Rev Esp Salud Publica. 2026 Sep 3;100:e202609048.
ABSTRACT
Interacting with nature has significant benefits for our physical and psychosocial health. However, a lack of contact with nature has been linked to various pathologies such as obesity, asthma, neurodevelopmental disorders, and learning disabilities. Furthermore, excessive screen use is also associated with health problems in children and adolescents, such as obesity, mental health problems (anxiety, depression), and sleep disorders. Lack of contact with nature from an early age, combined with excessive screen use, contributes to an unhealthy lifestyle and has been associated with the development of these pathologies. This study aims to analyze the relationship between the degree of connection with nature, and the incidence of childhood and adolescent obesity and other common pathologies in Primary Care pediatric clinics: asthma, neurodevelopmental disorders, emotional and psychiatric disorders, as well as sleep disorders and worsening perceived quality of life. A descriptive cross-sectional study will be conducted through the PAPenRed research group of the Spanish Association of Primary Care Pediatrics (AEAPap) over a 12-month period (July 2025 to June 2026). During health visits for children aged seven to fourteen, three surveys will be administered simultaneously: one for the child, another for the parents, and a third for the pediatrician.
PMID:42690077
