The Development of a Health Promotion Program for Unmarried Mothers Living in Residential Facilities Using Urban Forests: An Intervention Mapping Approach Based on the Transtheoretical Model

Abstract

Unmarried mothers living in residential facilities (UMLFs) in Korea face complex and challenging physical, psychological, and socioeconomic issues. This study developed a physical and mental health promotion program using urban forests for UMLFs based on the transtheoretical model and evidence. We utilized an intervention mapping approach (IMA) and assessed the needs of UMLFs by analyzing previous quantitative studies. Moreover, we conducted a qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological study involving nine participants. Based on the needs assessment, important and changeable determinants were identified; further, the program performance and change objectives were classified to achieve the program goals and establish the intervention strategy. We found that physical activity using forests, self-reflection using metaphors, five-sense activities, achievement activities using natural objects, building interpersonal relationships in the forest, and designing future plans, are desirable methods for improving the health of UMLFs. The IMA was deemed appropriate for the systematic development of health promotion programs for UMLFs through clear links among change objectives, theoretical methods, and practice strategies. These results should be applied to future intervention studies.

Effectiveness of a natural wellness group program using interactive real-time video for unmarried mothers: A quasi-experimental study

“…This is consistent with a previous report that found that effective parenting requires mothers to demonstrate self-care, as opposed to an extreme form of self-sacrifice [ 40 ], and that negative emotions, such as anxiety and anger, can be reduced by deeply immersing oneself in nature and appreciating its beauty [ 18 ]. However, parenting stress in mothers of preschool-aged children can be intensified when no emotional support is available from their spouse [ 22 ]. Thus, the results of this study highlight the need for improving the social perception of UMs, increasing psychological support, and providing additional financial support to enhance their life and psychological stability.…”

“…The program chosen for this study was the Online Health Promotion Program Using Urban Forests for Unmarried Mothers Living in Residential Facilities [ 22 ]. The program comprises the following themes: “Pleasant meetings in forests,” “Forest of reflection,” “Forest of care,” “Forest of achievement,” “Forest of comfort 1,2,” “Forest of happiness,” and “Forest of hope” [ 22 ].…”

“…Information technology is well-developed in Korea, and most households can access the Internet using smart devices such as mobile phones [ 21 ]. Providing an intervention program via the Internet can be a useful method for UMs, who often have difficulties engaging in activities outside the home due to the burden of raising children, financial constraints, and the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic [ 5 , 22 ]. This method can also ensure high accessibility and anonymity for UMs [ 22 ].…”

“…Providing an intervention program via the Internet can be a useful method for UMs, who often have difficulties engaging in activities outside the home due to the burden of raising children, financial constraints, and the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic [ 5 , 22 ]. This method can also ensure high accessibility and anonymity for UMs [ 22 ]. In addition, group therapy has a therapeutic advantage when subjects with similar characteristics work together, as opposed to individual therapy [ 23 ].…”

“…Bang et al [ 22 ] proposed an eight-session natural wellness program that can be conducted both online and offline. This program uses natural materials and focuses on improving physical health, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and parenting stress, which are representative physical and psychological problems of UMs.…”