Abstract
This study examined the change in parent’s attitudes, subjective norms, perceptions of behavioral control, and intentions regarding their children’s participation in outdoor activities in nature and a regional environmental education program (TRACK Trails), before and after the implementation of a nature prescription program (TRACK Rx), implemented in schools by a school nurse, at an intervention and a control school. Parents/guardians of children in the 1st–3rd grade (intervention = 49; control = 27) completed a baseline and 3-month follow-up survey assessing their attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and intention to have their children spend more time outdoors in nature. Knowledge about and participation in TRACK Trails were also assessed. Changes in parental attitudes, subjective norms, perceptions of behavioral control, and intentions were not found to be statistically significant between the intervention and control groups; however, at baseline, parental attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control were found to be significantly correlated with intention. Children in the intervention group increased participation in the TRACK Trails program, with more than 50% of intervention participants visiting multiple TRACK Trail sites. Implementing TRACK Rx and other nature prescription programs in school settings has the potential to influence parental beliefs and therefore increase children’s participation in outdoor activities in nature and environmental education programs. Nature prescription programs should provide information and connections to community-based programs that help reduce burdens that could inhibit parents having their children spend time in nature.
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