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Perceived Benefits of Nature in Diverse Populations
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Perceived Benefits of Nature in Diverse Populations

Joy L. Hart, Kandi L. Walker, Cameron K. Stopforth, Anna Simpson, Aruni Bhatnagar and Rachel J. Keith
International journal of environmental research and public health, v 22(4), 563
01 Apr 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22040563
Featured in Collection :   Research Supported by Drexel Libraries' OA Programs
url
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22040563View
Published, Version of Record (VoR)Open Access Discount via Drexel Libraries Read and Publish Program 2025CC BY V4.0,  Open

Abstract

The relationship between socioeconomic and demographic characteristics and health effects of green spaces has been studied, suggesting that certain groups may reap more health benefits from exposure to nature. However, the link between the perceived benefits of nature and socioeconomic and demographic characteristics remains a gap in the literature. We used a subsample (n = 711, 2018–2019) from an environmental cardiovascular risk cohort to investigate the perceived benefits of nature. Participants completed an 11-item survey about their perceptions of the benefits of nature at in-person visits. Socioeconomic and demographic characteristics including income, education, race, biological sex at birth, and age, were self-reported. Generalized linear models were used to evaluate associations between the perceived benefits of nature and demographic and socioeconomic factors; odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) are reported. Both unadjusted and fully adjusted models for race, age, sex, and education are reported. Our results suggest that participants who identified as male, a member of a minoritized population, and/or completing less education perceived nature as less beneficial. Although additional research is needed to better understand contributors to these perceptions, access to convenient, safe, and multi-use green spaces may be important in encouraging time in nature and shifting perceptions of the benefits of greenness.

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