Urban Green Space and Health in the U.S.: The role of green policy in improving public health outcomes

Undergraduate Honors Thesis

Citations

Citeable URL: https://scholar.colorado.edu/concern/undergraduate_honors_theses/ns064646m

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between green space and public health outcomes across six cities in the United States as well as the role of green space policy in promoting health. Green space is suggested to improve health outcomes through various pathways such as facilitating mental rejuvenation, promoting physical activity, and encouraging social connection between community members. Using existing data, I analyzed the correlations between percentage of green space present in six U.S. cities and the prevalence of four different health metrics. I included an adjustment for social factors as confounding variables. I found a consistent negative relationship between the prevalence of poor mental health and percent green space. The results also provided some evidence of additional factors that may be influencing the use of green space and the prevalence of health outcomes within each city. The study as a whole is indicative of the complex dynamic between green policy, urban green spaces, and public health.

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