Meelan Thondoo, Mogo Ebele R I, Onyemaobi Nnenna, Ogunro Toluwalope, Odekunle Damilola, Unuigboje Richard, K Muyiolu Salimon, Olalekan Damilola, Dominic Catherine, Thomas Abimbola, Ngwa Edwin, Walter Okwong, Sanga Chimba, Onifade Victor, Ndiabamoh Crespo'o Mbe-Cho, Blanche Nfondoh, Seyinde Doris, Ogunjimi Temitope F, Mapa-Tassou Clarisse, Buraimoh Olanike Maria, Teguia Stéphanie S, Mukhtar Ghazel, Iorse Mvendaga P, Farr Colin, Oguntade Ayodipupo S, Olowoniyi Ife, Chatzidiakou Lia, Foley Louise, Alani Rose, Lawanson Taibat, Assah Felix, Oni Tolu
Global Diet and Activity Research Group and Network, MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.
John Snow Inc.
PLOS Glob Public Health. 2024 Oct 15;4(10):e0003709. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003709. eCollection 2024.
Public space initiatives (PSIs) in African cities can significantly promote health and social well-being, yet their implementation and impact are unknown across the continent. There is a substantial gap in literature on PSIs in African countries, with most studies concentrated in wealthier cities and lacking comprehensive assessments of long-term health impacts. The objective of this study was to synthesise evidence on the typology, location, features, and outcomes of these initiatives as well as the guiding principles that underlie their design and implementation. Employing a mixed-methods model, the study systematically reviews peer-reviewed and grey literature articles, focusing on the types, settings, and outcomes of PSIs. Data is analyzed using the CASP appraisal tool and thematic analysis. We analysed 47 studies, 15 of which were mixed methods, 22 qualitative and 10 quantitative. Sports accounted for 50% of initiatives. 30 of the 47 papers originated from South Africa. Communities viewed initiatives' wellbeing impacts through social, economic, and ecological lenses, with health being but one dimension. The sustainability of initiatives was often limited by funding, historical marginalization, and competing land uses. Findings underscore the need for more comprehensive, long-term evaluations and cross-sector collaborations to sustain and enhance health-promoting public spaces in African cities.
非洲城市的公共空间倡议（PSIs）能够显著促进健康和社会福祉，然而其在整个非洲大陆的实施情况和影响尚不清楚。关于非洲国家公共空间倡议的文献存在很大空白，大多数研究集中在较富裕的城市，且缺乏对长期健康影响的全面评估。本研究的目的是综合有关这些倡议的类型、位置、特征、成果以及其设计和实施所依据的指导原则的证据。该研究采用混合方法模型，系统地回顾了同行评审和灰色文献文章，重点关注公共空间倡议的类型、背景和成果。使用CASP评估工具和主题分析对数据进行分析。我们分析了47项研究，其中15项为混合方法研究，22项为定性研究，10项为定量研究。体育活动占倡议的5０%。47篇论文中有30篇来自南非。社区从社会、经济和生态角度看待倡议对福祉的影响，健康只是其中一个方面。倡议的可持续性往往受到资金、历史边缘化和竞争性土地用途的限制。研究结果强调需要进行更全面、长期的评估以及跨部门合作，以维持和加强非洲城市促进健康的公共空间。
