Nature-culture-health activities as a method of rehabilitation: an evaluation of participants' health, quality of life and function

The dramatic increase in sickness absence and disability pensions in recent years are negative side-effects of our welfare society. Among others, people certified as longterm sick are offered participation in a programme of health-promoting activities (salutogenesis) in Asker, Norway. The aim of this study was to evaluate health, quality of life and function among participants included in a programme of community-based nature-culture-health activities. A qualitative evaluation study in 2003 included 30 men and 16 women aged 30-79 years old participating in 12 different health-promoting activities at the Nature-Culture-Health (NaCuHeal) Centre. The group activities were hiking, physical activities, gardening, music, singing, painting, dancing, dialogue groups for men or women, ethics, painting and local history. Around two-thirds of the participants reported to have improved their health status, quality of life and function, particularly when given the opportunity to utilize their own abilities and creativity. Belonging to a themed group seems to play a significant role in increasing self-efficacy and self-esteem.