Effect of a Nurse-Led Green Counseling Intervention on Reducing Anxiety and Promoting Well-being among school age children

Abstract

Background: Childhood anxiety and psychological distress pose significant public health challenges. Addressing these issues requires integrated community-based and pediatric nursing interventions that utilize accessible, non-pharmacological modalities such as nature-based therapies. Aim: This study evaluated the effect of a nurse-led green counseling intervention on reducing anxiety and promoting well-being among school-age children. Methods: A quasi-experimental, pre-test/post-test research design was utilized. The sample comprised 200 children aged 8 to 11 years screened and recruited from Pediatric Outpatient Clinics at Sohag University Hospitals. These tools were used to collect data; Tool I: Demographic and Clinical Assessment Sheet, Tool II: Revised Children's Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS-25) – Child Version, and Tool III: Stirling Children's Well-being Scale (SCWBS). Results: Findings demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in children's anxiety scores postintervention compared to baseline (p < .001). Concurrently, a substantial and statistically significant improvement in the participants' mental well-being scores (p < .001) was observed following the completion of the 8-week program. Conclusion: The collaborative, nurse-led green counseling program is a highly effective, low-cost intervention for mitigating childhood anxiety and enhancing well-being. Integrating pediatric clinical screening with community-based nature therapies provides a comprehensive model for supporting pediatric mental health.