Relationship Between Exposure to Greenspace and Human Stress and Prevalence of Disease
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Authors
Hazer, Meghan
Issue Date
2013-04-20
Type
panel
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
This presentation will describe an in progress investigation of the relationship between exposure to Greenspace (GS) and human stress and chronic disease in Baltimore, Maryland. A survey instrument to will be used to assess the intensity, duration, and frequency of exposure to GS along with levels of stress. Results will be analyzed to determine whether type of GS or landscape preference plays a role in either extent of exposure for individuals or the interaction between exposure and stress and/or chronic disease. Stress is a known factor in the development and outcome of several diseases. Many studies have found an inverse relationship between the amount of greenspace in a neighborhood and both the background stress level of residents and various measures of mortality and morbidity. However, while availability of nearby greenspace has been considered, measuring actual exposure to greenspace on stress and disease in existing populations outside of an experimental setting has not been done. Since exposure to available greenspace can be limited or enhanced by things like vehicle ownership and physical mobility, it is important to consider actual exposure when quantifying any relationship between greenspace and stress or greenspace and disease. The results of this study may have important implications for planners and public health officials interested in building healthy living environments for urban residents.
Description
Art and Landscape Panel