Graduate Program in Civil and Environmental Engineering, São Paulo State University, Bauru 17033-360, Brazil.
São Paulo State University, Institute of Science and Technology, Environmental Department, São José dos Campos 12209-904, Brazil.
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2024 Jul 18;21(7):937. doi: 10.3390/ijerph21070937.
: Prior research indicates that engagement with nature is associated with mental well-being; however, the impact of accessibility to urban green spaces (UGS) with suitable infrastructure for visitation and physical activities, like leisure or recreation, remains underexplored, particularly in developing countries. : This study delves into whether merely having green space in the neighborhood is sufficient to impact residents' mental health in Brazilian metropolitan regions. : Utilizing a cross-sectional survey, data were collected from 2136 participants. The analyzed variables included the intensity, duration, and frequency of nature engagement, suitability of UGS for visitation and physical activities, and mental well-being indicators measured by the DASS-21 scale. Multivariate statistical analyses and multiple regression models were employed to verify hypothetical relationships. : Higher intensity, duration, and frequency of nature engagement in UGS were significantly associated with lower depression, anxiety, and stress scores. Notably, having urban UGS in the neighborhood alone was not enough to reduce mental health issues. : The findings point out the need for urban planning policies that prioritize the development of high-quality, accessible green spaces to maximize mental well-being benefits. These insights could inform city designs that foster healthier urban environments. : Longitudinal studies are needed to establish causality between nature engagement and mental health improvements. Further research should incorporate objective measures of nature engagement and explore more aspects of green space quality, such as biodiversity and amenities.
以往的研究表明，与自然接触与心理健康有关；然而，城市绿地（UGS）的可达性及其基础设施对于访问和体育活动（如休闲或娱乐）的影响仍未得到充分探索，尤其是在发展中国家。本研究探讨了在巴西大都市地区，仅仅在社区中拥有绿地是否足以影响居民的心理健康。本研究采用横断面调查，从 2136 名参与者中收集数据。分析的变量包括参与自然的强度、持续时间和频率、UGS 对访问和体育活动的适宜性以及 DASS-21 量表衡量的心理健康指标。采用多变量统计分析和多元回归模型来验证假设关系。在 UGS 中，自然接触的强度、持续时间和频率越高，抑郁、焦虑和压力得分越低。值得注意的是，仅仅在社区中拥有城市 UGS 并不能降低心理健康问题。研究结果指出，需要优先制定城市规划政策，以开发高质量、可达的绿色空间，最大限度地提高心理健康效益。这些见解可以为促进更健康的城市环境的城市设计提供信息。需要进行纵向研究以确定自然接触与心理健康改善之间的因果关系。进一步的研究应纳入自然接触的客观衡量标准，并探索绿色空间质量的更多方面，如生物多样性和设施。
