An Empirical Study Exploring the Relationship Between Perceived Graffiti and Self-Reported Health: A Secondary Analysis in the United Kingdom

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the relationship and association between the perception of graffiti and self-reported health of residents in urban neighbourhoods across the United Kingdom. Approach and methodology: This study utilized the General Lifestyle Survey (GLS), a secondary dataset that ran from 1972 to 2011. Participants were included at both the household and individual levels, with individuals aged 16 and older. The statistical analysis focused on data from the 2001/2002 survey wave, which included a sample of 8,989 participants. Logistic regression models were used to examine associations. Findings: There is no significant association between perceptions of graffiti and health outcomes, however safety perceptions particularly during the daytime are predictor of health, another key finding is that health associated behaviours and pre-existing illnesses. Implication: Policymakers should consider implementing interventions to improve perceptions of safety while walking, as individuals who feel unsafe particularly during the day report poorer health outcomes. Limitation: The measurement of graffiti was based on perceived graffiti as a problem, which may not accurately reflect its objective presence or extent in the environment and the cross-sectional design prevents from establishing causal relationships between variables.