Compact cities and the Covid-19 pandemic: Systematic review of the associations between transmission of Covid-19 or other respiratory viruses and population density or other features of neighbourhood design. (July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Xiaomeng; Sun, Ziwen; Ashcroft, Thulani; Dozier, Marshall; Ostrishko, Kayla; Krishan, Prerna; McSwiggan, Emilie; Keller, Markéta; Douglas, Margaret
• Is Part Of: Health & place. Volume 76(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-07
• Subjects: Compact neighbourhoods -- Respiratory infectious diseases -- Population density -- Urban design -- COVID-19; Health -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Health services accessibility -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Political planning -- Periodicals; Social medicine -- Periodicals; Epidemiology -- Periodicals; Health Policy -- Periodicals; Health Services Accessibility -- Periodicals; Public Health -- Periodicals; Public Policy -- Periodicals; Sociology, Medical -- Periodicals; Épidémiologie -- Périodiques; Politique sanitaire -- Périodiques; Santé, Services de -- Accessibilité -- Périodiques; Health services accessibility; Health -- Social aspects; Political planning; Public health; Social medicine; Periodicals; 613
• DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2022.102827
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1353-8292

Abstract

Abstract: Living in compact neighbourhoods that are walkable, well connected, with accessible green space can benefit physical and mental health. However, the pandemic raises concern up to what extent features of compact neighbourhood design affect transmission of viral respiratory infections. We conducted a systematic review to identify, appraise and synthesise evidence reporting associations between transmission of respiratory viruses, including Covid-19, and dwelling or population density or other features of neighbourhood design. Twenty-one studies met our inclusion criteria. These studies used different measures of neighbourhood design, contributing to inconsistent findings. Whereas no convincing conclusion can be drawn here, the outcome of this review indicates that robust, global evidence is warranted to inform future policies and legislation concerned with compact neighbourhood design and transmission of respiratory and viral infection. Highlights: No consistent evidence of a link between population density and transmission of Covid-19 and other respiratory infections. No need to change the support for 15-/20-min neighbourhoods or other compact city policies across the world. A series of significant research gaps between compact cities and the Covid-19 pandemic.