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Doses of Nearby Nature Simultaneously Associated with Multiple Health Benefits

Author

Listed:
  • Daniel T. C. Cox

    (Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, UK)

  • Danielle F. Shanahan

    (Zealandia, 31 Waiapu Road, Karori, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
    School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane 4072, Australia)

  • Hannah L. Hudson

    (Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, UK)

  • Richard A. Fuller

    (School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane 4072, Australia)

  • Karen Anderson

    (Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, UK)

  • Steven Hancock

    (Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, UK)

  • Kevin J. Gaston

    (Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, UK)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniel T. C. Cox & Danielle F. Shanahan & Hannah L. Hudson & Richard A. Fuller & Karen Anderson & Steven Hancock & Kevin J. Gaston, 2017. "Doses of Nearby Nature Simultaneously Associated with Multiple Health Benefits," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-13, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:14:y:2017:i:2:p:172-:d:89824
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Lucy E. Keniger & Kevin J. Gaston & Katherine N. Irvine & Richard A. Fuller, 2013. "What are the Benefits of Interacting with Nature?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 10(3), pages 1-23, March.
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    4. Shanahan, D.F. & Lin, B.B. & Bush, R. & Gaston, K.J. & Dean, J.H. & Barber, E. & Fuller, R.A., 2015. "Toward improved public health outcomes from urban nature," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 105(3), pages 470-477.
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    1. Carly Wood & David Barron & Nina Smyth, 2019. "The Current and Retrospective Intentional Nature Exposure Scales: Development and Factorial Validity," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-18, November.
    2. Dongying Li & Tess Menotti & Yizhen Ding & Nancy M. Wells, 2021. "Life Course Nature Exposure and Mental Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Future Directions," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(10), pages 1-28, May.
    3. Jonathan P. Reeves & Conor H. D. John & Kevin A. Wood & Phoebe R. Maund, 2021. "A Qualitative Analysis of UK Wetland Visitor Centres as a Health Resource," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-25, August.
    4. Patricia M. Darcy & Jennifer Taylor & Lorna Mackay & Naomi J. Ellis & Christopher J. Gidlow, 2022. "Understanding the Role of Nature Engagement in Supporting Health and Wellbeing during COVID-19," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1-27, March.
    5. Diego Guidolin & Deanna Anderlini & Guido Maura & Manuela Marcoli & Pietro Cortelli & Giovanna Calandra-Buonaura & Amina S. Woods & Luigi F. Agnati, 2019. "A New Integrative Theory of Brain-Body-Ecosystem Medicine: From the Hippocratic Holistic View of Medicine to Our Modern Society," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-20, August.
    6. Gabriele Schwarzmüller-Erber & Harald Stummer & Manfred Maier & Michael Kundi, 2020. "Nature Relatedness of Recreational Horseback Riders and Its Association with Mood and Wellbeing," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-16, June.
    7. Soile Puhakka & Tiina Lankila & Riitta Pyky & Mikko Kärmeniemi & Maisa Niemelä & Katja Kangas & Jarmo Rusanen & Maarit Kangas & Simo Näyhä & Raija Korpelainen, 2020. "Satellite Imaging-Based Residential Greenness and Accelerometry Measured Physical Activity at Midlife—Population-Based Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(24), pages 1-16, December.

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