You are here:
Eco-Health Linkages: Assessing the Role of Ecosystem Goods and Services on Human Health Using Causal Criteria Analysis
Citation:
DeJesus-Crespo, R. AND R. Fulford. Eco-Health Linkages: Assessing the Role of Ecosystem Goods and Services on Human Health Using Causal Criteria Analysis. International Journal of Public Health. Springer Basel AG, Basel, Switzerland, 63(1):81-92, (2018).
Impact/Purpose:
Ecosystem Goods and Services (EGS) are the outputs of ecological processes that directly or indirectly contribute to social welfare. To address the role of EGS as they relate to human health (Eco-Health), we conducted a Causal Criteria Analysis (CSA), a process through which available literature is evaluated for consistency in cause-effect associations (Probabilistic Evidence) to provide a logical explanation of how the associations may occur (Mechanistic Evidence). The CSA process has been integrated into an online tool called Eco-Evidence, which we used to analyze the context of green spaces providing buffering EGS that may influence disease (i.e. Gastro Intestinal, Respiratory, Cardio Vascular and Heat morbidities). Our results show which Eco-Health linkages have enough evidence to suggest causality, and which need more research due to inconsistent results or insufficient data. These results help establish an agenda to shape future Eco-Health research and define priorities for managing green spaces to provide human health benefits. Our target audience is researchers in the field of public health and ecosystem services, as well as community leaders interested in managing ecosystem services for human health benefits.
Description:
Objectives In the last decade, we saw an upsurge of studies evaluating the role of ecosystem goods and services (EGS) on human health (Eco-Health). Most of this work consists of observational research of intermediate processes and few address the full pathways from ecosystem to EGS to human health, limiting our ability to assess causality. Methods We conducted a causal criteria analysis of Eco-Health literature using Eco-Evidence, a software tool that helps evaluate evidence of cause–effect relationships. We focus on the context of green spaces providing ‘‘buffering’’ EGS that may influence disease. Results We found support for a causal linkage between green spaces and all of the EGS tested, and sufficient evidence linking EGS to gastro intestinal disease and heat morbidities. Inconsistencies were found when assessing the link between EGS to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Few studies directly link green spaces to health. Those that do, support a connection to cardiovascular disease, and heat morbidities, but provide inconsistent evidence regarding respiratory illness.Conclusions Our results help establish an agenda to shape future Eco-Health research and define priorities for managing green spaces to provide human health benefits.
