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Urban Green Space and Its Impact on Human Health

Author

Listed:
  • Michelle C. Kondo

    (USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA)

  • Jaime M. Fluehr

    (Urban Health Lab, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA)

  • Thomas McKeon

    (Urban Health Lab, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA)

  • Charles C. Branas

    (Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA)

Abstract

Background : Over half of the world’s population now lives in urban areas, and this proportion is expected to increase. While there have been numerous reviews of empirical studies on the link between nature and human health, very few have focused on the urban context, and most have examined almost exclusively cross-sectional research. This review is a first step toward assessing the possibility of causal relationships between nature and health in urban settings. Methods : Through systematic review of published literature, we explored the association between urban green space and human health. Results : We found consistent negative association between urban green space exposure and mortality, heart rate, and violence, and positive association with attention, mood, and physical activity. Results were mixed, or no association was found, in studies of urban green space exposure and general health, weight status, depression, and stress (via cortisol concentration). The number of studies was too low to generalize about birth outcomes, blood pressure, heart rate variability, cancer, diabetes, or respiratory symptoms. Conclusions : More studies using rigorous study design are needed to make generalizations, and meta-analyses, of these and other health outcomes possible. These findings may assist urban managers, organizations, and communities in their efforts to increase new or preserve existing green space.

Suggested Citation

  • Michelle C. Kondo & Jaime M. Fluehr & Thomas McKeon & Charles C. Branas, 2018. "Urban Green Space and Its Impact on Human Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-28, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:3:p:445-:d:134608
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Daniela Haluza & Regina Schönbauer & Renate Cervinka, 2014. "Green Perspectives for Public Health: A Narrative Review on the Physiological Effects of Experiencing Outdoor Nature," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(5), pages 1-17, May.
    2. Maria Gose & Sandra Plachta-Danielzik & Bianca Willié & Maike Johannsen & Beate Landsberg & Manfred J. Müller, 2013. "Longitudinal Influences of Neighbourhood Built and Social Environment on Children’s Weight Status," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 10(10), pages 1-14, October.
    3. Regina Grazuleviciene & Jone Vencloviene & Raimondas Kubilius & Vytautas Grizas & Asta Danileviciute & Audrius Dedele & Sandra Andrusaityte & Astra Vitkauskiene & Rasa Steponaviciute & Mark J. Nieuwen, 2016. "Tracking Restoration of Park and Urban Street Settings in Coronary Artery Disease Patients," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-9, May.
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    5. South, E.C. & Kondo, M.C. & Cheney, R.A. & Branas, C.C., 2015. "Neighborhood blight, stress, and health: A walking trial of urban greening and ambulatory heart rate," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 105(5), pages 909-913.
    6. David Moher & Alessandro Liberati & Jennifer Tetzlaff & Douglas G Altman & The PRISMA Group, 2009. "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: The PRISMA Statement," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 6(7), pages 1-6, July.
    7. Michael, Yvonne L. & Nagel, Corey L. & Gold, Rachel & Hillier, Teresa A., 2014. "Does change in the neighborhood environment prevent obesity in older women?," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 102(C), pages 129-137.
    8. Kondo, M.C. & Low, S.C. & Henning, J. & Branas, C.C., 2015. "The impact of green stormwater infrastructure installation on surrounding health and safety," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 105(3), pages 114-121.
    9. Chorong Song & Harumi Ikei & Miho Igarashi & Michiko Takagaki & Yoshifumi Miyazaki, 2015. "Physiological and Psychological Effects of a Walk in Urban Parks in Fall," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(11), pages 1-13, November.
    10. Branas, C.C. & Kondo, M.C. & Murphy, S.M. & South, E.C. & Polsky, D. & MacDonald, J.M., 2016. "Urban blight remediation as a cost-beneficial solution to firearm violence," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 106(12), pages 2158-2164.
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