Proximity to public green spaces and depressive symptoms among South African residents: a population-based study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Exposure to green spaces has been suggested to improve mental health and may reduce the risk of depression. However, there is generally limited evidence on the association between green spaces and depression originating from low-and middle-income countries and Africa in particular. Here, we investigate the association between proximity to public green spaces and depressive symptoms among residents of Gauteng Province, South Africa.

Methods

We used data from the 2017/2018 Gauteng quality of life survey. We included all individuals aged 18 years or older residing in the nine municipalities of Gauteng Province that completed the survey (n = 24,341). Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-2. Proximity to public green spaces was define

SUBMITTER: Shezi B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10981334 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature