Menu
Target audience
City planners, local councils, general public, environmental psychology researchers
The problem
Much of the current public health and environmental psychology research regarding health and wellbeing is geographically restrained and unable to make direct cross-cultural comparisons between populations.
What we did and why
We attempted to apply a standardised framework of analysis in order to compare health and wellbeing metrics between adults in Europe, Africa and South East Asia in order to understand any health and wellbeing differences between geographically, socially and economically diverse cities.
Our study’s contribution
This study indicates regional differences in subjective stress and wellbeing and the impact that both green and public spaces may have on these metrics. It adds a direct cross-cultural examination previously somewhat lacking in the literature.
Impacts for city policy and practice
This research addresses the impact of different types of urban space on health and wellbeing across various global cities, as well as understanding specific local issues that may mediate these effects. Our approach provides a solid base for future cross-cultural research using mixed methods and a multi-disciplinary approach to understanding environmental impacts on human health.
Further information
Chris Neale, Mònica Coll Besa, Sarah Dickin, Vanessa Hongsathavij, Piret Kuldna, Cassilde Muhoza (@cassildemuhoza), Pin Pravalprukskul, & Steve Cinderby (@s_cinderby_SEI)
Full research article:
Related posts
Solid waste production is rapidly increasing in Kenyan cities. However, the implementation of available policies to address the canker leaves much to be desired.
The study by collecting data from a sample in a developing and rapidly urbanizing country in South Asia highlighted the importance of green space interventions to promote urban dwellers’ contact with urban green spaces and physical activity levels. Moreover, it highlighted differences in urban green space usage behaviours based on differences in sociodemographic characteristics, suggesting the necessity to target certain sub-population groups more than others.
Urban health is a complex system that involves several indicators acting together, there is no single solution to the health-related issues in cities. We wanted to promote healthy ageing in urban living. Our strategy was to take people’s needs and demands into account, when evaluating, monitoring and proposing feasible changes in built, natural and social environments.
