The Effect of Outdoor Recreational Areas on Public Health: A Systematic Review

Abstract

This systematic review aims to assess studies over the past five years (2018–2023) regarding the influence of outdoor recreation areas on public health. We aggregated data from a study encompassing 18 articles in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, utilizing the keywords "open-air recreation areas," "public health," "physical health," "mental health," and "social well-being." Research indicates that outdoor recreational areas enhance mental health by reducing stress, foster social relationships among neighbors, and promote physical health by encouraging exercise. We advocate for the utilization of longitudinal and experimental designs in forthcoming studies to improve our understanding of the beneficial impacts of these domains on public health. A comprehensive analysis of the health effects of outdoor recreational areas necessitates a more in-depth examination of environmental and socioeconomic factors, alongside an increased volume of research targeting varied demographic groups.