Impacts of Social Inequality, Air Pollution, Rural–Urban Divides, and Insufficient Green Space on Residents’ Health in China: Insight from Chinese General Social Survey Data Analysis

Peng Zhou, Siwei Sun, Tao Chen (), Yue Pan, Wanqing Xu and Hailu Zhang
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Peng Zhou: School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
Siwei Sun: School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
Tao Chen: School of Arts and Communication, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
Yue Pan: School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
Wanqing Xu: School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
Hailu Zhang: School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan 430074, China

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 21, 1-17

Abstract: Attention to physical and mental health is becoming more intensive. In China, factors and mechanisms are now a focus of research. We used dynamic air quality monitoring data and the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS) to assess the spatial differences and the coupling between subjective and objective air pollution. In addition, a logistic model was used to explore the impact mechanisms of social inequality, air pollution, food safety, and lack of green space on health. The results show that (1) the impact of subjective and objective air pollution on the health level of the population is significant; (2) income inequality, air pollution, food pollution, and travel behavior significantly affect the residents’ health; and (3) environmental health has a significant differentiation mechanism between urban and rural areas. The negative health effects of air pollution and insufficient green space are more significant in cities; food pollution is more likely in rural areas. In terms of socioeconomic inequality, gender, family size, travel, and physical exercise had no significant effect on rural health. Health improvement was higher in the low-income group than in the high-income group. The adverse effect of travel behavior on environmental pollution is conducive to improving health. Therefore, social equality, strictly controlled environmental pollution, exercise, and travel can help narrow the gap between rich and poor, promote urban–rural health equity, and improve human health.

Keywords: health; social inequality; air pollution; travel behavior; urban–rural differentiation mechanism (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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