Environmental culture and sustainable development in health in Latin America: A systematic review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47606/ACVEN/MV0359Keywords:
Environmental culture, Environmental health, Sustainable development;, Environmental education, Latin America.Abstract
Introduction: Environmental culture is a fundamental component in promoting sustainable practices that contribute to environmental protection and the well-being of Latin American populations. Objective: To analyze the relationship between environmental culture and sustainable development in health in Latin America through a systematic review of the available scientific evidence. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The literature search was performed on May 12, 2026, in Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, the Virtual Health Library, and LILACS, without time restrictions. Two independent reviewers selected the studies using Rayyan, resolving disagreements through consensus or consultation with a third reviewer. Methodological quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Results: A total of 321 records were identified, of which 53 duplicates were removed. Subsequently, 268 titles and abstracts were screened, 33 full-text articles were assessed, and 14 studies published between 2002 and 2026 from seven Latin American countries were included. The main components examined were environmental education, environmental awareness, risk perception, pro-environmental attitudes, and community participation, all associated with different dimensions of health and sustainability. Conclusions: The reviewed evidence suggests that environmental culture may contribute to sustainable development in health by strengthening practices related to health promotion, sanitation, waste management, vector control, food safety, and community well-being. These findings highlight its relevance in guiding integrated public health and environmental sustainability strategies in Latin America.
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