BLOOM: Boldly Living outdOOrs for Mental Health

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · Jul 31, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The BLOOM trial is studying how spending time in nature can help children aged 9 to 12 who have experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and are currently dealing with anxiety. This program is based on an existing nature program called SHINE and will involve taking children and their caregivers on monthly outings into nature. The goal is to see if these outdoor activities can improve mental health by reducing anxiety and stress. Participants will be divided into groups, with some joining the nature outings, while others will be on a waiting list to see how the two compare.

To participate, children need to be between 9 and 12 years old, have an ACE score of 1 or higher (indicating some past trauma), and show significant anxiety levels. Caregivers must also be available to attend the outings and should speak English, Spanish, or Arabic. Throughout the study, participants will wear a device to track their activity. This research aims to create a low-cost model for helping children with mental health issues, using the natural environment as a therapeutic space.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Pediatric Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Age 9-12 years at enrollment
• • 2. Has an ACE Score of 1 or higher
• • 3. Has a SCARED-P score of 15 or higher
• • 4. Is available to attend three group outings if assigned to group intervention arm.
• • 5. Has a caregiver who is able to consent and attend outings with them.
• • 6. Is able to read, write, and speak English, Spanish or Arabic.
• • 7. Has no serious health conditions that affect their ability to be in nature.
• • 8. Willing to wear a provided electronic sensor continuously for 6 weeks, including sleep, excluding bathing and device recharging time.
• • 9. Have no major changes in their mental health treatment plan during the time of the study.
• • Caregiver eligibility criteria
• • 1. Able to read, write and speak English, Spanish or Arabic
• • 2. Be at least 18 years old.
• • 3. Have no serious health conditions that affect their ability to be in nature.
• • 4. Is available to attend 6 weekly outings if assigned to group intervention arm.
• • 5. Have a smart phone and be willing to download NatureDose app from NatureQuant.
• Exclusion Criteria Child:
• • 1. Concomitant active treatment modification (eg medication changes) for the past month.
• • 2. Unable to attend weekly nature outings if randomized to the group intervention.
• • 3. Physical or health limitation to participating in outdoor activities.
• • 4. Previous SHINE participant.
• • 5. Caregiver unable to consent.
• • 6. Unable to pass short quiz at the end of the assent.
• • 7. Wards of the state who do not have a guardian other than the state who can consent on their behalf.
• • 8. Non-English, Arabic or Spanish speaking participants.
• • 9. Unwilling to use a FitBit.
• • Exclusion criteria - caregiver
• • 1. Unable to attend weekly nature outings if randomized to the group intervention.
• • 2. Physical or health limitation to participating in outdoor activities.
• • 3. Previous SHINE participant.
• • 4. Unable to provide informed consent.
• • 5. Non-English, Arabic or Spanish speaking participants.
• • 6. Unwilling to use NatureDose app.