Data from 195 general practitioners in 96 Dutch practices, serving a population of 345,143 people, were analyzed. Morbidity was classified according to the International Classification of Primary Care, and the percentage of green space within a 1 km and 3 km radius around postal code coordinates was calculated for each household. Multilevel logistic regression analyses were performed, controlling for demographic and socioeconomic characteristics.
The results show that the annual prevalence rate of 15 out of 24 disease clusters was lower in living environments with more green space within a 1 km radius. The strongest relationship was found for anxiety disorders and depression, particularly for children and people with lower socioeconomic status. The relationship was also stronger in slightly urban areas compared to very strongly urban areas.
The study concludes that green space in people's living environments is associated with reduced morbidity, emphasizing the importance of green spaces close to home for children and lower socioeconomic groups. The findings suggest that healthy spatial planning should consider the amount of green space to improve public health, especially for vulnerable populations.This study investigates the relationship between green space in people's living environments and physician-assessed morbidity. Data from 195 general practitioners in 96 Dutch practices, serving a population of 345,143 people, were analyzed. Morbidity was classified according to the International Classification of Primary Care, and the percentage of green space within a 1 km and 3 km radius around postal code coordinates was calculated for each household. Multilevel logistic regression analyses were performed, controlling for demographic and socioeconomic characteristics.
The results show that the annual prevalence rate of 15 out of 24 disease clusters was lower in living environments with more green space within a 1 km radius. The strongest relationship was found for anxiety disorders and depression, particularly for children and people with lower socioeconomic status. The relationship was also stronger in slightly urban areas compared to very strongly urban areas.
The study concludes that green space in people's living environments is associated with reduced morbidity, emphasizing the importance of green spaces close to home for children and lower socioeconomic groups. The findings suggest that healthy spatial planning should consider the amount of green space to improve public health, especially for vulnerable populations.