Can interaction with informal urban green space reduce depression levels? An analysis of potted street gardens in Tangier, Morocco

Abstract

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate the association between ownership of a potted street garden (PSG) and depression levels in a densely populated, disadvantaged Moroccan neighbourhood. Study designThe study design used was a cross-sectional study. MethodsData were collected through a face-to-face survey conducted in January 2019. In total, there were 388 participants, in three densely populated neighbourhoods of the Beni-Makada district of Tangier, Morocco. We measured depression levels using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and data were analysed using weighted moderated ordinary least squared regression analysis. ResultsPSG ownership was associated with a .74-point increase in depression score (b = .74, 95% confidence interval [CI] = .38, 1.10, β = .22, Variance Inflation Factor (VIF) = 1.15; P < .001). PSG ownership also moderated the negative association between depression levels and neighbourhood life satisfaction (F [3,336] = 5.058, P < .001, R2 change = .039). A one-level increase in PSG being perceived as a public amenity by their owners was associated with a .36-point decrease in depression score (b = −.36, 95% CI = −.71, −.01, β = −.14, VIF = 1.08; P < .05), whereas a 1-min increase in PSG daily care duration was associated with .04-point increase in depression score (b = .04, 95% CI = .01, .06, β = .24, VIF = 1.68; P < .01). ConclusionsOur findings suggest that PSG ownership might have a negative impact on mental health in densely populated, disadvantaged neighbourhoods. This negative association might be due to the fact of PSGs being deemed as private property present in an unsafe and uncontrolled environment.