Active Commuting through Natural Outdoor Environments and Mental Health

Abstract

Background Active commuting through natural outdoor environments may result in better mental health, but few studies have investigated this relationship. Methods This cross-sectional study was based on adult participants of the Positive Health Effects of the Natural Outdoor Environment in Typical Populations in Different Regions in Europe (phenotype) project. Data were collected in four European cities from Spain, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Lithuania. Data on commuting behavior through natural outdoor environments and mental health (Medical Outcome Study Short Form (SF-36) mental health subscale) were collected by means of structured interviews. Associations adjusted for age, sex, individual and neighborhood level socioeconomic status were tested using multilevel analysis with a random intercept defined at the neighborhood level. Results N=1086 participants (61% females, mean age 47 years) walked or cycled to work or school in the past months. Of those people, 56% passed through natural outdoor environments on a daily basis. Preliminary analysis showed that participants commuting daily through natural outdoor environments have on average a 5.09 (95% confidence interval 3.24-6.94) higher score on the SF-36 mental health subscale than those who commute less frequently through natural outdoor environments. Conclusions Active commuting through natural outdoor environments may be related to better mental health. These findings could have implications for urban spatial planning policies targeted at improving commuting routes for walking and cycling.