Green space availability and mental health – results from a cross-sectional study in Northwestern Germany

Abstract Background A relationship between green space and health has been shown in several epidemiological studies. The impact of different types of green space is still relatively unknown. To start filling this gap, we looked at associations between different green space types and health outcomes (depression and mental health). Methods Data are obtained from a cross-sectional study (n = 479). Depression (assessed with PHQ-9) and mental health (assessed with GHQ-28) are dependent variables. Availability of green space in the surrounding neighborhood was assessed as independent variable by the percentage of green space ( > =1ha) within a 250m radius participants residence. Survey data were analyzed using IBM SPSS 26 and Geo data using QGIS 3.18.0. Results N = 479 participants of a cross-sectional study in 2018 provided data (49.4%, n = 240 women; 49.6%, n = 239 men). Participants had a mean age of 57.55 years (SD: 18.80, min-max:18-95), majority (75.2%, n = 360) were married or partnered, had a lower educational qualification than A-levels equivalent (56.8%, n = 272), were not employed (53%, n = 254), had a net household income of at least 3. 000€ per month (40.1%, n = 192) and at least sometimes financial worries (51.4%, n = 246). Green areas without agricultural areas show an association with frequency of depression (B(SE)=0.056(0.024), p = 0.018). This contrasts with green spaces including agricultural areas, where there is no statistically significant association (B(SE)=0.007(0.012), p = 0.564). Discussion We found an association between type of green space and depression. Further studies are needed to establish a grid for assessing characteristics and quality criteria of green spaces. However, it can already be assumed that there is an association between quality of green spaces and psychosocial outcomes.

Nature deprivation under COVID-19 lead to reduced wellbeing. Urban design interventions were also identified as an important contributor to the restoration of community confidence, choice, and safety. Factors related to sociodemographic, housing and lockdown were linked to changes in exposure to nature during the pandemic lockdown. Changes in exposure to nature and mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 lockdown were strongly linked. Especially young people had an increased number of mental health problems. Children and youth were more bored and worried in comparison with the pre-pandemic period. The educational institutions worldwide were closed or changed to online education during the pandemic, leading to great disturbance in students' education and outdoor events. All ''green infrastructure'' (GI) resources (including parks, gardens etc.) received great attention as ''essential infrastructure'' supporting well-being. But, the quality, functionality and position of GI in urban areas showed inequality in distribution. Frequently, societies with greater ethnic diversity, lower income and larger health inequality suffered from unsatisfactory or lack of access. GI is important in decision-making to address inequality. This work will also present an open-air activity for all generations: A reflective walk through the oldest part of Novi Sad (EU Capital of Culture 2022), as a part of Project Reflective citizens in Novi Sad. This walking tour was led by pupils from primary school -where all generations spend useful time in open space and a safe atmosphere walking tour, learning and listening about the cultural history of the oldest part of the city. It is vital to enhance urban planning and design practices in making healthier and more resilient communities. It is necessary to underline the importance of planning green spaces that need time to form in urban areas, and which have proven to be very important for mental health in the midst of the pandemic crisis.
Abstract citation ID: ckac129.707 Green space availability and mental health -results from a cross-sectional study in Northwestern Germany

Background:
A relationship between green space and health has been shown in several epidemiological studies. The impact of different types of green space is still relatively unknown. To start filling this gap, we looked at associations between different green space types and health outcomes (depression and mental health).

Methods:
Data are obtained from a cross-sectional study (n = 479). Depression (assessed with PHQ-9) and mental health (assessed with GHQ-28) are dependent variables. Availability of green space in the surrounding neighborhood was assessed as independent variable by the percentage of green space ( > = 1ha) within a 250m radius participants residence. Survey data were analyzed using IBM SPSS 26 and Geo data using QGIS 3.18.0. Results: N = 479 participants of a cross-sectional study in 2018 provided data (49.4%, n = 240 women; 49.6%, n = 239 men). Participants had a mean age of 57.55 years (SD: 18.80, min-max:18-95), majority (75.2%, n = 360) were married or partnered, had a lower educational qualification than A-levels equivalent (56.8%, n = 272), were not employed (53%, n = 254), had a net household income of at least 3. 000E per month (40.1%, n = 192) and at least sometimes financial worries (51.4%, n = 246). Green areas without agricultural areas show an association with frequency of depression (B(SE) = 0.056(0.024), p = 0.018). This contrasts with green spaces including agricultural areas, where there is no statistically significant association (B(SE) = 0.007(0.012), p = 0.564).

Discussion:
We found an association between type of green space and depression. Further studies are needed to establish a grid for assessing characteristics and quality criteria of green spaces. However, it can already be assumed that there is an association between quality of green spaces and psychosocial outcomes.

Background:
In the occasion of COVID-19 pandemic in Italy, the life of citizens was greatly disrupted -from healthcare professionals to the smart workers -and consequently also the state of mood. On the basis of the scientific evidences in relation to the relationship between the built environment and health, a research group has promoted an investigation on the benefits that greenery can have on the psychophysical state of the users, especially healthcare staff and users at home.

Objectives:
The methodology adopted is the Profile of Mood States, which provides experiential activity in nature -without any technological distraction-to evaluate the benefits on mood. The methodology adopted refer to the shorter version iii288 European Journal of Public Health, Volume 32 Supplement 3, 2022