Uses and preference of recreational greenspace by women in Kuala Lumpur

Mansor, Mazlina and Zakariya, Khalilah and Harun, Nor Zalina (2018) Uses and preference of recreational greenspace by women in Kuala Lumpur. Journal of Built Environment, Technology and Engineering (JBETE), 4. pp. 185-193. E-ISSN 0128-1003

PDF - Published Version Restricted to Registered users only Download (459kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

Recreational greenspace benefits many aspects of human health. A large number of studies has found that participation in recreational greenspace brings various benefits such as lowering stress level, encourages more physical activity, opportunities for social interaction, and helps relieve stress and mental fatigue. Surprisingly, recent evidence shows that the effects are particularly significant for women. It infers that women need urban recreational greenspace in their daily lives. Although there are notably significant benefits of recreational greenspace for women, we postulate that women in Malaysia have lack access to greenspace and there are factors that hinder them from frequenting the greenspace in Kuala Lumpur city. To study this, we took a sample of the population of women in several zones in Kuala Lumpur (n=1139). We explore whether how they feel about the greenspace, are they frequenting various greenspace within their neighbourhood and their concern regarding the recreational greenspace. The responses were statistically analysed using the SPSS software. The findings suggest that female respondents in the study zones are deprived of the experience of greenspace due to their limited contact with it, even though they prefer to be in the greenspace. Various concerns about the use of greenspace were highlighted namely on facilities and perceptions related to maintenance, safety and security. These factors may be the hindrances for them to be in contact with the spaces. The effects could lead them to be lack of exercise, poor social relationships and stress, which are known to lead to health problems. The findings found to be useful for evaluating future needs on the city’s recreational greenspace that cater activities specifically for female users. Improving recreational greenspace is essential for women that will give many benefits to them.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	3283/63820
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Recreational greenspace; women; uses; preference
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races > HT101 Urban groups. The city. Urban sociology
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design > Department of Landscape Architecture
Depositing User:	Dr. Mazlina Mansor
Date Deposited:	23 May 2018 11:02
Last Modified:	20 Sep 2019 16:37
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/63820

Actions (login required)

View Item