Beyond Access: Ethnic inequalities in well-being and the role of perceived environmental health

Greenspaces are often promoted as universal public health assets, yet their benefits may depend on how spaces are perceived and valued. Ethnic inequalities in mental well-being may reflect unequal environmental conditions and differences in how greenspaces are perceived. We examined whether perceived environmental health, greenspace use and motivations for greenspace engagement could explain ethnic differences in mental well-being in the UK. Online survey data were collected from UK adults from Black, South Asian, East Asian, Other and Mixed ethnicities recruited through Prolific. Mental well-being was measured using the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (SWEMWBS). Perceived environmental health was measured using the Environmental Health Citizen Interview Tool. Greenspace use was modelled alongside these factors using generalised additive models. Ordinal logistic regression examined ethnic differences in reasons for using greenspaces. Most ethnic groups reported lower well-being than White respondents, with the exception of Black respondents, who reported higher scores. Adding perceived environmental health improved model fit, with greenspace use contributing modestly. Greenspace motivations differed by ethnicity. Black respondents had higher odds of reporting greenspaces as places to meet new people, participate in community activities and enjoy entertainment. South Asian respondents were more likely to report meeting new people. East Asian respondents were less likely to endorse community activities and relaxation. All non-White groups were less likely than White respondents to use greenspaces to relax and unwind. Ethnic inequalities in mental well-being are not solely driven by environmental provision and quality, but by how environments are perceived and experienced. Public health policy should move beyond provision alone towards inclusive spaces that support diverse forms of restoration, connection, participation and belonging.

Key messages

• Ethnic inequalities in mental well-being are explained by differences in perceptions of environmental health, as well as the social functions associated with greenspaces.

• Public health policy should prioritise inclusive greenspaces to support multiple uses and to support social connection, cultural relevance and psychological restoration across diverse communities.