Nature-based interventions to support mental health and well-being of young women in pregnancy: exploratory work for future feasibility RCT
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Published:2023-12
Issue:
Volume:
Page:1-23
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ISSN:2050-4381
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Container-title:Public Health Research
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language:en
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Short-container-title:Public Health Res
Author:
Sands Gina1ORCID,
Blake Holly1ORCID,
Carter Tim1ORCID,
Spiby Helen1ORCID
Affiliation:
1. School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
Abstract
Background
The prevalence of mental health and well-being issues among young women is increasing. Pregnancy is a time when new mental health challenges may arise, or existing conditions can be exacerbated. This project presents preparatory work on how nature-based interventions may help to support the mental health and well-being of young pregnant women (aged 16–24 years) in a future study.
Methods
This project was formed of three main phases conducted from March to August 2022: (1) mapping nature activities available across the East Midlands region and two focus groups with providers of nature activities (n = 6); (2) public participation and involvement work to inform future research. This included four focus groups with young women (n = 11), leading to the formation of a new young women’s panel (Research Influencers Group). Networking and stakeholder engagement to support future research.
Results
The mapping survey identified 68 nature-based organisations/projects operating in the region, many of whom expressed interest in being involved in future research. The young women’s focus groups confirmed the importance of the topic and generated a wealth of information to support the intervention design. A Research Influencer Group of five young women was established from the focus group participants. The Research Influencer Group chose the nature-based intervention and had input into all aspects of the study design. This group will continue into future projects. Focus groups with providers of nature activities have further advanced the study design. The project team have developed relationships with relevant stakeholders and networks that will inform the future trial.
Conclusion
This preparatory co-design work suggested that a nature-based intervention may be acceptable to young women, and providers of such interventions felt it was feasible to offer these activities to young pregnant women. This preparatory work has led to an outline research plan which has been co-produced with public contributors and stakeholders throughout.
Limitations
This preparatory work is limited by small focus group samples, and the possibility that not all providers were reached through the snowballing approach to the mapping survey.
Future work
Future research is needed to test the nature-based intervention; this would be in the form of a feasibility randomised controlled trial of nature-based interventions to promote the mental health and well-being of young pregnant women.
Funding
This article presents independent research funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Public Health Research programme as award number NIHR135167.
Funder
Public Health Research programme
Publisher
National Institute for Health and Care Research
Subject
Pharmacology (medical),Complementary and alternative medicine,Pharmaceutical Science
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