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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, Jonas

Abstract

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 coherence

Published in

Health and Place
2017, 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)
Annerstedt van den Bosch, Matilda (Annerstedt van den Bosch, Matilda)
University of British Columbia
Albin, Maria
Lund University
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