RESEARCH

Nature-Based Interventions and Exposure among Cancer Survivors: A Scoping Review

This scoping review examined nature-based interventions (NBIs) and exposure among cancer survivors, revealing improvements in anxiety, depression, sleep, and other measures of well-being.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Chronic/Acute Health Conditions, Caregivers/Healthcare Professionals

Setting or Context: Hospitals/Clinics

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Improved Stress Management, Improved Physical Health, Improved Sleep Quality, Decreased Need for Pain Medication, Community Building

Allied Profession Intersections: Recreational Therapy

Type of Activity: Outdoor Gardening, Forest/Natural Area Immersion

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Meta-Analyses/Systematic Reviews

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Metrics for Physical Health, Patient-Reported Outcomes, Program Effectiveness

Access: Free

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Summary

This scoping review examined nature-based interventions (NBIs) and exposure among cancer survivors. Researchers used the PRISMA-ScR guidelines to analyze studies published between 2013 and 2022 from databases like MEDLINE and PubMed, focusing on the interaction of cancer survivors with natural environments. Four independent researchers screened and blinded 428 records, ultimately selecting twelve articles that met the inclusion criteria.

The review of the twelve studies, involving 2786 cancer survivors, revealed improvements in anxiety, depression, sleep, connectedness, stress, tension, confusion, fatigue, and pain through NBIs. The studies employed various designs and measures, with participants reporting that nature was a crucial resource for coping with cancer. The authors concluded that nature-based opportunities are beneficial and feasible for cancer survivors during diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the need for further exploration and safe implementation of NBIs to support overall well-being.

Link

Timko Olson, E.R., Olson, A.A., Driscoll, M., & Vermeesch, A.L. (2023). Nature-based interventions and exposure among cancer survivors: A scoping review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(3), 2376.

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