Hakuna matata! Can campus green spaces be restorative? A case study from Tanzania

Abstract

Background: The majority of studies reporting the beneficial effects of urban green spaces on mental health, well-being and restoration have been conducted in developed and high-income countries. The present study explores the association of urban green spaces with mental health and restoration in a low/middle income country (LMIC) following exposure to the University of Dar Es Salaam’s green spaces in Tanzania. Methods: In February 2022 an online survey was conducted among 108 participants working and studying on the University campus on their exposure to the University's green spaces (perceived greenness, quality, duration, frequency, availability, motivation and NDVI) and the impact on their mental health. Mental wellbeing and restoration were assessed with the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS) and Restoration Outcome Scale (ROS) respectively, while Nature Relatedness Scale (NRS-6) was used to determine the participants’ connectedness with nature. Results: Participants’ mental health improved after visiting the University’s green spaces (WEMWBS: Mean= 24.7, SD = 4.6, ROS: Mean= 4.9, SD = 1.2). Multiple linear regression indicated an association between green space exposure and mental health. Participants’ mental wellbeing (WEMWBS) was positively associated with the motivation to visit the University campus’s green spaces (p<0.05). Objective greenness (NDVI) of the study areas (81% chose to spend their time in study areas with high NDVI, p<0.05) and nature relatedness scale (NRS-6) (Mean = 3.9, SD = 0.8, p<0.05) were both positively associated to restoration(ROS). Conclusions: Our findings show the positive association between campus green space exposure and mental health improvement in an LMIC context, particularly for objective greenness and nature relatedness. Furthermore, the motivation for visiting green spaces can play an essential role in mental well-being and restoration. Keywords: University, campus, green spaces, LMIC, mental wellbeing, restoration