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Environmental Quality Perceptions and Health: A Cross-Sectional Study of Citizens of Kaunas, Lithuania

Author

Listed:
  • Regina Gražulevičienė

    (Department of Environmental Science, Vytautas Magnus University, 44248 Kaunas, Lithuania)

  • Sandra Andrušaitytė

    (Department of Environmental Science, Vytautas Magnus University, 44248 Kaunas, Lithuania)

  • Audrius Dėdelė

    (Department of Environmental Science, Vytautas Magnus University, 44248 Kaunas, Lithuania)

  • Tomas Gražulevičius

    (Department of Environmental Science, Vytautas Magnus University, 44248 Kaunas, Lithuania)

  • Leonas Valius

    (Department of Family Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 48005 Kaunas, Lithuania)

  • Violeta Kapustinskienė

    (Department of Family Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 48005 Kaunas, Lithuania)

  • Inga Bendokienė

    (Division of City Planning and Architecture, Kaunas City Municipality, 48005 Kaunas, Lithuania)

Abstract

The perception of urban environmental quality is an important contributor when identifying local problems in sustainable development and environmental planning policy. This study examined the associations between environmental and social residential characteristics, physical activity, obesity, and hypertension in Kaunas city, Lithuania. This cross-sectional study analyzed 580 citizens’ demographic-, socioeconomic-, health-, and lifestyle-related factors, environmental health concerns, and environmental quality perceptions. Using Geographic Information Systems and the multivariate logistic regression, we found that the less physically active group more often presented lower than mean ratings of the quality of pathways and cycling routes (32.9% and 45.6%, p = 0.042) and only irregularly visited the natural environment. Obese participants presented poorer ratings of air pollution, the quality of pathways and cycling routes, their possibility to reach green spaces by walking, and the available relaxing areas. The environmental issues associated with hypertension were poor possibilities to reach green spaces by walking (OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.14–3.32) and the availability of relaxation areas (OR 2.30, 95% 1.34–3.95). The quality of the neighborhood and individual-level characteristics were the factors that influenced a higher prevalence of health problems at the district level. Our findings suggest that a public health policy to improve the physical and social environment of the neighborhood would have a potential to increase citizens’ physical activity and health.

Suggested Citation

  • Regina Gražulevičienė & Sandra Andrušaitytė & Audrius Dėdelė & Tomas Gražulevičius & Leonas Valius & Violeta Kapustinskienė & Inga Bendokienė, 2020. "Environmental Quality Perceptions and Health: A Cross-Sectional Study of Citizens of Kaunas, Lithuania," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-14, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:12:p:4420-:d:373886
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Regina Grazuleviciene & Sandra Andrusaityte & Audrius Dėdelė & Tomas Grazulevicius & Leonas Valius & Aurimas Rapalavicius & Violeta Kapustinskiene & Inga Bendokiene, 2021. "Urban Environment and Health: A Cross-Sectional Study of the Influence of Environmental Quality and Physical Activity on Blood Pressure," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-15, June.

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