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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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Yen MH, Li D, Chiang YC. A systematic review of the relationship between natural environments and physiological and mental health during different stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 923:171392. [PMID: 38431171 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
COVID-19 has altered how individuals interact with natural environments. Numerous studies have investigated the effects of such environments on health. However, how natural environments influenced individuals' physiological and mental health during various stages of the COVID-19 pandemic remains unclear. Therefore, we conducted this study to investigate the effects of natural environments on individuals' physiological and mental health during different stages of the pandemic; we also identified factors that mediated these effects. Overall, we evaluated the importance of natural environments during challenging times. This study adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines. The pandemic period was divided into three stages on the basis of severity: pandemic (March 2020 - February 2022), easing (February 2022-September 2022), and post-acute COVID pandemic (September 2022 - present). An initial pool of 3018 studies was narrowed down to a final sample of 73 studies. During the pandemic stage, individuals frequenting public green spaces exhibited improved well-being, reduced stress levels, and a sense of nature deprivation. Private green spaces played crucial roles in maintaining health during the pandemic stage. Highquality window views were associated with improved well-being and reduced depression. During the easing stage, the environmental quality of public green spaces influenced individuals' perceived safety and sense of belonging. And coastal areas were the preferred natural destinations in this stage. During the post-acute COVID pandemic stage, individuals acknowledged the importance of natural environments in maintaining physiological and mental health as they gradually returned to prepandemic normalcy. In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted humanity's reliance on nature. Therefore, sufficient urban spaces should be dedicated to preservation of natural environments to mitigate negative emotions arising from prolonged indoor stays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Hsuan Yen
- Department of Landscape Architecture, National Chiayi University, Chiayi City, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Dongying Li
- Department of Landscape Architecture & Urban Planning, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Yen-Cheng Chiang
- Department of Landscape Architecture, National Chiayi University, Chiayi City, Taiwan, ROC.
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Robinson JM, Breed AC, Camargo A, Redvers N, Breed MF. Biodiversity and human health: A scoping review and examples of underrepresented linkages. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 246:118115. [PMID: 38199470 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Mounting evidence supports the connections between exposure to environmental typologies(such as green and blue spaces)and human health. However, the mechanistic links that connect biodiversity (the variety of life) and human health, and the extent of supporting evidence remain less clear. Here, we undertook a scoping review to map the links between biodiversity and human health and summarise the levels of associated evidence using an established weight of evidence framework. Distinct from other reviews, we provide additional context regarding the environment-microbiome-health axis, evaluate the environmental buffering pathway (e.g., biodiversity impacts on air pollution), and provide examples of three under- or minimally-represented linkages. The examples are (1) biodiversity and Indigenous Peoples' health, (2) biodiversity and urban social equity, and (3) biodiversity and COVID-19. We observed a moderate level of evidence to support the environmental microbiota-human health pathway and a moderate-high level of evidence to support broader nature pathways (e.g., greenspace) to various health outcomes, from stress reduction to enhanced wellbeing and improved social cohesion. However, studies of broader nature pathways did not typically include specific biodiversity metrics, indicating clear research gaps. Further research is required to understand the connections and causative pathways between biodiversity (e.g., using metrics such as taxonomy, diversity/richness, structure, and function) and health outcomes. There are well-established frameworks to assess the effects of broad classifications of nature on human health. These can assist future research in linking biodiversity metrics to human health outcomes. Our examples of underrepresented linkages highlight the roles of biodiversity and its loss on urban lived experiences, infectious diseases, and Indigenous Peoples' sovereignty and livelihoods. More research and awareness of these socioecological interconnections are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake M Robinson
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia.
| | - Andrew C Breed
- Epidemiology and One Health Section, Department of Agriculture, Water, and the Environment, Canberra, ACT, Australia; School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld, Australia
| | | | - Nicole Redvers
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Martin F Breed
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
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Tirabassi JN, Wang J, Zhenqi Zhou R, Hu Y. Human mobility data demonstrates increase in park visitation since start of COVID-19 pandemic in Buffalo, New York. Prev Med Rep 2024; 39:102650. [PMID: 38380386 PMCID: PMC10876662 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2024.102650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of urban parks to provide safe places to visit and recreate. Recent research has suggested that park visitation over this time may not have occurred equitably, which may exacerbate existing health disparities. However, usual methods of estimating park visitation are labor intensive, requiring better solutions.. The objective of this study was to assess how park visitation changed in Buffalo, New York after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic utilizing human mobility data. Methods Monthly mobile phone location data from January 2018 through October of 2021 from residents of Buffalo were analyzed to estimate total park visits for each census tract. A generalized linear mixed effect model was utilized to examine if selected factors affected park visitation. Factors examined included demographic, health, park, and crime data at the census tract level. Results Across 587,487 park visits that were captured in the 79 census tracts, park visitation increased by 25% since March 2020. In our regression model, having cancer and currently smoking had negative effects on park visitation. The start of the COVID-19 pandemic positively affected park visitation. Season (of the year), was the other statistically significant variable that affected park visitation. Conclusions Anonymous mobile phone data demonstrated that park visitation has increased by 25% since the beginning of the pandemic when we looked at census tract level data. While some data limitations must be addressed, mobile phone data is a novel method that can be used to understand behavioral and public health trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill N. Tirabassi
- Department of Family Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Jia Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, Buffalo NY, USA
| | - Ryan Zhenqi Zhou
- Department of Geography, College of Arts and Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Yingjie Hu
- Department of Geography, College of Arts and Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
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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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Untaru EN, Han H, David A, Chi X. Biophilic Design and Its Effectiveness in Creating Emotional Well-Being, Green Satisfaction, and Workplace Attachment Among Healthcare Professionals: The Hospice Context. HERD-HEALTH ENVIRONMENTS RESEARCH & DESIGN JOURNAL 2024; 17:190-208. [PMID: 37606216 DOI: 10.1177/19375867231192087] [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] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to explore the biophilic design attributes within a hospice care center from the healthcare professionals' perspective by utilizing a qualitative research and investigated the effect of hospice professionals' attitudes toward the uncovered green features on the prediction of their workplace attachment through a quantitative research. BACKGROUND In hospice establishments, studies showed that applying biophilic design principles significantly reduces stress and improves emotional well-being. Yet, despite its importance, attitude toward biophilic design, and its significant influence on well-being, satisfaction and attachment to the workplace of hospice healthcare professionals have not yet been researched. METHODS The qualitative research used semi-structured in-depth interviews among hospice professionals to reveal biophilic design features that exert an influence on their activity, while the quantitative research employed a confirmatory factor analysis and the structural equation modeling to analyze the data. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS The qualitative research generated five biophilic design features, such as open spaces with natural light, natural decorative elements, landscape provided by nature through windows, wooden furniture, and colors that create a warm atmosphere within the hospice care center. The quantitative approach indicated that attitude toward the uncovered biophilic design features in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic significantly improved the healthcare providers' emotional well-being. This dimension, in turn, contributed to their satisfaction with green features/natural decor and attachment to the workplace. Results of this study provide practitioners and researchers valuable strategies to incorporate biophilic design features in the working environments of hospice settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena-Nicoleta Untaru
- Faculty of Economic Sciences and Business Administration, Transilvania University of Braşov, Braşov, Romania
| | - Heesup Han
- College of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Sejong University, Gwanjin-Gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Andreea David
- Faculty of Economic Sciences and Business Administration, Transilvania University of Braşov, Braşov, Romania
| | - Xiaoting Chi
- School of Tourism and Geography Science, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, P.R. China
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Talal ML, Gruntman M. Urban nature visitation, accessibility, and impact of travel distance for sustainable cities. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17808. [PMID: 37853084 PMCID: PMC10584958 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44861-6] [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: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Accessible urban nature is a key component of creating sustainable urban communities and promoting human health and well-being. To balance the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development, the United Nations adopted several sustainable developmental goals (SDGs), such as SDG 11 for sustainable cities and communities, which aims to improve urban planning and management, including equitable access to urban nature. However, more information is still needed regarding how planners and managers can promote urban nature visitation and equitable access during health and environmental crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to examine trends in urban nature visitation during the pandemic and then to determine if the effect of the pandemic on the frequency of urban nature site visitation varied by distance to home, using an innovative approach of analyzing both publicly available large-scale mobility data and a web-based survey of urban residents of Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel. The mobility data results showed that there was a negative mean % difference in park visits compared to baseline during the first and third lockdowns, but an increase compared to baseline between lockdowns and even during the second lockdown. This suggests that urban residents had greater need to reconnect with urban nature during and after periods of intense stress. In addition, the survey results showed an increasing negative effect of distance on urban nature site visitation during the pandemic, specifically for urban nature sites located more than 1 km from home. Altogether, the mobility data and survey results suggest that people who lived within 1 km of their preferred urban nature site had disproportionate access to the benefits of urban nature during and after lockdowns than others. To effectively make social and ecological transitions toward urban sustainability, it is vital that cities promote urban nature accessibility during current and future environmental and health crises. Cities should collaborate with diverse stakeholders to create/maintain accessible urban nature sites nearby all sociodemographic groups, provide sustainability education and training to convey the benefits of urban nature, and pursue participatory solutions for understanding urban nature needs and preferences. In this manner, it will be possible to address the growing influence of proximity/travel distance and additional factors that affect urban nature visitation and ultimately, human health and urban sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L Talal
- Porter School of the Environment and Earth Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel.
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel.
- Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA.
| | - Michal Gruntman
- Porter School of the Environment and Earth Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel.
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel.
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Garrett JK, Rowney FM, White MP, Lovell R, Fry RJ, Akbari A, Geary R, Lyons RA, Mizen A, Nieuwenhuijsen M, Parker C, Song J, Stratton G, Thompson DA, Watkins A, White J, Williams SA, Rodgers SE, Wheeler BW. Visiting nature is associated with lower socioeconomic inequalities in well-being in Wales. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9684. [PMID: 37322030 PMCID: PMC10272170 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35427-7] [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: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural environments can promote well-being through multiple mechanisms. Many studies have investigated relationships between residential green/blue space (GBS) and well-being, fewer explore relationships with actual use of GBS. We used a nationally representative survey, the National Survey for Wales, anonymously linked with spatial GBS data to investigate associations of well-being with both residential GBS and time in nature (N = 7631). Both residential GBS and time spent in nature were associated with subjective well-being. Higher green-ness was associated with lower well-being, counter to hypotheses (predicting the Warwick and Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS): Enhanced vegetation index β = - 1.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) - 3.63, - 0.05) but time spent in nature was associated with higher well-being (four hours a week in nature vs. none β = 3.57, 95% CI 3.02, 4.13). There was no clear association between nearest GBS proximity and well-being. In support of the equigenesis theory, time spent in nature was associated with smaller socioeconomic inequalities in well-being. The difference in WEMWBS (possible range 14-70) between those who did and did not live in material deprivation was 7.7 points for those spending no time in nature, and less at 4.5 points for those spending time in nature up to 1 h per week. Facilitating access and making it easier for people to spend time in nature may be one way to reduce socioeconomic inequalities in well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne K Garrett
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, UK.
| | - Francis M Rowney
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, UK
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Mathew P White
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, UK
- Cognitive Science HUB, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rebecca Lovell
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, UK
| | - Rich J Fry
- Department of Population Data Science, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Ashley Akbari
- Department of Population Data Science, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Rebecca Geary
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ronan A Lyons
- Department of Population Data Science, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Amy Mizen
- Department of Population Data Science, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Mark Nieuwenhuijsen
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Chrissie Parker
- Department of Population Data Science, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | | | - Gareth Stratton
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, ASTEM Research Centre, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Daniel A Thompson
- Department of Population Data Science, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Alan Watkins
- Department of Population Data Science, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - James White
- Centre for Trials Research, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Sarah E Rodgers
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Benedict W Wheeler
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, UK
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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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Was it really different? COVID-19-pandemic period in long-term recreation monitoring – A case study from Polish forests. JOURNAL OF OUTDOOR RECREATION AND TOURISM 2023; 41:100495. [PMID: 37521271 PMCID: PMC8882433 DOI: 10.1016/j.jort.2022.100495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The COVID -19 pandemic posed serious challenge for securing public health worldwide. Public health preparedness and restrictions put in place impacted many aspects of human life, including recreational activities and access to outdoor recreational destinations. Green spaces have become one of the few sources of resilience during the coronavirus crisis due to their restorative effects on psychophysical health and community well-being. The aim of this study is to analyse the impact of the COVID -19 pandemic on forest visitation. The results are based upon long-term visitor data acquired via pyroelectric sensors (Eco-Counter) in three forest districts located in Poland (Browsk, Gdansk & Kozienice Forest Districts). The analysis covers the period between January 01, 2019 and December 31, 2020 and the results confirm changes in recreational use in the studied forest areas during the pandemic compared to the preceding year. However, observed changes in forest visitation vary by pandemic period and study area. The ban on access to forest areas significantly reduced the number of forest visits in all studied areas. The number of visits to sub-urban forests (Gdansk Forest District) and to remote nature-based tourist destinations (Browsk Forest District) increased in the later pandemic periods, especially in the summer months of 2020, while it remained the same in a popular nearby recreation area: Kozienice Forest District. There were only minor temporal shifts in the distribution of weekly and daily visits. The results are important for public health preparedness planning in crisis situations and for provisioning conditions supporting societal health and well-being. Objective data on forest visits are necessary for successful management of forest areas and surrounding amenities. More cross-sector collaboration and public participation would be desirable to create sustainable, resilient, and liveable spaces for the society. Management Implications Long-term visitation monitoring is crucial for successful management of outdoor recreation destinations and their catchment areas. Objective numbers concerning forest visitation from the pre-pandemic and COVID-19 pandemic period allow observing trends and making fact-based management decisions during period of crisis. Changes in the investigated three forest study areas in Poland were not homogenous, which implies the necessity of systematic visitor monitoring in multiple destinations, in order to cover different types of forest areas and also local diversity in recreational use. More intersectoral, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary exchange would be desirable to better integrate existing on-site visitor monitoring data into decision making processes related to forest management, urban planning, transportation, tourism and public health.
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Kolandai K, Milne B, McLay J, von Randow M, Lay-Yee R. Anthropause appreciation, biophilia, and ecophilosophical contemplations amidst a global pandemic. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 85:101943. [PMID: 36531128 PMCID: PMC9747233 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2022.101943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
In 2020, COVID-19 mitigation measures, including lockdowns and travel bans to curtail disease transmission, inadvertently led to an "Anthropause" - a unique global pause to anthropogenic activities. While there was a spike in ecological studies measuring Anthropause effects on environmental indicators, people's experiences of the Anthropause or its potential to inspire change were hardly considered. Hence, we aimed to measure people's appreciation of the environmental outcomes of the Anthropause, ecophilosophical contemplations about the pandemic, and experiences of lockdown-triggered biophilia (human's innate love for and draw towards nature) and test the hypothesis that these experiences would be consistently more prominent among the already environmentally inclined. To that end, we developed and tested three measures on a representative sample of 993 New Zealanders. Anthropause Appreciation received the highest overall mean ratings, followed by Lockdown-Biophilia and Eco-Contemplation. Pre-existing pro-environmental dispositions and behaviours did not consistently influence our three measures as expected. Demographic variables had little influence, while experiences of financial and mental health impacts due to COVID-19 had no influence. We interpreted the limited influence of explanatory variables as indicative of a degree of uniformity in people's experiences. High appreciation of Anthropause benefits suggests that the public may be supportive of policies and ways of living that can lead to similar outcomes post-pandemic - offering environmental policymakers and communicators a basis for action. Ecophilosophical contemplations and biophilic draw among the public suggest an awareness of the significance of the human-nature relationship - offering a symbolic global keystone for communicating and advocating conservation and the many values of pauses in life to connect with nature. Building women's environmental leadership capabilities and the ongoing greening of Christianity may be essential steps for global post-pandemic environmental behaviour transformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komathi Kolandai
- COMPASS Research Centre and Public Policy Institute, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Barry Milne
- COMPASS Research Centre, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jessica McLay
- Department of Statistics, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Roy Lay-Yee
- COMPASS Research Centre, University of Auckland, New Zealand
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12
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Zhang J, Browning MHEM, Liu J, Cheng Y, Zhao B, Dadvand P. Is indoor and outdoor greenery associated with fewer depressive symptoms during COVID-19 lockdowns? A mechanistic study in Shanghai, China. BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT 2023; 227:109799. [PMID: 36407014 PMCID: PMC9657899 DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2022.109799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Increasing numbers of studies have observed that indoor and outdoor greenery are associated with fewer depressive symptoms during COVID-19 lockdowns. However, most of these studies examined direct associations without sufficient attention to underlying pathways. Furthermore, few studies have combined different types of indoor and outdoor greenery to examine their effects on the alleviation of depressive symptoms. The present study hypothesized that indoor and outdoor exposure to greenery increased the perceived restorativeness of home environments, which, in turn, reduced loneliness, COVID-related fears, and, ultimately, depressive symptoms. To test our hypotheses, we conducted an online survey with 386 respondents in Shanghai, China, from April to May 2022, which corresponded to strict citywide lockdowns that resulted from the outbreak of the Omicron variant. Indoor greenery measures included the number of house plants, gardening activities, and digital nature exposure as well as semantic image segmentation applied to photographs from the most viewed windows to quantify indoor exposure to outdoor trees and grass. Outdoor greenery measures included total vegetative cover (normalized difference vegetation index [NDVI]) within a 300 m radius from the home and perceived quality of the community's greenery. Associations between greenery and depressive symptoms/clinical levels of depression, as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), were examined using generalized linear and logistic regression models. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test pathways between greenery exposure, restorativeness, loneliness, fear of COVID-19, and depressive symptoms. The results showed that: 1) indoor and outdoor greenery were associated with fewer depressive symptoms; 2) greenery could increase the restorativeness of the home environment, which, in turn, was associated with fewer COVID-related mental stressors (i.e., loneliness and fear of COVID-19), and ultimately depressive symptoms; and 3) gender, education, and income did not modify associations between greenery and depressive symptoms. These findings are among the first to combine objective and subjective measures of greenery within and outside of the home and document their effects on mental health during lockdowns. Comprehensive enhancements of greenery in living environments could be nature-based solutions for mitigating COVID-19 related mental stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinguang Zhang
- The College of Landscape Architecture, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Matthew H E M Browning
- Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, Clemson University, Clemson, USA
| | - Jie Liu
- Shanghai Academy of Landscape Architecture Science and Planning, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingyi Cheng
- The College of Landscape Architecture, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Landscape Architecture and Rural Systems Engineering, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Bing Zhao
- The College of Landscape Architecture, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Payam Dadvand
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiologíay Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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13
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COVID-19: Reducing the risk via diet and lifestyle. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2023; 21:1-16. [PMID: 36333177 PMCID: PMC9550279 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
This review shows that relatively simple changes to diet and lifestyle can significantly, and rapidly, reduce the risks associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in terms of infection risk, severity of disease, and even disease-related mortality. A wide range of interventions including regular exercise, adequate sleep, plant-based diets, maintenance of healthy weight, dietary supplementation, and time in nature have each been shown to have beneficial effects for supporting more positive health outcomes with COVID-19, in addition to promoting better overall health. This paper brings together literature from these areas and presents the argument that non-pharmaceutical approaches should not be overlooked in our response to COVID-19. It is noted that, in several cases, interventions discussed result in risk reductions equivalent to, or even greater than, those associated with currently available vaccines. Where the balance of evidence suggests benefits, and the risk is minimal to none, it is suggested that communicating the power of individual actions to the public becomes morally imperative. Further, many lives could be saved, and many harms from the vaccine mandates avoided, if we were willing to embrace this lifestyle-centred approach in our efforts to deal with COVID-19.
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14
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Lanza-León P, Pascual-Sáez M, Cantarero-Prieto D. Alleviating mental health disorders through doses of green spaces: an updated review in times of the COVID-19 pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2023; 33:98-115. [PMID: 34821172 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2021.2005780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted issues due to mental health disorders, in particular the serious consequences derived from lockdown measures. This paper aims to analyse the literature on the potential direct impact of the natural environment on mental health disorders. We have systematically reviewed the studies analysing green spaces and mental health included in this review using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane Library. A retrospective time-frame is considered, covering the COVID-19 pandemic. We have found that exposure to, use and proximity to green spaces have a beneficial impact on mental health among elderly, students and patients with underlying pathologies. However, it has negative effects on the mental health of women and young adults. Exposure to and interaction with the natural environment can improve certain mental health disorders and should be taken into account for strategies and policies related to future threats to public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paloma Lanza-León
- Research Group of Health Economics and Health Service Management, Department of Economics, University of Cantabria - Idival, Santander, Spain
| | - Marta Pascual-Sáez
- Research Group of Health Economics and Health Service Management, Department of Economics, University of Cantabria - Idival, Santander, Spain
| | - David Cantarero-Prieto
- Research Group of Health Economics and Health Service Management, Department of Economics, University of Cantabria - Idival, Santander, Spain
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15
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Robinson JM, Mavoa S, Robinson K, Brindley P. Urban centre green metrics in Great Britain: A geospatial and socioecological study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0276962. [PMID: 36417343 PMCID: PMC9683550 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Green infrastructure plays a vital role in urban ecosystems. This includes sustaining biodiversity and human health. Despite a large number of studies investigating greenspace disparities in suburban areas, no known studies have compared the green attributes (e.g., trees, greenness, and greenspaces) of urban centres. Consequently, there may be uncharacterised socioecological disparities between the cores of urban areas (e.g., city centres). This is important because people spend considerable time in urban centres due to employment, retail and leisure opportunities. Therefore, the availability of--and disparities in--green infrastructure in urban centres can affect many lives and potentially underscore a socio-ecological justice issue. To facilitate comparisons between urban centres in Great Britain, we analysed open data of urban centre boundaries with a central business district and population of ≥100,000 (n = 68). Given the various elements that contribute to 'greenness', we combine a range of different measurements (trees, greenness, and accessible greenspaces) into a single indicator. We applied the normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) to estimate the mean greenness of urban centres and the wider urban area (using a 1 km buffer) and determined the proportion of publicly accessible greenspace within each urban centre with Ordnance Survey Open Greenspace data. Finally, we applied a land cover classification algorithm using i-Tree Canopy to estimate tree coverage. This is the first study to define and rank urban centres based on multiple green attributes. The results suggest important differences in the proportion of green attributes between urban centres. For instance, Exeter scored the highest with a mean NDVI of 0.15, a tree coverage of 11.67%, and an OS Greenspace coverage of 0.05%, and Glasgow the lowest with a mean NDVI of 0.02, a tree cover of 1.95% and an OS Greenspace coverage of 0.00%. We also demonstrated that population size negatively associated with greenness and tree coverage, but not greenspaces, and that green attributes negatively associated with deprivation. This is important because it suggests that health-promoting and biodiversity-supporting resources diminish as population and deprivation increase. Disparities in green infrastructure across the country, along with the population and deprivation-associated trends, are important in terms of socioecological and equity justice. This study provides a baseline and stimulus to help local authorities and urban planners create and monitor equitable greening interventions in urban/city centres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake M. Robinson
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Arts Tower, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- inVIVO Planetary Health, of the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), West New York, NJ, United States of America
- * E-mail: (JMR); (PB)
| | - Suzanne Mavoa
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Environmental Public Health Branch, Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kate Robinson
- Data Insight Team, Arts Tower, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Brindley
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Arts Tower, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (JMR); (PB)
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16
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He Y, Jorgensen A, Sun Q, Corcoran A, Alfaro-Simmonds MJ. Negotiating Complexity: Challenges to Implementing Community-Led Nature-Based Solutions in England Pre- and Post-COVID-19. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14906. [PMID: 36429624 PMCID: PMC9691162 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192214906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Nature-based solutions (NbS), including green social prescribing (GSP), are sustainable ways to address health and wellbeing, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the strain on healthcare. NbS require national and local cross-sector coordination across complex, interrelated systems, but little is known about the specific challenges this poses for community-led NbS. We carried out a traditional literature review to establish the context and knowledge base for this study and interviewed 26 stakeholders. These came from environment, health and social care sectors at national and local levels, with local-level stakeholders from Bradford and Walsall: English cities significantly affected by the pandemic, with high levels of deprivation and health inequality. The interviews explored experiences of implementing NbS, both pre- and post-pandemic and the resulting renewed interest in the salutogenic effects of engaging with natural environments. We coded the interview transcriptions using NVivo to identify the challenges existing in the systems within which these stakeholders operate to create and manage NbS. By synthesizing what is known about the challenges from existing literature with findings from the interviews, we developed eight categories of challenges (perception and knowledge, political, financial, access to natural spaces, engagement, institutional and organisational, coordination, GSP referral and services) faced by multiple sectors in implementing community-led NbS in England. Furthermore, this study highlights the new challenges related to the pandemic. Identifying these challenges helps stakeholders in existing complex systems recognise what is needed to support and mainstream NbS in England.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichao He
- Department of Landscape Architecture, University of Sheffield, The Arts Tower, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Anna Jorgensen
- Department of Landscape Architecture, University of Sheffield, The Arts Tower, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Qian Sun
- School of Design, Royal College of Art, Kensington Gore, London SW7 2EU, UK
| | - Amy Corcoran
- School of Design, Royal College of Art, Kensington Gore, London SW7 2EU, UK
| | - Maria Jesus Alfaro-Simmonds
- Just Futures Centre for Child, Youth, Family and Community Research, School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK
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17
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Guimarães ES, Sá AA, Soares RC, Bandeira PFR, Moreira H, Guimarães JRS, de Lima Júnior FDÓ, Gabriel RCD. Classification of the Effort Index and Biomechanical Overload in Natural Trails of UNESCO Global Geoparks-A Network Perspective of Trails of the Araripe UGG (NE Brazil). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14297. [PMID: 36361174 PMCID: PMC9658445 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114297] [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: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Natural trails in UNESCO Global Geopark territories show strong salutogenic, inclusive and interactive characteristics as potentials and opportunities for ecosystem health. It is essential to provide information to inform the hiker as to the characteristics of the environment and the attractions and challenges of the route. Based on a network analysis methodology we aimed to identify the indicators of centrality and strength of connection in order to classify the effort index and biomechanical overload of the Araripe UNESCO Global Geopark trails in Brazil. The results showed strong connection and centrality of the variables related to the biomechanical overload in the effort index. In the trail of Pontal de Cruz the altimetric variation and the surface of the ground are highlighted in the biomechanical overload that presented a horizontal course equivalent 2.6 times larger than the presented distance. In Sítio Fundão trail, the surface of the ground also stood out, increasing the exposure in 36% of the presented distance. On the Missão Velha Waterfall trail, the variable that stood out was the biomechanical overload on the knee, equivalent to a horizontal increase of 28% of the measured distance. The methodology presented sought to optimise the mapping, management and consolidation of a network of natural trails aggregated to a high geotouristic, scientific, educational, cultural and well-being potential as presented in the Araripe UGG territory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo S. Guimarães
- Department of Sport Sciences, Exercise and Health, UTAD—University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Department of Physical Education, URCA—Universidade Regional do Cariri, Araripe UNESCO Global Geopark, Rua Cel. Antônio Luiz 1161, Crato 63105-000, CE, Brazil
| | - Artur A. Sá
- Department of Geology, UTAD—University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Rafael C. Soares
- Araripe UNESCO Global Geopark, URCA—Universidade Regional do Cariri, Rua Carolino Sucupira, Crato 63105-000, CE, Brazil
| | - Paulo Felipe R. Bandeira
- Motor Evaluation Study, Application and Research Group—GEAPAM, URCA—Universidade Regional do Cariri, Rua Cel. Antônio Luis 1161, Crato 63105-000, CE, Brazil
| | - Helena Moreira
- Department of Sport Sciences, Exercise and Health, Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD) and Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Jaqueliny R. S. Guimarães
- Department of Medicine, URCA—Universidade Regional do Cariri, Rua Cel. Antônio Luiz 1161, Crato 63105-000, CE, Brazil
| | - Francisco do Ó de Lima Júnior
- Department of Economics, URCA—Universidade Regional do Cariri, Araripe UNESCO Global Geopark, Rua Cel. Antônio Luiz 1161, Crato 63105-000, CE, Brazil
| | - Ronaldo C. D. Gabriel
- Department of Sport Sciences, Exercise and Health, Centre for the Research and Technology in Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
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18
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Robinson JM, Aronson J, Daniels CB, Goodwin N, Liddicoat C, Orlando L, Phillips D, Stanhope J, Weinstein P, Cross AT, Breed MF. Ecosystem restoration is integral to humanity's recovery from COVID-19. Lancet Planet Health 2022; 6:e769-e773. [PMID: 36087607 PMCID: PMC9451495 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(22)00171-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 has devastated global communities and economies. The pandemic has exposed socioeconomic disparities and weaknesses in health systems worldwide. Long-term health effects and economic recovery are major concerns. Ecosystem restoration-ie, the repair of ecosystems that have been degraded-relates directly to tackling the health and socioeconomic burdens of COVID-19, because stable and resilient ecosystems are fundamental determinants of health and socioeconomic stability. Here, we use COVID-19 as a case study, showing how ecosystem restoration can reduce the risk of infection and adverse sequelae and have an integral role in humanity's recovery from COVID-19. The next decade will be crucial for humanity's recovery from COVID-19 and for ecosystem repair. Indeed, in the absence of effective, large-scale restoration, 95% of the Earth's land could be degraded by 2050. The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-30) declaration reflects the growing urgency and scale at which we should repair ecosystems. Importantly, ecosystem restoration could also help to combat the health and socioeconomic issues that are associated with COVID-19, yet it is poorly integrated into current responses to the disease. Ecosystem restoration can be a core public health intervention and assist in COVID-19 recovery if it is closely integrated with socioeconomic, health, and environmental policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake M Robinson
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - James Aronson
- Center for Conservation and Sustainable Development, Missouri Botanical Garden, St Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Neva Goodwin
- Economics in Context Initiative, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Craig Liddicoat
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia; School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide SA, Australia
| | - Laura Orlando
- School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David Phillips
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, Bournemouth University, Poole, UK
| | - Jessica Stanhope
- School of Allied Health Science and Practice, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide SA, Australia
| | - Philip Weinstein
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide SA, Australia
| | - Adam T Cross
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia.
| | - Martin F Breed
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia.
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19
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Krczal E, Hyll W. COVID-19 triggered a physically active lifestyle of people with cardiovascular diseases: Results of a small Austrian qualitative study. Front Public Health 2022; 10:947250. [PMID: 36033783 PMCID: PMC9417466 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.947250] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This paper explores physical activity patterns and compensation strategies of people with cardiovascular diseases. The aim is to provide insights into the factors and their relationships that may affect physical activity levels positively or negatively during the pandemic. Methods We adopted a qualitative approach with 35 participants who were purposively sampled from different provinces in Austria, including rural and urban areas. Semi-structured interviews were conducted during the second COVID-19 wave in autumn/winter 2020 and the fourth wave in autumn/winter 2021. Content analysis was applied to explore physical activity patterns, the perceived impact of the pandemic on physical activity as well as strategies adopted by participants to maintain physically active during the pandemic waves. Results Results show encouraging signs of a recovery or even increase in physical activity during the pandemic waves. The main drivers for maintaining or even increasing physical activity were intrinsic motivation and self-determined motivation relating to the pursue of individual health goals. Furthermore, analysis suggests a reinforcing effect of exercising in green natural areas by decreasing perception of effort and increasing motivation. There was also one group who experienced difficulties in adapting physical activity behaviors. Study participants who were used to exercise indoors struggled to replace accustomed activity patterns with alternatives that were not impacted by lockdown restrictions. Conclusions This study provides novel qualitative evidence on the effect of COVID-19 lockdowns on physical activity patterns of people with cardiovascular diseases. Public health interventions to enhance a physically active lifestyle during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic are recommended to target moderate outdoor exercising and enhance adaptive capacities of people with cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Krczal
- Department for Economy and Health, University for Continuing Education Krems, Krems, Austria
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20
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Labib SM, Browning MHEM, Rigolon A, Helbich M, James P. Nature's contributions in coping with a pandemic in the 21st century: A narrative review of evidence during COVID-19. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 833:155095. [PMID: 35395304 DOI: 10.32942/osf.io/j2pa8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
While COVID-19 lockdowns have slowed coronavirus transmission, such structural measures also have unintended consequences on mental and physical health. Growing evidence shows that exposure to the natural environment (e.g., blue-green spaces) can improve human health and wellbeing. In this narrative review, we synthesized the evidence about nature's contributions to health and wellbeing during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. We found that during the pandemic, people experienced multiple types of nature, including both outdoors and indoors. Frequency of visits to outdoor natural areas (i.e., public parks) depended on lockdown severity and socio-cultural contexts. Other forms of nature exposure, such as spending time in private gardens and viewing outdoor greenery from windows, may have increased. The majority of the evidence suggests nature exposure during COVID-19 pandemic was associated with less depression, anxiety, stress, and more happiness and life satisfaction. Additionally, nature exposure was correlated with less physical inactivity and fewer sleep disturbances. Evidence was mixed regarding associations between nature exposure and COVID-related health outcomes, while nature visits might be associated with greater rates of COVID-19 transmission and mortality when proper social distancing measures were not maintained. Findings on whether nature exposure during lockdowns helped ameliorate health inequities by impacting the health of lower-socioeconomic populations more than their higher-socioeconomic counterparts for example were mixed. Based on these findings, we argue that nature exposure may have buffered the negative mental and behavioral impacts of lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recovery and resilience during the current crises and future public health crises might be improved with nature-based infrastructure, interventions, designs, and governance.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Labib
- Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, 3584 CB Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Matthew H E M Browning
- Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29631, USA
| | - Alessandro Rigolon
- Department of City and Metropolitan Planning, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Marco Helbich
- Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, 3584 CB Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter James
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, 655 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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21
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Labib SM, Browning MHEM, Rigolon A, Helbich M, James P. Nature's contributions in coping with a pandemic in the 21st century: A narrative review of evidence during COVID-19. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 833:155095. [PMID: 35395304 PMCID: PMC8983608 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
While COVID-19 lockdowns have slowed coronavirus transmission, such structural measures also have unintended consequences on mental and physical health. Growing evidence shows that exposure to the natural environment (e.g., blue-green spaces) can improve human health and wellbeing. In this narrative review, we synthesized the evidence about nature's contributions to health and wellbeing during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. We found that during the pandemic, people experienced multiple types of nature, including both outdoors and indoors. Frequency of visits to outdoor natural areas (i.e., public parks) depended on lockdown severity and socio-cultural contexts. Other forms of nature exposure, such as spending time in private gardens and viewing outdoor greenery from windows, may have increased. The majority of the evidence suggests nature exposure during COVID-19 pandemic was associated with less depression, anxiety, stress, and more happiness and life satisfaction. Additionally, nature exposure was correlated with less physical inactivity and fewer sleep disturbances. Evidence was mixed regarding associations between nature exposure and COVID-related health outcomes, while nature visits might be associated with greater rates of COVID-19 transmission and mortality when proper social distancing measures were not maintained. Findings on whether nature exposure during lockdowns helped ameliorate health inequities by impacting the health of lower-socioeconomic populations more than their higher-socioeconomic counterparts for example were mixed. Based on these findings, we argue that nature exposure may have buffered the negative mental and behavioral impacts of lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recovery and resilience during the current crises and future public health crises might be improved with nature-based infrastructure, interventions, designs, and governance.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Labib
- Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, 3584 CB Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Matthew H E M Browning
- Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29631, USA
| | - Alessandro Rigolon
- Department of City and Metropolitan Planning, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Marco Helbich
- Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, 3584 CB Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter James
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, 655 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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22
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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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23
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Das A, Gailey S. Green exercise, mental health symptoms, and state lockdown policies: A longitudinal study. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 82:101848. [PMID: 35854909 PMCID: PMC9281454 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2022.101848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Lockdown policies aimed at decreasing the transmission of COVID-19 showed unintended mental health consequences; however, natural settings may offer a respite for individuals suffering from depression or anxiety symptoms. Previous cross-sectional literature reports protective effects of outdoor exposure on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. We longitudinally assess whether green exercise corresponded with a decline in adverse mental health symptoms, controlling for state lockdown policies. We also examine whether the relation differed by state lockdown status. As our exposure variable, we specificized participation in an outdoor walk, jog, or hike (green exercise). We used, as the outcome variable, the 4-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4) to measure anxiety and depression symptoms. We utilized the Understanding America Study (UAS), a nationally representative sample of 8253 adults across 50 states in the US, surveyed biweekly between March 10, 2020-May 26, 2021. Linear fixed effect analyses controlled for time-invariant individual factors, as well as employment status, and household income. Regression results indicate a modest decline in PHQ-4 scores of approximately 0.10 (less mental health symptoms) as a function of green exercise, controlling for state lockdown status. We also find a slightly greater protective effect of green exercise on mental health symptoms during state lockdown policies. Additionally, we find that green exercise, as opposed to indoor exercise, corresponds with a decrease in PHQ-4 scores during lockdown. Contact with nature may improve mood and decrease mental health symptoms, especially during stress-inducing periods such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Green exercise as a recommended behavioral intervention may hold relevance for greater public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhery Das
- Program in Public Health, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Samantha Gailey
- Minnesota Population Center, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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24
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Lee KS, Min HS, Jeon JH, Choi YJ, Bang JH, Sung HK. The association between greenness exposure and COVID-19 incidence in South Korea: An ecological study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 832:154981. [PMID: 35378185 PMCID: PMC8975592 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rapid spread of COVID-19 has caused an emergency situation worldwide. Investigating the association between environmental characteristics and COVID-19 incidence can be of the occurrence and transmission. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between greenness exposure and COVID-19 cases at the district levels in South Korea. We also explored this association by considering several environmental indicators. METHODS District-level data from across South Korea were used to model the cumulative count of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 persons between January 20, 2020, and February 25, 2021. Greenness exposure data were derived from the Environmental Geographic Information Service of the Korean Ministry of Environment. A negative binomial mixed model evaluated the association between greenness exposure and COVID-19 incidence rate at the district level. Furthermore, we assessed this association between demographic, socioeconomic, environmental statuses, and COVID-19 incidence. RESULTS Data from 239 of 250 districts (95.6%) were included in the analyses, resulting in 127.89 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 persons between January 20, 2020 and February 25, 2021. Several demographic and socioeconomic variables, districts with a higher rate of natural greenness exposure, were significantly associated with lower COVID-19 incidence rates (incidence rate ratio (IRR), 0.70; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.54-0.90; P-value = 0.008) after adjusting covariates, but no evidence for the association between built greenness and COVID-19 incidence rates was found. CONCLUSION In this ecological study of South Korea, we found that higher rates of exposure to natural greenness were associated with lower rates of COVID-19 cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Shin Lee
- Research Institute for Public Health, National Medical Center, Seoul 04564, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hye Sook Min
- Research Institute for Public Health, National Medical Center, Seoul 04564, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jae-Hyun Jeon
- Research Institute for Public Health, National Medical Center, Seoul 04564, Republic of Korea; Department of Infectious disease, National Medical Center, Seoul 04564, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yoon-Jung Choi
- National Cancer Center Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, Gyeonggi-do 10408, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ji Hwan Bang
- Office for the Central Infectious Disease Hospital, National Medical Center, Seoul 04564, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ho Kyung Sung
- Research Institute for Public Health, National Medical Center, Seoul 04564, Republic of Korea; National Emergency Medical Center, National Medical Center, Seoul 04564, Republic of Korea.
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25
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Loebach J, Rakow DA, Meredith G, Shepley MM. Time Outdoors in Nature to Improve Staff Well-Being: Examining Changes in Behaviors and Motivations Among University Staff in the Use of Natural Outdoor Environments Since the Emergence of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Psychol 2022; 13:869122. [PMID: 35936287 PMCID: PMC9354818 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.869122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Work-related stress is of growing concern to employers because of its significant implications for employee dissatisfaction, reduced productivity, and lowered emotional and physical health. Job-related stress is particularly acute among staff members in higher education, negatively impacting the professional work and personal welfare of staff. During the COVID-19 pandemic, stress levels increased, due to work- and non-work-related factors. Work expectations and environments shifted, as did new non-work responsibilities, such as care of dependents. As a result, many people were forced to spend much more time at home. Given the anticipated levels of stress (higher) and the change in time spent at home (increased), we sought to explore if adults were spending more time outdoors, as compared to pre-pandemic times, and if so, for what purposes. We hypothesized that people would be spending more time outdoors in nature during the pandemic, and that they would be doing so to achieve some of the well-documented benefits including managing stress, and bolstering mental health and wellbeing. We further hypothesized that some staff would experience barriers to spending time outdoors in natural outdoor environments (NOEs), potentially limiting their ability to experience these beneficial effects. Materials and Methods This study surveyed 507 staff from a large United States university to examine the degree to which staff were spending time in natural outdoor environments (NOEs) during the pandemic (two time-points, compared to pre-pandemic), and whether and how nature-based routines changed as a result of its emergence. The study also examined whether staff were motivated to spend time in nature to improve their mental health and/or wellbeing. Results The majority of respondents reported spending more time in NOEs since COVID-19 emerged, particularly early in the pandemic. Respondents reported doing so for restorative purposes, including stress relief, improved mental health, and improved physical health. Relative accessibility of NOEs, both in terms of proximity and number of barriers to access, significantly impacted both time outdoors and the number of NOEs used. Access to safe, high-quality NOEs was not experienced equally across staff respondents; barriers to access tended to be higher among staff living with dependents or others in their household, and for staff who identify as non-White. Conclusion Spending time outdoors may have served as a protective factor for many university staff against some of the potentially detrimental effects of the pandemic, particularly reduced mental health and well-being. Universities can contribute to the ongoing well-being of their staff by supporting access to safe, high-quality NOEs on or adjacent to campus. This may also serve to reduce disparities in access to nature and experience of its benefits. Universities may also consider alternative work arrangements for staff to allow for more time for health and wellness self-care during the work day, including spending time outdoors in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Loebach
- Department of Human Centered Design, College of Human Ecology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Donald A. Rakow
- Section of Horticulture, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Genevieve Meredith
- Master of Public Health Program, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Mardelle McCuskey Shepley
- Department of Human Centered Design, College of Human Ecology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
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26
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Outdoor Recreation Habits of People in Latvia: General Trends, and Changes during the COVID-19 Pandemic. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14148478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Outdoor recreation opportunities are crucial for sustaining people’s physical and mental health, and forests are important recreational venues in Europe, especially in its northern part. Our study sought to characterise outdoor recreation patterns and their changes in Latvia due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a representative population survey with public participatory GIS elements that allowed the respondents to map their favoured recreation destinations. Our results revealed increased visitor numbers to nature areas during COVID-19. The main stated psychosocial factors behind the increased frequency of nature visits are health benefits and lower perceived risks in the context of the pandemic. Forests as areas simultaneously providing multiple ecosystem services have significant importance in providing space for outdoor recreation. Outdoor recreation hotspots concentrate around major urban areas and in some of the largest and most popular nature areas.
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27
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Marchi V, Speak A, Ugolini F, Sanesi G, Carrus G, Salbitano F. Attitudes towards urban green during the COVID-19 pandemic via Twitter. CITIES (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 126:103707. [PMID: 35572914 PMCID: PMC9091318 DOI: 10.1016/j.cities.2022.103707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 has had economic, social and environmental impacts worldwide. Governments have adopted containment measures to limit the spread of the virus. Urban green spaces (UGSs) were included among the non-essential activities and were consequently closed during the lockdown periods in some countries. This study analysed tweets posted by users to understand the citizens' perception and sentiment in relation to the closure of UGS in Italy. Results revealed that people felt a strong deprivation feeling in relation to the restrictions imposed on UGS access, which limited the number of spaces for supporting mental and physical wellbeing of citizens. Users from urban areas were more affected by the lockdowns and more willing to share thoughts on social media, demonstrating a strong emotionality. Furthermore, findings show that users seemed concerned about their children's health, expressing awareness about the benefits of being in contact with nature. UGS is able to provide services to citizens, and close-to-home parks are fundamental for the community, in particular during a health emergency. The implementation of urban design, which includes green areas to support health and environment challenges, should be addressed by policy-makers to create opportunities for a green and resilient recovery of cities, and prepare for future emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Marchi
- National Research Council, Institute of BioEconomy, Via Madonna del Piano 10, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - A Speak
- Department of Geography, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, England, United Kingdom
| | - F Ugolini
- National Research Council, Institute of BioEconomy, Via Madonna del Piano 10, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - G Sanesi
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Amendola 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - G Carrus
- Roma Tre University, Department of Education, Experimental Psychology Laboratory, via del Castro Pretorio, 20, Rome, Italy
| | - F Salbitano
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment, and Forest Science and Technologies, University of Florence, Via San Bonaventura, 13, Florence, Italy
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28
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Urgent Biophilia: Green Space Visits in Wellington, New Zealand, during the COVID-19 Lockdowns. LAND 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/land11060793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Urgent biophilia describes the conscious desire of humans to seek interactions with nature during periods of stress. This study examines the changes in frequency and reason for visiting urban green spaces by residents of Wellington, New Zealand, to determine whether resident behavior during a stressful period exemplifies the principles of urgent biophilia. The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting lockdowns were used as the study period due to the significant physical and mental health stressors they triggered. Pedestrian and cyclist counters located in key urban green spaces in Wellington were used to collect data on visits pre- and post-pandemic. Two surveys were used to assess residents’ reasons for visiting urban green spaces during lockdowns. Increased green space visits were seen during the strictest lockdowns, though there was some variation in visits depending on the location of the green space. The most frequently reported reason for visiting green spaces during lockdown was mental wellbeing, followed by recreation. These results suggest that Wellington residents used urban green spaces as a coping mechanism during stressful lockdown periods for wellbeing benefits, exemplifying the principles of urgent biophilia. Urban planners and policymakers must consider and implement urban green infrastructure as a public health resource.
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29
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Vos S, Bijnens EM, Renaers E, Croons H, Van Der Stukken C, Martens DS, Plusquin M, Nawrot TS. Residential green space is associated with a buffering effect on stress responses during the COVID-19 pandemic in mothers of young children, a prospective study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 208:112603. [PMID: 34995548 PMCID: PMC8730780 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Green spaces are associated with increased well-being and reduced risk of developing psychiatric disorders. In this study, we aimed to investigate how residential proximity to green spaces was associated with stress response buffering during the COVID-19 pandemic in a prospective cohort of young mothers. We collected information on stress in 766 mothers (mean age: 36.6 years) from the ENVIRONAGE birth cohort at baseline of the study (from 2010 onwards), and during the COVID-19 pandemic (from December 2020 until May 2021). Self-reported stress responses due to the COVID-19 pandemic were the outcome measure. Green space was quantified in several radiuses around the residence based on high-resolution (1 m2) data. Using ordinal logistic regression, we estimated the odds of better resistance to reported stress, while controlling for age, socio-economic status, stress related to care for children, urbanicity, and household change in income during the pandemic. In sensitivity analyses we corrected for pre-pandemic stress levels, BMI, physical activity, and changes in health-related habits during the pandemic. We found that for an inter-quartile range contrast in residential green space 300 m and 500 m around the residence, participants were respectively 24% (OR = 1.24, 95%CI: 1.03 to 1.51) and 29% (OR = 1.29, 95%CI: 1.04 to 1.60) more likely to be in a more resistant category, independent of the aforementioned factors. These results remained robust after additionally controlling for pre-pandemic stress levels, BMI, physical activity, smoking status, urbanicity, psychological disorders, and changes in health-related habits during the pandemic. This prospective study in young mothers highlights the importance of proximity to green spaces, especially during challenging times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stijn Vos
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Esmée M Bijnens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium; Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eleni Renaers
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Hanne Croons
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Van Der Stukken
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Dries S Martens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Michelle Plusquin
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium; Department of Public Health, Leuven University (KU Leuven), Kapucijnenvoer 35, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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30
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Nguyen SP, Gordon CL. Gratitude for Categories of Needs Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JOURNAL OF HAPPINESS STUDIES 2022; 23:2881-2901. [PMID: 35462638 PMCID: PMC9012896 DOI: 10.1007/s10902-022-00531-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This naturalistic observation study investigated the influence of broad societal events such as the COVID-19 pandemic on public expressions of gratitude. Spontaneously produced gratitude expressions posted by individuals (N = 159) in an online discussion forum were extracted at three time periods (during the pandemic, one year pre-pandemic, and 2 years pre-pandemic). The gratitude expressions were coded for the categories of deficiency and growth needs based on Maslow's Theory of Motivation. The results demonstrate a higher frequency of gratitude expressions for growth opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to 2 years prior. The results also demonstrate a higher frequency of gratitude for the fulfillment of deficiency needs compared to growth needs within each of the years, highlighting the overall salience of this category. These findings reveal the capacity of broad societal events to impact public gratitude expressions for needs fulfilment, which has implications for policies and programs intended to meet needs during a global crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone P. Nguyen
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, 601 South College Road, Wilmington, NC 2843-5612 USA
| | - Cameron L. Gordon
- Department of Psychology, Vancouver Island University, 900 Fifth St., Nanaimo, NC V9R 5S5 Canada
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31
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Quarta S, Levante A, García-Conesa MT, Lecciso F, Scoditti E, Carluccio MA, Calabriso N, Damiano F, Santarpino G, Verri T, Pinto P, Siculella L, Massaro M. Assessment of Subjective Well-Being in a Cohort of University Students and Staff Members: Association with Physical Activity and Outdoor Leisure Time during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19084787. [PMID: 35457652 PMCID: PMC9025284 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Time spent outdoors and physical activity (PA) promote mental health. To confirm this relationship in the aftermath of COVID-19 lockdowns, we explored individual levels of anxiety, depression, stress and subjective well-being (SWB) in a cohort of academic students and staff members and tested their association with sport practice, PA at leisure time and time spent outdoors. Our cross-sectional study collected data during the COVID-19 outbreak (April−May 2021) on 939 students and on 238 employees, who completed an online survey on sociodemographic and lifestyle features, depression, anxiety, stress, and SWB. Results showed that the students exhibited higher levels of anxiety, depression, and stress, and lower levels of SWB (p < 0.001 for all domains) compared to the staff members. Correlation analysis confirmed that PA and time spent in nature were associated to high mental health scores among staff and, more consistently, among students. Finally, mediation analyses indicated that the time spent in nature, social relationships, and levels of energy play a mediator role in the relationship between sport practice and SWB. Our evidence reinforces the protective role of time spent in nature in improving mental health, and provides support for policymakers to make appropriate choices for a better management of COVID-19 pandemic consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Quarta
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DISTEBA), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (S.Q.); (F.D.); (T.V.)
| | - Annalisa Levante
- Department of History, Society, and Human Studies, University of Salento, Via di Valesio, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (A.L.); (F.L.)
- Laboratory of Applied Psychology, Department of History, Society, and Human Studies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - María-Teresa García-Conesa
- Research Group on Quality, Safety and Bioactivity of Plant Foods, Centro de Edafología y Biología Aplicada 40 del Segura-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CEBAS-CSIC), Campus de Espinardo, P.O. Box 164, 30100 Murcia, Spain;
| | - Flavia Lecciso
- Department of History, Society, and Human Studies, University of Salento, Via di Valesio, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (A.L.); (F.L.)
- Laboratory of Applied Psychology, Department of History, Society, and Human Studies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Egeria Scoditti
- Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), National Research Council (CNR), 73100 Lecce, Italy; (E.S.); (M.A.C.); (N.C.)
| | - Maria Annunziata Carluccio
- Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), National Research Council (CNR), 73100 Lecce, Italy; (E.S.); (M.A.C.); (N.C.)
| | - Nadia Calabriso
- Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), National Research Council (CNR), 73100 Lecce, Italy; (E.S.); (M.A.C.); (N.C.)
| | - Fabrizio Damiano
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DISTEBA), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (S.Q.); (F.D.); (T.V.)
| | - Giuseppe Santarpino
- Cardiovascular Center, Paracelsus Medical University, 90471 Nuremberg, Germany;
- GVM Care and Research, Città di Lecce Hospital, 73100 Lecce, Italy
- Cardiac Surgery Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Tiziano Verri
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DISTEBA), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (S.Q.); (F.D.); (T.V.)
| | - Paula Pinto
- Instituto Politécnico de Santarém, Escola Superior Agraria, 2001-904 Santarem, Portugal;
- Life Quality Research Centre (CIEQV), IPSantarém/IPLeiria, 2040-413 Rio Maior, Portugal
| | - Luisa Siculella
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DISTEBA), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (S.Q.); (F.D.); (T.V.)
- Correspondence: (L.S.); (M.M.); Tel.: +39-083-229-8860 (M.M.)
| | - Marika Massaro
- Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), National Research Council (CNR), 73100 Lecce, Italy; (E.S.); (M.A.C.); (N.C.)
- Correspondence: (L.S.); (M.M.); Tel.: +39-083-229-8860 (M.M.)
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Reid CE, Rieves ES, Carlson K. Perceptions of green space usage, abundance, and quality of green space were associated with better mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic among residents of Denver. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263779. [PMID: 35235576 PMCID: PMC8890647 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted both physical and mental health. This study aimed to understand whether exposure to green space buffered against stress and distress during the COVID-19 pandemic while taking into account significant stressors of the pandemic. METHODS We leveraged a cross-sectional survey on green space exposure and mental health among residents of Denver, CO that ran from November 2019 through January 2021. We measured objective green space as the average NDVI (normalized difference vegetation index) from aerial imagery within 300m and 500m of the participant's residence. Perceived green space was measured through Likert scores on five questions about vegetation near the home that captured perceived abundance, visibility, access, usage, and quality of green space. We used generalized linear models to assess the relationship between each green space exposure variable and perceived stress (PSS-4), depression (CES-D-10), or anxiety (MMPI-2) adjusted for sociodemographic and COVID-19 impact variables. RESULTS We found significantly higher depression scores for all covid periods compared to the "before covid" period, and significantly higher anxiety scores during the "fall wave" compared to earlier periods. Adjusted for sociodemographic and pandemic stressors, we found that spending a lot of time in green space (usage) was significantly associated with lower anxiety and depression. We also observed significantly lower depression scores associated with NDVI in both buffers (objective abundance) and significantly lower anxiety scores with perceived abundance of green space. There was some evidence of lower anxiety scores for people reporting having high quality green spaces near the home (quality). We did not observe significant associations for any green space metric and perceived stress after adjustment for confounding variables. CONCLUSION Our work provides further evidence of mental health benefits associated with green space exposure during the COVID-19 pandemic even after adjustment for sociodemographic variables and significant pandemic-related stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen E. Reid
- Geography Department, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States of America
- Institute of Behavioral Science, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Emma S. Rieves
- Geography Department, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States of America
- Institute of Behavioral Science, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Kate Carlson
- Geography Department, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States of America
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Larson LR, Mullenbach LE, Browning MHEM, Rigolon A, Thomsen J, Metcalf EC, Reigner NP, Sharaievska I, McAnirlin O, D'Antonio A, Cloutier S, Helbich M, Labib SM. Greenspace and park use associated with less emotional distress among college students in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:112367. [PMID: 34774510 PMCID: PMC8648327 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected many people's psychological health. Impacts may be particularly severe among socially vulnerable populations such as college students, a group predisposed to mental health problems. Outdoor recreation and visits to greenspaces such as parks offer promising pathways for addressing the mental health challenges associated with COVID-19. During the early stages of the pandemic (March-May 2020), we surveyed 1280 college students at four large public universities across the United States (U.S.) to assess how, and why, outdoor recreation and park use changed since the emergence of COVID-19. We also measured students' self-reported levels of emotional distress (a proxy for psychological health) and assessed potential demographic and contextual correlates of distress, including county-level per capita park area and greenness, using generalized linear models. We found that 67% of students reported limiting outdoor activities and 54% reported reducing park use during the pandemic. Students who reduced their use of outdoor spaces cited structural reasons (e.g., lockdowns), concerns about viral transmission, and negative emotions that obstructed active lifestyles. Students who maintained pre-pandemic park use levels expressed a desire to be outdoors in nature, often with the explicit goal of improving mental and physical health. Emotional distress among students was widespread. Models showed higher levels of emotional distress were associated with reducing park use during the pandemic and residing in counties with a smaller area of parks per capita. This study of U.S. college students supports the value of park-based recreation as a health promotion strategy for diverse populations of young adults during a time of crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lincoln R Larson
- Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA.
| | - Lauren E Mullenbach
- Department of Geography & Environmental Sustainability, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, 73019, USA
| | - Matthew H E M Browning
- Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA.
| | - Alessandro Rigolon
- Department of City and Metropolitan Planning, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
| | - Jennifer Thomsen
- Franke College of Forestry and Conservation, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, 59812, USA.
| | | | - Nathan P Reigner
- College of Health and Human Development, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, 16801, USA.
| | - Iryna Sharaievska
- Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA.
| | - Olivia McAnirlin
- Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA.
| | - Ashley D'Antonio
- Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97330, USA. Ashley.D'
| | - Scott Cloutier
- School of Sustainability, The College of Global Futures, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85281, USA.
| | - Marco Helbich
- Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, 3584, CB, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - S M Labib
- Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, 3584, CB, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Centre for Diet and Activity Research, MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern, Ireland.
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Does Spending Time in Nature Help Students Cope with the COVID-19 Pandemic? SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14042401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our economy, social lives, and mental health, and it therefore provides a unique chance for researchers to examine how people cope with changes to their everyday activities. Research suggests that people may be spending more time in nature than they did pre-pandemic. The current study sheds light on how nature is being used to cope with the stresses of the global health crisis and lockdowns. Canadian undergraduate students (N = 559) filled out a questionnaire during the fall of 2020 about their pandemic experience, including their affects, life satisfaction, and feelings of flourishing and vitality, in addition to a wide variety of nature variables. The weekly exposures, the perceived increases or decreases in the exposure to nature during the pandemic, and the feelings of connectedness (nature relatedness) were assessed. Those who felt like they were spending more time in nature than they did pre-pandemic experienced more subjective well-being. Nature-related individuals were more likely to access nature and to appreciate it more during the pandemic than others, but all people (even those less connected) experienced well-being benefits from spending more time in nature. Going into nature appears to be an increasingly popular and effective coping strategy to boost or maintain subjective well-being during the pandemic.
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35
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Jato-Espino D, Moscardó V, Vallina Rodríguez A, Lázaro E. Spatial statistical analysis of the relationship between self-reported mental health during the COVID-19 lockdown and closeness to green infrastructure. URBAN FORESTRY & URBAN GREENING 2022; 68:127457. [PMID: 35002595 PMCID: PMC8717691 DOI: 10.1016/j.ufug.2021.127457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has produced alterations in the behaviour and psychological health of people, who have had to learn living under uncertain circumstances escaping their control. This situation has been aggravated in those countries applying strict home confinement rules to try bending their epidemic curve. This is the case of Spain, where the stringent lockdown period was extended over three months. This study aimed at proving a research hypothesis whereby living close to Green Infrastructure (GI) during the confinement period was beneficial for mental health. To this end, La Palma (Canary Islands) and Zaragoza (Peninsular Spain) were taken as case studies, since both locations distributed a questionnaire to address citizenry's self-reported mental health under strict lockdown conditions. A spatial statistical analysis of the responses collected by these questionnaires revealed that variables such as stress, anger, medication use, alcohol consumption or visits to the doctor significantly decreased if citizens were close to GI, whereas people having very high expectations of enjoying the city after the confinement were positively correlated to proximity of green areas. Although these outcomes are limited by the inferential capacity of correlation analysis, they point out to a sense of relief derived from having visual contact with vegetated landscapes and feeling stimulated about using them for recreation, aesthetical or sporting purposes. The joint consideration of these psychological gains with the social and environmental benefits provided by GI emphasizes the importance of approaching urban regeneration through the design and implementation of interconnected green spaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Jato-Espino
- GREENIUS Research Group, Universidad Internacional de Valencia - VIU, Calle Pintor Sorolla 21, 46002, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vanessa Moscardó
- GREENIUS Research Group, Universidad Internacional de Valencia - VIU, Calle Pintor Sorolla 21, 46002, Valencia, Spain
| | - Alejandro Vallina Rodríguez
- GREENIUS Research Group, Universidad Internacional de Valencia - VIU, Calle Pintor Sorolla 21, 46002, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Geography, Autonomous University of Madrid, Campus de Cantoblanco, 28014, Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther Lázaro
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Internacional de Valencia - VIU, Calle Pintor Sorolla 21, 46002, Valencia, Spain
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Leisure Engagement during COVID-19 and Its Association with Mental Health and Wellbeing in U.S. Adults. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031081. [PMID: 35162106 PMCID: PMC8834183 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Leisure engagement has risen as a salient societal issue during the COVID-19 pandemic, not only because it provides a pathway for people to continue meeting their physical, cognitive, and social-emotional needs, but also due to the phenomenal juxtaposition of general increases in leisure time and unparalleled constraints. This study reports the results of the first investigation of U.S. adults’ overall leisure engagement and its association with mental health amidst the major disruptions and sustained stress of the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected through an online survey in February 2021 through Prolific from a sample representative of the U.S. adult population in age, gender, and race (n = 503) and analyzed using a mixed-method approach. A total of 104 unique leisure activities in 19 categories and 3 domains were identified through iterative thematic coding. Participants reported general increases in home-based traditional leisure and digital/online activities and decreases in physical and nature-based activities. A multiple regression analysis controlling for socio-demographic and context-specific covariates revealed distinct associations between changes in leisure engagement and different aspects of mental health (perceived stress, depressive symptoms, and mental wellbeing), supporting leisure’s dual role in facilitating stress alleviation and wellbeing enhancement during taxing events, such as COVID-19.
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37
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Roviello V, Gilhen-Baker M, Vicidomini C, Roviello GN. Forest-bathing and physical activity as weapons against COVID-19: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS 2022; 20:131-140. [PMID: 34566548 PMCID: PMC8453031 DOI: 10.1007/s10311-021-01321-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Strengthening the immune system in order to better withstand the threat of COVID-19 is an important way to ensure the protection of our health against the current pandemic associated with SARS-CoV-2. There are many ways to achieve this, but with current circumstances, certain modalities stand out as being the most valid and are certainly worth greater consideration. Here we review the effects that particular immuno-strengthening activities can have on limiting the severity of COVID-19 disease as well as preventing virus infection. Physical activity, in particular, should not be discounted as an important method of prevention of viral diseases as it triggers many biological processes within the human body which in turn lead to heightened natural defences against viral infections. When exercise is performed in forested areas, these protective health benefits may be increased since many plant species emit biogenic volatile compounds (VOCs) which, when inhaled, have many protective properties. These VOCs have been shown in particular to have immunostimulatory effects on the human body and, thus, they could be of use in the prevention and/or treatment of COVID-19. Being amongst trees may also help to alleviate stress and anxiety, lowering cortisol levels and consequently helping the proper functioning of the immune system. In the following work, we have performed an analysis of the available scientific literature which looks at the effects of physical exercise as well as 'forest-bathing' on the immune system's ability to fight disease, especially of course as it relates to COVID-19. Our review aims at shedding light on the benefits of exercising outdoors in green areas and suggests reforestation as a protective measure against future outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Roviello
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Industrial Production Engineering (DICMaPI), University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale V. Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Melinda Gilhen-Baker
- Faculty of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Georgian State Teaching University of Physical Education and Sport, 49, Chavchavadze avenue, 0162 Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Caterina Vicidomini
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, IBB - CNR Mezzocannone Site and Headquarters, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni N. Roviello
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, IBB - CNR Mezzocannone Site and Headquarters, 80134 Naples, Italy
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38
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Exercising under COVID-2x: Conceptualizing Future Green Spaces in Australia’s Neighborhoods. URBAN SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/urbansci5040093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has proven to be a social and economic disruptor on a global scale, severely curtailing people’s ability to travel and engage in many recreation activities. Periodic lockdown and stay-at-home orders have exacerbated the situation. In this social climate, urban green spaces have attained a high significance for the maintenance of the physical and mental health of the population. Given the presence of similar coronaviruses in animal populations, it can be predicted that future epidemics and even pandemics will occur. Urban planning needs to incorporate the lessons learnt during COVID-19 in order to future-proof our communities. This paper reviews the role that urban green spaces played during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on these observations, the paper discusses a range of options for the provision of pandemic-sensitive spaces for physical exercise and mental recreation. Design concepts for long-term planning adjustments as well as for future ad-hoc solutions are provided. These include the provision of social distancing ‘pods’ embedded in design and landscaping of permanent parks, the design of ad-hoc, socially distanced ‘parklets’ on a quietened street and a rethink of the design of curb-to-boundary setbacks (nature strip) in residential streets.
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39
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Jungwirth D, Weninger CA, Haluza D. Fitness and the Crisis: Impacts of COVID-19 on Active Living and Life Satisfaction in Austria. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182413073. [PMID: 34948682 PMCID: PMC8701068 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182413073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically impacted human lifestyles across the world. Lockdowns and home confinement decreased prior opportunities for everyday physical activity. To retrospectively assess how the Austrian population coped with these aspects of the crisis, we conducted a cross-sectional online survey from March to September 2021 using a structured questionnaire in German. In total, 1214 participants (56.9% females, mean age 37.0 years) living across Austria shared self-reported information on sociodemographic characteristics, indoor and outdoor physical activity, reasons for being outdoors, and life satisfaction before and after the emergence of the virus. As a result, overall indoor physical activity significantly decreased in a before–during COVID-19 crisis comparison, although exercising at home with online instructions increased by about 63%. Exercising outdoors increased overall, specifically in periurban forests and rural areas, both by about 9%. Life satisfaction decreased significantly by 19.7% (p < 0.001). Outdoor public places and natural environments gained importance due to restrictions affecting access to sport facilities. Further research is needed to evaluate benefits and therapeutic values of outdoor nature for physical and mental health in times of a global pandemic to maintain resilient societies, as it might impact future active living and life satisfaction.
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40
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Teixeira A, Gabriel R, Martinho J, Pinto G, Quaresma L, Faria A, Oliveira I, Moreira H. Connectedness to Nature Does Not Explain the Variation in Physical Activity and Body Composition in Adults and Older People. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:11951. [PMID: 34831707 PMCID: PMC8619523 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182211951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Connectedness to nature (CN) is a significant predictor of pro-environmental behaviours, human health and well-being. However, research on how this connection to the natural world might promote a more active lifestyle and improve body mass composition according to gender is lacking. This study investigated the influence of CN on physical activity (PA) and body composition in adults and older people. We recruited a sample of 219 individuals (77 men and 142 women), and a self-administered questionnaire was used to measure CN and obtain demographic data. Body composition was assessed by bioimpedance, and PA was assessed by accelerometry. Correlations and stepwise multiple regressions were used in data analysis. CN's association with other variables was more pronounced in women than in men, and we only identified significant associations with steps/day and body composition. However, this variable would not be included in the regression models that we developed. Adiposity levels and muscle status were significant predictors of PA in women. In both genders, age, percentage of fat mass and fat-free mass were selected as regressors in the models developed for visceral fat area and muscle condition (R2 Adjusted ≥ 0.908).
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Teixeira
- University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ronaldo Gabriel
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Department of Sports Science, Exercise and Health, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
| | - José Martinho
- Geosciences Centre (CGeo), Department of Geology, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
| | - Graça Pinto
- Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD), Department of Sports Science, Exercise and Health, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
| | - Luís Quaresma
- Department of Sports Science, Exercise and Health, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
| | - Aurélio Faria
- Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD), Department of Sport Science, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal;
| | - Irene Oliveira
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Department of Mathematics, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
- Center for Computational and Stochastic Mathematics, CEMAT-IST-UL, University of Lisbon, 1600-214 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Helena Moreira
- Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD), Department of Sports, Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Department of Sports, Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
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Hernandez-Garcia E, Chrysikou E, Kalea AZ. The Interplay between Housing Environmental Attributes and Design Exposures and Psychoneuroimmunology Profile-An Exploratory Review and Analysis Paper in the Cancer Survivors' Mental Health Morbidity Context. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:10891. [PMID: 34682637 PMCID: PMC8536084 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Adult cancer survivors have an increased prevalence of mental health comorbidities and other adverse late-effects interdependent with mental illness outcomes compared with the general population. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) heralds an era of renewed call for actions to identify sustainable modalities to facilitate the constructs of cancer survivorship care and health care delivery through physiological supportive domestic spaces. Building on the concept of therapeutic architecture, psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) indicators-with the central role in low-grade systemic inflammation-are associated with major psychiatric disorders and late effects of post-cancer treatment. Immune disturbances might mediate the effects of environmental determinants on behaviour and mental disorders. Whilst attention is paid to the non-objective measurements for examining the home environmental domains and mental health outcomes, little is gathered about the multidimensional effects on physiological responses. This exploratory review presents a first analysis of how addressing the PNI outcomes serves as a catalyst for therapeutic housing research. We argue the crucial component of housing in supporting the sustainable primary care and public health-based cancer survivorship care model, particularly in the psychopathology context. Ultimately, we illustrate a series of interventions aiming at how housing environmental attributes can trigger PNI profile changes and discuss the potential implications in the non-pharmacological treatment of cancer survivors and patients with mental morbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Hernandez-Garcia
- The Bartlett Real Estate Institute, The Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK;
| | - Evangelia Chrysikou
- The Bartlett Real Estate Institute, The Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK;
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, Department of Social Medicine, University of Crete, 700 13 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Anastasia Z. Kalea
- Division of Medicine, University College London, London WC1E 6JF, UK;
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, London WC1E 6HX, UK
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42
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Pearson AL, Breeze V, Reuben A, Wyatt G. Increased Use of Porch or Backyard Nature during COVID-19 Associated with Lower Stress and Better Symptom Experience among Breast Cancer Patients. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:9102. [PMID: 34501691 PMCID: PMC8430585 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18179102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Contact with nature has been used to promote both physical and mental health, and is increasingly used among cancer patients. However, the COVID-19 pandemic created new challenges in both access to nature in public spaces and in cancer care. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the change in active and passive use of nature, places of engaging with nature and associations of nature contact with respect to improvements to perceived stress and symptom experience among breast cancer patients during the pandemic. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of people diagnosed with breast cancer using ResearchMatch (n = 56) in July 2020 (the first wave of COVID-19). In this US-based, predominantly white, affluent, highly educated, female sample, we found that, on average, participants were first diagnosed with breast cancer at 54 years old and at stage 2 or 3. Eighteen percent of participants experienced disruptions in their cancer care due to the pandemic. As expected, activities in public places significantly decreased as well, including use of parks/trails and botanical gardens. In contrast, spending time near home, on the porch or in the backyard significantly increased. Also observed were significant increases in indoor activities involving passive nature contact, such as watching birds through a window, listening to birdsong, and smelling rain or plants. Decreased usage of parks/trails was significantly associated with higher stress (Coef = -2.30, p = 0.030) and increased usage of the backyard/porch was significantly associated with lower stress (Coef = -2.69, p = 0.032), lower symptom distress (Coef = -0.80, p = 0.063) and lower symptom severity (Coef = -0.52, p = 0.009). The most commonly reported alternatives to outdoor engagement with nature were watching nature through a window (84%), followed by looking at images of nature (71%), and listening to nature through a window (66%). The least commonly enjoyed alternative was virtual reality of nature scenes (25%). While outdoor contact with nature away from home decreased, participants still found ways to experience the restorative benefits of nature in and around their home. Of special interest in planning interventions was the fact that actual or real nature was preferred over that experienced through technology. This could be an artifact of our sample, or could represent a desire to be in touch with the "real world" during a health crisis. Nature contact may represent a flexible strategy to decrease stress and improve symptom experience among patients with cancer, particularly during public health crises or disruptions to cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber L. Pearson
- Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
| | - Victoria Breeze
- Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
| | - Aaron Reuben
- Department of Psychology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA;
| | - Gwen Wyatt
- College of Nursing, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
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Spano G, D'Este M, Giannico V, Elia M, Cassibba R, Lafortezza R, Sanesi G. Association between indoor-outdoor green features and psychological health during the COVID-19 lockdown in Italy: A cross-sectional nationwide study. URBAN FORESTRY & URBAN GREENING 2021; 62:127156. [PMID: 33911997 PMCID: PMC8061159 DOI: 10.1016/j.ufug.2021.127156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to public green spaces was shown to be associated with psychological health. Nonetheless, evidence is lacking on the role of different green features within and/or surrounding the home environment when public green spaces are inaccessible or not usable. The overarching goal of this study is to shed light on the associations between the presence of greenness within the home and in the surrounding environment and the detrimental effects of quarantine on psychological health during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in Italy. A cross-sectional nationwide study involving an online survey was conducted of an Italian population-based sample of 3886 respondents on the association of indoor and outdoor green features (i.e., presence of plant pots, sunlight, green view and accessibility of private green space and natural outdoor environment) with self-reported increases in anxiety, anger, fear, confusion, moodiness, boredom, irritability, recurrent thoughts and/or dreams, poor concentration and sleep disturbance during the COVID-19 lockdown. Single-exposure regression models were performed to estimate associations between single green features and each psychological health outcome adjusted for relevant covariates. In the adjusted models, the presence of plant pots at home was associated with a lower self-reported increase in anxiety, anger, fear, irritability, and sleep disturbance. A greater amount of sunlight in the home was associated with a lower increase in anger, fear, confusion, moodiness, boredom, irritability, poor concentration, and sleep disturbance. A greater amount of green view and access to private green spaces were both associated with a lower increase in each of the psychological health outcomes except for green view and recurrent thought and/or dreams. Natural outdoor environment was associated with anxiety, fear, boredom, irritability, and sleep disturbance. Significant associations remained robust when adjusted for number of confirmed COVID-19 cases. Insights on future investigations are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Spano
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Amendola 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy
- Department of Education Science, Psychology, Communication Science, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Crisanzio 42, 70122 Bari, Italy
| | - Marina D'Este
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Amendola 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Giannico
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Amendola 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Mario Elia
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Amendola 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Rosalinda Cassibba
- Department of Education Science, Psychology, Communication Science, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Crisanzio 42, 70122 Bari, Italy
| | - Raffaele Lafortezza
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Amendola 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy
- Department of Geography, The University of Hong Kong, Centennial Campus, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Giovanni Sanesi
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Amendola 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy
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44
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Heo S, Desai MU, Lowe SR, Bell ML. Impact of Changed Use of Greenspace during COVID-19 Pandemic on Depression and Anxiety. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:5842. [PMID: 34072368 PMCID: PMC8197797 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating consequences for health, social, and economic domains, but what has received far less focus is the effect on people's relationship to vital ecological supports, including access to greenspace. We assessed patterns of greenspace use in relation to individual and environmental factors and their relationship with experiencing psychological symptoms under the pandemic. We conducted an online survey recruiting participants from social media for adults in Korea for September-December 2020. The survey collected data on demographics, patterns of using greenspace during the pandemic, and major depression (MD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2-item (GAD-2) were applied to identify probable cases of MD and GAD. A logistic regression model assessed the association decreased visits to greenspace after the outbreak compared to 2019 and probable MD and GAD. Among the 322 survey participants, prevalence of probable MD and GAD were 19.3% and 14.9%, respectively. High rates of probable MD (23.3%) and GAD (19.4%) were found among persons currently having job-related and financial issues. Of the total participants, 64.9% reported decreased visits to greenspace after the COVID-19 outbreak. Persons with decreased visits to greenspace had 2.06 higher odds (95% CI: 0.91, 4.67, significant at p < 0.10) of probable MD at the time of the survey than persons whose visits to greenspace increased or did not change. Decreased visits to greenspace were not significantly associated with GAD (OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 0.63, 3.34). Findings suggest that barriers to greenspace use could deprive people of mental health benefits and affect mental health during pandemic; an alternative explanation is that those experiencing poor mental health may be less likely to visit greenspaces during pandemic. This implies the need of adequate interventions on greenspace uses under an outbreak especially focusing on how low-income populations may be more adversely affected by a pandemic and its policy responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seulkee Heo
- School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA;
| | - Miraj U. Desai
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA;
| | - Sarah R. Lowe
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA;
| | - Michelle L. Bell
- School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA;
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Oswald TK, Rumbold AR, Kedzior SGE, Kohler M, Moore VM. Mental Health of Young Australians during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Exploring the Roles of Employment Precarity, Screen Time, and Contact with Nature. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:5630. [PMID: 34070331 PMCID: PMC8197562 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is widely understood to have contributed to mental health problems. In Australia, young people (18-24 years) have been disproportionately affected. To date, research has predominantly focused on the presence or absence of mental illness symptoms, while aspects of mental well-being have been overlooked. We aimed to explore associations between potential risk and protective factors and mental health more comprehensively, using the Complete State Model of Mental Health. An online survey of 1004 young Australians (55% female; M age = 21.23) was undertaken. Assessment of both mental illness and mental well-being enabled participants to be cross-classified into four mental health states. Those with 'Floundering' (13%) or 'Struggling' (47.5%) mental health reported symptoms of mental illness; a 'Languishing' group (25.5%) did not report symptoms of mental illness but mental well-being was compromised relative to those who were 'Flourishing' (14%) with high mental well-being. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to examine associations, adjusting for socio-demographic confounders. Protective factors associated with Flourishing mental health included being in secure employment, using screen time to connect with others, and reporting high levels of hope. Both incidental and purposive contact with nature were also associated with Flourishing, while a lack of green/bluespace within walking distance was associated with Languishing, absence of outdoor residential space was associated with Floundering, and lower neighbourhood greenness was associated with all three suboptimal mental health states. Precarious employment, financial stress, living alone, reporting decreased screen time during lockdowns, lower levels of hope, and high disruption of core beliefs were also associated with Struggling and Floundering mental health. Those who were Languishing reported somewhat less hardship and little disruption to core beliefs, but lower levels of hope compared to young people who were Flourishing. This study highlights that young adults require dedicated mental health services to deal with current burden, but should also be supported through a range of preventive strategies which target mental health risk factors, like precarious employment, and enhance protective factors, such as urban green infrastructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tassia K. Oswald
- Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia;
- Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; (A.R.R.); (S.G.E.K.)
| | - Alice R. Rumbold
- Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; (A.R.R.); (S.G.E.K.)
- South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, SAHMRI Women and Kids, North Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia
| | - Sophie G. E. Kedzior
- Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; (A.R.R.); (S.G.E.K.)
| | - Mark Kohler
- Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia;
- The Environment Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Vivienne M. Moore
- Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia;
- Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; (A.R.R.); (S.G.E.K.)
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Towards an Understanding of the Pre-War Landscape Transformations in the Face of Contemporary Urban Challenges on the Example of Gajowice in Wrocław. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13115962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This paper discusses the results of desk and field studies conducted in the Gajowice estate in Wrocław. The aim of the paper is to identify the original assumptions of the development of areas around multifamily buildings and to examine the process of their transformation to the present day. The research hypothesis states that the used solutions would now be defined as green infrastructure or nature-based solutions. This was confirmed with the help of comparative cartographic studies. Research on the original land development of the interwar period allows for identifying the principles based not only on compositional aspects, but also the recognition of natural values in the variety of green forms used in a given area and the important role of trees with large target sizes, in addition to the principle of shaping the green system that permeates the urban tissue, creating ecological corridors and positively influencing the local climate. Thus, the historical development is in line with the contemporary postulates of climate resilient cities.
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