Abstract
Background Greenspace is an urban health solution, but the impact of greenspace on children’s lung function is unknown.
Aims and objects To investigate if surrounding greenspace could promote children’s lung function and the mediating role of body mass index (BMI).
Methods Between 2013 and 2015, spirometry and a parental survey were performed on children from 4 preliminary schools. Residential proximity to greenspace was defined as distance to nearest park. Total green index was averaged by normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) within school boundary and NDVI with a 500m buffer around home, weighted by the assumed daytime students spent at home and school. Generalized linear mixed models were used to investigate associations and interactions. All models were adjusted for individual and family level covariates.
Results A total of 913 children (48.7% female) with valid residential address and duration were included. Overall, an interquartile range (IQR) increase of total NDVI was associated with increased FEV1/FVC (1.41, 95%CI 0.11 to 2.70) and PEF (0.23 L/s, 0.09 to 0.37). Proximity to greenspace was associated with increased FEV1 (61 ml, 5 to 118) and FVC (85 ml, 23 to 147) per IQR decrease in distance. The protective effect of NDVI was significant for boys, and proximity to greenspaces was protective for girls. We observed stronger associations for greenspace in children living in higher road density area. These associations were independent of BMI.
Conclusions Our findings suggest that living in greener urban areas with access to greenspace may promote lung health in children. Children with higher exposure to major roads could benefit more.
Aims and objects To investigate if surrounding greenspace could promote children’s lung function and the mediating role of body mass index (BMI).
Methods Between 2013 and 2015, spirometry and a parental survey were performed on children from 4 preliminary schools. Residential proximity to greenspace was defined as distance to nearest park. Total green index was averaged by normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) within school boundary and NDVI with a 500m buffer around home, weighted by the assumed daytime students spent at home and school. Generalized linear mixed models were used to investigate associations and interactions. All models were adjusted for individual and family level covariates.
Results A total of 913 children (48.7% female) with valid residential address and duration were included. Overall, an interquartile range (IQR) increase of total NDVI was associated with increased FEV1/FVC (1.41, 95%CI 0.11 to 2.70) and PEF (0.23 L/s, 0.09 to 0.37). Proximity to greenspace was associated with increased FEV1 (61 ml, 5 to 118) and FVC (85 ml, 23 to 147) per IQR decrease in distance. The protective effect of NDVI was significant for boys, and proximity to greenspaces was protective for girls. We observed stronger associations for greenspace in children living in higher road density area. These associations were independent of BMI.
Conclusions Our findings suggest that living in greener urban areas with access to greenspace may promote lung health in children. Children with higher exposure to major roads could benefit more.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 754 |
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Journal | European Respiratory Journal |
| Volume | 60 |
| Issue number | Suppl 66 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2022 |
| Event | European Respiratory Society (ERS) International Congress 2022 - Spain, Barcelona Duration: 9 Sept 2022 → 14 Sept 2022 |