Characteristics of parks associated with depression in women only: a cross-sectional study of 329,363 adults
This study provides robust evidence for protective associations between park characteristics and depression among women, but not men. Findings support proximity-based planning concepts but challenge the current policy and practice focus on 20-min neighbourhood and identify park features which optimise preventive potential. Results have direct implications for evidence-based urban planning policy internationally, providing a framework for developing mental health-supporting green infrastructure that recognises sex-based differences.
Authors
- Natalie Nicholls (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0745-7065)
- Jonathan Olsen
- Donald M. Lyall (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3850-1487)
- Fiona Caryl (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6329-6767)
- Frederick K. Ho (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7190-9025)
- Dr Xiaoqi Feng
- Jill Pell
- Thomas Astell-Burt
- Richard Mitchell
Institutions
- The University of Sydney (AU)
- The University of Queensland (AU)
- Westmead Hospital (AU)
- UNSW Sydney (AU)
- Department for Environment and Water (AU)
- University of Glasgow (GB)
Publication Details
- Journal
- BMC Medicine
- Published
- 2026-01-21
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-026-04641-1
- Primary Topic
- Urban Green Space and Health
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- UK Research and Innovation
- University of Glasgow
- Medical Research Council
- National Health and Medical Research Council