Determining the health benefits of green space: Does gentrification matter?

Health Place. 2019 May:57:1-11. doi: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2019.02.001. Epub 2019 Mar 4.

Abstract

Urban green space is demonstrated to benefit human health. We evaluated whether neighborhood gentrification status matters when considering the health benefits of green space, and whether the benefits are received equitably across racial and socioeconomic groups. Greater exposure to active green space was significantly associated with lower odds of reporting fair or poor health, but only for those living in gentrifying neighborhoods. In gentrifying neighborhoods, only those with high education or high incomes benefited from neighborhood active green space. Structural interventions, such as new green space, should be planned and evaluated within the context of urban social inequity and change.

Keywords: Gentrification; Green space; New York city; Self-rated health; Socioeconomic class; Urban health.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Diagnostic Self Evaluation
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • New York City
  • Parks, Recreational / statistics & numerical data*
  • Racial Groups
  • Residence Characteristics / statistics & numerical data*
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Urban Health*
  • Urban Renewal / statistics & numerical data*