Effects of Self-Rated Health Status on Residents’ Social-Benefit Perceptions of Urban Green Space

Abstract

Urban green spaces (UGS) provide many social benefits and improves residents’ wellbeing. Studying residents’ perceptions of UGS’s social benefits and driving factors could promote public health and environmental justice. A questionnaire survey of 432 Beijing residents and statistical tests assessed the impacts of residents’ living environments and self-rated health status on UGS perceptions. The results showed: (1) perceptions of UGS’ physical health benefits were subdued, with an inclination towards other social benefits. Respondents more highly perceived accelerating patient recovery and reducing morbidity and mortality rates. Perceptions of bearing larger-head babies with higher weight were relatively low. For other social benefits, perceptions of improving the environment and life quality were higher, but reducing anger outbursts and resolving conflicts were lower. (2) Childhood living environments did not affect perceptions of social benefits, but current living environments did. Suburb residents understood reducing pain-relief medication demands and bearing larger-head babies better than city residents. City residents understood UGS’ investments considerable and sustained returns better than village residents. City residents agreed with accelerating patient recovery higher than village ones. (3) Respondents with “poor” self-rated health status had better perceptions of other social benefits. Those with “excellent” ratings did not fully understand UGS’ physical health benefits. “Poor” ratings understood improving a city’s image and making cities livable and sustainable better than “good” or “fair” ratings. “Excellent” ratings had less understanding of larger-head babies than “good” or “fair” ratings. The study could enhance appreciation of UGS’ social benefits to facilitate planning and management to meet residents’ expectations.