According to an observational study published in the peer-reviewed science journal Occupational & Environmental Medicine, regular visits to urban green spaces, such as parks and community gardens, is linked to lower use of particular prescription medications.
Image Credit: Sean Pavone via Shutterstock / HDR tune by Universal-Sci
A group of researchers noticed that there is a need for more data regarding the health benefits of exposure to nature because current evidence was inconsistent.
The team wanted to learn whether the number of residential green and blue spaces (blue spaces are bodies of water such as lakes, rivers or the sea), the frequency of trips to green spaces, and the views of green and blue spaces from homes are independently related to the usage of specific prescription medications.
The study
The researchers looked at prescription medications as a representative of health conditions. They specifically chose to examine medications for anxiety and sleeplessness, depression, high blood pressure, and asthma.
The study was based on health survey results of 16,000 randomly chosen residents of some of Finland's largest cities. Namely: Helsinki, Espoo, and Vantaa.
Data was derived from the large Helsinki Capital Region Environmental Health Survey. The survey focused on city residents that were at least 25 years of age and lived within a 1-kilometer radius of residential green and blue areas.
Perhaps you can combine a park visit with some physical exercise like running, effectively hitting two birds with one stone - (Image Credit: Rudy Balasko via Shutterstock / HDR tune by Universal-Sci(
The respondents were asked to share their usage of prescribed medications in the past year, including those for high blood pressure, asthma, and sleeplessness (together known as psychotropic drugs). In addition, respondents were questioned about their exercise habits, the amount of time they spend in green spaces such as community gardens, forests, zoos, and parks, and whether they had a view of blue or green spacers from their homes.
In order to be as accurate as possible, health-related aspects, outside noise and air pollution, household income, and level of education were also taken into account as potential influencing factors. With all these factors accounted for, approximately 6000 participants with complete data sets remained to be included in the final study.
Interesting results
The findings revealed no correlation between the number of residential green and blue spaces, or views of them from homes, and the consumption of prescription drugs for asthma, high blood pressure, or mental health issues.
However, the team did find a link with the frequency of green space visits. In comparison to those who visit less than once per week, those that visit three to four times per week had a reduction in odds of 36% for using blood pressure drugs, a reduction of 33% for using medication related to mental health conditions, and 26% lower odds of using asthma medications compared to fewer than one visit per week.
An important side note is that these links are somewhat lessened when Body Mass Index is taken into consideration, especially regarding asthma medication. (Asthma is generally associated with obesity)
Another interesting side note is that the impact of visiting green spaces seemed to be slightly stronger among those reporting the lowest household income. But overall, connections were independent of household income and level of education.
Central Park New York, a green oasis in a large urban area - (Image Credit: Creative Family via Shutterstock / HDR tune by Universal-Sci)
Further research
As we are dealing with a preliminary observation, it stands to reason that further research is needed to prove actual causation.
Nevertheless, the researchers stated that the amount of scientific evidence supporting the health benefits of exposure to nature is growing. This growing body of research may lead to more high-quality green spaces in urban areas.
All in all, in the future, we may well see an improvement in health and welfare in cities. If you are interested in more details about the study, be sure to have a look at the article published in the peer-reviewed science journal, Occupational & Environmental Medicine, linked below.
Sources and further reading:
Cross-sectional associations of different types of nature exposure with psychotropic, antihypertensive, and asthma medication (Occupational & Environmental Medicine)
Why living in a green neighborhood is good for your heart (Universal-Sci)
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