Outdoor blue spaces, human health and well-being: a systematic review of quantitative studies

Gascon Merlos, Mireia, 1984-; Zijlema, Wilma; Vert Roca, Cristina, 1991-; White, Mathew P.; Nieuwenhuijsen, Mark J.

doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheh.2017.08.004

Outdoor blue spaces, human health and well-being: a systematic review of quantitative studies

Citation

Gascon M, Zijlema W, Vert C, White MP, Nieuwenhuijsen MJ. Outdoor blue spaces, human health and well-being: a systematic review of quantitative studies. Int J Hyg Environ Health. 2017 Nov;220(8):1207-21. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2017.08.004

Abstract

BACKGROUND: A growing number of quantitative studies have investigated the potential benefits of outdoor blue spaces (lakes, rivers, sea, etc) and human health, but there is not yet a systematic review synthesizing this evidence. OBJECTIVES: To systematically review the current quantitative evidence on human health and well-being benefits of outdoor blue spaces. METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analysis, observational and experimental quantitative studies focusing on both residential and non-residential outdoor blue space exposure were searched using specific keywords. RESULTS: In total 35 studies were included in the current systematic review, most of them being classified as of "good quality" (N=22). The balance of evidence suggested a positive association between greater exposure to outdoor blue spaces and both benefits to mental health and well-being (N=12 studies) and levels of physical activity (N=13 studies). The evidence of an association between outdoor blue space exposure and general health (N=6 studies), obesity (N=8 studies) and cardiovascular (N=4 studies) and related outcomes was less consistent. CONCLUSIONS: Although encouraging, there remains relatively few studies and a large degree of heterogeneity in terms of study design, exposure metrics and outcome measures, making synthesis difficult. Further research is needed using longitudinal research and natural experiments, preferably across a broader range of countries, to better understand the causal associations between blue spaces, health and wellbeing.