Health Research Articles

The German Journal of Natural Products Research: A global call to pave the way for a sustainable future with bioactive substances

The world faces numerous urgent challenges, including antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the overuse of synthetic chemicals, and environmental degradation. Natural products derived from plants and microorganisms offer promising solutions to these global issues. However, despite their vast potential, significant gaps remain in translating natural product research into practical applications. These gaps present an exciting opportunity for scientific innovation and crossdisciplinary collaboration. The German Journal of Natural Products Research (Ger. J. Nat. Prod. Res.) seeks to provide a global platform for disseminating research on the sustainable use of natural compounds, focusing on their discovery, structural analysis, biological activities, and applications for human, animal, and plant health. We invite researchers worldwide to contribute to this critical field and advance the role of natural products in creating a sustainable future.

Alcohol use in Early Midlife: Findings from the Age 37 Follow-Up Assessment of the FinnTwin12 Cohort.

This paper provides an overview of the most recent assessment, collected in early midlife, of the FinnTwin12 cohort, a population-based study of Finnish twins born in 1983-1987. The twins were invited to complete an online survey assessing a range of variables, including physical and mental health, alcohol use and problems, other substance use, and early midlife environments (e.g., parenthood). In total, 2,085 individuals (~ 40% of the original sample) completed the survey (551 complete twin pairs, 58.7% female, 37.3% monozygotic, Mage = 37.2 years, SD = 1.47 years, age range = 34-39 years). Individuals who participated were more likely to be female, monozygotic, and have higher parental education and less hyperactivity/impulsivity and aggression at age 12 when compared to individuals who were invited but did not participate. Parental alcohol misuse and the twins' alcohol use and misuse at age 14 were not related to study retention. Alcohol misuse in early midlife was positively associated with nicotine dependence, lifetime use of cannabis and other drugs, trauma exposure, and depressive symptoms, and negatively associated with physical health and having biological children. These new data expand upon the wealth of measures collected as part of previous assessments, expanding the scope of work on the etiology and correlates of alcohol misuse within a longitudinal, genetically-informed framework. In addition to these new survey measures, we are planning an in-person assessment to collect physiological measurements and conduct additional in-depth phenotyping on a subset of twins who have been more intensively studied over the years.

Rhinoceros as a Symbol of Admiration in Setswana Indigenous Poetry, Stories and Proverbs

This article expounds on the relationship between Batswana and the rhinoceros. The co-existence of Batswana and the rhinoceros brought the two together. There are different types of relationships like commensalism, i.e., metabiotic, phoresy and microbiota. People have utilized animals in a variety of useful relationships. Animals improve the welfare of humans in many ways, ranging from providing companionship to facilitating rescues during natural disasters and for recreation purposes. It is also believed that the Batswana learned some of their virtues from the rhino. They learn some of their virtues from metabiotic of the rhinoceros’ relationship with the oxpecker. When the Batswana prayed for rain, they emulated the rhinoceros by stomping the ground. The Batswana are loving people who look after one another. The study assesses the connection or affiliation between their genera. A mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and animals. It’s influenced by behaviors essential to the mental, physical and social health and well-being of both. The vegetarian’s role is to maximize the potential of this relationship and promote the well-being of people and animals. The Batswana and the rhinoceros shared space. In some areas, they work and help each other for their survival, whereas in other cases they harm each other as indicated in poetry, stories, metaphors and proverbs. This entanglement encompasses the transference of animal behavioral traits to humans. The rhinoceros played a role in helping Batswana who did not have a well where they could get water for their cows.

AI-driven big data analysis on the impact of sports-induced cell molecular biomechanical stimuli on human physiological and mental health

AI-driven big data analysis on the impact of sports-induced cell molecular biomechanical stimuli on human physiological and mental health

Allyl sorbitol crosslinker-based novel hydrogel for the removal of toxic metal ions from water

ABSTRACT The rising concentration of toxic metal ions in waterbodies threatens human and ecological health. Adsorption, especially using hydrogels, is an effective method for removing these pollutants. The newly designed allyl sorbitol crosslinker-based hydrogel (ASCLHs-hydrogel) has been prepared via free radical copolymerisation technique. The synthesised ASCLHs-hydrogels have been characterised by several analytical techniques, viz. Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), derivative thermogravimetry (DTG), point of zero charge (ΔpHPZC) analysis, gel permeation chromatography (GPC) analysis, scanning electron microscope (SEM)-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Three grades of ASCLHs-hydrogel have been prepared and utilised for the elimination of Ni2+ and Co2+ ions from wastewater. The properties of ASCLHs-hydrogel, i.e. swelling and water retention ratio (WRR), have been studied in distilled water. The maximum swelling of the best grade ASCLHs-1 hydrogel was found to be 367.52 g/g, and WRR of ASCLHs-1 hydrogel was found to be 74.37% in distilled water. Under optimised conditions, the removal efficiencies of the best grade of ASCLHs-1 hydrogel were found to be 96.2% for Co2+ and 94.5% for Ni2+ ions. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models give excellent fitting with experimental data. The maximum adsorption capacities for ASCLHs-1 hydrogel have been found to be 209.20 mg/g for Co2+ and 182.14 mg/g for Ni2+ ions, respectively. The kinetic behaviour of the adsorption between hydrogels and heavy metal ions (HMIs) was found to be controlled by pseudo-second-order (PSO) kinetic model with a rate constant 1.0 × 10−3 g/(mg.min) for Co2+ and 1.2 × 10−3 g/(mg.min) for Ni2+ ions, respectively. The reusability of the ASCLHs-1 hydrogel has been studied for five cycles and the hydrogel showed remarkable desorption efficiency even after the fourth cycle. Overall, these findings suggest that the ASCLHs-1 hydrogel works as an economical, and efficient adsorbent for the removal of Ni2+ and Co2+ ions from aqueous solutions.

The associations between internet use and loneliness among older adults: a three-level meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Loneliness is a significant risk factor for physical and mental health in older adults. Internet use was closely associated with loneliness in the older population in the digital age, but consensus on the association is lacking. The present study aims to conduct a meta-analysis to quantify how internet use is associated with loneliness in older adults. Based on the PRISMA method, the present study used a three-level meta-analysis with 41 studies (N = 75,736) to explore the association between internet use and loneliness in older adults and the possible moderating variables of this association. The results revealed a significant negative association between internet use and loneliness in older adults (r = −0.080, p < 0.001), with I 2 = 95.5% indicating considerable heterogeneity. Moreover, age [F (1, 70) = 5.729, p = 0.019], internet use measurement [F (2, 104) = 9.739, p < 0.001], and purposes of internet use [F (3, 48) = 5.428, p = 0.003] were found to moderate the association significantly, as the negative correlation was stronger with age increasing; the negative correlation was stronger by the frequency measure of internet use (r = −0.105) than by the duration measure of internet use (r = 0.067), and the negative correlation was stronger for communication (r = −0.116) than for information acquisition (r = −0.052) and entertainment (r = 0.022). Through a comprehensive exploration of the overall effect and moderating variables, this meta-analysis offers further insights into the relationship between internet use and loneliness among older adults.

Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential of Key Anti-inflammatory Metabiotics: Trans-Vaccenic Acid, Indole-3-Lactic Acid, Thiamine, and Butyric Acid.

Identifying metabolites produced by probiotic bacteria, also known as metabiotics, is becoming increasingly common due to their anti-inflammatory, anti-obesogenic, and immunomodulatory effects. Postbiotics alongside diet, regulate both physical and mental health, as the microbiota members can interact physically with host cells or through secretion of nutrients and metabiotics. These metabiotics also reduce the severity of certain metabolic disorders and support the proper functioning of various organs and systems. In this review, we describe the mechanisms of action of trans-vaccenic acid (TVA), indole-3-lactic acid (ILA), thiamine (vitamin B1), and butyric acid metabolites produced or induced by probiotics such as Lactobacillus and/or Bifidobacterium, among others and previously identified using analytical techniques such as mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Within their mechanisms of action, Trans-vaccenic acid exerts anti-inflammatory effects and helps alleviate complications associated with metabolic diseases. Indole metabolites promote IL-22 production and regulate epithelial cell proliferation and antimicrobial peptide production. Thiamin is essential for energy metabolism regulation, and butyric acid regulates the brain-gut axis and also regulates immune response. This review expands our understanding of the potential therapeutic useofmetabiotics.

Social Work and Sexual Minorities: The Health and Psychosocial Realities of Queer Men in Nigeria and Its Implication for Social Work Practice

ABSTRACT Background Nigeria is a nation characterized by diverse cultures, religions, and policies that often foster discrimination, oppression, and violence against sexual minorities. This hostile environment can significantly impact social work practices involving these groups. Consequently, this study aimed to investigate the health and psychosocial realities of queer men in Nigeria and their implications for social work practice. Methods A qualitative phenomenological approach was adopted for the study. Data were collected from 28 participants, including 16 queer men and 12 social workers, and analyzed thematically. Results The findings revealed experiences of discrimination and insecurity, which contribute to both physical and psychological health issues. Additionally, the study highlighted a lack of understanding and acceptance among social workers regarding practices involving sexual minorities in Nigeria. Discourse The results highlight how queer individuals may experience limited access to healthcare and receive limited support from social workers in advancing their healthcare needs. Conclusion It is recommended that social work education incorporate discussions around working with sexual minorities, as a better understanding of this population will enhance acceptance, improve practice, and encourage advocacy for reform in discriminatory policies and practices.

A phosphorylation signal activates genome-wide transcriptional control by BfmR, the global regulator of Acinetobacter resistance and virulence.

The nosocomial pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii is a major threat to human health. The sensor kinase-response regulator system, BfmS-BfmR, is essential to multidrug resistance and virulence in the bacterium and represents a potential antimicrobial target. Important questions remain about how the system controls resistance and pathogenesis. Although BfmR knockout alters expression of>1000 genes, its direct regulon is undefined. Moreover, how phosphorylation controls the regulator is unclear. Here, we address these problems by combining mutagenesis, ChIP-seq, and in vitro phosphorylation to study the functions of phospho-BfmR. We show that phosphorylation is required for BfmR-mediated gene regulation, antibiotic resistance, and sepsis development in vivo. Consistent with activating the protein, phosphorylation induces dimerization and target DNA affinity. Integrated analysis of genome-wide binding and transcriptional profiles of BfmR led to additional key findings: (1) Phosphorylation dramatically expands the number of genomic sites BfmR binds; (2) DNA recognition involves a direct repeat motif widespread across promoters; (3) BfmR directly regulates 303 genes as activator (e.g., capsule, peptidoglycan, and outer membrane biogenesis) or repressor (pilus biogenesis); (4) BfmR controls several non-coding sRNAs. These studies reveal the centrality of a phosphorylation signal in driving A. baumannii disease and disentangle the extensive pathogenic gene-regulatory network under its control.

Nuclear geophysical assessment of aquifer groundwater quality in Okerenkoko community, Niger Delta: Implications for human health risk

Nuclear geophysical assessment of aquifer groundwater quality in Okerenkoko community, Niger Delta: Implications for human health risk

Characterization and anti-tuberculosis effects of γδ T cells expanded and activated by Mycobacterium tuberculosis heat-resistant antigen.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) that poses a severe threat to human health. A variety of highly immunogenic tuberculosis proteins have been used as targets in vaccine development to mitigate the spread of TB. Although Th1-type immunity has long been considered a crucial part of resistance to Mtb, γδ T cells, the predominant source of IL-17, are not negligible in controlling the early stages of TB infection. In addition to classical phosphoantigens, Mycobacterium tuberculosis heat-resistant antigens (HAg), a complex containing 564 proteins obtained from live tuberculosis bacteria after heat treatment at 121 °C for 20 min, have been confirmed to be highly effective γδ T cell stimulators as well. Several studies have demonstrated that HAg-activated γδ T cells can participate in TB immunity by secreting multiple cytokines against Mtb or by interacting with other innate immune cells. In this review, we present a possible mechanism of HAg stimulation of γδ T cells and the role of HAg-activated γδ T cells in anti-TB immunity. We also highlight the limitations of studies on HAg activation of γδ T cells and suggest further research directions on the relationship between HAg and γδ T cells.

Handling Climate Change through Corporate Social Responsibility as the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goals in Indonesia

The release of carbon dioxide emissions by manufacturing companies is a significant cause of climate change that has adverse impacts on human life, affecting economic, socio-cultural, and human health aspects as well as national sovereignty. Therefore, addressing climate change is necessary by considering business ethics through corporate social and environmental responsibility. The objective of this study is to explore the handling of climate change through social and environmental responsibility in Indonesia. This legal research can be answered through normative legal research. The findings suggest that addressing climate change through social and environmental responsibility by companies includes carbon offsetting, organic waste management, and increasing awareness among the community and employees on environmental sustainability.

Scandium Oxide Mimic Enzymes toward Highly Sensitive Colorimetric Detection of Glutathione.

Glutathione (GSH) is an important biochemical substance in the body, and efficient detection plays an important role in evaluating human health. This work develops a simple and efficient method for GSH detection by biomimetic enzyme-catalyzed colorimetric sensing. A novel scandium oxide crystal is prepared by a one-step pyrolysis method. The crystal structure, microstructure, and surface potential of scandium oxide crystals are analyzed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and potentiometry. Furthermore, the scandium oxide crystal can catalyze the oxidation of the colorimetric substrate TMB in the presence of H2O2, exhibiting characteristics of peroxidase-like activity. Its catalytic effect is influenced by the concentration, temperature, pH, and reaction time, showing a certain degree of dependency. The Michaelis constants of scandium oxide crystal are 0.073 and 0.301 mM for H2O2 and TMB, respectively. Finally, an enzymatic colorimetric sensing method based on the scandium oxide crystal is established for the detection of GSH levels in human serum. The corresponding detection limit and linear range are 0.21 and 0.5-50 μM, respectively. This work provides new insights for developing detection materials and sensing methods toward GSH analysis.

Functionality of lipid extracts obtained by green extraction from red pupunha (Bactris gasipaes Kunt)

The focus on diversity in the Amazon forest is related to fruits and oilseeds that have diverse nutritional and functional values in their composition and contribute to human health. Therefore, this research aims to study the functional constituents of lipid extracts obtained from peach palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunt) of the red variety obtained by green extraction with the assistance of ultrasound probe. The methodology followed established and internationally accepted standards, with comparative analyses of the quality of the oils, fatty acid profile by gas chromatography (GC), cardiovascular functionality indices and chemical profile by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results obtained in this research demonstrate a yield equal to 9.81% on a dry basis, in addition to demonstrating high quality of the lipid extracts, presenting an acidity index equal to 1.85 mg KOH/g, a peroxide index equal to 2.75 mE/kg in of the limits established by Brazilian legislation. The fatty acid profile shows a high concentration of omega-9 (59.03%), an index of the ratio of hypocholesterolemic and hypercholesterolemic fatty acids equal to 2.45 and a predominance of unsaturated fatty acids, highlighting omega 9 (60.2 %), 6 (3.90%) and 3 (1.05%). FTIR spectra confirm a high presence of unsaturated fatty acids. Therefore, the data demonstrate benefits of extracting peach palm oil assisted by ultrasound, as it provides maintenance of nutritional and functional quality, keeping the constituents linked to the anti-inflammatory processes.

Examining recovery trajectories of physical function, activity performance, cognitive and psychological functions, and health related quality of life in COVID-19 patients treated in ICU: a Swedish prospective cohort study.

To investigate the recovery trajectories of physical function, activity performance, cognitive and psychological functions, and health related quality of life, as well as potential interaction effects, in individuals with COVID-19 treated in an intensive care unit (ICU). This prospective cohort study included patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection, treated in an ICU. Clinical assessments and self-ratings of functioning, disability and health were performed > 1 month and > 12 months after discharge from hospital. Among the 65 included individuals (mean age 56.6, SD 11) significant improvements in physical and psychological function were observed over time, although not reaching population norms. Cognition remained unchanged (MoCA median 27, IQR 4). At the 12-month follow-up, physical limitations in activity (RAND-36) were found to be associated with dyspnea (mMRC-Dyspnea), mental and physical fatigue (MFI-20), and walking endurance (6-minute walk test) (r2 0.509 p < 0.001). Role limitations due to physical health (RAND-36) was found to be associated with physical and mental fatigue (MFI-20) and pain (r2 0.530 p < 0.001). Despite improvements in functioning and health in this group of predominantly younger age recovery did not reach population norms. These results highlight persistent impairments and activity limitations that may necessitate long-term healthcare interventions.

Reciprocal Causation Among Pain, Physical Health, and Mental Health 1 Year Post-Traumatic Brain Injury: A Cross-Lagged Panel Model From the TRACK-TBI Study.

To estimate the relative causal influence of physical and mental health on pain in persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI) within the year following injury. Transforming Research and Clinical Knowledge in TBI (TRACK-TBI) was a multicenter study that collected data from 18 level 1 trauma centers around the United States. TRACK-TBI recruited adults who experienced an acute TBI. For this secondary analysis, participants were included if they endorsed pain during at least 1 follow-up within 1 year post-TBI. Secondary analysis using structural equation modeling of the longitudinal TRACK-TBI dataset of an inception cohort. None. The primary outcomes are pain, physical health, and mental health. Pain was measured by averaging the T-scores of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Pain Intensity and Pain Interference scales. Physical and mental health were measured with the raw component scores (physical component score and mental component score, respectively) on the Short Form Health Survey. Eighty-nine percent of the TRACK-TBI cohort (n=2022) reported pain throughout 1 year postinjury. This sample (n=1796) was primarily white (77%) men (67%) in their early forties with mild (87%) closed head injuries (99%) related to motor or road vehicle accidents (57%). Based on the final trimmed model, there was a stronger dominance of pain on physical and mental health than physical and mental health on pain. Thus, pain is a bigger driver of physical and mental health than vice versa. Persistent pain is highly prevalent post-TBI and is a bigger driver of physical and mental health 1 year post-TBI than the other way round. Future research should aim to better understand the causes of pain post-TBI to inform what treatments are most effective at reducing pain intensity and interference post-TBI.

Eating difficulties among Nigerian community-dwelling stroke survivors: prevalence, correlates, and association with quality of life

BackgroundEating ability is central to human existence and survival, societal acceptance, life satisfaction, and social participation. Although eating difficulties (EDs) are common after stroke, few studies are reporting their impact on the quality of life (QoL) of stroke survivors. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, correlates, and association of EDs with QoL among stroke survivors.MethodsA cross-sectional study on 233 (Mean age: 59.6 ± 10.9 years; 52.8% female) Nigerian community-dwelling stroke survivors attending rehabilitation at three public hospitals was conducted. The Minimal Eating Observation Form– version II and WHOQOL-BREF were used to collect data on EDs and QoL respectively. Socio-demographic, stroke-related, and clinical characteristics of patients were assessed using structured questionnaires. The association of EDs with each domain of WHOQOL-BREF (physical health, psychological health, social relationships, environmental health, perceived health status, and overall QoL) was assessed with hierarchical regression analyses.ResultsThe majority (60.9%) of stroke survivors had at least one form of ED. Among the three types of EDs assessed, difficulty with energy/appetite (45.1%) was the most prevalent, followed by difficulty with ingestion (43.8%) and deglutition (40.8%). The results showed that EDs were associated with haemorrhagic stroke (r = 0.158; p = 0.016), right-sided hemiplegia (r = 0.172; p = 0.008), increasing stroke severity (r = 0.466; p < 0.001), increasing co-morbidity (r = 0.384; p < 0.001), poor oral health (r = 0.511; p < 0.001), poor mental health (r = 0.260; p < 0.001), poor affected grip strength (r= -0.157; p = 0.016), poor nutritional status (r= -0.362; p < 0.001), low functional ability (r= -0.415; p < 0.001), and low social support (r= -0.257; p < 0.001). After adjustments, EDs independently explained 10.7% of the variance in psychological health (β= -0.467; p < 0.001), 4.7% in social relationships (β= -0.308; p < 0.001), 2.4% in perceived health status (β= -0.221; p = 0.002), and 7.4% in overall QoL (β= -0.383; p < 0.001). However, the variance accounted for by EDs in physical and environmental health domains was insignificant.ConclusionThe prevalence of EDs among Nigerian community-dwelling stroke survivors is high, which is associated with many stroke-related and clinical factors. Meanwhile, increasing in EDs is independently associated with reduced QoL among stroke survivors using WHOQOL-BREF. Emphasis on screening and management of EDs in stroke rehabilitation protocols may assist in improving survivors’ QoL.

Mobility, ICT, and health: a built environment investigation of older Chinese migrants’ social isolation and loneliness

BackgroundSocial isolation and loneliness have detrimental impacts on health, especially for older adults. During the COVID-19 pandemic, physical access to third places (e.g., coffee shops, libraries) decreased due to the closure of non-essential destinations and personal risk assessments. Older adults reported adopting information and communication technology (ICT) during pandemic lockdowns. ICT-mediated socializing may have different impacts on loneliness than in-person equivalents. Understanding access to social connection and their distinct relationships to the built environment and health for older Chinese migrants is critical to supporting equitable, healthy aging in a post-COVID world.MethodsUsing a survey of older Chinese migrants in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) during the extended COVID-19 lockdown, we investigate how community mobility and ICT use, two mechanisms of socializing, relate to the built environment and influence loneliness (De Jong Gierveld 6-item scale), as well as mental and physical health (SF-12). Specifically, we use a structural equation model to test a theoretical framework of older adult social isolation.ResultsOur model demonstrates the importance of community mobility for reducing feelings of loneliness, while ICT use is significantly related to better physical health. Both community mobility and ICT use have significant, although opposite, relationships to transit density.ConclusionsResults indicate that ICT use might have limited ability to reduce loneliness and support mental health when mobility is limited. Addressing older migrants’ barriers to community mobility is critical to reducing feelings of loneliness.

Anesthesia-induced electroencephalogram oscillations and perioperative outcomes in older adults undergoing cardiac surgery.

Electroencephalogram oscillations during general anesthesia may change as a function of cognitive and physical health. This study aimed to characterize associations between anesthesia-induced oscillations and postoperative outcomes in cardiac surgery patients over 60years. This was a prespecified secondary data analysis from the Minimizing Intensive Care Unit Dysfunction with Dexmedetomidine-induced Sleep (MINDDS) study. Participants were admitted from home for elective cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. The primary outcome was postoperative delirium obtained using the Confusion Assessment Method. Secondary outcomes were non-home discharge and 30-day readmission. The exposure of interest was alpha power measured during the maintenance phase of isoflurane-general anesthesia. Confounding cognitive and physical health variables were collected. Of 394 participants in the MINDDS study, 302 had analyzable electroencephalograms. The incidence of postoperative delirium was 11.1%. Odds of postoperative delirium decreased by 14% for every decibel increase in alpha power (OR 0.86, 95% CI: 0.78 to 0.95; P=0.004). This finding was not significant in adjusted analysis (ORadj 0.92, 95% CI: 0.81 to 1.03; P=0.154). Non-home discharge setting findings were not associated with alpha power. The odds of 30-day readmission decreased by 20% for every decibel increase in alpha power (ORadj 0.80, 95% CI: 0.71 to 0.91; P<0.001). Findings were conserved in exploratory and sensitivity analyses. In this study anesthesia-induced oscillations were associated with postoperative outcomes; however, these were not independently associated with delirium or discharge disposition after considering preoperative cognitive and physical health. These oscillations were robustly associated with 30-day readmission however, which may help anesthesiologists identify high-risk patients, offering benefits beyond the operating room. Registration Number: NCT02856594.

An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the experience of a nature-based therapy intervention for children with long-term health conditions and associated psychological difficulties.

Children and young people (CYP) with long-term health conditions (LTC) are at higher risk of developing mental health difficulties. Research suggests nature-based therapeutic interventions (NBTIs) may benefit CYP's wellbeing, but less is known about the impact on CYP with LTC. This study's objective was to explore how CYP with LTC and associated psychological difficulties experienced a NBTI and the impact on their wellbeing. Ten participants aged 10-13 attended a NBTI and took part in semi-structured interviews that explored how they made sense of their journey through the intervention, its impact on mental, physical wellbeing and sense of self. An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the interview data yielded four group experiential themes: 'Overcoming Illness-Identity', 'Freedom to Choose', 'Sense of Connection' and 'A Mindful Presence'. Participants reported improved self-esteem, a deepened sense of belonging with peers and nature, and enhanced emotion regulation. Clinical implications and directions for future research are discussed.