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Patwary MM, Bardhan M, Disha AS, Dzhambov AM, Parkinson C, Browning MHEM, Labib SM, Larson LR, Haque MZ, Rahman MA, Alam MA, Tareq MF, Shuvo FK. Nature exposure and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: A Navigation Guide systematic review with meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 356:124284. [PMID: 38821342 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Prior reviews have highlighted that nature exposure was a valuable coping strategy enhancing mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, no existing reviews have determined the quality of evidence and risk of bias of the empirical studies supporting this claim. To address this gap, we employed a Navigation Guide systematic review and meta-analysis approach to investigate associations between nature exposure and mental health during the pandemic. Searches in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, and PsycInfo retrieved relevant articles published between January 1, 2020, and March 4, 2024. We used the Navigation Guide methodology to assess the risk of bias and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) assessments to evaluate the overall quality of evidence. Our search retrieved 113 studies that met the inclusion criteria and reported diverse types of exposure, including nature availability, nature visit frequency, green space accessibility, and green space type, alongside associations with 12 mental health outcomes. Meta-analyses found access to gardens was associated with lower odds of depression [(Pooled odds ratio [OR] = 0.71, 95%CI = 0.61, 0.82), I2 = 0%, n = 3] and anxiety [(Pooled OR = 0.73, 95%CI = 0.63, 0.84), I2 = 0%, n = 3]. Increased time in green spaces was associated with lower level of stress [(Pooled Corr = -0.11, 95%CI = -0.17, -0.05), I2 = 0%, n = 2]. Higher frequency of visits to nature was associated with improved mental well-being [(Pooled standardized beta = 0.10, 95%CI = 0.07, 0.14), I2 = 0%, n = 2] and general mental health [(Pooled standardized beta = 0.11, 95%CI = 0.03-0.38), I2 = 82%, n = 2]. However, the number of pooled studies was small and the overall quality of evidence was "very low" for all outcomes, and high levels of bias were observed (26% of studies had high, 71% probably high). Nonetheless, given the trends in the results, nature-based solutions emphasizing exposure to gardens and green spaces near the home may have promoted psychological resilience during this public health crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Mainuddin Patwary
- Environment and Sustainability Research Initiative, Khulna, Bangladesh; Environmental Science Discipline, Life Science School, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh.
| | - Mondira Bardhan
- Environment and Sustainability Research Initiative, Khulna, Bangladesh; Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Asma Safia Disha
- Environment and Sustainability Research Initiative, Khulna, Bangladesh; Department of Environmental Science and Management, North South University, Bashundhara, Dhaka, 1229, Bangladesh
| | - Angel M Dzhambov
- Research Group "Health and Quality of Life in a Green and Sustainable Environment", Strategic Research and Innovation Program for the Development of MU - Plovdiv, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Environmental Health Division, Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Institute of Highway Engineering and Transport Planning, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | - Colby Parkinson
- Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Matthew H E M Browning
- Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - S M Labib
- Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Vening Meineszgebouw A, Princetonlaan 8a, 3584 CB, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Lincoln R Larson
- Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Md Zahidul Haque
- Environment and Sustainability Research Initiative, Khulna, Bangladesh; Environmental Science Discipline, Life Science School, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - Md Atiqur Rahman
- Environment and Sustainability Research Initiative, Khulna, Bangladesh; Environmental Science Discipline, Life Science School, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - Md Ashraful Alam
- Department of Computational Diagnostic Radiology and Preventive Medicine, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Md Faysal Tareq
- Environment and Sustainability Research Initiative, Khulna, Bangladesh; Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, Netherlands
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Wu CF, Trac LVT, Chen SH, Menakanit A, Le QT, Tu HM, Tsou CP, Huang HC, Chookoh N, Weng CC, Chou LW, Chen CC. Enhancing human resilience beyond COVID-19-related stress: public responses to multi-benefits of home gardening. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10534. [PMID: 37386291 PMCID: PMC10310725 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37426-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 virus has caused a public health crisis globally. Against the backdrop of global resilience, studies have demonstrated the therapeutic value of home gardening as a measure to strengthen human health. However, there is a lack of comparative studies on its benefits across countries. Studies need to examine the role of home gardening in improving public health in various societies to understand and encourage this practice broadly and effectively. We chose Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam as case studies, which have suffered substantial pandemic impacts, with millions of infections and thousands of deaths. We explored and compared the perceptions of people on home gardening and its health benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted online surveys in three countries between May 1 and September 30, 2022, with a total of 1172 participants. Data were collated on perceived pandemic stress, challenges and solutions in gardening, home gardening intentions, and mental and physical health benefits. In these countries, we found that perceived pandemic stress positively affects home gardening intentions, whereby the motivation of Vietnamese people is the highest. Challenges hinder gardening intentions, while the solutions only positively affect gardening intentions in Taiwan and Vietnam. Home gardening intentions positively affect mental and physical health, whereby there are higher mental health benefits in Taiwanese people than in Thai people. Our findings potentially support public health recovery and promote healthy lifestyles during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Fa Wu
- Department of Horticulture, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City, 402, Taiwan
- Innovation and Development Center of Sustainable Agriculture, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City, 402, Taiwan
| | - Luu Van Thong Trac
- Department of Horticulture, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City, 402, Taiwan.
| | - Szu-Hung Chen
- International Master Program of Agriculture, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City, 402, Taiwan.
| | - Alisara Menakanit
- Department of Horticulture, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Quoc Tuan Le
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Nong Lam University - Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, Vietnam
| | - Hung-Ming Tu
- Department of Horticulture, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City, 402, Taiwan
- Innovation and Development Center of Sustainable Agriculture, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City, 402, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Peng Tsou
- Department of Horticulture, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City, 402, Taiwan
| | - Hsi-Chih Huang
- Department of Horticulture, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City, 402, Taiwan
| | - Nittaya Chookoh
- Department of Horticulture, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Chih-Cheng Weng
- Department of Horticulture, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City, 402, Taiwan
- Miaoli Management Office, Irrigation Agency, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, Miaoli County, 360, Taiwan
| | - Li-Wei Chou
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 404332, Taiwan
- Department of Physical Therapy and Graduate Institute of Rehabilitation Science, China Medical University, 406040, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Asia University Hospital, Asia University, Taichung, 413505, Taiwan
| | - Chiu-Chuan Chen
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Chung Chou University of Science and Technology, Changhua County, 510, Taiwan
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Van Pee T, Nawrot TS, van Leeuwen R, Hogervorst J. The Gut Microbiome and Residential Surrounding Greenness: a Systematic Review of Epidemiological Evidence. Curr Environ Health Rep 2023:10.1007/s40572-023-00398-4. [PMID: 37296363 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-023-00398-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW A healthy indigenous intestinal microbiome is essential for human health. Well-established gut microbiome determinants only explain 16% of the inter-individual variation in gut microbiome composition. Recent studies have focused on green space as a potential determinant of the intestinal microbiome. We systematically summarize all evidence concerning the association between green space and intestinal bacterial diversity, evenness, and richness indices, specific bacterial taxa, and potential underlying mechanisms. RECENT FINDINGS Seven epidemiological studies were included in this review. The majority of the included studies (n = 4) reported a positive association between green space and intestinal bacterial diversity, evenness, and richness, while two reported the opposite. There was little overlap between the publications regarding the association between green space and the relative abundance of specific bacterial taxa. Only a decrease in the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, Bacteroides, and Anaerostipes and an increase in Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae were reported in multiple studies, predominantly suggesting that green space is positively associated with the intestinal microbiome composition, and subsequently with human health. Lastly, the only examined mechanism was a reduction in perceived psychosocial stress. Mechanisms indicated in blue and white represent tested or hypothesized mechanisms, respectively. The graphical abstract was created with illustrations from BioRender, Noun Project, and Pngtree.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thessa Van Pee
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leuven University, Herestraat 49-Box 706, 3000, Louvain, Belgium.
| | - Romy van Leeuwen
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Janneke Hogervorst
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
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Nigg C, Petersen E, MacIntyre T. Natural environments, psychosocial health, and health behaviors in a crisis - A scoping review of the literature in the COVID-19 context. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 88:102009. [PMID: 37065613 PMCID: PMC10082968 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2023.102009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 outbreak led to major restrictions globally, affecting people's psychosocial health and their health behaviors. Thus, the purpose of this scoping review was to summarize the available research regarding nature and health in the COVID-19 context. Keywords relating to natural environments and COVID-19 were combined to conduct a systematic online search in six major databases. Eligibility criteria were a) published since 2020 with data collected in the COVID-19 context b) peer-reviewed, c) original empirical data collected on human participants, d) investigated the association between natural environments and psychosocial health or health behaviors, and e) English, German, or Scandinavian languages. Out of 9126 articles being screened, we identified 188 relevant articles, representing 187 distinct studies. Most research focused on adults in the general population and was predominantly conducted in the USA, Europe, and China. Overall, the findings indicate that nature may mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on psychological health and physical activity. Through a systematic thematic analysis of the extracted data, three primary themes were identified: 1) type of nature assessed, 2) psychosocial health and health behaviors investigated, and 3) heterogeneity in the nature-health relationship. Research gaps in the COVID-19 context were identified regarding I) nature characteristics that promote psychosocial health and health behaviors, II) investigations of digital and virtual nature, III) psychological constructs relating to mental health promotion, IV) health-promoting behaviors other than physical activity, V) underlying mechanisms regarding heterogeneity in the nature-health relationship based on human, nature, and geographic characteristics, and VI) research focusing on vulnerable groups. Overall, natural environments demonstrate considerable potential in buffering the impact of stressful events on a population level on mental health. However, future research is warranted to fill the mentioned research gaps and to examine the long-term effects of nature exposure during COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Nigg
- Institute of Sport Science, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 145, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
- Institute of Sports and Sports Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Engler-Bunte-Ring 15, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Evi Petersen
- Department of Sports, Physical Education and Outdoor Life, University of South-Eastern Norway, 3800, Bø i, Telemark, Norway
- Department of Early Childhood Education, Oslo Metropolitan University, Pilestredet 42, 0167, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tadhg MacIntyre
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science & Engineering, Maynooth University, North Campus, W23 F2K8, Maynooth, Ireland
- Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics, Maynooth University, North Campus, W23 F2k8, Maynooth, Ireland
- TechPA Research Group, Department of Public Health and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Social and Health Sciences, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Elverum, Norway
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Bristowe A, Heckert M. How the COVID-19 pandemic changed patterns of green infrastructure use: A scoping review. URBAN FORESTRY & URBAN GREENING 2023; 81:127848. [PMID: 36711249 PMCID: PMC9859647 DOI: 10.1016/j.ufug.2023.127848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The use of green infrastructure (GI) has been established as a way to alleviate stress and the COVID-19 pandemic has placed a new emphasis on the importance of GI as both a coping mechanism and a source of recreation. This scoping review seeks to address whether the COVID-19 pandemic affected the use of GI, specifically the ways in which the pandemic altered visitation patterns and the frequency of the use of GI. This review identifies studies that explore the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and GI use and assesses whether the pandemic has altered the use of GI, including whether GI use increased, decreased, or remained the same and examines potential changes in visitation structure as well as other effects studied. This review also discusses how future planning for GI can consider the lessons learned from the pandemic. Key findings suggest that GI use increased, as did visitors' appreciation for GI and its benefits. The use of local GI to one's home also increased in importance. Decreases in visitation were typically a result of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions and fear of viral transmission within GI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Bristowe
- Department of Geography and Planning, West Chester University, West Chester, PA 19383, USA
| | - Megan Heckert
- Department of Geography and Planning, West Chester University, West Chester, PA 19383, USA
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Hall K, Evans J, Roberts R, Brown R, Barnes C, Turner K. Mothers' accounts of the impact of being in nature on postnatal wellbeing: a focus group study. BMC Womens Health 2023; 23:32. [PMID: 36690989 PMCID: PMC9869311 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02165-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The postnatal period is a vulnerable time for mothers to experience stress and mental health difficulties. There is increasing evidence that spending time in nature is beneficial for wellbeing. Nature-based interventions have been developed to support mental health, but not specifically tailored for mothers during the postnatal period. Understanding mothers' views and experiences of nature would help determine the suitability for and potential impact of such interventions on postnatal wellbeing. AIMS To explore mothers' views on the impact of spending time in nature on their postnatal mental wellbeing. METHODS Focus groups were held with mothers of young children (under five), including mothers from migrant and refugee communities, mothers living with mental health difficulties, and disabled mothers. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Four focus groups were held, with a total of 30 participants. Six themes were developed: (1) mothers' experiences of what constitutes 'nature'; (2) sensing nature improves wellbeing; (3) natural spaces facilitate human connection; (4) nature provides escape and relief from daily indoor stressors; (5) nature allows new perspectives; and (6) mothers face a variety of environmental, practical, psychological, physical, socioeconomic, and cultural barriers to spending time in nature during the postnatal period. CONCLUSIONS Mothers report significant benefits to their postnatal wellbeing when spending time in nature. Further research is warranted to understand whether nature-based interventions have the potential to support postnatal wellbeing, socially, mentally, and physically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Hall
- Centre for Academic Mental Health, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
| | - Jonathan Evans
- Centre for Academic Mental Health, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Rosa Roberts
- Avon and Wiltshire Partnership NHS Trust, Bath, UK
| | | | - Christopher Barnes
- School of Psychology, College of Health, Psychology and Social Care, University of Derby, Derby, UK
| | - Katrina Turner
- Centre for Academic Mental Health and Centre for Academic Primary Care, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Alfano R, Bijnens E, Langie SAS, Nawrot TS, Reimann B, Vanbrabant K, Wang C, Plusquin M. Epigenome-wide analysis of maternal exposure to green space during gestation and cord blood DNA methylation in the ENVIRONAGE cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 216:114828. [PMID: 36400229 PMCID: PMC9760568 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND DNA methylation programming is sensitive to prenatal life environmental influences, but the impact of maternal exposure to green space on newborns DNA methylation has not been studied yet. METHODS We conducted a meta-epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) of maternal exposure to green space during gestation with cord blood DNA methylation in two subsets of the ENVIRONAGE cohort (N = 538). Cord blood DNA methylation was measured by Illumina HumanMethylation 450K in one subset (N = 189) and EPICarray in another (N = 349). High (vegetation height>3 m (m)), low (vegetation height<3 m) and total (including both) high-resolution green space exposures during pregnancy were estimated within 100 m and 1000 m distance around maternal residence. In each subset, we sought cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) sites via linear mixed models adjusted on newborns' sex, ethnicity, gestational age, season at delivery, sampling day, maternal parity, age, smoking, education, and estimated blood cell proportions. EWASs results were meta-analysed via fixed-effects meta-analyses. Differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified via ENmix-combp and DMRcate algorithms. Sensitivity analyses were additionally adjusted on PM2.5, distance to major roads, urbanicity and neighborhood income. In the 450K subset, cord blood expression of differentially methylated genes was measured by Agilent microarrays and associated with green space. RESULTS 147 DMRs were identified, 85 of which were still significant upon adjustment for PM2.5, distance to major roads, urbanicity and neighborhood income, including HLA-DRB5, RPTOR, KCNQ1DN, A1BG-AS1, HTR2A, ZNF274, COL11A1 and PRSS36 DMRs. One CpG reached genome-wide significance, while 54 CpGs were suggestive significant (p-values<1e-05). Among them, a CpG, hypermethylated with 100 m buffer total green space, was annotated to PAQR9, whose expression decreased with 1000 m buffer low green space (p-value = 1.45e-05). CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that maternal exposure to green space during pregnancy is associated with cord blood DNA methylation, mainly at loci organized in regions, in genes playing important roles in neurological development (e.g., HTR2A).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Alfano
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
| | - Esmée Bijnens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Sabine A S Langie
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium; Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School for Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium; Department of Public Health, Leuven University (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Brigitte Reimann
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Kenneth Vanbrabant
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Congrong Wang
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Michelle Plusquin
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
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Tyack Z. The greatest challenges and solutions to improve children's health and well-being worldwide in the next decade and beyond: Using complex systems and implementation science approaches. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1128642. [PMID: 36923277 PMCID: PMC10009164 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1128642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The health and well-being of children is paramount to health and well-being of society and is the foundation of health and well-being later in life. This paper presents the perspective that a complex systems approach that embeds implementation science is needed to address the rising challenges to child health and well-being in this decade (2020-2030) and beyond. Reflection on facilitators of the success of programs deemed promising to address child health and well-being in the past decade (2010-2020) is presented, to advance programs to address children's health and well-being. A priority that needs to be addressed is developing, testing and using theories of child and family health and well-being (and related initiatives) that can be used to build on existing successes to make progress. Understanding context including further elucidating the drivers of child health and well-being at multiple levels of relevant systems (e.g., health, education, community) across the life course, and considering implications for caregivers also require greater consideration. Methods to address future challenges to child health and well-being include co-designing initiatives that support child health and well-being with children and families themselves rather than using predesigned initiatives, thoughtful outcome selection, and reporting the challenges of implementing future programs to promote learning. The approaches, priorities and methods presented can be used to design or refine interventions, models or care or community-based initiatives and provide new direction to fields of child health enquiry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zephanie Tyack
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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He Y, Jorgensen A, Sun Q, Corcoran A, Alfaro-Simmonds MJ. Negotiating Complexity: Challenges to Implementing Community-Led Nature-Based Solutions in England Pre- and Post-COVID-19. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14906. [PMID: 36429624 PMCID: PMC9691162 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192214906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Nature-based solutions (NbS), including green social prescribing (GSP), are sustainable ways to address health and wellbeing, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the strain on healthcare. NbS require national and local cross-sector coordination across complex, interrelated systems, but little is known about the specific challenges this poses for community-led NbS. We carried out a traditional literature review to establish the context and knowledge base for this study and interviewed 26 stakeholders. These came from environment, health and social care sectors at national and local levels, with local-level stakeholders from Bradford and Walsall: English cities significantly affected by the pandemic, with high levels of deprivation and health inequality. The interviews explored experiences of implementing NbS, both pre- and post-pandemic and the resulting renewed interest in the salutogenic effects of engaging with natural environments. We coded the interview transcriptions using NVivo to identify the challenges existing in the systems within which these stakeholders operate to create and manage NbS. By synthesizing what is known about the challenges from existing literature with findings from the interviews, we developed eight categories of challenges (perception and knowledge, political, financial, access to natural spaces, engagement, institutional and organisational, coordination, GSP referral and services) faced by multiple sectors in implementing community-led NbS in England. Furthermore, this study highlights the new challenges related to the pandemic. Identifying these challenges helps stakeholders in existing complex systems recognise what is needed to support and mainstream NbS in England.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichao He
- Department of Landscape Architecture, University of Sheffield, The Arts Tower, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Anna Jorgensen
- Department of Landscape Architecture, University of Sheffield, The Arts Tower, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Qian Sun
- School of Design, Royal College of Art, Kensington Gore, London SW7 2EU, UK
| | - Amy Corcoran
- School of Design, Royal College of Art, Kensington Gore, London SW7 2EU, UK
| | - Maria Jesus Alfaro-Simmonds
- Just Futures Centre for Child, Youth, Family and Community Research, School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK
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Durations of virtual exposure to built and natural landscapes impact self-reported stress recovery: evidence from three countries. LANDSCAPE AND ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING 2022. [PMCID: PMC9531188 DOI: 10.1007/s11355-022-00523-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to natural landscapes can benefit human health. However, several knowledge gaps remain regarding the impacts of duration and cultural differences on the health benefits of nature. If these gaps are filled, designers and planners can better design landscapes for stress recovery. This study examined the effects of durations of virtual exposure to the built and natural environments across three countries using an experimental design. Two-hundred and seventy people from USA, Taiwan, and Thailand were induced with an acute stressor and then randomly assigned to watch 360° videos of urban or natural landscapes for 1, 5, or 15 min. Self-reported stress recovery data were collected before and after the exposure. The results suggested that gender and duration of exposure to virtual natural landscapes impacted stress recovery. Female participants recovered from stress more when exposed to the virtual natural landscapes than urban landscapes. Among those participants who were exposed to virtual natural landscapes, 5 min of exposure resulted in greater stress recovery than shorter or longer durations of exposure. Perceived familiarity did not influence the extent of stress recovery. These findings support previous research on how nature exposure is related to stress recovery and varies by dosage, leading to better understanding toward landscape design. Future studies should explore other measures of stress, different landscape designs, participants’ immersion, and levels of control in simulated nature scenes.
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Bruzzese S, Blanc S, Merlino VM, Massaglia S, Brun F. Civil society's perception of forest ecosystem services. A case study in the Western Alps. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1000043. [PMID: 36275258 PMCID: PMC9586207 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1000043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Forest Ecosystem Services (FES) are widely recognised by the society nowadays. However, no study in the literature has analysed a ranking of FES after the pandemic. This paper investigated civil society's perception and knowledge toward these services; in addition, the presence of attitudinal or behavioural patterns regarding individual's preference, was assessed. A choice experiment was conducted using the Best-Worst Scaling (BWS) method on a sample of 479 individuals intercepted in the Argentera Valley, in the Western Italian Alps. Results, showed a strong interest in biodiversity, aesthetic landscape quality and psychophysical health and a lower interest in provisioning services. Based on the individual preferences, civil society was clustered into five groups for FES, named "Hedonistic," "Individualist with cultural and health interests," "Sensitive to regulatory and utilitarian functions," "Climate change sensitive" and "Livelihood and hedonistic wellbeing." In general, there was a growing appreciation by civil society for the intangible services offered by the forest, driven by modern lifestyles and an interest in learning more about the provided services. Based on these elements, we believe that similar research should be extended to other mountain contexts to validate the results or to find new insights, and that it is now necessary to study how to involve civil society in decision-making processes of forest planning and management at a local level.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Stefano Massaglia
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences (DISAFA), University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Alalawi S, Issa ST, Takshe AA, ElBarazi I. A review of the environmental implications of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Arab Emirates. ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2022; 8:100561. [PMID: 36699969 PMCID: PMC9164511 DOI: 10.1016/j.envc.2022.100561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
This paper reviews the environmental implications associated with the COVID-19 pandemic at the individual and community levels in the UAE. The positive effects emanating from the pandemic include improved air quality and reduced contamination of public spaces with pollutants. On the other hand, far-reaching negative effects include poor disposal of medical plastic waste and facemasks and the rise in unhygienic health practices amongst residents of UAE. The long-term ecological implications of the pandemic are still not well understood. The findings shed the light on the importance of addressing the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic through preventative policies and strategies for better environmental health and readiness for future crises. Future research could assess the long-term environmental conse-quences of the pandemic on the UAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaikha Alalawi
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, UAE
| | - Sahar T Issa
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Canadian University Dubai, Dubai, UAE
| | - Aseel A Takshe
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Canadian University Dubai, Dubai, UAE
| | - Iffat ElBarazi
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, UAE
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Barriers Affecting Women’s Access to Urban Green Spaces during the COVID-19 Pandemic. LAND 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/land11040560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, urban green spaces (UGS) have gained relevance as a resilience tool that can sustain or increase well-being and public health in cities. However, several cities in Latin America have seen a decrease in their UGS use rates during the health emergency, particularly among vulnerable groups such as women. Using Mexico City as a case study, this research examines the main barriers affecting women’s access to UGS during the COVID-19 pandemic in Latin America. We applied a sequential mixed-methods approach in which the results of a survey distributed via social media in June 2020 to women aged 18 and older were used to develop semi-structured interviews with 12 women during October 2020. One year later, in November 2021, the continuity of the themes was evaluated through focus groups with the same group of women who participated in the interviews. Our results suggest that (1) prohibiting access to some UGS during the first months of the pandemic negatively impacted UGS access for women in marginalized neighborhoods; (2) for women, the concept of UGS quality and safety are intertwined, including the security level of the surrounding streets; and (3) women who live in socially cohesive neighborhoods indicated using UGS to a greater extent. Our findings highlight that while design interventions can affect women’s willingness to use UGS by improving their perceived safety and comfort, they remain insufficient to fully achieve equity in access to UGS.
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