Nature-engagement and wellbeing in Brazil: Understanding the dose-effect relationship for designing urban green spaces

Statement of problem: In the face of increasing urbanization, the pursuit of healthy and sustainable cities promoting a high quality of life intertwined with nature is paramount. Purpose: This research endeavors to assess the impact of variations in nature interaction styles on health, with the obje...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Bressane, Adriano [UNESP], Loureiro, Anna Isabel Silva [UNESP], César de Castro Medeiros, Líliam [UNESP]
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2024
País:Brasil
Institución:Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP)
Repositorio:Repositório Institucional da UNESP
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:repositorio.unesp.br:11449/309783
Acceso en línea:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2024.128443
https://hdl.handle.net/11449/309783
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Green spaces
Urban infrastructure
Urban planning, public health
Descripción
Sumario:Statement of problem: In the face of increasing urbanization, the pursuit of healthy and sustainable cities promoting a high quality of life intertwined with nature is paramount. Purpose: This research endeavors to assess the impact of variations in nature interaction styles on health, with the objective of generating evidence to inform the design of urban green spaces. Method: Ethically approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee (CAAE 58149622.3.0000.0077), a survey involving 2136 respondents was conducted. Participants reported their nature engagement frequency, duration, and intensity, alongside mental health assessments using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Welch's ANOVA and Cohen's d were employed to derive meaningful effect size. Conclusions: This research provided empirical insights into the relationship between nature interaction and public health, thus offering evidence to inform urban green space design. Practical implications: The findings are expected to empower urban planners and policymakers with evidence-based strategies for creating urban green spaces conducive to physical activities, leisure events, and nature-based recreation, promoting public health through appropriately timed and frequented activities. Future directions: Further research avenues may include longitudinal studies to assess the long-term impact of nature interaction on mental health and the implementation of evidence-based design strategies in urban green space development.