The Relationship Between Park Access and Quality and Various Health Metrics in a Metropolitan Area in South Carolina Using the CDC PLACES Dataset
Objectives Limited access to high-quality green spaces could contribute to growing rates of chronic diseases and unhealthy behaviors. Public parks provide numerous benefits for population well-being. However, past research has shown mixed results regarding the association between proximal parks and...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Korean Society for Preventive Medicine
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://jpmph.org/upload/pdf/jpmph-24-325.pdf |
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| Summary: | Objectives Limited access to high-quality green spaces could contribute to growing rates of chronic diseases and unhealthy behaviors. Public parks provide numerous benefits for population well-being. However, past research has shown mixed results regarding the association between proximal parks and residents’ physical and mental health. This study examined the relationship between diverse elements of park access and quality and multiple health outcomes. Methods Seventy-three unique parks within 70 census tracts in 4 cities in South Carolina were analyzed. Data about 7 aspects of park quality (transportation access, facility availability, facility quality, amenity availability, park aesthetics, park quality concerns, neighborhood quality concerns) were collected via on-site observations using the Community Park Audit Tool. Health data for each tract (obesity, no leisure time physical activity, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, depression, poor mental health) were collected from the CDC PLACES dataset. Linear regression analyses examined the association between 10 park access and quality metrics and 8 health metrics, controlling for socio-demographic characteristics. Results All associations were in the unexpected direction except 1 relationship involving mental health. Specifically, positive associations were found between the number of parks and obesity, the number of parks and no leisure time physical activity, transportation access and obesity, and transportation access and high blood pressure. As concerns about neighborhood quality increased, poor mental health status worsened. Conclusions This study provides valuable information for public health professionals and researchers. Further research is needed to expand on and elucidate these findings. |
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| ISSN: | 1975-8375 2233-4521 |