Nature Rx2: a mixed methods study exploring the relationships among interactions with nature, diet quality, and sustainable dietary patterns

Dahlia Paaj Ci Tshab Stott

doi:10.17918/00010965

Introduction: Recent studies indicate that interacting with nature is linked to better mental and physical health outcomes and behaviors. Limited research has examined how interactions with nature and dietary behaviors are related. This study aimed to explore the relationships among interactions with nature, diet quality, and sustainable dietary patterns, and to compare barriers and facilitators to these interactions between individuals with high and low diet scores. An ancillary aim was to assess the relative validity of Diet ID™. Methods: In this explanatory sequential mixed methods study, participants (n=300) completed an online survey and two dietary assessments (Diet History Questionnaire II and Diet ID™). Diet quality (Healthy Eating Index-2020) and sustainable diet patterns (EAT-Lancet Index) were measured. A purposeful set of participants (n=30) were interviewed. The relationships of interest and relative validity were assessed by multiple regression models, and correlation and linear regression models, respectively. Interviews were thematically analyzed, and data were integrated. Results: Significant relationships were found between interactions with nature, diet quality (R²=.264, F(9, 266)=10.617, p<.001), and sustainable dietary patterns (R²=.251, F(9, 262)=9.780, p<.001). Four themes highlighted how interacting with nature may affect dietary intake: engaging with the natural world relaxes the mind, paving the way for healthier eating habits; pursuing health draws us toward nature and positively influences dietary choices; a deep connection to nature sparks a desire to nourish the body with more fruits and vegetables; and thoughtfully participating in the food system promotes healthier choices for personal and planetary health. Integrated findings suggest that connection to nature mediates, and mental state moderate these relationships. Five barriers and facilitators to nature interactions were identified: health, weather, time, distance, and social engagement. There were differences in how often barriers and facilitators were discussed between interviewees. Diet quality between dietary assessments were significantly correlated and associated (r_s=0.46, p<.001; R²=0.21, F(1, 298)=80.06, p<.001). Discussion: These results suggest that nature-based experiences may be utilized to promote dietary behaviors for personal and planetary health. This work also identifies distinct barriers and facilitators to interacting with nature, suggesting opportunities for enhanced public health and urban planning. Diet ID™ appears to have reasonable validity.

Nature Rx2: a mixed methods study exploring the relationships among interactions with nature, diet quality, and sustainable dietary patterns

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Nature Rx2: a mixed methods study exploring the relationships among interactions with nature, diet quality, and sustainable dietary patterns

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