Background and Aim: The objective was to decrease patient menopausal symptoms, sleep disturbance, and body image using a nonpharmacological therapy for cultivating key healthy lifestyle habits in patients with breast cancer. Materials and Methods: The participants were 26 women with breast cancer who had recently received structured mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) training in a clinical trial. Focus groups and interviews were conducted, during which the participants were asked semistructured, open-ended questions regarding the experiences of MBSR. Results: The participants indicated that MBSR helped them to alleviate hot flashes and night sweats, and improve sleep quality and be more at ease with the external aspect of their body. On the other hand, during MBSR intervention in a group manner, the participants felt more psychological support and an outlet for sharing negative emotional experiences. Conclusion: This study identified the short-term benefits associated with group-based MBSR for women with breast cancer. In addition, our research identified the difficulties of intervention measures and coping methods. The study described the benefits of MBSR for patients with breast cancer. The findings of this study will help nursing staff identify the main coping menopausal symptoms and control negative mental health.

Background Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) may have positive physiological and psychological benefits for breast cancer survivors. However, few studies involved a combination of the relevant literatures to confirm the effects. Methods Our study included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs comparing interventions of MBCT and control protocols for alleviation of symptoms among breast cancer survivors. We calculated pooled mean differences (MDs), standardized mean differences (SMDs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) by using random effects models to estimate summary effect sizes. Results Thirteen trials with 20–245 participants were considered in our studies; for the meta-analysis, 11 of these studies were eligible for assessment. The pooled meta-analysis results revealed that at the end of the MBCT intervention, participants’ anxiety (SMD, − 0.70; 95% CI, − 1.26 to − 0.13; I2 = 69%), pain (SMD, − 0.64; 95% CI, − 0.92 to − 0.37; I2 = 0%), and depression (SMD, − 0.65; 95% CI, − 1.14 to − 0.17; I2 = 75%) levels significantly decreased, and their mindfulness (MD, 8.83; 95% CI, 3.88 to 13.78; I2 = 68%) levels significantly increased. Conclusion The MBCT may be associated with improved pain, anxiety, depression, and mindfulness. However, the quantitative analysis pointed to an inconclusive result due to moderate to high levels of heterogeneity among indicator of anxiety, depression, and mindfulness. Future work requires more studies to better elucidate the clinical significance of this possible association. The results suggest that MBCT is highly beneficial as an intervention for patients who have received treatment for breast cancer.

Previous studies seldom explore the health benefits of different levels of nature exposure on children. 241 valid samples from five primary schools in Hsinchu, Taiwan were investigated. Results showed that comparing to being on school campuses, children would have higher levels of physical activity when visiting neighborhood parks and forest. Only the forest level natural landscape experiences  have significant positive impact on enjoying nature, preferences and empathy and sense of belonging. Forest level natural landscape experiences would also positively affect mental health, and physical health is built up through physical activity. Therefore, rural natural settings would be more beneficial to children.  © 2016. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies, Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.Keywords: Natural experience, The Connection to Nature Index (CNI) for children; Children's Physical Activity Scale (PAQ-C); Pediatric quality of life questionnaire (PedsQL ™)

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Child obesity is a major global public health issue. This study sought to identify means to improve children’s dietary behaviors through horticultural activities and effectively enhance their health and quality of life. The 129 participants were children in third grade through sixth grade in Hsinchu City, Taiwan. A quasi-experimental design was adopted as an intervention for school horticultural activities. The 68 students in the intervention group engaged in 40-minute horticultural sessions for 6 weeks. The pretest and post-test scores of both groups were measured using the Physical Questionnaire for older Children, the Connection to Nature Index, the Willingness to Taste Fruits and Vegetable Scale, and the Children’s Quality of Life Scale, as well as questionnaire items. The qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed through a parallel mixed-method approach. The findings showed that the intervention group’s physical activity levels, nature connectedness, and overall health were higher than those of the control groups. There were no significant differences in willingness to taste fruits and vegetables. This study demonstrates that engaging in natural school spaces and participating in horticultural activities improved the physical and mental health of children. Natural elements should be incorporated into the campus design, and children should be encouraged to participate in school horticultural activities.