Association Between Urban Green Space and Human Health: A Scoping Review

Background. There are around 750 studies on the potential role of the natural environment in human health and well-being in the period of 2021 - 2023. However, the last scoping review on this topic was for 2020. Materials and Methods. We conducted a subject area review in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. We used meta-analysis to synthesize data from studies measuring similar outcomes. The search was carried out in the Scopus database. Results. One hundred and eleven studies met the review inclusion criteria. Most of these studies investigated topics such as air pollution, ultraviolet radiation, heat exposure, and pollen. About a third of the articles concern attention restoration, mental health, stress reduction, and clinical outcomes. This included ‘natural' environments, such as public parks and green university campuses, and synthetic environments, such as indoor and outdoor built environments. The most common outcome measures were scores of different self-reported emotions. Approximately 20% includes topics such as health outcomes and pregnancy. 16% includes studies related to COVID-19. The studies that were reviewed show substantial heterogeneity in purpose, method and country of publication yet indicate important health outcomes associated with people's exposure to urban green space. Based on these data, a meta-analysis provided evidence of a positive benefit of a physical activity in a natural environment in comparison to a synthetic environment. Conclusion. Overall, the studies are suggestive that natural environments have direct and positive impacts on well-being, but support the need for investment in further research on this question to understand the general significance for public health.