RESEARCH

Effects of Trail and Greenspace Exposure on Hospitalizations in a Highly Populated Urban Area: Retrospective Cohort Study of the Houston Bayou Greenways program

The study found that zip codes with higher greenspace accessibility had significantly lower hospital admission rates for obesity (up to 93% reduction), ischaemic heart disease (up to 77% reduction), and acute myocardial infarction (up to 71% reduction). These health benefits were particularly strong in low-income neighborhoods, demonstrating the potential of greenspaces to reduce health disparities.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Chronic/Acute Health Conditions

Setting or Context: Natural Areas/Parks/Forest

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Physical Health

Allied Profession Intersections: Landscape Design

Type of Activity: Environmental Education, Forest/Natural Area Immersion

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Quantitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Physical Health, Standardized Assessment Tools

Access: Paid

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Summary

This study investigates how access to urban greenspaces, specifically linear trail systems like the Houston Bayou Greenways, impacts health outcomes in densely populated areas. Researchers analyzed hospital admission data from 2015 to 2019 in Harris County, Texas, focusing on 13 health conditions such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. They examined three greenspace features: proximity (living within a 10-minute walk), access point density (number of trail entry points), and duration of access. The findings revealed that zip codes with higher greenspace accessibility had significantly lower hospital admission rates for obesity, ischaemic heart disease, and acute myocardial infarction compared to areas without trails. These benefits were most pronounced in low-income neighborhoods, suggesting that greenspaces can help reduce health disparities.

The study emphasizes the importance of greenspace design in urban planning to improve public health. Linear trails like the Bayou Greenways provide accessible opportunities for physical activity and exposure to nature, which can lead to better health outcomes. Zip codes with greater trail accessibility showed reduced odds of hospitalizations for key conditions, especially when more than 30% of residents lived within a 10-minute walk of the trails. These results highlight the potential of greenspaces to address health inequities in underserved communities and offer evidence for policymakers to prioritize greenspace development.

Link

Simon-Friedt, BR., Pan, AP., Nisar, T. et al. (2022). Effects of trail and greenspace exposure on hospitalizations in a highly populated urban area: Retrospective cohort study of the Houston Bayou Greenways 2020 program. Local Environment, 28(3), 365-378.

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