Doses of nearby nature simultaneously associated with multiple health benefits
Cox, DTC; Shanahan, DF; Hudson, HL; et al.Fuller, RA; Anderson, K; Hancock, S; Gaston, KJ
Date: 9 February 2017
Journal
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Publisher
MDPI
Publisher DOI
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 ...
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 how exposure to nearby nature simultaneously potentially associates with
multiple health benefits. We surveyed c.1000 respondents in Southern England, UK, to determine
relationships between (a) the frequency and duration (time spent in private green space), and
intensity (quantity of neighbourhood vegetation cover) of nature dose, and, (b) 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 behaviour 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 potential to guide minimal and optimal recommendations on the
management and use of nearby nature for preventative healthcare.
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