The effect of Environmental Characteristics on Physical Health of Residents Using an Intermediate Environmental Preferences variable in the Residential Neighborhoods Mazandaran State

Subject Areas : Urban Futurology

Mitra Faraji ¹ , Raheleh Rostami ² , Maryam Shabak ³

1 - Ph.D student of architecture, Department of architecture, Sari Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran.
2 - Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, Sari Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran.
3 - Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, Sari Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran.

Received: 2024-01-31 Accepted : 2024-06-22 Published : 2024-07-07

Keywords: Environmental Perception, Phisycal Health, Environmental Preferences, Mazandaran.,

Abstract :

Environmental perceptions play an important role in individual physical health in all environments, and the influence of the environment on the physical health of individuals is undeniable. This study surveyed the relationship between environmental variables and public health(SRH) in residential neighborhoods, as well as the role of environmental preferences as a mediating variable among the people of Mazandaran. The data were collected using a two-part questionnaire. In part one, the statements are part of the SF-36 questionnaire about public health. In the second part, to measure the perception of neighborhood characteristics and environmental preferences, its security, facilities, aesthetics and destination were measured. A sample of 450 residents was analyzed using structural equation modeling. Structural equation modeling indicated that the perception of environmental characteristics had a significant effect on physical health, but environmental preferences did not play a mediating role in the relationship between environmental characteristics and physical health. According to our results we observed that as the preferences of the environment decreased, the health condition increased. This study was intended to promote physical health in urban planning and reconstruction of neighborhoods. Environmental characteristics play an essential role in physical health. The study examined the effect of each characteristic of the environment on the physical health of citizens. The mediating role of environmental preferences was also considered. This study offers new insight into the relationship between the environment and physical health and can be applied to a wide range of neighborhoods.

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