Perceptions of Knowledge and Experience in Nature-Based Health Interventions

Carissa R. Smock (), Courtney L. Schultz, Jeanette Gustat, Robby Layton and Sandy J. Slater
Additional contact information
Carissa R. Smock: Department of Leadership, Management & Human Capital, School of Business and Economics, National University, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
Courtney L. Schultz: Health & Technology Partners, Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA
Jeanette Gustat: Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
Robby Layton: ActivEnviro, Longmont, CO 80504, USA
Sandy J. Slater: School of Pharmacy, Bachelor of Science in Public Health Program, Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon, WI 53097, USA

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 21, issue 9, 1-14

Abstract: Although perceptions and uses vary, nature-based health interventions (NBHIs) help facilitate the additional health benefits of physical activity (PA) experienced in nature, thereby reducing all-cause morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this mixed-methods, cross-sectional study was to better understand perceptions, terminology, and participation in NBHIs. A questionnaire was developed by reviewing validated instruments and gauging expert experience with stakeholders. Distributed electronically, a community partner listserv promoting active living served as the population. Quantitative questionnaire measures assessed familiarity with NBHI terms, concepts, experience, how NBHI should be used, and the importance of NBHI components. Qualitative themes included the strengths and weaknesses of NBHIs. Participants ( n = 53) were familiar with the terms nature play (82%), forest bathing (78%), and park and nature prescriptions (74%) and moderately familiar with NBHIs (5-point Likert scale, M = 3.27, SD = 1.17). Most thought NBHIs could be useful in treating physical (96%) and mental health conditions (100%) and would follow or write one (80%). The location was reported as the most important component, followed by access, social comfort, dosage, and ongoing support. This study suggests stakeholders are familiar with and support NBHIs conceptually; however, policies, support, and funding opportunities are needed to operationalize components to increase use of NBHIs.

Keywords: physical activity; nature; interventions; public health; health services (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/21/9/1182/pdf (application/pdf)
https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/21/9/1182/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:9:p:1182-:d:1471747

Access Statistics for this article

IJERPH is currently edited by Ms. Jenna Liu

More articles in IJERPH from MDPI
Bibliographic data for series maintained by MDPI Indexing Manager ().