Comparison of the level of direct contact with the natural environment in Chilean university students according to the geographical area where they live

Abstract

Introduction: Contact with nature is essential for the physical and mental health of people, especially in university students. However, this link has been lost in recent decades due to the growth of cities. The objective of this study was to compare the level of direct contact with the natural environment in Chilean university students according to the geographic area where they live.Methods: Quantitative research was carried out with an analytical descriptive design. 272 students from 6 Chilean universities located in different geographic areas (north, center and south) participated. The scale of contact with nature was applied online. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to determine significant differences between the response distributions according to geographic area.Results: Students from the central area reported greater contact with nature in their daily lives (45.40% in levels 4-5). On excursions, those from the south led (45.16% in levels 4-5). In physical activity, those from the south also had the highest percentages (58.06% in levels 4-5). Significant differences were found between zones in all dimensions (p<0.05).Conclusions: In general, students have little contact with natural environments, with those from the north reporting the lowest levels. This shows the need to include more green areas in educational institutions, especially in the north and large cities, to promote the link with nature and its benefits for the health and development of students