Greenspace and human health: An umbrella review

Abstract

Multiple systematic reviews on greenspace and health outcomes exist, but the overall evidence base remains unclear. Therefore, we performed an umbrella review to collect and appraise all relevant systematic reviews of epidemiological studies on greenness exposure and health. We searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from inception to June 28, 2021, and screened references of relevant articles. Systematic reviews with or without meta-analyses of epidemiological studies that examined the associations of greenness with any health outcome were included. Two independent investigators performed study selection and data extraction. We also evaluated the methodological quality of the included systematic reviews using the “Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews 2” checklist. A total of 40 systematic reviews and meta-analyses were included, of which most were cross-sectional studies conducted in high-income countries. Greenspace exposure was estimated with various objective and subjective parameters. Beneficial associations of greenspace with all-cause and stroke-specific mortality, CVD morbidity, cardiometabolic factors, mental health, low birth weight, physical activity, sleep quality, and urban crime were observed. No consistent associations between greenspace and other health outcomes (e.g., cancers) were observed. Most of the included systematic reviews and meta-analyses had one or more limitations in methodology. Our findings provide supportive evidence regarding the beneficial effects of greenspace exposure on some aspects of human health. However, the credibility of such evidence was compromised by methodological limitations. Better performed systematic reviews and meta-analyses as well as longitudinal designed primary studies are needed to validate this conclusion.

Effects of greenness on preterm birth: A national longitudinal study of 3.7 million singleton births

“…Recently, an increasing number of studies have indicated that greenness may lead to a wide range of beneficial health outcomes, such as those related to cardiovascular disease, mental health and birth weight. 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 Although some studies have reported a protective effect of greenness on birth weight, conclusions for the associations between greenness and PTB were inconsistent. 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 Some investigators have attempted to determine the association between greenness and PTB.…”

Effects of Indoor Plants on Human Functions: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analyses

“…In total, by 2022, more than 60 reviews and meta-analyses regarding nature and health and well-being had been conducted (cf. [ 22 ]).…”

Environmentally related gender health risks: findings from citizen science cross-sectional study

“…There are some data that citizens’ physical health and well-being depend on the urban built neighborhood, which comprises both social and physical environments including green spaces [ 26 , 27 ]. It is assumed that green space is an important component of the health and well-being in urban areas [ 28 ]. Potential pathways linking green space to health comprise reducing exposure to air pollution, noise, physiological stress, and encouraging physical activity [ 29 ].…”