An examination of urban green spaces usage behaviours and self-perceived mental health benefits: findings from two urban green neighbourhoods in Pakistan

ABSTRACT

The present study examined urban green space users’ self-perceived mental health benefits of visiting green spaces in Pakistan – one of South Asia’s rapidly urbanizing countries. By using a quantitative-based cross-sectional survey, 384 participants were surveyed in green urban neighbourhood settings. It was found that most green space users believed that their visits to green spaces have at least some positive effects on the different parameters of their mental health, such as stress or anxiety levels, mood, energy levels, optimism levels, confidence levels, or concentration levels, among others. The study explored that the frequency and duration of green space usage and intensity of activity performed in the green space have an important role in determining the degree of the self-perceived mental health benefits of visiting green spaces, suggesting the importance of green interventions, including physical changes in the environment and social promotion activities to encourage green space usage among urban dwellers. Moreover, the study revealed low green space usage and activity intensity levels among certain sub-population groups compared to others, such as women, young adults, or the elderly, highlighting the need to ensure equity of access to green spaces for all sub-population groups and prioritize them in intervention strategies.

KEYWORDS:

• Urbanisation
• global burden of disease
• mental disorders, urban green space usage behaviours
• socio-demographic characteristics

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Zahra Niazi

Zahra Niazi is a Researcher at the Centre for Aerospace and Security Studies (CASS), Islamabad, Pakistan. She holds a Master degree in Development Studies from the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan. Her scholarly interests include Sustainable Development, Environment and Health, and Development Economics.

Muhammad Ammad Khan

Muhammad Ammad Khan is an Assistant Professor of Development Studies at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan. His scholarly interests include Social Work, Community Development, Climate Change, and Sustainability.