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A new study published in Health & Place reveals a significant connection between green space and reduced rates of heart disease deaths, particularly among men in high-crime neighborhoods. The research, conducted by Drexel University’s Dornsife School of Public Health, highlights the health benefits of parks and tree canopy coverage, showing a decrease in heart disease mortality in areas with greater access to these green spaces, even in neighborhoods with higher crime rates.
The study analyzed data from Philadelphia spanning from 2008 to 2015, investigating gender-specific trends in heart disease deaths. Contrary to initial expectations, the researchers found that increased access to parks and tree canopy was associated with lower rates of heart disease deaths, particularly in neighborhoods with higher crime rates. This was the first study to examine the intersection of green space, violent crime, and heart disease mortality with a gender lens.
Senior author Dr. Leah Schinasi, an assistant professor at Drexel, expressed surprise at the role violent crime played in amplifying the health benefits of green space. “By better understanding the complex interactions between social context, built environments, and personal identities, we can design safer community spaces to maximize health benefits for all,” Schinasi explained.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming approximately 702,880 lives each year. While previous studies in Canada and Lithuania have shown similar findings about green space benefits, this new research places a particular focus on how these benefits vary between genders. Men in Philadelphia, especially those living in areas with high crime, appeared to benefit disproportionately from increased access to parks and tree cover.
The study gathered data from multiple sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and the City of Philadelphia’s Open Data repository. Information on violent crime, tree canopy coverage, and neighborhood demographics was combined with survey responses from local residents about their perceived access to parks.
Philadelphia has long been committed to expanding its green spaces. In 2009, former Mayor Michael Nutter launched the “Greenworks Philadelphia” initiative, aiming to achieve 30% tree cover in each neighborhood by 2025. As of 2018, the city had achieved about 20% tree coverage, with plans for further expansion.
Research co-author Wanyu Huang, a doctoral candidate at Dornsife, emphasized the broader health benefits of green spaces. “Cleaner air, reducing stress, providing a cooler living environment during summer—trees and other greenery can even make areas quieter and reduce noise pollution,” Huang said.
The researchers also noted a need for future studies to explore how perceived safety, particularly the fear of crime, influences park usage and heart health, particularly among women. Previous research suggests that women tend to avoid parks more than men, partly due to concerns about safety.
“The additional benefit for men might be due to the fact that men use parks more often and for longer periods,” said Dr. Schinasi. “Understanding these dynamics can help us create safer, more accessible green spaces that benefit everyone, regardless of gender.”
The research team hopes that further exploration of gender-specific behaviors in green spaces will provide deeper insights into how social and personal factors, including crime perception and safety, influence the health benefits of parks.
This study provides yet another compelling argument for the integration of green spaces into urban planning and public health strategies, with potential implications for reducing heart disease and promoting healthier communities.
For more information on the study, see: Wanyu Huang et al., “Gender and Violent Crime Modify Associations Between Greenspace and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality in Philadelphia, PA,” Health & Place (2024), DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2024.103372.
