Open spaces and wellbeing: the impact of outdoor environments in promoting health

ABSTRACT

Although open spaces are known to improve the health and well-being of residents, little contextual evidence is reported in developing countries. This study examined the relationships among socio-economic characteristics of residents, the attributes and uses of neighbourhood open spaces and self-rated health of residents. The study utilised a cross-sectional survey with 1659 participants in Osogbo, Osun State Nigeria. Primary data were collected through pretested questionnaires, while direct observation was used to obtain information on attributes of open spaces. Secondary data, such as maps were obtained from Osun State Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Structural equation model (mediation analysis) was used to examine the relationships among the variables by estimating their direct and indirect paths of relationships as well as their mediating effects on self-rated health. The mediation analysis results showed that age, household size, income and education level significantly influenced residents’ assessment of open space quality. Also, physical, stress reduction and social cohesion activities influenced the relationship between open spaces and health indirectly (CFI = 0.802, RMSEA = 0.015, p < 0. 005). The study concluded that open spaces influenced residents’ health indirectly through activities performed.

KEYWORDS:

• Neighbourhood open spaces
• outdoor environments
• open space quality
• mediation analysis
• self-rated health
• wellbeing

This article is related to:

Research for city practice

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

A. O. Ajayi

A. O. Ajayi is registered with the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON), and also a Ph.D. holder in architecture as well as a university lecturer, offering his practical experience in teaching students at both undergraduate and post graduate levels. His main research area is the built environment, behaviour and health; which also serves to inform his professional practice towards designing buildings and environments that promote healthy behaviour.

O. O. Amole

O. O. Amole is a Professor of Architecture in the Department of Architecture, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. She has been teaching architecture over 30 years and she coordinates the Architecture and Health Module at postgraduate studies. Dolapo is professionally registered with the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON), She is also a member of the Association of Architectural Educators in Nigeria (AARCHES) and a member LEGACY (An Environmental and Historical Interest Group of Nigeria). She is an Alumnus of HERS, South Africa (a Gender Network in Higher Education); HIS (Institute of Housing Studies, Netherlands). She is a member of the Editorial Board and Reviewer for international and local journals. She has published over fifty journal articles mostly in the areas of Post-occupancy Evaluation, Students Housing, Health and Housing, Gender and Housing, and Environment-Behaviour