The association between green space, socioeconomic deprivation, and COVID-19 infection: a population-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

To assess the association between green space, socioeconomic deprivation, and infection with COVID-19 in Northern Ireland (NI). This cross-sectional study included all NI individuals who were tested for COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021 (N = 519,005). Analyses were conducted using multilevel logistic regression models. The proportion of green space was measured within neighborhoods in 2020 and expressed as quintiles. Of the participants, 318,198 (61.31%) had records of testing positive for COVID-19. The results indicated that individuals living in areas with higher woodland cover had lower odds of reporting a positive COVID-19 test result (e.g., fifth quintile: OR = 0.939; 95% CI = 0.894, 0.987). However, individuals living in areas with higher grassland cover had higher odds of reporting a positive COVID-19 test result (e.g., fifth quintile: OR = 1.062; 95% CI = 1.018, 1.108). These associations were stronger in deprived neighborhoods. Woodland may provide opportunities for safer social contact while attempting to balance the risk of viral transmission and the potential for positive health behaviors, particularly in more socioeconomically deprived areas. The government should work with urban planners and improve the availability of green spaces as part of future pandemic preparedness strategies.