Perceptions of Nature and Access to Green Space in Four Urban Neighborhoods.

Justine S Sefcik,Michelle C Kondo,Eugenia C South,Sara F Jacoby,Heather Klusaritz,Abbey Roepke,Sara Solomon,Elisa Sarantschin

doi:10.3390/ijerph16132313

Abstract

Health benefits have been linked to spending time outdoors in nature and green space. However, there is some evidence of inequities to accessing safe outdoor space, particularly in low-resource communities. The primary aim of this study is to assess attitudes towards nature and use of green space in urban areas. A secondary aim is to describe perceptions of physician-initiated nature prescriptions that target local pediatric populations. We conducted six focus group interviews with 42 residents who were guardians or caretakers of children living in low-resource neighborhoods in Philadelphia, PA. We analyzed interview data using a conventional content analysis approach. Three major themes emerged: (1) perceived benefits of being in nature (physical and mental health benefits), (2) barriers to time spent in nature (unsafe and undesirable conditions of local parks), and (3) desired features of outdoor green spaces (amenities that would increase park use). Additionally, we describe participants’ reactions to the idea of a pediatrician-delivered prescription for outdoor green space exposure for a child in their care. Adherence to nature prescriptions programs may hinge on local green space resources, as well as experiential and perceptual barriers and facilitators to nature and park accessibility among caregivers tasked with fulfilling a nature prescription for a child in their care.

Highlights

A growing body of evidence suggests that spending time in nature can benefit human health [1,2,3,4].Living in greener environments often results in higher levels of physical activity [5,6]
This study used a qualitative descriptive design, in which focus group interviews were the primary participants on their perspectives towards accessing green space in their neighborhoods and generate data collection strategy [55,56]
Insights from focus group interviews highlighted important social and environmental considerations that need to be integrated as part of planning and maintaining nature prescriptions as a clinical health intervention

Summary

Introduction

A growing body of evidence suggests that spending time in nature can benefit human health [1,2,3,4].Living in greener environments often results in higher levels of physical activity [5,6]. Public Health 2019, 16, 2313; doi:10.3390/ijerph16132313 www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion