ORCID
- Jon May: 0000-0001-7439-9200
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that residential greenspace is associated with a lower prevalence of health risk behaviours, but it remains unclear whether these effects are generalizable across countries or different types of nature contact. Using representative cross-sectional samples from 18 countries/regions, we examined the associations between two types of nature contact (greenspace, nature visits), current smoking and everyday drinking. After controlling for a range of covariates, greenspace was inversely associated with current smoking and everyday drinking. Visiting natural spaces at least once a week was linked to a lower prevalence of current smoking, but unrelated to everyday drinking. Increasing residential greenspace could be a promising strategy for reducing multiple health risk behaviours, whilst visit-based interventions may be a more appropriate target for smoking cessation.
Publication Date
2025-05-13
Publication Title
Health and Place
Volume
94
ISSN
1353-8292
Keywords
Greenspace, Nature visits, Health risk behaviours, Smoking, Alcohol
Recommended Citation
Martin, L., White, M., Pahl, S., & May, J. (2025) 'Nature contact and health risk Behaviours: Results from an 18 country study', Health and Place, 94. Available at: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2025.103479