Associations between green space, and blue space and mental health outcomes in regional Australia: Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses

Area of Science:

• Environmental Psychology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Mental health issues like depression and anxiety are significant public health concerns.
• Access to natural environments, including green and blue spaces, is increasingly recognized for its potential health benefits.
• Research on the specific impacts of different types of natural spaces on mental well-being in regional Australian populations is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between green space, blue space, and green-blue space (GBS) and the prevalence and incidence of depression or anxiety.
• To examine these relationships within the context of regional Australia.

Main Methods:

• Utilized longitudinal data from the HILDA Survey (Waves 17 and 21) of Australian adults in regional areas.
• Assessed self-reported depression or anxiety at baseline and 4-year follow-up.
• Quantified green space (land cover), blue space (inland water), and GBS, analyzing associations using generalized estimating equation models.

Main Results:

• No significant associations were found between green space, blue space, or GBS and prevalent depression or anxiety.
• Higher GBS coverage (≥41%) was associated with a 37% lower risk of incident depression or anxiety over 4 years.
• Blue space showed a protective effect for females at baseline, while green space and GBS were protective for males at follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Green-blue space (GBS) shows potential for reducing the risk of depression and anxiety among adults in regional Australia.
• Blue space may offer immediate benefits for females' mental health, whereas green space and GBS provide longer-term protective effects for males.
• Further research into targeted interventions utilizing natural spaces for mental health is warranted.