Urban green and blue space characteristics contributing to multiple perceived health benefits

Abstract

Despite the evidence linking urban green and blue spaces (UGBSs) with human health and well-being, questions remain regarding their optimal characteristics, quantity, and location for delivering diverse health benefits. This study examines UGBS use with a focus on the spatial distribution and characteristics of sites associated with self-reported health benefits. Data on UGBS visitation among adult residents of Vienna, Austria (N = 816), were collected using a digital participatory mapping survey. Participants located frequently visited green and blue spaces (N = 3243) and evaluated each site based on its resource building (physical activity, social interaction), restoring (stress reduction), and harm-reducing (heat adaptation) capacities. The spatial distribution and environmental correlates of sites associated with specific or multiple perceived health-related benefits were studied using a series of generalized linear mixed models and Getis-Ord Gi* hot spot analyses. Perceived benefits related to physical activity, stress reduction, and heat adaptation showed strong spatial clustering and clear environmental correlates, while social interaction had fewer significant associations. Larger recreational forests and spaces combining green and blue elements were most likely to support multiple perceived health-related benefits. The results demonstrate that the perceived health-related benefits derived from UGBS visitation can vary considerably within urban green and blue spaces. To promote human health and well-being as aims of green infrastructure planning, greater emphasis could be placed on citizens’ access to diverse health-supporting characteristics of green infrastructure instead of general UGBS access.