P-67 Health in the city: A scoping review of urban planning strategies and their implications for public well-being
Author(s):
T Jagnarine
Year of Presentation:
2025
Objective: This scoping review aims to explore and synthesize literature on urban planning strategies and their impact
on public well-being, focusing on both global and local contexts like Guyana.
Methods: A comprehensive scoping review was conducted, focusing on peer-reviewed articles from 2010 to 2023. The review process involved a systematic search across multiple databases, yielding an initial retrieval of 1,200 articles. After screening for relevance and conducting a full-text review, 20 key articles were included in the final analysis. These articles were assessed for their methodological approaches, findings, and alignment with the SDGs.
Results: The review highlighted several critical themes. For example, 30% of the reviewed studies (6 out of 20) emphasized the detrimental impact of heavy metal pollution on public health, with a particular focus on urban areas like Ankara. Another 25% (5 out of 20) of the studies underscored the importance of greenspaces in enhancing wellbeing in low- and middle-income countries. Additionally, 20% (4 out of 20) of the articles discussed the need for inclusive urban policies to support marginalized communities, such as LGBTQIA+ individuals. The integration of public health into urban planning was a recurring theme in 45% (9 out of 20) of the articles, highlighting its critical role in developing coherent strategies for promoting community well-being.
Conclusion: Urban planning strategies that prioritize health, inclusivity, and environmental sustainability are crucial for enhancing public well-being. The findings have significant implications for policymakers, particularly in aligning urban planning initiatives with the SDGs. By focusing on these areas, urban planning can play a pivotal role in addressing global health challenges and fostering equitable, sustainable communities.