Beneficio del huerto familiar para la salud mental en la pandemia de COVID-19 en Jojutla, Morelos, México

Abstract

Nature has repercussions human well-being; its destruction increases the probability of zoonotic diseases arising. The coronavirus caused an increase in stress, anxiety and depression; therefore, it is necessary to analyze strategies that help reduce these disorders. The aim of the article is to evaluate the home garden in Jojutla, Morelos, as a socioecological system that benefits mental health in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through participatory research, 30 families with a home garden and 30 without a home garden were studied, the applied techniques consisted of questionnaires, interviews, systematic tours and participant observation. Results reveal that, during confinement, families that have a home garden improved their situation due to contact with the species, because they provide an ideal environment that palliates mental disorders that affect them. In contrast, families without a home garden maintained their psycho-emotional imbalance. It is concluded that, in a sanitary emergency context, the home garden mitigates problems in people’s mental health due to the colors, aromas, shapes and sounds of plants and animals present in this space that favor relaxation, tranquility, spirituality and happiness.