Community Garden Initiatives Addressing Health and Well-Being Outcomes: A Systematic Review of Infodemiology Aspects, Outcomes, and Target Populations

Anna Gregis, Chiara Ghisalberti, Savino Sciascia, Francesco Sottile and Cristiana Peano
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Anna Gregis: UNESCO Chair in Sustainable Development and Territory Management, University of Turin, 10100 Turin, Italy
Chiara Ghisalberti: UNESCO Chair in Sustainable Development and Territory Management, University of Turin, 10100 Turin, Italy
Savino Sciascia: UNESCO Chair in Sustainable Development and Territory Management, University of Turin, 10100 Turin, Italy
Francesco Sottile: Department of Architecture (DARCH), University of Palermo, VialedelleScienze, Edificio 14, 90145 Palermo, Italy
Cristiana Peano: UNESCO Chair in Sustainable Development and Territory Management, University of Turin, 10100 Turin, Italy

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 4, 1-12

Abstract: Previous research has suggested that activities such as community gardens could offer a wide range of health benefits. The aim of the article is to systematically review the available literature to analyse the magnitude of the phenomenon, the geographical distribution, and the main characteristics in terms of health outcomes and target populations. The search addresses the question whether the activity in community gardens improves health and well-being outcomes of individuals. From the total amount of 7226, 84 selected articles showed that:(1) up to 50% are published by U.S. universities or institutions; (2) up to 44% of the studies considered “community gardens” as the main activity of the research focus; (3) one-third of the studies included adults; (4) almost 25% of the studies used “general health” as the main outcome when investigating the benefits of community gardens; (5) the percentage of studies that achieved their outcomes was heterogeneous among the different health dimensions. In conclusion, while a certain degree of heterogeneity in the used definition and outcome still exist, community gardens may be a viable strategy for well-being promotion in terms of psychological, social, and physical health and may be considered as an innovative urban strategy to promote urban public health.

Keywords: community gardens; health promotion; well-being; urban greenspace; public health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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