91
© The Author(s) 2019
M. R. Marselle et al. (eds.), Biodiversity and Health in the Face of Climate
Change, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-02318-8_5
Chapter 5
The Influence of Socio-economic
and Socio-demographic Factors
in the Association Between Urban Green
Space and Health
Nadja Kabisch
Abstract Green spaces can help preventing potential negative health outcomes
from climate change and urbanisation. Urban green spaces may reduce cardiovascular diseases exaggerated by heat stress or noise because of their climate regulation
and noise-buffering potential. Urban green space may also promote physical activity and social interactions, and thus improve the physical and mental health of residents who tend to be more stressed in urban environments. Research findings on
associations between urban green space and health outcomes are, however, not consistent, and potential relationships are often affected by confounding factors. In this
chapter, a systematic review of the association between urban green space and
health is presented, with a particular focus on socio-economic and sociodemographic confounders that may over-ride potential associations. Results show
that there is some positive effect of urban green space on mental health and cardiovascular diseases. However, evidence is weak as many other studies show that
socio-economic confounders, such as household income or neighbourhood deprivation, have the highest impact. The mediating effect of urban green space to decrease
health inequality among different socio-economic groups may be more important.
Based on the results of the review, conclusions are drawn on how to design green
space that is beneficial for the health and well-being of all population groups including the vulnerable groups of children, the elderly and deprived people. This field of
research is growing, and important prospects for future research on urban green and
health are highlighted.
Keywords Green space · Urban · Health · Well-being · Confounder
N. Kabisch (*)
Department of Geography, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
e-mail: nadja.kabisch@geo.hu-berlin.de
© The Author(s) 2019
M. R. Marselle et al. (eds.), Biodiversity and Health in the Face of Climate
Change, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-02318-8_5
Chapter 5
The Influence of Socio-economic
and Socio-demographic Factors
in the Association Between Urban Green
Space and Health
Nadja Kabisch
Abstract Green spaces can help preventing potential negative health outcomes
from climate change and urbanisation. Urban green spaces may reduce cardiovascular diseases exaggerated by heat stress or noise because of their climate regulation
and noise-buffering potential. Urban green space may also promote physical activity and social interactions, and thus improve the physical and mental health of residents who tend to be more stressed in urban environments. Research findings on
associations between urban green space and health outcomes are, however, not consistent, and potential relationships are often affected by confounding factors. In this
chapter, a systematic review of the association between urban green space and
health is presented, with a particular focus on socio-economic and sociodemographic confounders that may over-ride potential associations. Results show
that there is some positive effect of urban green space on mental health and cardiovascular diseases. However, evidence is weak as many other studies show that
socio-economic confounders, such as household income or neighbourhood deprivation, have the highest impact. The mediating effect of urban green space to decrease
health inequality among different socio-economic groups may be more important.
Based on the results of the review, conclusions are drawn on how to design green
space that is beneficial for the health and well-being of all population groups including the vulnerable groups of children, the elderly and deprived people. This field of
research is growing, and important prospects for future research on urban green and
health are highlighted.
Keywords Green space · Urban · Health · Well-being · Confounder
N. Kabisch (*)
Department of Geography, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
e-mail: nadja.kabisch@geo.hu-berlin.de