CHICAGO, April 28 (Xinhua) -- A higher ratio of green spaces at the county level is associated with a lower racial disparity in coronavirus infection rates, according to a study posted on the website of the University of Illinois (UI) on Wednesday.

For this study, the researchers identified 135 of the most urbanized counties in the United State, with a total population of more than 132 million, representing 40.3 percent of the U.S. population. They collected infection data from county health departments from late January to July 10, 2020, and used the information to calculate the infection rates for Black and white residents of the counties, while controlling for differences in income, preexisting chronic diseases and urban density.

The data showed that the average infection rate for Black residents was more than twice that of white residents: 497 per 100,000 white individuals versus 988 per 100,000 Black individuals.

The researchers compared the infection rates of each population within each county, rather than across all the counties studied. The county-level comparison is critical because it can minimize the bias caused by differences of socioeconomic, transportation, climate and policy conditions among counties, they said.

While several factors could account for the findings, the researchers proposed that a greater proportion of green spaces in a county makes it more likely that Black and white individuals have more equal access to the green spaces and the accompanying health benefits.

"In many counties, Black folks have less access to green space than white folks do. In counties with more green space, that disparity may be less, and it may help account for some of the positive benefits we're seeing," said William Sullivan, a landscape architecture professor at UI.

More access to green spaces is likely to promote physical activity, which may enhance the immune system. Green spaces enhance mental health and reduce stress, which also promotes immune system health. They strengthen social ties, which is an important predictor of health and well-being, the researchers said. Green spaces also may decrease infection risk by improving air quality and decreasing exposure to air pollutants in dense urban areas.

"We did not measure these aspects, but we know from previous research that all these things are tied to green spaces and have implications for health and well-being," Sullivan said.

Sullivan said the research shows the importance for local and regional governments to invest in the development of green spaces.

The study has been published in the journal Environment International. Enditem

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