The effect of greenness on allergic rhinitis outcomes in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND

The relationship between greenness and health emerges as new public health concern. More published studies from multiple areas have explored the relationship between greenness and allergic rhinitis (AR) in children and adolescents. This study aims to determine the association between greenness and allergic rhinitis by systematic review and meta-analysis, in order to provide a more comprehensive assessment of the impact of greenness on AR in children and adolescents.

METHODS

The relative literature was systematically searched in PubMed, Embase, and Web of science lastly on September 25, 2022. Terms related to greenness and allergic rhinitis were used for searching. Summary effect estimates of greenness on AR in children and adolescents were calculated for per 10 % increase of greenness exposure with different buffer sizes by random-effects model.

RESULTS

A total of 579 studies were screened, and fourteen studies from Europe, Asia and North America were finally included. Most greenness exposure were measured by normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Enhanced vegetation index, outdoor-green environmental score and existed to measuring different greenness types. Greenness surrounding residences and schools were assessed. The overall effect of greenness on primary outcome was 1.00 (95%CI = 0.99-1.00). Most effect estimates of greenness were included in the NDVI-500 m group, and the pooled OR was 0.99 (95%CI = 0.97-1.01). No significant pooled estimates were found in analyses with study locations.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates no significant association between greenness exposure and AR in children and adolescents. Various exposure measures and conversion of data may affect the results of this meta-analysis. More precise assessment of personal greenness exposure in well-designed prospective studies are vital for drawing a definite association in future. Furthermore, greenness exposure surrounding schools should be paid considerable attention for its effect on AR in school-aged children and adolescents.