Nature and Mental Health in Urban Texas: A NatureScore-Based Study

Makram, Omar M.; Pan, Alan; Maddock, Jay E.; Kash, Bita A.

doi:10.3390/ijerph21020168

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 23 publications

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“…In addition, promoting walking can lower obesity rates and enhance academic performance [43]. It can also help older adults maintain physical function and independence to decrease the risk of falls [24] and improve the quality of life through urban trees [44] and healthy lifestyles by incorporating nature into healthcare strategies [45].…”

Section: Research Backgroundmentioning

confidence: 99%

Revisiting Urban Street Planning and Design Factors to Promote Walking as a Physical Activity for Middle-Class Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome in Cairo, Egypt

Abusaada,

Elshater

2024

IJERPH

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This paper revisits the planning and design factors of “pedestrianized” and “walkable” urban streets to encourage physical activity, focusing on their prioritization according to public health and smart growth. The aim is to create a conceptual framework for urban planners and designers to encourage walking and reduce metabolic syndrome (MetS) risks. Through a scoping review, the study found that while pedestrianized and walkable streets share many planning and design factors, they have different objectives. The study explores how urban planning and design can reduce MetS risk among middle-class individuals using online video storytelling for 30 participants in three districts of Cairo, Egypt: El Zamalek, Old Cairo, and Heliopolis. It identifies three factors to address MetS symptoms for middle-class individuals: strategic, design-oriented, and technical. Practitioners and policymakers can use this framework to evaluate the impact of their work. This study is particularly relevant for cities in the Global South that are facing similar challenges.

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Section: Research Backgroundmentioning

confidence: 99%

Revisiting Urban Street Planning and Design Factors to Promote Walking as a Physical Activity for Middle-Class Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome in Cairo, Egypt

Abusaada,

Elshater

2024

IJERPH

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Cardiovascular Risk Assessment and Prevention in Cardio-Oncology

Makram,

Nain,

Vasbinder

et al. 2024

Cardiology Clinics

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Is Having Urban Green Space in the Neighborhood Enough to Make a Difference? Insights for Healthier City Design

Bressane,

Ferreira,

Garcia

et al. 2024

IJERPH

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Background: Prior research indicates that engagement with nature is associated with mental well-being; however, the impact of accessibility to urban green spaces (UGS) with suitable infrastructure for visitation and physical activities, like leisure or recreation, remains underexplored, particularly in developing countries. Purpose: This study delves into whether merely having green space in the neighborhood is sufficient to impact residents’ mental health in Brazilian metropolitan regions. Method: Utilizing a cross-sectional survey, data were collected from 2136 participants. The analyzed variables included the intensity, duration, and frequency of nature engagement, suitability of UGS for visitation and physical activities, and mental well-being indicators measured by the DASS-21 scale. Multivariate statistical analyses and multiple regression models were employed to verify hypothetical relationships. Results and conclusions: Higher intensity, duration, and frequency of nature engagement in UGS were significantly associated with lower depression, anxiety, and stress scores. Notably, having urban UGS in the neighborhood alone was not enough to reduce mental health issues. Practical implications: The findings point out the need for urban planning policies that prioritize the development of high-quality, accessible green spaces to maximize mental well-being benefits. These insights could inform city designs that foster healthier urban environments. Future directions: Longitudinal studies are needed to establish causality between nature engagement and mental health improvements. Further research should incorporate objective measures of nature engagement and explore more aspects of green space quality, such as biodiversity and amenities.

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Nature and Mental Health in Urban Texas: A NatureScore-Based Study

Cited by 3 publications

References 23 publications

Revisiting Urban Street Planning and Design Factors to Promote Walking as a Physical Activity for Middle-Class Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome in Cairo, Egypt

Revisiting Urban Street Planning and Design Factors to Promote Walking as a Physical Activity for Middle-Class Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome in Cairo, Egypt

Cardiovascular Risk Assessment and Prevention in Cardio-Oncology

Is Having Urban Green Space in the Neighborhood Enough to Make a Difference? Insights for Healthier City Design

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