Urban green spaces and resident health: an empirical analysis from data across 30 provinces in China

Background This study aims to explore the correlation between urban green space coverage and resident health, and to analyze its underlying mechanisms. Methods Using panel data from 30 provinces in China from 2006 to 2022, which mainly includes urban green space coverage, general health of the population, air quality, and social connectivity. This research constructed a fixed effects model to perform baseline regression analysis. A series of robustness tests, including variable substitution, controlling for geographical differences, regional robustness tests, and shortening the time span of the study, further verified the robustness of the results. Additionally, mechanism tests were conducted to examine the positive impacts of urban green spaces on resident health by improving air quality and enhancing social connectivity. Results The findings indicate a significant positive correlation between urban green space coverage and resident health levels. That is, the greater the area covered with urban green space, the healthier the residents of the area will be. Robustness tests support the reliability of this finding, while mechanism analysis reveals that urban green spaces have a positive impact on the health of the population by improving air quality and increasing social connectivity. Discussion This study underscores the importance of urban green space planning in improving resident health and quality of life, providing urban planners with scientific evidence to optimize urban green systems for broader health objectives.