A Feasibility Study to Determine Whether the Botanical Garden Become a Region of Forest Therapy for Cancer Survivors
Condition: Neoplasms; Cancer; Mental Health Disorder; Depression
MeSH terms: Mental Disorders
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      The forest healing system is an important topic of alternative therapy in recent years. To
      investigates forest therapy's effectiveness in alleviating negative emotions among
      post-cancer patients. It compares therapy outcomes at Taipei Botanical Garden and Fushan
      Botanical Garden. Utilizing a pretest-posttest experimental design, a two-hour guided forest
      healing activity serves as the intervention method. Data collection involves instrumental
      tests and saliva samples.
    

Detailed description: 
      Introduction:

      Cancer's global impact persists, ranking among the top three causes of death in Taiwan.
      Despite improved survival rates after cancer surgery, negative emotions among patients remain
      a challenge. Post-cancer depression adversely affects treatment outcomes and overall quality
      of life. Forest therapy, a natural healing approach, has gained attention for its potential
      to reduce stress, mitigate negative emotions, and enhance well-being.

      Objectives:

      This study investigates forest therapy's effectiveness in alleviating negative emotions among
      post-cancer patients. It compares therapy outcomes at Taipei Botanical Garden and Fushan
      Botanical Garden. Additionally, the study explores the lasting emotional benefits of forest
      therapy.

      Methods:

      Utilizing a pretest-posttest experimental design, this study is conducted at the Botanical
      Garden in Fushan, Taipei. Participants are cancer patients who are six months post-treatment.
      A two-hour guided forest healing activity serves as the intervention method. Data collection
      involves instrumental tests and saliva samples. A comparable location adjacent to Taipei
      Botanical Garden, excluding urban areas, is selected for comparison activities. Portable
      heart rhythm monitors track data, and saliva samples are analyzed for salivary α-amylase
      enzyme kinetics and cortisol concentrations. The study employs questionnaires including the
      Profile of Mood States 2nd Edition-Adult short (POMS2-A short), Beck Depression
      Inventory-Second edition (BDI-II), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the abbreviated Taiwan
      version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief (WHOQOL-BREF).
    

Intervention name(s): Forest Therapy
Intervention type(s): Behavioral
Intervention description(s): Forest healing activities are guided by professionals, allowing participants to engage in a two-hour sensory experience within the forest environment. This includes activities such as stacking leaves and stones, closing their eyes to listen to sounds, engaging in physical stretches, blindfolded tree identification, connecting with tree companions, creating earth mandalas, and partaking in tea ceremonies and sharing insights.
Intervention model: Sequential Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)
Primary purpose: Supportive Care
Keywords: Forest therapy; Forest healing; Cancer Survivors; Mental Health Disorder