Examining the relationship between urban green space indicators and resident health indicators : a statistical analysis on Hong Kong Island

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between urban green space indicators and routine blood health indicators of residents, such as white blood cells and platelets, in Hong Kong, a densely populated urban environment. Urban green spaces are known to provide many health benefits, including reducing stress, promoting physical activity and improving air quality. However, the scarcity of green space in high-density urban areas such as Hong Kong poses a serious threat to public health. This study used geographic information systems and Pearson correlation analysis to investigate the correlation between the facilities and accessibility of 93 public green spaces in Hong Kong and residents' distance to the nearest park and their leukocyte and platelet levels. The study utilized data from the Hong Kong Government's Common Spatial Data Infrastructure (CSDI) website and the MJ Institute, covering the period from 2010 to 2018. Research results show that there is a significant positive correlation between the proximity of urban green spaces and residents' platelet levels. This suggests that accessibility to green space has beneficial effects on blood health. The study recommends improving the facilities of urban green spaces in Hong Kong and helping urban planners better plan and manage urban green spaces through smart city technology.