Perspect Nurs Sci.  2014 Apr;11(1):30-38.

An Exploratory Study of Diffusion of Health Promotion Programs using Forests

• Lee I
• Choi H
• Bang KS
• Lee KW
• Kim JE

Abstract

PURPOSE
In recent years, many attempts have been made to examine the effects of forest therapy on health and to develop related policies. This study aimed to explore the current status of health promotion programs using forests provided by public health centers and to identify program diffusion strategies employed within different communities.
METHODS
For this descriptive study, we analyzed the 5th regional public health care program plans and explored the perceptions of health care workers attached with the programs using open-ended questionnaires and a focus group interview.
RESULTS
This study confirmed the necessity for health promotion programs using forests, as well as administrative and educational demands for such programs. The target population of the programs ranged from individuals with specific diseases to healthy local residents. In addition, the programs covered a wide range of topics, including disease management and health promotion strategies. However, the number of well-structured regional specialized programs remained limited. Collaboration among local governments, schools, and public health centers was found to be ineffective.
CONCLUSION
To further disseminate health promotion programs using forests, the central government will need to develop well-structured programs, provide funding and resources to support local governments, and focus on raising public awareness of the health benefits of forest therapy.

Keyword

Forest therapy; Forest healing; Health promotion

MeSH Terms

Cooperative Behavior
Delivery of Health Care
Diffusion*
Disease Management
Financial Management
Focus Groups
Health Promotion*
Health Services Needs and Demand
Humans
Insurance Benefits
Public Health
Surveys and Questionnaires

Figure

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  Fig. 1. Networks among local agencies involved in health promotion programs using forests.

Reference

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