Green space visitation: A capacity builder for self-perceived health and subjective wellbeing among urban citizens

Nature and green spaces are proposed to enhance health and wellbeing by for example providing conducive environments for people to engage in activities. Few studies have explored how green space visitation is linked to health and wellbeing through different pathways. We investigated if the amount of vegetation cover and perceived access to green space were associated with frequency of green space visits. Additionally, we examined whether frequency of green space visits was related to self-perceived health and life satisfaction, considering physical and social activity as potential mediators in single and parallel mediation models. We obtained survey data from 5401 citizens living in urban areas of Stavanger and used geographical information systems to compute vegetation cover. Different logistic and linear regression techniques were applied, and mediation analyses were conducted to explore the direct and indirect effects. A higher amount of vegetation cover, as well as good perceived access to green space, were associated with more frequent green space visits. Residents who perceived good access had 2.92 (95 % CI: 2.50, 3.42) times higher odds of visiting green spaces more frequently. Physical and social activity served as mediators in associations between green space visitation and the outcomes self-perceived health and life satisfaction. The mediation effect was enhanced in the parallel mediation models. This study reinforces the importance of having access to urban vegetation and green space. To promote positive public health outcomes, green spaces should be developed with functions that encourage both physical and social activities. • We assessed green space visitation as a capacity builder for health and wellbeing. • Vegetation cover was related to frequency of green space visits. • Perceived access to green space was related to frequency of green space visits. • Green space visits were conducive for self-perceived health and life satisfaction. • Both physical and social activity served as intermediate factors.