Associations between green space, and blue space and mental health outcomes in regional Australia: Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses

Associations between green space, and blue space and mental health outcomes in regional Australia: Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses

Objective
The aim of this study is to examine the relationships between green, blue, and green-blue space (GBS) with depression or anxiety in regional areas of Australia.
Methods
Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses were conducted using data from Waves 17 and 21 of the HILDA Survey of Australian adults living in regional areas. Self-reported diagnosis of depression or anxiety was assessed at baseline (Wave 17) and follow-up (wave 21). Green space and GBS were quantified as land cover, and blue space as the presence of inland water in residential areas. Generalised estimating equation models assessed association of green space, blue and GBS with prevalent and incident depression or anxiety.
Results
Among, 5212 participants (mean age 49.12 ± 18.73) years; 53 % female) at baseline, 931 (17.86 %) reported depression or anxiety. The 4-year cumulative incidence of depression or anxiety was 8.03 %. No associations were observed between green space, blue space, or GBS and prevalent depression or anxiety. At follow-up, GBS coverage of ≥41 % was associated with a 37 % lower risk of incident depression or anxiety (OR = 0.63, 95 % CI: 0.42, 0.98). Gender-stratified analyses, blue space was protective for females at baseline (OR = 0.80, 95 % CI: 0.65, 0.98), while green space (OR = 0.35, 95 % CI: 0.15, 0.82) and GBS (OR = 0.32, 95 % CI: 0.14, 0.74) were proactive for males at follow-up.
Conclusion
GBS may reduce the risk of depression or anxiety in regional Australia adults. Blue space may reduce symptoms of depression or anxiety in females, while green space and GBS benefits males over time.