Environment/Climate Change
A Systematic Review of Residential Green Space Exposure and Cognition in Children: Insights from Individual-Level Research Mozhgan Naji* Mozhgan Naji Amy E. Kalkbrenner
Exposure to green space, defined as open, natural areas with vegetation, may benefit child cognition by promoting physical activity, reducing stress, and lowering exposure to environmental factors such as air pollution and noise. Several systematic reviews report that green space surrounding schools supports cognition, but residential exposure has not been reviewed. Residential green space exposures vary from school-based, perhaps in duration, frequency, and relevant pathways of impact, and would call for different public health response. We conducted a review of studies of children (< 18), residential green space exposure, and cognition measured at the individual level. We searched PubMed, CINAHL Plus, and Web of Science up to October 1, 2024, identifying 567 publications, of which 17 met our criteria. 16 took place in Europe and 1 in Canada (Ns from 307-27,372).11 measured green space using a satellite-derived measure, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), which does not differentiate between types of greenness (e.g. trees vs. grass) and 2 focused on tree cover. 12 reported a positive association between residential green space exposure and cognition measured as enhanced working memory, attention and overall IQ, 3 reported near-null associations, and 2 reported an inverse link. Some reported evidence that noise and air pollutants acted as partial mediators, with one reporting modification where less impoverished neighborhoods exhibited stronger associations. Next steps of this project involve assessing the included studies for risk of bias with regard to the inconsistent findings, and further evaluating whether green space at home, which is likely correlated with school exposure, exerts an independent influence on child cognition. Ultimately, understanding the potential impact of green space on cognition, including the vegetation characteristics and location with the most impact, may suggest actions to promote optimal child development.