Assessing the Impact of Green Space on Physical Activity and Wellbeing Behaviors among Residents in a Low-Income Neighborhood: A Case Study in Tripoli, North Lebanon

Abstract

Urbanization is one of the leading global trends of the 21st century that has significant impact on health. People living in cities suffer from inadequate housing and transport, poor sanitation and waste management. Other forms of pollution, such as noise, air, water and soil contamination, so-called urban heat islands, and lack of space for walking, cycling, and active living further combine to make cities epicenters of disease transmission and drivers of climate change. Urbanization has led to a rapid change in the way people live and interact with one another. In the age of urbanization, city living has led to more sedentary lifestyles. Physical activity has been incidental to daily living with less exposure to green spaces for outdoor activities. In addition, green spaces are unequally distributed in cities, with low-income neighborhoods having a lower density of green spaces. Disadvantaged groups, such as people living in low- income neighborhoods exhibit more health problems than more privileged groups and they tend to benefit the most from improved access to green spaces. The primary purpose of this study was to assess the impact of green space in a low-income neighborhood on physical activity and wellbeing behaviors in Tripoli, Northern Lebanon. The study employed an inductive qualitative approach, namely systematic direct observation using the Method for Observing pHysical Activity and Wellbeing (MOHAWk) to examine the physical activity and wellbeing behaviors of park users. Key demographics were assessed through direct observation. Descriptive statistics were conducted on park user characteristics, activity type, activity level, and behavioral wellbeing indicators. Chi square tests were used to determine the statistical association between variables and Cramer’s V coefficient was used to measure the strength of the association. A total of 225 park users were observed in this study. This study found a significant positive association between the levels of activity and wellbeing behaviors. The association between both variables indicates that park users engaged in sedentary activities were more likely to appreciate their surrounding environment while those engaged in vigorous activities were more likely to be socially connected. The study also found few differences across demographics. Male park users were more physically active and were mostly of children age group. However, females were more socially connected and taking notice of the surrounding environment than males and they were mostly of the adult age group. The findings provide additional evidence on the importance of urban green space for low- income neighborhoods. Therefore, planning and developing such places are important for low-income neighborhoods as a strategy to contribute towards wellbeing.