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National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

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Your Environment. Your Health.

Publication Detail

Title: The importance of urban planning: Views of greenness and open space is reversely associated with self-reported views and depressive symptoms.

Authors: Pfeiffer, Jack A; Hart, Joy L; Wood, Lindsey A; Bhatnagar, Aruni; Keith, Rachel J; Yeager, Ray A; Smith, Ted; Tomlinson, Madeline; Gilkey, Delana; Kerstiens, Savanna; Gao, Hong; Srivastava, Sanjay; Walker, Kandi L

Published In Popul Med, (2021 Jul)

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Exposure to green spaces is beneficial to mental health in a variety of ways, ranging from stress reduction to increased attentiveness and elevated self-esteem. The impact of views of greenness, as opposed to direct exposure, has been examined, but the association between self-reported views and depressive symptoms is not known. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between views of greenness and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) score. METHODS: Questionnaire responses from 191 participants in the Health, Environment, and Action in Louisville (HEAL) study were examined. Univariate statistical analyses included Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman rank tests. Inferential statistical analysis was linear regression. RESULTS: Participant satisfaction with residential greenness was significantly associated with reduced PHQ-9 score (partially adjusted: linear coefficient = -0.42; 95% CI: -0.70 - -0.14; fully adjusted: linear coefficient = -0.21; 95% CI: -0.44 - 0.02). Additionally, being satisfied with local greenness was significantly associated with having views of greenness from home (linear coefficient = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.23-2.68). CONCLUSIONS: Though views of greenness were not directly associated with depression, satisfaction with local greenness was associated with reduced PHQ-9 score, and having views of greenness from home was crudely associated with increased greenness satisfaction. The findings suggest urban greening interventions that focus on greenness satisfaction may be a strategy to reduce depression. Further research is necessary to better understand these relationships.

PubMed ID: 34368779 Exiting the NIEHS site

MeSH Terms: No MeSH terms associated with this publication

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