Urban green spaces, contact with nature and public health

• Grant number: 23/03387-5
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: October 01, 2023
• End date: October 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Adriano Bressane
• Grantee: Adriano Bressane
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia (ICT). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de São José dos Campos. São José dos Campos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The benefits of urban green areas for public health are increasingly evident to the scientific community. However, there is less evidence regarding the public perception of this importance. This project aims to analyze whether variations in the form of contact with nature have an effect on health benefits, as well as to examine the relationship between the perception of these benefits and the willingness of the population to pay for the implementation of urban green areas. The study has obtained approval from the Research Ethics Committee (REC). In accordance with the schedule and conditions established by the REC, data collection has been partially conducted, totaling a sample size of 2136 respondents. Out of this total, only participants residing in metropolitan regions will be considered, amounting to 1773 respondents, capable of providing a statistical confidence level of 95% (± = 0.05), a test power of 90% (1 - ²), and a minimum detectable effect of 10% (). For this purpose, a questionnaire was administered, consisting of questions based on a 5-point Likert scale, the DASS-21 (Depression Anxiety and Stress - 21) scale, and the contingent valuation method. A semi-structured form for supplementary data collection from governing authorities will also be implemented. The following statistical methods will be applied to analyze the results: the Ç2 test to verify the association between categorical response frequencies; correlation analysis to assess the joint variation of quantitative factors; logistic regression to quantify the effects between variables; and analysis of variance to comparatively evaluate the effect of independent factors and possible interactions. As expected results, the study will seek to answer the following research questions: (1) Does the degree of naturalness of the area have an effect on the benefits of contact with nature? (2) Do the duration and frequency of contact with nature have an effect on health benefits? (3) Does the intensity of physical activity during contact with nature have an effect on such benefits? (4) Does the perception of the benefits of contact with nature have an effect on the willingness to pay for urban green areas? (AU)