Environment/Climate Change
Investigating the Connection Between Green Spaces, Physical Activity, and Mental Health Zoe Maxwell* Zoe Maxwell Aliana Rodriguez Acevedo Abby Katz Ugoji Nwanaji-Enwerem Brooke Ury Naomi Zeltzer Jue Yang Diana Grigsby-Toussaint Huy Tran Madelyn Dewitt Isha Thakkar
Investigating the Connection Between Green Spaces, Physical Activity, and Mental Health
Zoe Maxwell, MPH Candidate
Green spaces are widely recognized for their potential to enhance physical activity and mental health. However, their impact on elementary school-aged children remains relatively unexplored. This study addressed critical gaps by examining how green spaces, measured through the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index and tree equity, influence physical activity levels and mental health during school hours. The research focused on elementary school-aged children in Providence, Rhode Island, using data from Brown University’s Project G-SPACE. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index was computed using Sentinel-2 imagery, and tree equity data was gathered from American Forests’ database. Using the Quantum Geographic Information System, 12 school polygons and their respective 50m, 100m, and 200m buffers were created. Associations between green space measures, physical activity, and mental health were then modeled via statistical regressions. Unexpectedly, an inverse relationship was found between the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index and physical activity at 50m, with marginal significance at 100m. Additionally, this study found a marginally significant positive association between the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index and negative mental health outcomes (stress, anxiety, fatigue) at 100m. Tree equity showed no significant effect on all variables. These findings highlight the complexity of green space impacts on children’s health, specifically during school. As the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index is a metric solely quantifying the health and density of vegetation scaling -1 to 1, it’s necessary to investigate the quality and accessibility of green spaces. Focus on these factors, rather than mere presence, is essential for guiding interventions utilizing green space as a tool to create and enhance active lifestyles and mental well-being.
