Perceptions of Nature and Access to Green Space in Four Urban Neighborhoods

Justine S. Sefcik, Michelle C. Kondo, Heather Klusaritz, Elisa Sarantschin, Sara Solomon, Abbey Roepke, Eugenia C. South and Sara F. Jacoby
Additional contact information
Justine S. Sefcik: School of Nursing, the University of Pennsylvania, Claire M. Fagin Hall, 418 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
Michelle C. Kondo: Northern Research Station, USDA Forest Service, 100 N. 20th St, Ste 205, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA
Heather Klusaritz: Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, the Perelman School of Medicine, the University of Pennsylvania, 3737 Market St 9th Fl., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
Elisa Sarantschin: NaturePHL Program, Department of Education, Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, 8480 Hagys Mill Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19128, USA
Sara Solomon: Penn Injury Science Center, Perelman School of Medicine, the University of Pennsylvania, 423 Guardian Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
Abbey Roepke: Center for Public Health Initiatives, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3620 Hamilton Walk, Anatomy Chemistry Rm 141, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
Eugenia C. South: Department of Emergency Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, the University of Pennsylvania, Blockley Hall 408, 423 Guardian Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
Sara F. Jacoby: Department of Family and Community Health, School of Nursing, the University of Pennsylvania, Claire M. Fagin Hall, room 412, 418 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA

IJERPH, 2019, vol. 16, issue 13, 1-13

Abstract: Health benefits have been linked to spending time outdoors in nature and green space. However, there is some evidence of inequities to accessing safe outdoor space, particularly in low-resource communities. The primary aim of this study is to assess attitudes towards nature and use of green space in urban areas. A secondary aim is to describe perceptions of physician-initiated nature prescriptions that target local pediatric populations. We conducted six focus group interviews with 42 residents who were guardians or caretakers of children living in low-resource neighborhoods in Philadelphia, PA. We analyzed interview data using a conventional content analysis approach. Three major themes emerged: (1) perceived benefits of being in nature (physical and mental health benefits), (2) barriers to time spent in nature (unsafe and undesirable conditions of local parks), and (3) desired features of outdoor green spaces (amenities that would increase park use). Additionally, we describe participants’ reactions to the idea of a pediatrician-delivered prescription for outdoor green space exposure for a child in their care. Adherence to nature prescriptions programs may hinge on local green space resources, as well as experiential and perceptual barriers and facilitators to nature and park accessibility among caregivers tasked with fulfilling a nature prescription for a child in their care.

Keywords: green space; nature; focus groups; low-resource neighborhoods (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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