Increasing time spent in nature for university students
Nature Dose Equity for Students
This study is testing if spending more time in nature can help improve the mental health of university students, especially students of color.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 1500 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 24 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Michigan State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 9 sites (Baltimore, Maryland and 8 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06633367 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to address the mental health crisis among university students, particularly students of color, by increasing their exposure to nature. It will utilize the NatureDose™ app to assess disparities in nature access and conduct a randomized controlled trial involving 1,440 students across multiple universities. The study will explore the relationship between time spent in nature and improvements in mental health, connectedness, and belongingness. Additionally, it seeks to identify and quantify nature opportunities around campuses to promote equitable access to nature resources.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are undergraduate students aged 18-24 who live within 30 miles of the participating university campuses.
Not a fit: Patients who are not undergraduate students or those who live more than 30 miles from the university campus may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve mental health outcomes for university students by enhancing their connection to nature.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results in using nature exposure to improve mental health, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Undergraduate student * 18-24 years of age * Lives within 30 miles of university campus Exclusion Criteria: * Not an undergraduate student * Under 18 or over 24 years of age * Lives \> 30 miles from the university campus
Where this trial is running
Baltimore, Maryland and 8 other locations
- Morgan State University — Baltimore, Maryland, United States (Recruiting)
- University of Maryland — College Park, Maryland, United States (Recruiting)
- University of Maryland Eastern Shore — Salisbury, Maryland, United States (Recruiting)
- Michigan State University — East Lansing, Michigan, United States (Recruiting)
- University of New Mexico — Albequerque, New Mexico, United States (Not_yet_recruiting)
- North Carolina A&T University — Greensboro, North Carolina, United States (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Cleveland State University — Cleveland, Ohio, United States (Recruiting)
- Clemson University — Clemson, South Carolina, United States (Not_yet_recruiting)
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, Virginia, United States (Not_yet_recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Amber L Pearson, PhD
- Email: apearson@msu.edu
- Phone: 517-388-3013
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.