Research article - Peer-reviewed, 2017
Perception of safety is a prerequisite for the association between neighbourhood green qualities and physical activity: Results from a cross-sectional study in Sweden
Weimann, Hanna; Rylander, Lars; van den Bosch, Matilda Annerstedt; Albin, Maria; Skarback, Erik; Grahn, Patrik; Bjork, JonasAbstract
In this study, we assess how the Scania Green Score (SGS5), and the five distinct perceived neighbourhood green dimensions within this area-aggregated index (1 km(2) squares), is associated with self-reported physical activity and general health, and if perceived safety and social coherence has a moderating effect. Two independent surveys, both conducted in Scania, Sweden, was used for data on SGS5 and health outcomes (N=28 198 and N=23 693), respectively. SGS5 was more clearly associated with physical activity (OR 1.06; 95% CI 1.02-1.10) than with general health (OR 1.02; 95% CI 1.00-1.04). This association was moderated by safety (p for interaction < 0.001); SGS5 was positively associated with physical activity only among individuals who perceived high safety in their neighbourhood (OR 1.07; 95% CI 1.02-1.11). No moderating effect was seen for social coherence. Among specific dimensions, cultural history was positively associated with both physical activity and general health. Our results suggest that perception of safety is a prerequisite for the positive effects of neighbourhood green qualities.Keywords
Green quality; Green space; Physical activity; General health; Neighbourhood safety; Neighbourhood social coherencePublished in
Health and Place2017, volume: 45, pages: 124-130
Authors' information
Weimann, Hanna
Lund University
Rylander, Lars
Lund University
Annerstedt van den Bosch, Matilda (Annerstedt van den Bosch, Matilda)
Lund University
Annerstedt van den Bosch, Matilda (Annerstedt van den Bosch, Matilda)
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Work Science, Business Economics and Environmental Psychology
Annerstedt van den Bosch, Matilda (Annerstedt van den Bosch, Matilda)
University of British Columbia
Albin, Maria
Lund University
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Landscape Architecture, Planning and Management
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Work Science, Business Economics and Environmental Psychology
Björk, Jonas
Lund University
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG3 Good health and well-being
UKÄ Subject classification
Public Health, Global Health, Social Medicine and Epidemiology
Publication Identifiers
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2017.03.011
URI (permanent link to this page)
https://res.slu.se/id/publ/82487