Built Environment Interventions for Enhancing Youth Engagement in Mental Health and Wellness Activities: A Systematic Review Protocol

BackgroundYouth mental health represents a critical public health priority, with built environment interventions increasingly recognized as potential facilitators of engagement in mental health and wellness activities. The physical spaces where young people live, learn, and socialize significantly influence their psychological wellbeing and help-seeking behaviors, yet systematic evidence synthesis on effective built environment strategies remains limited. ObjectiveTo systematically identify, evaluate, and synthesize evidence on built environment interventions that enhance youth engagement in mental health and wellness activities across various settings including educational institutions, community spaces, healthcare facilities, and digital-physical hybrid environments. MethodsThis mixed-methods systematic review follows PRISMA-P guidelines and will search PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Environment Complete, CINAHL, Scopus, and architectural databases from inception to December 2025. Two independent reviewers will screen studies using Covidence software, with no language restrictions applied. Quality assessment will employ the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) and specialized environmental intervention assessment tools. Data SynthesisThe Socio-Ecological Model will guide synthesis across individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and policy levels. Quantitative findings will undergo narrative synthesis with effect size reporting where available, while qualitative data will be analyzed through thematic synthesis. Integration will occur through a convergent approach using matrix mapping and joint displays to identify effective design principles and implementation strategies.