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Doses of Nearby Nature Simultaneously Associated with Multiple Health Benefits

Authors :
Gaston, Daniel Cox
Danielle Shanahan
Hannah Hudson
Richard Fuller
Karen Anderson
Steven Hancock
Kevin
Source :
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health; Volume 14; Issue 2; Pages: 172
Publication Year :
2017
Publisher :
Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, 2017.

Abstract

Exposure to nature provides a wide range of health benefits. A significant proportion of these are delivered close to home, because this offers an immediate and easily accessible opportunity for people to experience nature. However, there is limited information to guide recommendations on its management and appropriate use. We apply a nature dose-response framework to quantify the simultaneous association between exposure to nearby nature and multiple health benefits. We surveyed ca. 1000 respondents in Southern England, UK, to determine relationships between (a) nature dose type, that is the frequency and duration (time spent in private green space) and intensity (quantity of neighbourhood vegetation cover) of nature exposure and (b) health outcomes, including mental, physical and social health, physical behaviour and nature orientation. We then modelled dose-response relationships between dose type and self-reported depression. We demonstrate positive relationships between nature dose and mental and social health, increased physical activity and nature orientation. Dose-response analysis showed that lower levels of depression were associated with minimum thresholds of weekly nature dose. Nearby nature is associated with quantifiable health benefits, with potential for lowering the human and financial costs of ill health. Dose-response analysis has the potential to guide minimum and optimum recommendations on the management and use of nearby nature for preventative healthcare.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
16604601
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health; Volume 14; Issue 2; Pages: 172
Accession number :
edsair.multidiscipl..3cb2068455326c6515e4e62c8880e820
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14020172