Do Green Spaces Mitigate Mental Health Disorders in Tehran? Evidence from 358 Neighborhoods.

Abstract

Background: With a prevalence of mental disorders affecting 18 out of every 100 Iranians and a rising urban population, it is crucial to examine the impact of built environments on people's well-being.

Objective: While some studies have conducted individual-level surveys in Iran, this research aims to investigate the potential impact of green spaces on mental health at the neighborhood level in Tehran.

Method: Using secondary data from 358 neighborhoods in Tehran in 2011, a linear regression analysis was conducted to investigate the correlation between four green space indicators and three mental health metrics.

Results: The results indicate that green space indicators have the potential to mitigate mental disorders in Tehran, with accessibility to green spaces emerging as the most impactful factor among those studied on mental disorders and anxiety. However, no significant association was found with depression when considering intervening variables. The study also found that other green space indicators, such as the ratio of green space in neighborhoods and satisfaction with green spaces, did not show significant effects, underscoring the importance of accessibility over size or quantity of green spaces per person. Additionally, our findings suggest that higher levels of unemployment in neighborhoods have a more pronounced impact on mental disorders among sociodemographic factors.

Conclusion: Urban planners and designers should prioritize equitable access to green spaces within neighborhoods, rather than focusing solely on size or per capita availability. Additionally, policymakers should recognize that addressing both environmental and socioeconomic factors-rather than just one-can effectively alleviate residents' mental health issues.