Abstract: FR-PO1020
Relationship between Exposure to the Natural Environment and Psychological Well-Being in People Living with CKD
Session Information
- Social, Environmental, and Economic Determinants of Kidney Health
October 25, 2024 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Diversity and Equity in Kidney Health
- 900 Diversity and Equity in Kidney Health
Authors
- Sohansoha, Gurneet Kaur, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- Taylor, Eleanor M., University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- Lightfoot, Courtney Jane, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- Ford, Ella C., University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- Billany, Roseanne E., University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- Robertson, Noelle, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- Smith, Alice C., University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
Background
The natural world is beneficial to human health and wellbeing. People with CKD often experience psychological distress which can result in poor health outcomes. We explored the association between exposure to the natural environment and psychological wellbeing in CKD.
Methods
319 participants across CKD stages (188 non-dialysis, 70 kidney transplant recipients, 40 haemodialysis and 21 peritoneal dialysis) from 9 UK NHS hospitals completed an online survey comprising the Distress, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS-21), 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) and bespoke questions relating to access to and time spent in the natural environment. Data were analysed using frequency analysis, multiple linear regression, and logistic regression.
Results
Access to and time spent in the natural environment was similar for the different CKD groups. In the summer, 45% of participants spent more than an hour a day, at least five days a week, in the natural environment, whilst in the winter, this was only 19% of participants. Increased exposure to the natural environment was significantly associated with lower levels of depression (p<0.001), anxiety (P=0.002), and stress (p=0.029), and higher levels of mental health-related quality of life (HRQoL) (P<0.001). Participants reporting greater exposure to the natural environment were less likely to report experiencing stress (OR: 11.118, P=0.002) or depression (OR: 4.109, P<0.001).
Conclusion
Greater exposure to the natural environment is associated with better psychological wellbeing and mental HRQoL in people with CKD, suggesting the value of the natural world. Healthcare professionals should support people with CKD to access and engage with the natural environment. This data could inform the development of nature-based interventions for people with CKD to improve HRQoL.