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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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Romagnoli BR, Phan TLT, Lewis AM, Alderfer MA, Kazak AE, Arasteh K, Enlow PT. The Psychosocial Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Families of Youth of Color: A Prospective Cohort Study. J Pediatr Psychol 2024; 49:98-106. [PMID: 37930074 PMCID: PMC10874214 DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsad078] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Prospectively examine racial and ethnic disparities in exposure to COVID-19-related stressors and their impact on families. METHODS A racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse cohort of caregivers of youth (n = 1,581) representative of the population served by a pediatric healthcare system completed the COVID-19 Exposure and Family Impact Scales in Oct/Nov 2020 and March/April 2021. Linear mixed-effects models were used to examine exposure to COVID-19-related events (Exposure), impact of the pandemic on family functioning and well-being (Impact), and child and parent distress (Distress) across time and as a function of race and ethnicity, adjusting for other sociodemographic variables. RESULTS Exposure and Distress increased over time for all participants. After adjusting for sociodemographic factors, caregivers of Black and Hispanic youth reported greater Exposure than caregivers of White youth and caregivers of Black youth had a greater increase in Exposure over time than caregivers of White youth. Caregivers of White youth reported greater Impact than caregivers of Black and Other race youth. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on family psychosocial functioning varied by race and ethnicity. Although exposure to COVID-19-related events was greater among Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black families, those of marginalized races reported less family impact than non-Hispanic White families, suggesting resiliency to the pandemic. Research should examine such responses to public health crises in communities of color, with a focus on understanding protective factors. These findings suggest the importance of culturally tailored interventions and policies that support universal psychosocial screenings during times of public health crises.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thao-Ly T Phan
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Science, Nemours Children’s Health, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, USA
| | - Amanda M Lewis
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Science, Nemours Children’s Health, USA
| | - Melissa A Alderfer
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Science, Nemours Children’s Health, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, USA
| | - Anne E Kazak
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Science, Nemours Children’s Health, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, USA
| | - Kamyar Arasteh
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Science, Nemours Children’s Health, USA
| | - Paul T Enlow
- Division of Behavioral Health, Nemours Children’s Health, USA
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Science, Nemours Children’s Health, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, USA
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Hallum SH, Wende ME, Hesam Shariati F, Thomas KM, Chupak AL, Witherspoon E, Kaczynski AT. Unearthing Inequities in the Relationship between Multiple Sociodemographic Factors and Diverse Elements of Park Availability and Quality in a Major Southern Metropolitan Region. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:204. [PMID: 38397693 PMCID: PMC10888646 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21020204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Parks are critical components of healthy communities. This study explored neighborhood socioeconomic and racial/ethnic inequalities in park access and quality in a large U.S. southeastern metropolitan region. A total of 241 block groups were examined, including 77 parks. For each block group, we obtained multiple sociodemographic indicators, including unemployment rate, education level, renter-occupied housing, poverty rate, and racial/ethnic minority composition. All parks were mapped using geographical information systems and audited via the Community Park Audit Tool to evaluate their features and quality. We analyzed seven diverse elements of park quality (transportation access, facility availability, facility quality, amenity availability, park aesthetics, park quality concerns, and neighborhood quality concerns), as well as an overall park quality score by calculating the mean for all parks within each block group. The mean percent of residents below 125% of the poverty level and the percentage of renter-occupied housing units were significantly higher among block groups with any parks in comparison to block groups with no parks. In addition, there were significant positive associations between park transportation access scores and both the percentage of residents with less than high school education and the percent identifying as non-Hispanic white. Moreover, there was a significant negative association between park amenity availability and the block group's unemployed population. Further, a significant negative association between park aesthetics and the population with a lower than high school education percentage was observed. Revealed differences in park availability, park acreage, and park quality dimensions emphasized the need for targeted policy, programmatic, and infrastructure interventions to improve park access and quality and address health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirelle H. Hallum
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; (S.H.H.); (F.H.S.); (K.M.T.); (A.L.C.); (E.W.)
| | - Marilyn E. Wende
- Department of Health Education and Behavior, College of Health and Human Performance, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA;
| | - Farnaz Hesam Shariati
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; (S.H.H.); (F.H.S.); (K.M.T.); (A.L.C.); (E.W.)
| | - Kelsey M. Thomas
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; (S.H.H.); (F.H.S.); (K.M.T.); (A.L.C.); (E.W.)
| | - Anna L. Chupak
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; (S.H.H.); (F.H.S.); (K.M.T.); (A.L.C.); (E.W.)
| | - Eleanor Witherspoon
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; (S.H.H.); (F.H.S.); (K.M.T.); (A.L.C.); (E.W.)
| | - Andrew T. Kaczynski
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; (S.H.H.); (F.H.S.); (K.M.T.); (A.L.C.); (E.W.)
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Mollaesmaeili M, Hakimian P, Lak A. Perceived urban green spaces and youth mental health in the post-COVID-19 era. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1265682. [PMID: 38384876 PMCID: PMC10879616 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1265682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The urban green space (UGS) is one of the most significant urban spaces with unique visual and social features, including pleasant air, low noise, and vitality, making it a recreational place for citizens, especially the youth. According to previous studies, perceived green space and the interaction with it is associated with mental health and lower symptoms of anxiety and depression. Although the presence of urban and blue-green spaces in Isfahan has a long history, the UGSs have been out of reach, causing a significant impact on youth mental health due to the spread of COVID-19 and the forcing of the Iranian government to severe and long-term lockdown. This study investigates the relationship between the long-term isolation of youth and being away from UGSs on their mental health in Isfahan city. Methods In September 2022, the youth (n = 273) in 12 neighborhoods with similar socio-economic status were asked to answer the online questionnaire. To investigate the correlation between perceived UGS and the mental health of the youth, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) is done. Results The results show that the perceived UGSs negatively relate to the youth's fear of the reoccurrence of COVID-19 infection, anxiety, and depression. Moreover, the model shows that perceived UGS has an inverse correlation with anxiety (β = -0.24, p = 0.00), and no meaningful correlation exists with depression. Discussion These results point to a practical solution for designing UDGs in residential areas for youth according to their benefits for mental health during the epidemic era.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pantea Hakimian
- Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
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Liu S, Curenton SM, Sims J, Fisher PA. The promotive and protective effects of parents' perceived changes during the COVID-19 pandemic on emotional well-being among U.S. households with young children: an investigation of family resilience processes. Front Psychol 2024; 14:1270514. [PMID: 38259548 PMCID: PMC10800496 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1270514] [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: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic may constitute a traumatic event for families with young children due to its acute onset, the unpredictable and ubiquitous nature, and the highly distressing disruptions it caused in family lives. Despite the prevalent challenges such as material hardships, child care disruptions, and social isolation, some families evinced remarkable resilience in the face of this potentially traumatic event. This study examined domains of changes perceived by parents of young children that were consistent with the post-traumatic growth (PTG) model as factors that facilitate family resilience processes. Methods This study drew data from the RAPID project, a large ongoing national study that used frequent online surveys to examine the pandemic impact on U.S. households with young children. A subsample of 669 families was leveraged for the current investigation, including 8.07% Black, 9.57% Latino(a), 74.44% non-Latino(a) White families, and 7.92% households of other racial/ethnic backgrounds. In this subsample, 26.36% were below 200% federal poverty level. Results Approximately half of the parents reported moderate-to-large degrees of changes during the pandemic, and the most prevalent domain of change was appreciation of life, followed by personal strengths, new possibilities, improved relationships, and spiritual growth. Black and Latino(a) parents reported more changes in all five domains than White parents and more spiritual growth than parents of the other racial/ethnic groups. Moreover, parent-reported improved relationships were found to indirectly reduce young children's overall fussiness/defiance and fear/anxiety symptoms through reducing parents' emotional distress. Perceived changes in the new possibilities, personal strengths, and appreciation of life domains were found to serve as protective factors that buffered the indirect impacts of material hardship mean levels on child behavioral symptoms via mitigating parents' emotional distress. Discussion These findings shed light on resilience processes of a family system in a large-scale, disruptive, and stressful socio-historical event such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The five PTG domains could inform therapeutic and intervention practices in the face of future similar events. Importantly, these findings and the evinced family resilience should not negate the urgent needs of policy and program efforts to address material hardships, financial instabilities, and race/ethnicity-based structural inequalities for families of young children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihong Liu
- Stanford Center on Early Childhood, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Stephanie M. Curenton
- Center on Ecology of Early Development, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jacqueline Sims
- Center on Ecology of Early Development, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Philip A. Fisher
- Stanford Center on Early Childhood, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
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Hicks PM, Simmons K, Newman-Casey PA, Woodward MA, Elam AR. Spatial Vision Inequalities: A Literature Review of the Impact of Place on Vision and Eye Health Outcomes. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2024; 13:22. [PMID: 38285463 PMCID: PMC10829826 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.13.1.22] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
"Neighborhood and built environment" is one of the five domains of social determinants of health that has been outlined by Healthy People 2030, and this domain impacts an individual's well-being, health, and quality of life. Social risk factors (SRFs) in the neighborhood and built environment domain include unstable or unsafe housing, poor access to transportation, lack of green spaces, pollution, safety concerns, and neighborhood measures of inequity. In this narrative literature review, we assess the relationship between neighborhood and built environment SRFs and eye health and vision outcomes. We explain how mapping neighborhood-level SRFs may be used to advance health equity in the field of eye health and vision care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrice M. Hicks
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kirsten Simmons
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Paula Anne Newman-Casey
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Maria A. Woodward
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Angela R. Elam
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Causadias JM, Neblett EW. PARQUES: Dreaming a Future for Our Latinx Children, Youth, and Families. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL FOR THE SOCIETY OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY, AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, DIVISION 53 2024; 53:129-140. [PMID: 38330265 DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2024.2304140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
A growing body of evidence suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionally affected Latinx children, youth, and families in the United States by increasing the prevalence and incidence of mental health problems. While it is important to document the repercussions of the pandemic, it is also necessary to articulate what a future of wellbeing and positive mental health will look like for Latinx children, youth, and families. To address this need, we propose PARQUES, a framework to dream about the future of Latinx children, youth, and families in the United States. We imagine PARQUES as communal spaces for connection, joy, play, rest, and healing that result from activism and collective action. We use the Spanish word for parks as an acronym "PARQUES," which stands for políticas (policies), alegría (joy), reparación (healing and reparations), querencia (love and belonging), unión (unity), empleo (employment), and seguridad (safety). These components work together to create an ecosystem to foster the physical and mental wellness and wholeness of Latinx children, youth, and families.
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Kapos FP, Vandeleur DM, Tham SW, Palermo TM, Groenewald CB. Comparing the prevalence of chronic pain in school-aged children in the United States from 2019 to 2020: a nationally representative study examining differences associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Pain 2024; 165:233-242. [PMID: 37556380 PMCID: PMC10841312 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic negatively affected children's health in the United States (US), with more severe disruption for marginalized groups. However, potential impact on pediatric chronic pain has not been assessed at the population level. This study aimed to (1) estimate differences in the US national prevalence of pediatric chronic pain during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020), relative to one year earlier (2019); (2) determine whether differences in prevalence varied across sociodemographic groups; and (3) explore changes in child, caregiver, and family factors associated with chronic pain prevalence. Using data of children 6 to 17 years from the National Survey of Children's Health 2019 and 2020 (n = 50,518), we compared weighted percentages of sample characteristics by year and conducted a series of directed-acyclic graph-informed survey-weighted Poisson regressions. The estimated national prevalence (95% CI) of pediatric chronic pain was 10.8% (9.9, 11.9%) in 2019, decreasing to 7.6% (6.9, 8.3%) in 2020. Contrary to hypotheses, the adjusted prevalence of chronic pain was 31% lower in 2020 than in 2019 (aPR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.61, 0.79), adjusting for child age, sex, race or ethnicity, caregiver education, neighborhood park or playground, and census region. The 2019 to 2020 change in chronic pain prevalence was similar by age ( P = 0.34), sex ( P = 0.94), race or ethnicity ( P = 0.41), caregiver education ( P = 0.49), neighborhood park or playground ( P = 0.22), and census region ( P = 0.20). Exploratory analyses identified 3 potential contributors to the unexpected decrease in the national prevalence of pediatric chronic pain: lower prevalence of bullying, more frequent family meals, and higher family resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia P. Kapos
- Center for Child Health, Behavior & Development, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA
| | - Daron M. Vandeleur
- Center for Child Health, Behavior & Development, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA
- Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - See Wan Tham
- Center for Child Health, Behavior & Development, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA
- Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Tonya M. Palermo
- Center for Child Health, Behavior & Development, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA
- Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Cornelius B. Groenewald
- Center for Child Health, Behavior & Development, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA
- Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
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Doom JR, Deer LK, Dieujuste N, Han D, Rivera KM, Scott SR. Youth psychosocial resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Curr Opin Psychol 2023; 53:101656. [PMID: 37499532 PMCID: PMC10592273 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Globally, youth have experienced heightened levels of stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic, though many youth showed resilience to mental health problems despite this increased stress. The current review covers emerging literature published in the past three years on resilience factors that promote more positive mental health in youth ages 10-18 years. These factors generally fall into three categories: 1) resilience factors at the level of the individual, 2) social resilience factors, and 3) interventions to enhance youth resilience during the pandemic. We include recommendations for future longitudinal research to better understand and promote resilience given the context of the pandemic, particularly for youth who experienced high levels of adversity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Deborah Han
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, USA
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Yoon JI, Lim S, Kim ML, Joo J. The relationship between perceived restorativeness and place attachment for hikers at Jeju Gotjawal Provincial Park in South Korea: the moderating effect of environmental sensitivity. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1201112. [PMID: 37609498 PMCID: PMC10440692 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1201112] [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: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Jeju Gotjawal Provincial Park provides visitors with opportunities for outdoor recreation and informs visitors of the environmental significance of the park's ecosystem. This study attempted to examine how the perceived restorativeness of park visitors influenced their place attachment. In addition, the moderating effect of environmental sensitivity on the hypothesized relationship was explored. Methods Using the purposive sampling method, 408 surveys were collected at Jeju Gotjawal Provincial Park. The hypotheses were tested by confirmatory factor analysis, path analysis, and invariance tests using Lisrel 8.70. Results The results indicated that perceived restorativeness had a positive influence on place attachment (place identity and place dependence). Further, the hypothesized relationship was stronger for the visitors with higher environmental sensitivity, compared to those with weaker environmental sensitivity. Conclusion Park managers should consider ways to increase the perceived restorativeness of visitors as they experience the natural environment at the park. Also, since environmental sensitivity played an important role in shaping the perceived restorativeness-place attachment relationship, there is a need for educational programs that can inform visitors of the significance of the natural environment to increase their affection for nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jee In Yoon
- Department of Coaching, College of Physical Education, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, South Korea
| | - Soyoun Lim
- Department of Kinesiology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, United States
| | - Mi-Lyang Kim
- Department of Sport, Leisure and Recreation, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, South Korea
| | - Jinyoung Joo
- Center for Happiness Studies, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
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Hazlehurst MF, Wolf KL, Simmons C, Nieto C, Steiner MK, Garrett KA, Faino AV, Ubalde López M, López-Toribio M, Tandon PS. Physical activity and social interaction assessments in schoolyard settings using the System for Observing Outdoor Play Environments in Neighborhood Schools (SOOPEN). Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2023; 20:94. [PMID: 37528409 PMCID: PMC10394799 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-023-01483-5] [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] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The schoolyard environment provides key opportunities to promote physical activity and socioemotional development for children. Schoolyards can also serve as a community park resource outside of school hours. We aimed to: (i) implement and evaluate reliability of the System for Observing Outdoor Play Environments in Neighborhood Schools (SOOPEN), (ii) assess schoolyard use by children during recess and community members of all ages outside of school hours, and (iii) investigate relationships of schoolyard and children´s group characteristics with physical activity levels and prosocial interactions. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, we observed student and community visitor behavior using SOOPEN at three urban elementary schoolyards in Tacoma, Washington, USA, prior to renovations intended to expand each facility's use as a community park in neighborhoods with poor park access. We assessed interrater reliability using intraclass correlation coefficients and described current levels of schoolyard use (at the group level), physical activity, and prosocial behavior. Physical activity was assessed on a five-point scale and dichotomized to indicate moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Social interactions were coded as prosocial, antisocial, or neutral. We examined associations of selected schoolyard features and group characteristics with group MVPA and prosocial behavior during recess using modified Poisson regression to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS We observed a total of 981 activity-defined, informal groups in the schoolyards, and achieved good to excellent interrater reliability using SOOPEN. Community use of the schoolyards during evenings and weekends was limited (n = 56 groups). During 26, 25-50 min recess periods (n = 833 groups), 19% of groups were engaged in MVPA. Schoolyard areas with paved surfaces were associated with more MVPA (PR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.04, 2.23) compared to field/grass areas; supervised groups were associated with less MVPA than groups not directly supervised by an adult (PR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.36, 0.96). Schoolyard characteristics were not associated with prosocial behavior. Mixed-gender groups were associated with more MVPA and more prosocial behavior. CONCLUSIONS Our study using SOOPEN, a reliable new activity observation tool, highlights the multi-dimensional dynamics of physical activity and social interactions in schoolyards, which could be leveraged to promote healthy behaviors during and outside of school hours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marnie F Hazlehurst
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kathleen L Wolf
- College of the Environment, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Anna V Faino
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Mònica Ubalde López
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health-ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research Network in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María López-Toribio
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pooja S Tandon
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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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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13
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Friedman S, Noble R, Archer S, Gibson J, Hughes C. Respite and connection: Autistic adults' reflections upon nature and well-being during the Covid-19 pandemic. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2023; 27:13623613231166462. [PMID: 37113030 PMCID: PMC10140763 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231166462] [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] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT The Covid-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns provided opportunities to spend time in nature, with many people reporting that this benefitted their well-being. However, existing research from the pandemic period has focused on the way general populations experienced nature; less is known about how autistic people used nature to support their well-being during the pandemic. We created a survey that invited autistic adults living in the United Kingdom to reply to text box questions. A total of 127 people responded to our survey; we analysed their responses using a method called reflexive thematic analysis and developed themes based on patterns among all the responses. We developed two themes: respite in nature and connecting amid widespread disconnection. For some autistic adults during the pandemic, nature provided physical distance from others or from crowded homes, which helped them reduce their stress. In addition, some participants felt more psychologically connected to nature itself during the pandemic, while for others, nature served as a way of connecting with others during a potentially isolating time. These findings are important for autistic people and their families and carers who may want to seek out nature-based activities to support well-being in the wake of the pandemic.
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Richard V, Dumont R, Lorthe E, Loizeau A, Baysson H, Zaballa ME, Pennacchio F, Barbe RP, Posfay-Barbe KM, Guessous I, Stringhini S. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children and adolescents: determinants and association with quality of life and mental health-a cross-sectional study. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2023; 17:17. [PMID: 36726179 PMCID: PMC9891202 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-023-00563-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The medium-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the wellbeing of children and adolescents remains unclear. More than 2 years into the pandemic, we aimed to quantify the frequency and determinants of having been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and estimate its impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and mental health. METHODS Data was drawn from a population-based cohort of children and adolescents, recruited between December 2021 and June 2022, in Geneva, Switzerland. The Coronavirus impact scale was used to assess the multidimensional impact of the pandemic on children through parent's report. A score higher than one standard deviation above the mean was deemed a severe impact. Parents additionally reported about their offspring HRQoL and mental health with validated scales. Determinants of having been severely impacted were assessed with logistic models, as were the associations between having experienced a severe impact and poor HRQoL or mental health. RESULTS Out of 2101 participants aged 2-17, 12.7% had experienced a severe pandemic impact. Having a lasting health condition, a pandemic-related worsening of lifestyle habits or an unfavorable family environment were associated with having been severely impacted by the pandemic, while a previous anti-SARS-CoV-2 infection was not. Participants who had experienced a severe pandemic impact were more likely to present poor HRQoL (aOR = 3.1; 95% CI 2.3-4.4) and poor mental health (aOR = 3.9; 95% CI 2.5-6.2). CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic may have persistent consequences on the wellbeing of children and adolescents, especially among those with health and family vulnerabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviane Richard
- grid.150338.c0000 0001 0721 9812Unit of Population Epidemiology, Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Rue Jean-Violette 29, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Roxane Dumont
- grid.150338.c0000 0001 0721 9812Unit of Population Epidemiology, Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Rue Jean-Violette 29, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Elsa Lorthe
- grid.150338.c0000 0001 0721 9812Unit of Population Epidemiology, Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Rue Jean-Violette 29, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Loizeau
- grid.150338.c0000 0001 0721 9812Unit of Population Epidemiology, Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Rue Jean-Violette 29, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Hélène Baysson
- grid.150338.c0000 0001 0721 9812Unit of Population Epidemiology, Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Rue Jean-Violette 29, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland ,grid.8591.50000 0001 2322 4988Department of Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - María-Eugenia Zaballa
- grid.150338.c0000 0001 0721 9812Unit of Population Epidemiology, Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Rue Jean-Violette 29, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Pennacchio
- grid.150338.c0000 0001 0721 9812Unit of Population Epidemiology, Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Rue Jean-Violette 29, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rémy P. Barbe
- grid.150338.c0000 0001 0721 9812Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Woman, Child, and Adolescent Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Klara M. Posfay-Barbe
- grid.150338.c0000 0001 0721 9812Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Woman, Child, and Adolescent Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Idris Guessous
- grid.8591.50000 0001 2322 4988Department of Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland ,grid.150338.c0000 0001 0721 9812Division and Department of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Silvia Stringhini
- Unit of Population Epidemiology, Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Rue Jean-Violette 29, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland. .,Department of Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland. .,University Center for General Medicine and Public Health, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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15
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Mayne SL, Kelleher S, Hannan C, Kelly MK, Powell M, Dalembert G, McPeak K, Jenssen BP, Fiks AG. Neighborhood Greenspace and Changes in Pediatric Obesity During COVID-19. Am J Prev Med 2023; 64:33-41. [PMID: 36116998 PMCID: PMC9420704 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2022.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pediatric obesity rates increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examined the associations of neighborhood greenspace with changes in pediatric obesity during the pandemic. METHODS Electronic health record data from a large pediatric primary care network were extracted to create a retrospective cohort of patients aged 2-17 years with a visit in each of 2 periods: June 2019-December 2019 (before pandemic) and June 2020-December 2020 (pandemic). Multivariable longitudinal generalized estimating equations Poisson regression estimated the associations of census tract‒level Normalized Difference Vegetation Index with (1) changes in obesity risk during the pandemic and (2) risk of new-onset obesity among children who were not obese prepandemic. Analyses were conducted between November 2021 and May 2022. RESULTS Among 81,418 children (mean age: 8.4 years, 18% Black), the percentage of children who were obese increased by 3.2% during the pandemic. Children in Normalized Difference Vegetation Index Quartiles 2-4 had smaller increases in obesity risk during the pandemic than those in Quartile 1 (risk ratio=0.96, 95% CI=0.93, 0.99; Quartile 3 risk ratio=0.95; 95% CI=0.91, 0.98; Quartile 4 risk ratio=0.95, 95% CI=0.92, 0.99). Among the subset who were not obese before the pandemic, children in Normalized Difference Vegetation Index quartiles 3-4 had a lower risk of new-onset obesity during the pandemic (Quartile 3 risk ratio=0.82, 95% CI=0.71, 0.95; Quartile 4 risk ratio=0.73, 95% CI=0.62, 0.85). Higher Normalized Difference Vegetation Index was associated with smaller increases in obesity risk and lower risk of new-onset obesity among children in urban and suburban areas, but results were in the opposite direction for children in rural areas. CONCLUSIONS Children living in greener neighborhoods experienced smaller increases in obesity during the pandemic than children in less green neighborhoods, although findings differed by urbanicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie L Mayne
- The Possibilities Project, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Center for Pediatric Clinical Effectiveness, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; PolicyLab, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
| | - Shannon Kelleher
- The Possibilities Project, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Center for Pediatric Clinical Effectiveness, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; PolicyLab, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Chloe Hannan
- The Possibilities Project, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Center for Pediatric Clinical Effectiveness, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; PolicyLab, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Mary Kate Kelly
- The Possibilities Project, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Center for Pediatric Clinical Effectiveness, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; PolicyLab, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Maura Powell
- The Possibilities Project, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Center for Pediatric Clinical Effectiveness, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; PolicyLab, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - George Dalembert
- The Possibilities Project, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Center for Pediatric Clinical Effectiveness, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; PolicyLab, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Katie McPeak
- The Possibilities Project, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Center for Pediatric Clinical Effectiveness, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; PolicyLab, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Brian P Jenssen
- The Possibilities Project, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Center for Pediatric Clinical Effectiveness, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; PolicyLab, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Alexander G Fiks
- The Possibilities Project, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Center for Pediatric Clinical Effectiveness, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; PolicyLab, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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16
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So B, Kwon KH. A 'health message' on sustainable physical and mental health for the prolonged COVID-19 and other pandemics. Postgrad Med 2023; 135:13-30. [PMID: 36219130 DOI: 10.1080/00325481.2022.2134693] [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: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The world has been living with another pandemic physical inactivity (PI) and sedentary behavior (SB) and of other nature for years. As social measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 have been strengthened, the physical activity (PA) barrier has been hit and the PI/SB pandemic has been exacerbated, and in the current situation, triggered by its prolonged period, it is emerging as a problem to be considered in order to combat the PI/SB pandemic through PA and to maintain continuous physical and mental health. This review aims to summarize existing and recent studies on the effects of PA/SB on physical and mental health in preparation for the context of prolonged COVID-19 and provides an easy and fun way to motivate, access PA, and PA recommendations for maintaining physical and mental health. We performed search strategies on PubMed, Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases, and used a literature review of the current available literature on the COVID-19 and the effects of PI, SB, and PA on physical and mental health. The clinical relevance of this review shows that integrating PA into daily life and reducing prolonged sitting time is an important strategy for continuing a healthy life physically and mentally. As a result, for those who have not yet incorporated exercise as part of their daily routine, fun and easy access to PA suggests that in the long run, may be an opportunity to implement newer habits. In addition, in an emergency such as the COVID-19 quarantine period or other pandemics, it is essential for one to maintain health through PA at home, and underscore the 'health message' of the current review that reducing SB, progressively increasing PA, and doing more PA regularly in the current context prolonged COVID-19 can bring significant benefits to long-term habits and physical and mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohee So
- Division of Beauty Arts Care, Department of Practical Arts, Graduate School of Culture and Arts, Dongguk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Han Kwon
- College of General Education, Kookmin University, 02707, Republic of Korea
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17
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Has the Pandemic Altered Public Perception of How Local Green Spaces Affect Quality of Life in the United Kingdom? SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14137946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Green spaces unquestionably improve both physical and mental health, but there is little information on how they affect quality of life. This study investigates whether the public perception of how local green spaces and their impact on quality of life have altered as a result of restrictions imposed by the U.K.’s SARS-CoV-2 pandemic containment strategy. Qualitative data were collected using an online questionnaire distributed via social media platforms and postal flyers. The results clearly demonstrate that 90% of participants believe that green spaces improved their quality of life during the pandemic, with over 85% thinking that green spaces will continue to have a positive impact on their quality of life once the pandemic is over. Whether this is a permanent change in public thinking or a short-term adaptation to the stresses of the pandemic can be assessed in future research studies. More detailed research is required to understand more clearly the aspects and types of green spaces that are the most valuable for improving quality of life so that future ones can be designed to provide maximum benefits.
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Tandon PS, Hafferty K, Kroshus E, Angulo A, Burton M, Peyton M, Senturia K. A Framework for Pediatric Health Care Providers to Promote Active Play in Nature for Children. J Prim Care Community Health 2022; 13:21501319221114842. [PMID: 35942948 PMCID: PMC9373115 DOI: 10.1177/21501319221114842] [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] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Time outdoors and contact with nature are positively associated with a broad
range of children’s health outcomes. Pediatricians are uniquely positioned
to promote active play in nature (APN) but may face challenges to do so
during well child visits. The objective of this study was to understand
barriers to children’s APN, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how
health care providers could promote APN. Methods: Focus groups were conducted with 14 pediatric providers and interviews with
14 parents (7 in English, 7 in Spanish) of children ages 3 to 10 on public
insurance. Dedoose was used for coding and content analysis. We
contextualized this work within the WHO’s Commission on Social Determinants
of Health conceptual framework. Results: Parents mentioned a range of material circumstances (time, finances, family
circumstances, access to safe outdoor play spaces and age-appropriate
activities) and behavioral/psychosocial factors (previous experiences in
nature, safety, and weather concerns), many of which were exacerbated by the
pandemic, that serve as barriers to children’s APN. Providers said they were
motivated to talk to families about children’s APN but mentioned barriers to
this conversation such as time, other pressing priorities for the visit, and
lack of resources to give families. Conclusions: Many pre-pandemic barriers to APN were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Well-child visits may be an effective setting to discuss the benefits of APN
during and beyond the pandemic, and there is a need for contextually
appropriate resources for pediatric providers and families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja S Tandon
- Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA.,University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Emily Kroshus
- Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA.,University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Monique Burton
- Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA.,University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Kirsten Senturia
- University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
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