Urban Greenspaces and Patterns of Common Mental Disorders in Ibadan City, Nigeria

Abstract

The restorative roles that greenspaces have on human health are well established in the literature. However, few studies have examined the mental health impact of greenspaces in developing countries and particularly in Sub-Saharan countries where there have been predictions of likely escalated cases of common mental disorders (CMD). This present study examined the location of greenspaces, whether and how residents of Ibadan city, Nigeria connect with the green environments, and the effect of this access on CMD. The concept of human ecology of disease provided the framework for the study. The SRQ-20 was adopted for CMD screening in a cross-sectional survey method of 1200 respondents., The results showed that the availability, visits and time spent at greenspaces were related to lower levels of CMD (mean CMD score was 8.6, R=67% and R2 =56%). There is a higher prevalence of CMD amongst residents with no greenspaces surrounding their house (35.4% compared to 28.4%). There was also a negative relationship between CMD and participating in recreational activities in greenspaces (β = -0.054, p = 0.021). This study advocates for adequate planning and conservation of greenspaces in designated areas of the city and frequent visit to greenspaces. There is a need for government policies in favour of greenery. Residents are also encouraged to maintain greenspaces around the home.