Exploring the benefits of nature-based interventions in socio-economically deprived communities: a narrative review of the evidence to date

Abstract

Aim: Socio-economic deprivation encompasses the relative disadvantage experienced by individuals or communities in relation to financial, material or social resources. Nature-based interventions (NBIs) are a public health approach that promote sustainable, healthy communities through engagement with nature and show potential to address inequalities experienced by socio-economically deprived communities. This narrative review aims to identify and evaluate the benefits of NBIs in socio-economically deprived communities. Method: A systematic literature search of six electronic publication databases (APA PsycInfo, CENTRAL, CDSR, CINAHL, Medline and Web of Science) was conducted on 5 February 2021 and repeated on 30 August 2022. In total, 3852 records were identified and 18 experimental studies (published between 2015 and 2022) were included in this review. Results: Interventions including therapeutic horticulture, care farming, green exercise and wilderness arts and craft were evaluated in the literature. Key benefits were observed for cost savings, diet diversity, food security, anthropometric outcomes, mental health outcomes, nature visits, physical activity and physical health. Age, gender, ethnicity, level of engagement and perception of environment safety influenced the effectiveness of the interventions. Conclusion: Results demonstrate there are clear benefits of NBIs on economic, environmental, health and social outcomes. Further research including qualitative analyses, more stringent experimental designs and use of standardised outcome measures is recommended.

Move to Flow: The Benefits and Barriers of a Physical Activity Nature-Based Pilot Programme

“…It is also families with young children and single parents who face the greatest barriers to enjoying and benefiting from the activity due to the family burdens they bear. This contradicts studies that have shown the innumerable benefits of physical activity for the most socially vulnerable people [ 16 , 50 ].…”

“…It is also families with young children and single parents who face the greatest barriers to enjoying and benefiting from the activity due to the family burdens they bear. This contradicts studies that have shown the innumerable benefits of physical activity for the most socially vulnerable people [16,50]. Despite these differences in scores, there are no significant associations between socioeconomic variables and the perception of benefits and barriers, as is often observed in the practice of physical activity and sport in general [53][54][55].…”

“…In particular, the benefits of physical activity in nature have been highlighted for people of any age, gender, income, or educational level, especially if this activity is little or not associated with technology in an increasingly hyper-connected world where being disconnected and focused is becoming a luxury [ 8 , 9 , 10 ]. Nature-based interventions (NBIs) are low-cost and effective ecological activities for maintaining and improving the mental health of adults [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ] and, more interestingly, vulnerable populations [ 16 ].…”

“…Generally, these kinds of programmes are based on contact with nature while doing physical activity or sport [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ]. Nowadays, a clear example of this type of activity is the practice of yoga [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ].…”