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Vasarri MV, Fernicola F, Arienti F, Carli A, Colciago E, Locatelli A, Trotta M, Procopio A, Zammarchi L, Ornaghi S. Indirect impact of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on incidence of maternal primary cytomegalovirus and Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnancy. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2024; 166:1218-1224. [PMID: 38619337 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Public health interventions promoted during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic to control viral spread have impacted the occurrence of other communicable disease. Yet no studies have focused on perinatal infections with the potential for neonatal sequelae, including cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Toxoplasma gondii (TG). Here we investigate whether incidence rates of maternal primary CMV and TG infection in pregnancy were affected by the implementation of pandemic-related public health measures. METHODS A retrospective study including all pregnant women with confirmed primary CMV or TG infection in pregnancy, managed between 2018 and 2021 at two university centers. The incidence rate was calculated as the number of CMV and TG infections per 100 consultations with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Data were compared between pre-pandemic (2018-2019) and pandemic (2020 and 2021) years. The Newcombe Wilson with Continuity Correction method was employed to compare incidence rates. RESULTS The study population included 215 maternal primary CMV and 192 TG infections. Rate of maternal primary CMV infection decreased in 2021 compared with 2018-2019 (4.49% vs 6.40%, attributable risk [AR] 1.92, P = 0.019). By contrast, the rate of TG infection substantially increased in 2020 (6.95% vs 4.61%, AR 2.34, P = 0.006). Close contact with cats was more common among patients with TG infection in 2020 and 2021 than among pre-pandemic TG-infected women (26.3% and 24.4% vs 13.3%, P = 0.013). CONCLUSION Pandemic-related public health interventions and associated behavioral and lifestyle changes exerted a divergent effect on the incidence of primary CMV and TG infection in pregnancy, likely due to modulation of exposure to risk factors for these infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Viola Vasarri
- Department of Obstetrics, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
- University of Milan-Bicocca School of Medicine and Surgery, Monza, Italy
| | - Federica Fernicola
- Department of Obstetrics, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
- University of Milan-Bicocca School of Medicine and Surgery, Monza, Italy
| | - Francesca Arienti
- Department of Obstetrics, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
- University of Milan-Bicocca School of Medicine and Surgery, Monza, Italy
| | - Anna Carli
- Department of Obstetrics, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | | | - Anna Locatelli
- Department of Obstetrics, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
- University of Milan-Bicocca School of Medicine and Surgery, Monza, Italy
| | - Michele Trotta
- Tuscany Referral Centre for Infectious Diseases in Pregnancy, Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Angelica Procopio
- School of Human Health Sciences, Degree Course in Medicine and Surgery, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Zammarchi
- Tuscany Referral Centre for Infectious Diseases in Pregnancy, Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Sara Ornaghi
- Department of Obstetrics, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
- University of Milan-Bicocca School of Medicine and Surgery, Monza, Italy
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Mead BR, Duncombe T, Gillespie R, Pugh N, Hardman CA. Does urban agriculture contribute to food security, and how might this be achieved? Proc Nutr Soc 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38576128 DOI: 10.1017/s0029665124002209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Food system challenges exacerbate inequalities in access to fresh healthy food and threaten food security. Lack of food security, referred to as food insecurity, is associated with poorer physical and mental health outcomes and has been identified as a key challenge to address by calls for food system transformation. Increasing food production through urban agriculture, the production of fruit and vegetables in urban areas, has been identified as a potentially effective contributor to food system transformation, but the effect of this on household or UK-level food security is unclear. This paper reviews international evidence of urban agriculture's impact on food security. DESIGN Narrative review. SETTING This paper reviews international evidence of urban agriculture's impact on food security. PARTICIPANTS Previously published international research. RESULTS Whilst findings are mixed, available evidence suggests that urban agriculture makes a modest, yet positive, contribution to food security by facilitating the availability of and access to fresh fruit and vegetables to food insecure households. CONCLUSIONS Capitalising on the potential for urban agriculture to benefit food security requires government investment and support at both the national and local levels; therefore, increasing access to land for food growing, reducing costs of related resources and collaboration with existing community groups to enhance sharing of skills and expertise are identified as avenues for exploration that may help to achieve this. This review also highlights opportunities for future research in this field that may strengthen the quality of the evidence supporting urban agriculture's impact on food security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethan R Mead
- Department of Psychology, Bedford Street South, University of Liverpool, LiverpoolL69 7ZA, UK
| | - Tracey Duncombe
- Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading, Whiteknights, ReadingRG6 6DZ, UK
| | - Rebecca Gillespie
- Food Standards Agency, Floors 6 and 7 Clive House, 70 Petty France, LondonSW1H 9EX, UK
| | - Nina Pugh
- UK Research and Innovation, Polaris House, SwindonSN2 1FL, UK
| | - Charlotte A Hardman
- Department of Psychology, Bedford Street South, University of Liverpool, LiverpoolL69 7ZA, UK
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Smutná Z, Vávra J, Duží B. An insight into market and non-market alternative food networks in Czechia during Covid-19 and beyond. Front Nutr 2024; 11:1327308. [PMID: 38379542 PMCID: PMC10876859 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1327308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The Covid-19 pandemic affected food systems in many countries and emphasized a lot of already existing social, economic and environmental agri-food problems. Alternative food networks (AFNs), praised for their ability to improve the food systems, were under stress, however, at the same time, the changed conditions may have opened new possibilities. In this paper we address the importance of AFNs during the pandemic and investigate how households have changed their participation in AFNs. Our research is novel by simultaneously focusing on both market and non-market AFNs which are often studied separately. Methods A representative questionnaire study of Czech households was carried out in Autumn 2021 to provide a case study of food and consumption behavior of the European country after several waves of Covid-19. Results and discussion Based on the responses of 515 participants, the results show that 68% of Czech households participate in some form of AFNs, be it shopping or food self-provisioning, i.e., non-market food procurement in the form of gardening. Focusing on the market AFNs, farmers' markets and farm gate sales are the most popular. Covid-19 and 2021 emerging economic pressures led to a decrease of consumption of organic food (22% of respondents) as well as fresh fruit and vegetables in general (10% of respondents) and a noticeable occurrence of food insecurity (18% of households). Based on these findings, the paper discusses the ability of AFNs to support food and nutritional resilience. Problems which may endanger market-oriented AFNs are discussed as well. Conclusion By addressing both market and non-market AFNs, the paper brings new knowledge into the food environment and agri-food policies research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zdeňka Smutná
- Department of Geography, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, Ústí nad Labem, Czechia
| | - Jan Vávra
- Department of Local and Regional Studies, Institute of Sociology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Barbora Duží
- Department of Environmental Geography, Institute of Geonics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czechia
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Yang Y, Kim H, Kang M, Baik H, Choi Y, Jang EJ, Chang EJ, Yun S, Park M, Park E, Yun H, Lee TJ, Kwon YH, Hong KP, Lee AR, Jung S, Ahn TH, Jin HY, Choi KH. The effectiveness of nature-based therapy for community psychological distress and well-being during COVID-19: a multi-site trial. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22370. [PMID: 38102169 PMCID: PMC10724283 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49702-0] [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: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the world population faced various mental health challenges, highlighting a need for new community-based psychosocial interventions. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and feasibility of Nature-Based Therapy (NBT) for the community experiencing psychological distress during the pandemic. A multi-site trial comparing NBT and control groups was conducted in Korea with 291 participants exhibiting mild to severe depression or anxiety. A total of 192 participated in 30 sessions of therapeutic gardening, while 99 remained in the control group. Psychological distress and well-being were assessed using seven measures of depression, anxiety, daily activity, life satisfaction, mindfulness, stress, and loneliness. The effect sizes (Cohen's d) of NBT compared to the control group were medium to large: depression (0.583), anxiety (0.728), daily activity (1.002), life satisfaction (0.786), mindfulness (0.645), stress (0.903), and loneliness (0.695). Multilevel analysis revealed significant Time × Group interaction effects for all measures. Pearson correlation (r = - 0.28 to 0.71) showed that changes in all variables correlated significantly with each other, with small to large effect sizes. Therapeutic alliance at post-test positively moderated the intervention effects on the outcomes. We concluded that NBT is a promising psychosocial intervention for treating psychological distress for community dwellers.
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Grants
- KNA1-3-2, 21-5 Korea National Arboretum
- KNA1-3-2, 21-5 Korea National Arboretum
- KNA1-3-2, 21-5 Korea National Arboretum
- KNA1-3-2, 21-5 Korea National Arboretum
- KNA1-3-2, 21-5 Korea National Arboretum
- KNA1-3-2, 21-5 Korea National Arboretum
- KNA1-3-2, 21-5 Korea National Arboretum
- KNA1-3-2, 21-5 Korea National Arboretum
- KNA1-3-2, 21-5 Korea National Arboretum
- KNA1-3-2, 21-5 Korea National Arboretum
- KNA1-3-2, 21-5 Korea National Arboretum
- KNA1-3-2, 21-5 Korea National Arboretum
- KNA1-3-2, 21-5 Korea National Arboretum
- KNA1-3-2, 21-5 Korea National Arboretum
- KNA1-3-2, 21-5 Korea National Arboretum
- KNA1-3-2, 21-5 Korea National Arboretum
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeji Yang
- School of Psychology, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Korea
- KU Mind Health Institute, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Korea
| | - Hyunjin Kim
- School of Psychology, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Korea
- KU Mind Health Institute, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Korea
| | - Minjung Kang
- School of Psychology, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Korea
- KU Mind Health Institute, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Korea
| | - Hyunjin Baik
- Korea Research and Institute for People and Environment, 246, Munjeong-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05737, Korea
| | - Yunseok Choi
- GRAMDESIGN, 225, Jangmal-ro, Bucheon, 14609, Korea
| | - Eu-Jean Jang
- Institute of Science and Natural Resources, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Korea
| | - Eun-Jin Chang
- Department of Counseling Psychology, Korea Baptist Theological University, 190, Bugyuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34098, Korea
| | - Sukyoung Yun
- Department of Smart Green Care, Daegu Catholic University, 13-13, Hayang-ro, Hayang-eup, Gyeongsan, 38430, Korea
| | - Miok Park
- Department of Smart Green City Industry Convergence, Korea Nazarene University, 48, Wolbong-ro, Seobuk-gu, Cheonan, 31172, Korea
| | - Eunyeong Park
- Department of Environmental Landscape Architecture, Joongbu University, 201 Daehak-ro, Chubu-myeon, Geumsan-gun, 32713, Korea
| | - Hojun Yun
- Landscape Yeoleum, 65 Poeun-ro 2ga-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, 04026, Korea
| | - Taek-Joo Lee
- Hantaek Botanical Garden, 2, Hantaek-ro, Baegam-myeon, Cheoin-gu, Yongin, 17183, Korea
| | - Yeong-Han Kwon
- Department of Horticultural Design, Shingu College, 377 Gwangmyeong-ro, Seongnam, 13174, Korea
| | - Kwang-Pyo Hong
- Korea Institute of Garden Design, 45, World Cup buk-ro 9-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, 03998, Korea
| | - Ai-Ran Lee
- Landscape Urban Planning, Department of Human Environment Design, Cheongju University, 298, Daeseong-ro, Cheongwon-gu, Cheongju, 28503, Korea
| | - Songhie Jung
- Gardens and Education Research Division, Korea National Arboretum, 415, Gwangneungsumogwon-ro, Soheul-eup, Pocheon, 11186, Korea
| | - Tai-Hyeon Ahn
- Gardens and Education Research Division, Korea National Arboretum, 415, Gwangneungsumogwon-ro, Soheul-eup, Pocheon, 11186, Korea
| | - Hye-Young Jin
- Gardens and Education Research Division, Korea National Arboretum, 415, Gwangneungsumogwon-ro, Soheul-eup, Pocheon, 11186, Korea
| | - Kee-Hong Choi
- School of Psychology, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Korea.
- KU Mind Health Institute, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Korea.
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Rose P, Riley L. Five ways to wellbeing at the zoo: improving human health and connection to nature. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1258667. [PMID: 37809291 PMCID: PMC10551184 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1258667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Good mental and physical health go hand-in-hand when identifying factors that lead people to experience a better overall quality of life. A growing disconnect to the natural world is worsening the mental health of individuals in many societies. Numerous scientific publications have evidenced that being in nature and access to green and blue spaces positively impact upon humans' physical and mental health. For many people, particularly those living in more urbanized areas, managed natural spaces and borrowed landscapes, such as those found in public parks, wildlife reserves and zoological gardens give the only opportunities for wider engagement with nature. Many zoos are designated green spaces and therefore human visitors can engage with native fauna and flora as well as exotic wild animals. This article reviews the UK Government's "The Five Ways to Wellbeing" concept, applied to zoos and aquariums and thus suggests how zoos and aquariums can use this framework to promote positive nature-connectivity experiences for their visitors and promote good wellbeing. The Five Ways to Wellbeing are Connect, Be active, Take notice, Keep learning, and Give. We illustrate how zoos and aquariums could model their approaches to educational and engagement roles, as well as design initiatives to reach out to local communities via the Five Ways to Wellbeing concept. We show that many of the positive programs and works conducted by zoos and aquariums lend themselves to further engagement with the Five Ways to Wellbeing structure. By taking such a structured approach in the design, implementation and evaluation of their activities, zoos can expand their abilities in connecting humans with nature and further add value to their living collections of animals and plants. By including Wellbeing as a defined aim of the modern zoo, it will be clear to all of those involved in their work, visitors, workers, stakeholders, that zoos are working to promote, protect and preserve positive wellbeing outputs for humans and animals alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Rose
- Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour, Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
- WWT, Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Slimbridge, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa Riley
- Centre for Animal Welfare, University of Winchester, Winchester, United Kingdom
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Coffin-Schmitt JL, Clements N, Marshall G, Liu L, Trombitas A, Wang Z, Yuan S, Safi AG, Hanson KL, Fiorella KJ. Wild and backyard food use during COVID-19 in upstate New York, United States. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1222610. [PMID: 37731401 PMCID: PMC10507697 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1222610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction COVID-19 acutely shocked both socio-economic and food systems in 2020. We investigated the impact of COVID-19 on production and consumption of gardened produce, backyard poultry, wild game and fish, and foraged mushrooms, berries, and other plants in New York State, aiming to understand crisis influenced food choice and motivations, including food security. Methods We conducted an online, cross-sectional survey in October-December 2020 with a convenience sample of participants (n = 505) with an interest in gardening, poultry rearing, foraging, hunting, and/or fishing from six counties in upstate New York. We recruited through the New York Department of Environmental Conservation, Cornell Cooperative Extension, and other relevant email and social media pages. Results Across the wild and backyard food production strategies, 4.0-14.3% of respondents reported engaging for the first time and 39.6-45.7% reported increased production (a little or a lot more), and 31.6-42.7% of respondents' production was the same as the previous year. Consumption of foods produced was widespread, including fruit and vegetables (97.6% of producers also consumed), backyard eggs (92.7%), and foraged foods (93.8%). For meats, a majority consumed backyard poultry meat (51.2%), wild-caught fish (69.7%), and wild game they hunted (80.1%). The frequency of consumption of fruit and vegetables (average of 13.5 times/month) and eggs (16.4 times/month) was very high, while average consumption of poultry meat, foraged foods, fish, and wild game ranged from 3.1 to 5.8 times/month. The number of respondents who reported "have more control over food availability" as motivation to produce all wild and backyard foods increased from 2019 to 2020 (p < 0.05 - p < 0.001). There was also a significant relationship between experiences of COVID-19 related hardship (i.e., food insecurity, income loss) with gardening and poultry-rearing (p ≤ 0.05), but not with other production methods or with consumption of wild and backyard foods. Discussion Our findings help to locate wild and backyard foods within COVID-19 impacted food environments, and describe food security as a particularly relevant motivation, among others, reported by respondents in 2020. Given this, New York State service providers can use these findings to tailor current future support for households exerting control over their own food environments with wild and backyard foods, allowing the state to be better prepared for future crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne L. Coffin-Schmitt
- Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Nia Clements
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Grace Marshall
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Lu Liu
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Aly Trombitas
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Zi Wang
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Shuai Yuan
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Amelia Greiner Safi
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Karla L. Hanson
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Kathryn J. Fiorella
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
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Fornara F, Rinallo E, Scopelliti M. Contact with Nature in Social Deprivation during COVID-19: The Positive Impact on Anxiety. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6361. [PMID: 37510593 PMCID: PMC10379001 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20146361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
The 2019 outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) had a devastating impact on millions of people worldwide. Following the constantly changing course of the pandemic, the Italian government massively restricted public and private life to prevent the further spread of the virus. Unfortunately, lockdown policies negatively impacted many people's mental and physical health. Numerous studies recognized an essential role of urban green areas in promoting human well-being. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of personal dispositions towards nature, measured using the connectedness to nature scale (CNS) and actual contact with green spaces (CwN) on human well-being (i.e., anxiety) and medicine intake during COVID-19 lockdowns. A total of 637 Italian residents answered a survey aimed at gathering information about the above variables. A series of path analyses were performed. The results showed that the CNS was positively associated with the CwN, and the latter, in turn, was negatively associated with anxiety. Finally, anxiety was positively related to medicine intake. In sum, these results identify the positive role of person-nature relationships for individual well-being during COVID-19 restrictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferdinando Fornara
- Department of Education, Psychology, Philosophy, University of Cagliari, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elena Rinallo
- Department of Human Studies, Libera Università Maria Ss. Assunta (LUMSA University), 00193 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Scopelliti
- Department of Human Studies, Libera Università Maria Ss. Assunta (LUMSA University), 00193 Rome, Italy
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Schanbacher WD, Cavendish JC. The effects of COVID-19 on Central Florida's community gardens: lessons for promoting food security and overall community wellbeing. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1147967. [PMID: 37483929 PMCID: PMC10359818 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1147967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
For quite some time, food systems scholars, public health workers, and food justice activists have recognized structural problems in the global food system that can cause food insecurity and inequitable access to nutritious foods. The COVID-19 pandemic and the accompanying disruption in food supply chains (FSCs) exposed these problems and raised questions about how community gardening and urban agriculture might offer some solutions. In this article, we examine the effects of the pandemic on the operations of community gardens in Central Florida and the attempts of these gardens to address the disruption in food supplies in their local communities. We do so by using data drawn from two research strategies employed by the members of University of South Florida's Urban Food Sovereignty Group: (1) a survey conducted in 2021 of 45 leaders of community gardens throughout the Central Florida region; and (2) participation in the meetings and activities of a coalition of community gardens based in Tampa, Florida, from 2019 to 2022. Results reveal that although most community gardens in Central Florida were forced to change their routines in various ways (e.g., limiting the number of workers or volunteers who could work at the garden at the same time, or delivering workshops and education programs online instead of in-person), some gardens were able to maintain their regular operations and even reported increases in their membership or participation during the pandemic. Many community garden leaders also recognized the positive effect that community gardening seemed to have on their gardeners' mental health, noting that their gardens became places of refuge for gardeners who sought safe, outdoor spaces, to relieve stress and interact with their neighbors. These same leaders also observed the effect of the pandemic on residents' access to quality food, and intensified their efforts to provide more fresh food to pantries and traditional emergency food outlets. Survey respondents also shared important lessons they learned from the pandemic by suggesting that community gardens establish clear emergency protocols, use existing resources more efficiently, continue their educational programs, and strengthen their communications and cooperation with other gardens and actors in local food supply chains in order to ensure food security. We conclude by suggesting that one of the best ways that local communities can avert future food crises and strengthen their resilience is to root themselves more firmly in the principles of food sovereignty so they can sustain themselves when commercial FSCs are disrupted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James C. Cavendish
- Department of Sociology and Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
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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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10
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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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11
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van Eeden LM, Francis L, Squires ZE, Hames F, Bekessy SA, Smith L, Hatty M. Demographic and spatial variables associated with spending time in nature during COVID-19 lockdowns. URBAN FORESTRY & URBAN GREENING 2023; 82:127895. [PMID: 36919044 PMCID: PMC9985542 DOI: 10.1016/j.ufug.2023.127895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
To stop the spread of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus (COVID-19) governments around the world implemented lockdowns restricting public travel. In the Australian state of Victoria, this included limiting permitted reasons for leaving home and restricting movements to within a 5 km radius of one's home. In 2020, we conducted a state-wide survey (N = 1024) of Victorians that coincided with a lockdown. We asked respondents where they had spent time in nature and how they perceived lockdowns affected the amount of time they spent in nature. We then considered demographic and spatial predictors of spending more or less time in nature. Women, younger people, and those living in areas with higher socio-economic status were likely to report spending more time in nature. Closer proximity of residents to parks and waterways and higher proportional area of native vegetation within a 1-km radius were also associated with more time in nature. Understanding how different groups were affected by restrictions on access to nature can help improve government management of crises like pandemics, including through urban planning for green space, supporting improved individual and societal resilience. We discuss the implications of our findings for improving access to nature during lockdowns as well as opportunities for a post-pandemic relationship with nature, particularly in urban settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily M van Eeden
- Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, 123 Brown Street, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia
- ICON Science Research Group, School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University, Melbourne 3000, Victoria, Australia
- BehaviourWorks Australia, Monash Sustainable Development Institute, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lachlan Francis
- Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, 123 Brown Street, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia
| | - Zoe E Squires
- Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, 123 Brown Street, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fern Hames
- Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, 123 Brown Street, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah A Bekessy
- ICON Science Research Group, School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University, Melbourne 3000, Victoria, Australia
| | - Liam Smith
- BehaviourWorks Australia, Monash Sustainable Development Institute, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Victoria, Australia
| | - Melissa Hatty
- BehaviourWorks Australia, Monash Sustainable Development Institute, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Victoria, Australia
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12
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Lin BB, Chang CC, Andersson E, Astell-Burt T, Gardner J, Feng X. Visiting Urban Green Space and Orientation to Nature Is Associated with Better Wellbeing during COVID-19. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3559. [PMID: 36834254 PMCID: PMC9959264 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has severely challenged mental health and wellbeing. However, research has consistently reinforced the value of spending time in green space for better health and wellbeing outcomes. Factors such as an individual's nature orientation, used to describe one's affinity to nature, may influence an individual's green space visitation behaviour, and thus influence the wellbeing benefits gained. An online survey in Brisbane and Sydney, Australia (n = 2084), deployed during the COVID-19 pandemic (April 2021), explores if nature experiences and nature orientation are positively associated with personal wellbeing and if increased amounts of nature experiences are associated with improvement in wellbeing in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. We found that both yard and public green space visitation, as well as nature orientation scores, were correlated with high personal wellbeing scores, and individuals who spent more time in green space compared to the previous year also experienced a positive change in their health and wellbeing. Consistently, people with stronger nature orientations are also more likely to experience positive change. We also found that age was positively correlated to a perceived improvement in wellbeing over the year, and income was negatively correlated with a decreased change in wellbeing over the year, supporting other COVID-19 research that has shown that the effects of COVID-19 lifestyle changes were structurally unequal, with financially more established individuals experiencing better wellbeing. Such results highlight that spending time in nature and having high nature orientation are important for gaining those important health and wellbeing benefits and may provide a buffer for wellbeing during stressful periods of life that go beyond sociodemographic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda B. Lin
- CSIRO Land & Water, GPO Box 2583, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia
| | - Chia-chen Chang
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California, Davis, CA 94720, USA
| | - Erik Andersson
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, 114 19 Stockholm, Sweden
- Ecosystems and Environment Research Program, University of Helsinki, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
- Research Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa
| | - Thomas Astell-Burt
- School of Health and Society, Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
- Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab), Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
| | - John Gardner
- CSIRO Land & Water, GPO Box 2583, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia
| | - Xiaoqi Feng
- Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab), Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, NSW 2042, Australia
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13
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Iida A, Yamazaki T, Hino K, Yokohari M. Urban agriculture in walkable neighborhoods bore fruit for health and food system resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. NPJ URBAN SUSTAINABILITY 2023; 3:4. [PMID: 37521202 PMCID: PMC9890428 DOI: 10.1038/s42949-023-00083-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Urban agriculture is the key to creating healthy cities and developing resilient urban food systems in uncertain times. However, relevant empirical evidence is limited. This study quantitatively verified the association of access to local food through urban agriculture with subjective well-being, physical activity, and food security concerns of neighborhood communities in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The target was Tokyo, Japan, where small-scale local food systems are widespread in walkable neighborhoods. We found that diversity in local food access, ranging from self-cultivation to direct-to-consumer sales, was significantly associated with health and food security variables. In particular, the use of allotment farms was more strongly associated with subjective well-being than the use of urban parks, and it was more strongly associated with the mitigation of food security concerns than the use of food retailers. These findings provide robust evidence for the effectiveness of integrating urban agriculture into walkable neighborhoods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiko Iida
- Department of Urban Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 1138656 Japan
| | - Takahiro Yamazaki
- Department of Urban Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 1138656 Japan
- Department of Environmental Design, Kobe Design University, Hyogo, 6512196 Japan
| | - Kimihiro Hino
- Department of Urban Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 1138656 Japan
| | - Makoto Yokohari
- Department of Urban Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 1138656 Japan
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14
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Gordon-Rawlings T, Russo A. Exploring the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on people's relationships with gardens. EMOTION, SPACE AND SOCIETY 2023; 46:100936. [PMID: 36573221 PMCID: PMC9771757 DOI: 10.1016/j.emospa.2022.100936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Gardens are places where science and art combine to create environments that often offer restorative and therapeutic experience to those who encounter them. During the Covid-19 pandemic, in the UK and elsewhere there has been a surge of interest in gardening. Public appreciation of gardens and other green spaces has grown and inequality of access to gardens and outdoor spaces has been extensively documented. Gardens are prevalent and of cultural significance in the UK, where their salutary properties have been documented for centuries. Yet people's relationships with gardens during the pandemic have been relatively underexplored in academia and were already under-researched prior to the pandemic's inception. This qualitative study investigates the relationships between people and gardens during the Covid-19 pandemic. Specifically, through thematic analysis based on in-depth interviews with 12 participants, it explores the effects that the pandemic had on people's relationships with gardens during an approximately 9-month period after the first national lockdown began in the UK. It places emphasis on health and wellbeing and garden design, using the concepts of agency and affordances as lenses through which to explore people's relationships with gardens. The results of this paper support others which have found people to be more supportive of nature-friendly garden design and to feel more connected with nature since the pandemic began.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thea Gordon-Rawlings
- School of Arts, University of Gloucestershire, Cheltenham, GL50 4AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Alessio Russo
- School of Arts, University of Gloucestershire, Cheltenham, GL50 4AZ, United Kingdom
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15
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Cahn PR, Duvall J. Nature Contact Linked to Higher Levels of Positive Well-Being in Young Adults During the Pandemic. ECOPSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1089/eco.2022.0059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peyton R. Cahn
- Program in the Environment, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts and the School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jason Duvall
- Program in the Environment, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts and the School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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16
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Cattivelli V. Social innovation and food provisioning initiatives to reduce food insecurity during the Covid-19 pandemic. CITIES (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 131:104034. [PMID: 36267360 PMCID: PMC9561455 DOI: 10.1016/j.cities.2022.104034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This paper examines food provisioning initiatives that were implemented to reduce food insecurity during the period of the spread of Covid-19. Food insecurity increased sharply during this time, particularly among those who contracted the virus and had to remain in quarantine, and those who suddenly lost their jobs. As a possible solution to alleviate the problem, voluntary organisations collected food from stores with surplus produce (such as restaurants that were forced to close, supermarkets, etc.) and redistributed it to people in need. This redistribution occurred in several Italian cities, including Cremona, which was one of the first towns in Italy to be dramatically affected by the pandemic. Looking through the lens of social innovation theory, this paper analyses redistribution initiatives in this town and assesses their capacity to enhance their impact on social wellbeing and to involve local society in response to social challenges. Thanks to desk research and interviews with several volunteers, it demonstrates that these initiatives are good examples of social innovation, as they address emerging social challenges and generate benefits for the entire society (not just food aid recipients), reconfigure previous aid models, actively involve local population, and assume educational and social assistance purposes.
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17
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Wu CF, Chou LW, Huang HC, Tu HM. Perceived COVID-19-related stress drives home gardening intentions and improves human health in Taiwan. URBAN FORESTRY & URBAN GREENING 2022; 78:127770. [PMID: 36311210 PMCID: PMC9597545 DOI: 10.1016/j.ufug.2022.127770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has added a layer of mental health problems and perceived stress. Home gardening is considered a good method to reduce perceived stress. The current research evidence is insufficient to understand the relationship and influencing factors between the intentions, behaviors, and benefits of home gardening during short-term COVID-19 events. Although the duration from the onset to stabilization of the outbreak lasted for only 1.5 months from May to June 2021 throughout Taiwan, the significant pandemic changes might have affected the perceived stress along with the intentions, behaviors, and benefits of home gardening. This study explored the relationship between pandemic stress and home gardening through online snowball sampling because of the strict social distancing regulations. A total of 1455 non-follow-up and internet questionnaires throughout Taiwan were collected during the wave onset, peak, easing, and stabilization stages. The questionnaire included questions on personal information, perceived pandemic stress, gardening intentions, gardening behaviors, and gardening benefits. This study showed that perceived stress increased from the pandemic onset to its peak, and decreased from the peak to stabilization stages. Home gardening intentions and behaviors also revealed similar trends. Higher pandemic-perceived stress directly increased home-gardening intentions and indirectly promoted home-gardening behaviors and benefits. Our findings indicated that home gardening is a positive element in reducing perceived stress. Lower gardening intentions and behaviors were observed when the high perceived stress was removed. This study suggests that home gardening was a valuable strategy for staying close to nature and obtaining multiple benefits during the peak pandemic period. Providing small-scale gardening activities and spaces is appropriate for obtaining gardening benefits and avoiding space abandonment after the pandemic. Providing seeds, seedlings, tools, knowledge, online home gardening programs, and small residential and food gardens is a valuable strategy for obtaining multiple benefits during the peak of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Fa Wu
- Department of Horticulture, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City, Taiwan
- Innovation and Development Center of Sustainable Agriculture from the Featured Areas Research Center Program within the framework of the Higher Education Sprout Project by the Ministry of Education in Taiwan, Taiwan
| | - Li-Wei Chou
- 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, 413505 Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, China Medical University Hospital, 404332 Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hsi-Chih Huang
- Department of Horticulture, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Ming Tu
- Department of Horticulture, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City, Taiwan
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18
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Striving with Global Stress on a Local Level: Has the COVID-19 Pandemic Changed the Relationship between People and Nature? SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14159496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic had harsh consequences on human health and society across the globe. In addition to health effects, the pandemic also influenced people’s values, concerns, and ethics due to lockdowns and general limitations in societal activities. In this study, we examined changes in the relationship between people and nature caused by COVID-associated stress, as well as its consequences on life quality, by comparing questionnaire-based survey data before and during the pandemic. We found that the pandemic had positive effects on individual respondents’ relationships with nature. Respondents who were more affected by the pandemic rated their life quality lower than those who were less affected. In accordance, the pandemic had a negative effect on people’s life quality, especially for people living in areas where the environment (coastal water quality) was in poor condition. Our results support the prediction that environmental quality may buffer against global stress and improve societal wellbeing.
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19
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Iqbal SA, Abubakar IR. Hospital Outdoor Spaces as Respite Areas for Healthcare Staff During the COVID-19 Pandemic. HERD-HEALTH ENVIRONMENTS RESEARCH & DESIGN JOURNAL 2022; 15:343-353. [PMID: 35831995 DOI: 10.1177/19375867221111530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has created considerable implications for healthcare staff around the globe. During the pandemic, the frontline healthcare workers experience intense anxiety, stress, burnout, and psychological breakdown, with severe implications on their mental and physical well-being. In addition to these implications, anxiety and stress can hinder their productivity and ability to perform their duties efficiently. The literature indicates that hospital gardens and contact with nature can help alleviate psychological distress among hospital staff. However, few studies investigated the role of outdoor spaces as areas for respite and work breaks in healthcare facilities during the pandemic. The present opinion paper highlights the challenges of job stress and psychological distress health workers face during the pandemic. This article also underscores the role of hospital outdoor spaces and garden facilities in coping with the challenges. While other measures to reduce stress among hospital staff and ensure their health and safety are important, hospital administrators and relevant government agencies should also emphasize the provision of gardens and open spaces in healthcare facilities. These spaces can act as potential areas for respite for hospital staff to help them cope with the stress and anxiety accumulated through working under crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saad Arslan Iqbal
- Department of Educational Policy Studies, Faculty of Education, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Ismaila Rimi Abubakar
- College of Architecture and Planning, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (Formerly, University of Dammam), Dammam, Saudi Arabia
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20
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Joshi N, Wende W. Physically apart but socially connected: Lessons in social resilience from community gardening during the COVID-19 pandemic. LANDSCAPE AND URBAN PLANNING 2022; 223:104418. [PMID: 36540856 PMCID: PMC9754715 DOI: 10.1016/j.landurbplan.2022.104418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Urban green spaces, like community gardens, received increased attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing from an ethnographic study on participating in community garden activities in Edmonton, Canada and inputs from 194 gardeners and 21 garden coordinators, this paper captures the experiences of creating community during a pandemic. Garden coordinators had to rethink and rework their operating styles in keeping participants physically apart but socially connected. Participants confirmed that garden activities provided respite from the pandemic restrictions. Findings also indicate that some participants missed group activities like work bees and potlucks while others were able to re-create community in digital spaces and in chanced and informal interactions. This study draws from and subsequently contributes to the existing literature on social resilience provided by community gardens during and after a crisis event. It also provides policy recommendations on how the city administration can help facilitate garden activities during times of disruptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neelakshi Joshi
- Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development, Weberplatz 1, 01217 Dresden, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wende
- Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development, Weberplatz 1, 01217 Dresden, Germany
- Faculty of Architecture, Technische Universität Dresden, Zellescher Weg 17, 01062 Dresden, Germany
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21
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Kingsley J, Diekmann L, Egerer MH, Lin BB, Ossola A, Marsh P. Experiences of gardening during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Health Place 2022; 76:102854. [PMID: 35842955 PMCID: PMC9242931 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2022.102854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Gardening has the potential to improve health and wellbeing, especially during crises. Using an international survey of gardeners (n = 3743), this study aimed to understand everyday gardening experiences, perspectives and attitudes during early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Our qualitative reflexive thematic and sentiment analyses show that during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic, gardening seemed to create a safe and positive space where people could socially connect, learn and be creative. Participants had more time to garden during the pandemic, which led to enhanced connections with family members and neighbours, and the ability to spend time in a safe outdoor environment. More time gardening allowed for innovative and new gardening practices that provided enjoyment for many participants. However, our research also highlighted barriers to gardening (e.g. lack of access to garden spaces and materials). Our results illustrate the multiple benefits of gardening apparent during COVID-19 through a lens of the social-ecological model of health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Kingsley
- School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, 12 Wakefield Street (Swinburne Place West), Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122, Australia; Centre of Urban Transitions, Swinburne University of Technology, Level 1 EW Building, Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122, Australia.
| | - Lucy Diekmann
- University of California Cooperative Extension, 1553 Berger Dr., San Jose, CA, 95112, USA.
| | - Monika H Egerer
- Department of Life Science Systems, School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Hans Carl-von-Carlowitz-Platz 2, 85354, Freising, Germany.
| | - Brenda B Lin
- CSIRO Land & Water, GPO Box 2583, Brisbane, QLD, 4001, Australia.
| | - Alessandro Ossola
- University of California, Davis, CA, USA; Macquarie University Sydney and University of Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Pauline Marsh
- Centre for Rural Health, University of Tasmania, 1 Liverpool St, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia.
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22
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Falkowski TB, Jorgensen B, Rakow DA, Das A, Diemont SAW, Selfa T, Arrington AB. “Connecting With Good People and Good Plants”: Community Gardener Experiences in New York State During the COVID-19 Pandemic. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2022.854374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Community gardens are collective projects in which participants collaborate to maintain a garden. They provide many biophysical and cultural ecosystem services, contributing to individual and community resilience and wellbeing. These benefits may be even more appreciated during a crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. However, since community gardens require efforts from multiple gardeners in shared spaces, the pandemic also exposed some of their vulnerabilities. This study focuses on the benefits community gardens have offered during the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenges the pandemic posed to sustaining community garden activity, and recommendations to address these issues moving forward. We conducted our study in four cities in New York representing a gradient of socioeconomic and biophysical characteristics: Binghamton, Buffalo, Ithaca, and New York City. We collected data from surveys and semi-structured interviews with community gardeners and analyzed them using mixed models and thematic coding. The primary benefits gardeners derived from their community garden experiences were: a sense of connection with other gardeners, their communities, and nature; mental and physical wellbeing; and a safe space of refuge. In addition to material shortages (e.g., seeds), the biggest challenge gardeners faced due to the pandemic was the limited degree of socializing in the gardens resulting from personal behavioral changes and rules imposed by gardens. Despite the challenges, gardeners reported enjoying the 2020 garden season. The pandemic also created opportunities for gardens to serve their communities, such as organizing programs for composting, food donation and distribution, and home gardening. Our findings suggest that community gardens can be resilient sites of reprieve during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, providing essential benefits for gardeners and local residents. To sustain community garden resilience, we recommend community gardens and gardeners cultivate connections and diversity, within and between the biological and human communities of their gardens.
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23
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Frantzeskaki N, Oke C, Barnett G, Bekessy S, Bush J, Fitzsimons J, Ignatieva M, Kendal D, Kingsley J, Mumaw L, Ossola A. A transformative mission for prioritising nature in Australian cities. AMBIO 2022; 51:1433-1445. [PMID: 35352304 PMCID: PMC8963402 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-022-01725-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Australia is experiencing mounting pressures related to processes of urbanisation, biodiversity loss and climate change felt at large in cities. At the same time, it is cities that can take the leading role in pioneering approaches and solutions to respond to those coupling emergencies. In this perspective piece we respond to the following question: What are the required transformations for prioritising, valuing, maintaining and embracing nature in cities in Australia? We adopt the mission framework as an organising framework to present proposed pathways to transform Australian cities as nature-positive places of the future. We propose three interconnected pathways as starting actions to steer urban planning, policy and governance in Australian cities: First, cities need to establish evidence-based planning for nature in cities and mainstream new planning tools that safeguard and foreground urban nature. Second, collaborative planning needs to become a standard practice in cities and inclusive governance for nature in cities needs to prioritise Aboriginal knowledge systems and practices as well as look beyond what local governments can do. Third, for progressing to nature-positive cities, it is paramount to empower communities to innovate with nature across Australian cities. Whilst we focus on Australian cities, the lessons and pathways are broadly applicably globally and can inspire science-policy debates for the post COP15 biodiversity and COP26 climate change implementation processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niki Frantzeskaki
- Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Centre for Urban Transitions, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Cathy Oke
- Connected Cities Lab, Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010 Australia
| | - Guy Barnett
- CSIRO Land and Water, Clunies Ross Street, Canberra, ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Sarah Bekessy
- ICON Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3001 Australia
| | - Judy Bush
- Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - James Fitzsimons
- The Nature Conservancy, Suite 2-01, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton, VIC 3053 Australia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC 3125 Australia
| | - Maria Ignatieva
- School of Design, the University of Western Australia, M433, Perth, WA 6001 Australia
| | - Dave Kendal
- Healthy Landscapes Research Group, School of Geography, Planning and Spatial Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000 Australia
| | - Jonathan Kingsley
- Centre for Urban Transitions, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, 12 Wakefield Street (Swinburne Place West), Melbourne, VIC 3122 Australia
| | - Laura Mumaw
- Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University, 124 La Trobe St, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia
- Gardens for Wildlife Victoria, 511 Burwood Hwy, Wantirna South, VIC 3152 Australia
| | - Alessandro Ossola
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW Australia
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Science, The University of Melbourne, Burnley, VIC Australia
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Cerda C, Guenat S, Egerer M, Fischer LK. Home Food Gardening: Benefits and Barriers During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Santiago, Chile. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2022.841386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way people live in an unprecedented way. This includes severe impacts on people's health and wellbeing such as stress, reduced physical activity and loneliness due to confinement. In parallel, people had to find ways to secure their food, with fresh food especially scarce in some regions due to lockdowns and restricted flow of goods. As in previous massive crises, the practice of home food gardening seemed to have increased during this pandemic. Yet we largely do not know which parts of society took to home food gardening, in which urban setting home food gardening was practiced, and to which extent this practice contributed to people's daily livelihoods during the pandemic. In this case study we explore (a) who practices home food gardening, (b) the garden characteristics, and (c) the main perceived benefits and barriers bound to home food gardening during the pandemic. We set up an online questionnaire targeted at the population of Santiago de Chile, for which we received 305 responses. Our results clearly show that the possibility of being in contact with nature and feeling less stress through practicing home food gardening were the most significant perceived benefits, while lack of or inadequate space to garden and limited knowledge on home food gardening were the main barriers. These findings highlight for the specific context of a metropolitan region in South America that access to gardens and green space could contribute to a just urban society. Likewise, the practice of home food gardening can be a relevant tool to cope with the adverse consequences of the pandemic by informing public initiatives to promote healthier lifestyles during this and future crises contexts and also in the awaited “ordinary” times.
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