Coping with post-hurricane mental distress: The role of neighborhood green space.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although increases in the prevalence of mental distress have been reported after natural disasters, less is known about the role the environment may play in mitigating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in hurricane-impacted communities.

Aim

This study aims to investigate the extent to which concentration and perceived quality of neighborhood greenness are associated with lower levels of PTSD, along with potential mechanisms through which these effects occur.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of individuals (N=272) from 30 Houston neighborhoods that were affected during Hurricane Harvey. Perceived quality of neighborhood green space was measured using a scale adapted from the Neighborhood Open Space (NOS) scale, and concentration of greenness

SUBMITTER: Li D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8536201 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature