Why a New Research Agenda on Green Spaces and Health Is Needed in Latin America: Results of a Systematic Review

Impact of urban greening on population health in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review protocol

INTRODUCTION

The rate of urbanisation in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has increased remarkably, with the urban population expected to double by 2050. This rapid urbanisation, industrialisation and climate change pose serious public health challenges resulting from increased heat waves and other environmental changes. Urban greening holds promise as a climate change mitigation and adaptation strategy, leading to biodiversity conservation and enhancing the physical, mental and social well-being of the population.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This scoping review aims to identify and synthesise studies that investigated the availability and utilisation of green spaces, the factors that affect the utilisation of green spaces as well as the health impacts of urban greening in SSA. A systematic search will be conducted across multiple databases (MEDLINE, PubMed, JSTOR, SCOPUS and Green FILE) and grey literature sources for papers published up to 2024, in line with established scoping review frameworks. The data will be charted and extracted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, Extension for Scoping Reviews. We will further synthesise and use thematic analysis to fully understand the relationship between urban greening and population health in SSA.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval will not be required because primary data will not be collected for the study. The results of this study come from published articles, which are publicly available. The results of the review will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication and presented at workshops and conferences.

REGISTRATION

The scoping review protocol has been registered on the Open Science Framework https://osf.io/nfh68.

Mobility Infrastructures and Health: Scoping Review of studies in Europe

Objectives

Movement-friendly environments with infrastructure favouring active mobility are important for promoting physical activity. This scoping literature review aims at identifying the current evidence for links between mobility infrastructures and (a) behaviour regarding active mobility, (b) health outcomes and (c) co-benefits.

Method

This review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA scoping review guidelines using PubMed and EMBASE databases. Studies included in this review were conducted in Europe, and published between 2000 and March 2023.

Results

146 scientific articles and grey literature reports were identified. Connectivity of sidewalks, walkability, and accessibility of shops, services and work are associated with walking. Cycling is positively associated with cycle-paths, separation of cycling from traffic and proximity to greenspaces, and negatively associated with traffic danger. Increased active transportation has a protective effect on cardiovascular and respiratory health, obesity, fitness, and quality of life. Co-benefits result from the reduction of individual motorized transportation including reduced environmental pollution and projected healthcare expenditure.

Conclusion

Mobility infrastructure combined with social and educational incentives are effective in promoting active travel and reducing future healthcare expenses. A shift to active transportation would increase both individual and community health and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.

Internet appointment has more advantages than traditional appointment in the nursing service of dry eye patients

Dry eye disease is one of the most common eye diseases. Clinical studies have found that meibomian gland expression can effectively improve the function of meibomian glands in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction. Compared with traditional appointments, Internet appointment has advantages in treating dry eye disease. A cross-sectional study was conducted to collect 300 patients with dry eye disease through an online questionnaire. Using Pearson chi-squared test, associations between the clinical parameters and appointment mode were analyzed. Spearman-rho test was executed to compare clinical data and appointment mode for correlation analysis and relationship between score of advantages of Internet booking (SOAIB), evaluation of the effectiveness of the Internet booking (EEIB), waiting in line for medical treatment (WMT). Univariate logistic regression analysis calculated the odds ratio (OR) of appointment mode for potential correlation factors. By using Pearson chi-squared test, SOAIB (P = .005), EEIB (P = .029) and WMT (P = .041) was significantly correlated with the appointment mode. Spearman correlation coefficient displayed that appointment mode was significantly correlated with EEIB (ρ = -0.126, P = .029) and WMT (ρ = 0.118, P = .041). Univariate logistic regression and concludes that EEIB (OR = 0.183, 95%CI: 0.033-1.004, P = .05), WMT (OR = 2.543, 95%CI: 1.013-6.384, P = .047) have a clear correlation with appointment mode. Spearman correlation coefficient displayed that SOAIB was significantly correlated with EEIB (ρ = -0.247, P < .001) and WMT (ρ = 0.157, P = .006). Internet appointment can effectively reduce the waiting time for dry eye disease treatment by meibomian gland expression. Effectiveness evaluation of Internet appointments is significantly higher than traditional appointments.