Efficacy of a multicomponent nature-based intervention on well-being and environmental engagement: A randomized clinical trial

IF 10.3 1区环境科学与生态学 Q1 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

Environment International Pub Date : 2025-02-01 DOI:10.1016/j.envint.2025.109286

Eliseth Ribeiro Leão , Roberta Maria Savieto , Gustavo Benvenutti Borba , Elivane da Silva Victor , Sabrina Bortolossi Bomfim , Erika Hingst-Zaher , Luciano Moreira Lima , Luccas Guilherme Rodrigues Longo , Leticia Bernardes de Oliveira , Denise Tiemi Noguchi , Lucas Pires Garcia Oliveira , Rafael Facure Moredo , Clarissa de Oliveira Santos , André Menini , Lital Moro Bass , Karina Pavão Patrício , Giulia Catissi , João Marcos Rosa , Emerson Barão Rodrigues Soldado , Floriana Bertini , Edgard Joseph Kiriyama

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Abstract

Background

Nature-based interventions (NBIs) benefit human well-being, but clinical trials comparing different NBIs in various natural environments are scarce.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of a multicomponent nature-based intervention (MNBI) in comparison to control group (classical forest bathing). Primary outcome: well-being; Secondary outcomes: vitality, happiness, connection, and engagement with nature across urban, peri-urban, and rural areas.

Methods

Randomized clinical trial with 486 participants between October/2022 and June/2023, from five natural areas in Southeast and Southern/Brazil. Well-being was assessed immediately before the activity and 30 days after, and secondary outcomes immediately before, immediately after and 30 days after. The data analyses considered a 95 % confidence interval and p-values < 0.05.

Results

The main hypothesis was confirmed, well-being levels of MNBI group were significantly improved, especially in peri-urban areas (p = 0.036). Both groups increased vitality (p < 0.001), but MNBI was more effective overall (p = 0.038), especially in urban areas (p = 0.020). Happiness increased in both groups (p = 0.001), but MNBI participants maintained higher levels 30 days post-intervention (p = 0.010). Nature connection increased significantly in both groups (p < 0.001) but remained higher in MNBI after 30 days (p = 0.021), especially in peri-urban areas (p = 0.034). While both groups reported calm and relaxation, MNBI uniquely fostered learning, knowledge, and contemplation.

Conclusions

MNBI was more effective than classical forest bathing in improving well-being, nature connection and pro-environmental behaviors, particularly in peri-urban settings, expanding the potential of NBIs for well-being promotion. ClinicalTrials registration: NCT05486156.

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多成分自然干预对幸福感和环境参与的功效：一项随机临床试验

基于自然的干预措施（nbi）有益于人类福祉，但比较不同自然环境下不同nbi的临床试验很少。目的评价多组分自然干预（MNBI）与对照组（经典森林浴）的疗效。主要结果：幸福；次要结果：活力、幸福、联系以及与城市、城郊和农村地区的自然接触。方法：在2022年10月至2023年6月期间，在巴西东南部和南部的五个自然区域进行随机临床试验，共有486名参与者。在活动前和活动后30 天评估幸福感，在活动前、活动后和活动后30 天评估次要结果。数据分析考虑95% %置信区间和p值 <； 0.05。结果证实了主要假设，MNBI组的幸福感水平显著提高，尤其是在城郊地区（p = 0.036）。两组都增加了活力（p <； 0.001），但总体上MNBI更有效（p = 0.038），特别是在城市地区（p = 0.020）。两组的幸福感都有所增加（p = 0.001），但MNBI参与者在干预后30 天保持较高水平（p = 0.010）。自然联系在两组中都显著增加（p <； 0.001），但在30 天后MNBI仍然较高（p = 0.021），特别是在城郊地区（p = 0.034）。虽然两组人都表示平静和放松，但MNBI独特地促进了学习、知识和沉思。结论smnbi在改善幸福感、自然联系和亲环境行为方面比传统森林浴更有效，特别是在城市周边环境中，扩大了nbi在促进幸福感方面的潜力。临床试验注册：NCT05486156。

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来源期刊

Environment International 环境科学-环境科学

CiteScore

21.90

自引率

3.40%

发文量

734

审稿时长

2.8 months

期刊介绍： Environmental Health publishes manuscripts focusing on critical aspects of environmental and occupational medicine, including studies in toxicology and epidemiology, to illuminate the human health implications of exposure to environmental hazards. The journal adopts an open-access model and practices open peer review. It caters to scientists and practitioners across all environmental science domains, directly or indirectly impacting human health and well-being. With a commitment to enhancing the prevention of environmentally-related health risks, Environmental Health serves as a public health journal for the community and scientists engaged in matters of public health significance concerning the environment.