RESEARCH

An Evaluation of Natural Environment Interventions for Informal Cancer Caregivers in the Community

This review evaluates the current state of research on using natural environment interventions to support cancer caregivers, revealing a lack of specific studies despite the known benefits of nature on mental health. More research is needed to explore how nature can effectively support these caregivers, considering their unique challenges and needs.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Chronic/Acute Health Conditions

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Increased Self-Efficacy, Improved Quality of Life

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

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies

Measurement and Evaluation: Program Effectiveness

Access: Free

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Summary

This document is a review of the current research on how effective natural environment interventions are for supporting informal caregivers of cancer patients. It highlights that caring for cancer patients at home is becoming more common, placing significant emotional and cognitive demands on caregivers, leading to mental exhaustion. Engaging with nature can offer mental health benefits like stress reduction and improved well-being. The review looked at studies on natural environment therapies and their impact on the mental health of cancer caregivers. It found very few studies directly addressing this topic over a 10-year period. The available studies often focused on other aspects, such as program evaluation or exercise, rather than specifically on nature exposure. However, the studies indicated that caregivers experienced positive results. The review suggests a need for more research to explore how nature interventions can support caregivers in the community.

Link

Lehto, R., Wyatt, G., Sender, J., & Miller, S.E. (2021). An evaluation of natural environment interventions for informal cancer caregivers in the community. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(21), 11124. Lettieri-Barbato, D., & Aquilano, K. (2018). Pushing the limits o

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