Beneficial Effects of Forest Bathing for Health Tourism: A Case Study of Banhoaisaphan-Samakkhi Community Forest, Nongrong Sub-district, Phanomthuan District, Kanchanaburi Province
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Abstract
The objective of this research was to investigate beneficial effects of forest bathing for tourists in Banhoaisaphan-Samakkhi Community Forest, Nongrong Sub-district, Phanomthuan District, Kanchanaburi Province. This research was a mixed method research by surveying community forest, field observation, questionnaires, interviews and participation forest bathing activities, in order to examine both physiological and psychological responses after forest bathing among nineteen working people selected by volunteering. Physiological indicators include systolic and diatolic blood pressure, and pulse rate. Psychological tests were measured by Profile of Mood States (POMS) and State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI: Y1). Both physiological and psychological measurements were collected before and after forest bathing progam. The results showed that regarding physiological responses, a significant decrease in systolic and diatolic blood pressure but increase in pulse rate was found after the program. Psychological responses from POMS test showed that negative mood states including anxiety, depression, confusion; were significantly reduced after visiting forests while positive mood state of vigor was increased after the program. For state trait anxiety test, the anxiety levels measured by positive indicators were improved significantly. In conclusion, forest bathing in Banhoaisaphan-Samakkhi Community Forest benefited to mental health and systolic and diatolic blood pressure among working tourists. Community forests should be promoted for forest bathing among health tourists.
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บทความ ข้อความ ภาพประกอบ ตารางประกอบ ที่ตีพิมพ์ในวารสารเป็นความคิดเห็นและความรับผิดชอบของผู้เขียนแต่เพียงผู้เดียว ไม่เกี่ยวข้องกับมหาวิทยาลัยสุโขทัยธรรมาธิราชแต่อย่างใด
บทความที่เสนอพิจารณาในวารสาร e-JODIL ต้องเป็นบทความที่ไม่เคยส่งไปลงพิมพ์ เผยแพร่ หรืออยู่ระหว่างการพิจารณาของวารสารอื่น
กองบรรณาธิการขอสงวนสิทธิ์ในการพิจารณาและตัดสินการตีพิมพ์บทความในวารสาร
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