The Role of Houseplants in Reducing Depression during COVID-19 Quarantine

Due to the prevalence of COVID-19 epidemic in society and its transformation into a major global problem, as well as according to the World Health Organization, it seems that mental disorders will be the most important side effect of this disease. Long-term mental disorders have serious and dangerous effects on all vital organs such as the heart and blood vessels. It seems that one of the strategies is to grow and maintain flowers and ornamental plants in apartment environments. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of houseplants in reducing depression during quarantine due to COVID-19 by a combined "descriptive-analytical" method in Ahvaz city. A questionnaire was designed to collect data, which included various sections including: among the personal and professional characteristics of the respondents as well as the variables measuring the respondents' attitude towards the position of houseplants in reducing depression during the quarantine caused by COVID-19. In this study, data comparisons were performed using T-test and F-test and ISDM method was used for leveling. The results of this study showed that the highest frequency of responses in the attitude of respondents towards the position of houseplants in reducing depression was at a relatively positive level with a frequency of 137 people (35.7%) regarding the position of houseplants in reducing depression caused by quarantine of COVID-19 disease in Ahvaz. The results of Duncan test showed that there is a significant difference between the attitudes of the respondents whose home area was less than 62.2 meters and the respondents whose home area was more, at the probability level of 5%. In the other words, respondents whose home area was more than 62.2 meters had a more positive attitude towards the role of houseplants in reducing depression caused by COVID-19 quarantine. Findings on how to select plants also showed that people who use scientific books and experts to select flowers and plants, have a more positive view of the position of houseplants in reducing depression caused by the quarantine of Covid-19 disease. In general, 80% of the respondents preferred ornamental and flowering plants for keeping at home, and fruit, vegetable and medicinal plants were placed in the next ranks with great differences, respectively. It was found that people who live with houseplants for a long time, have a higher level of happiness and tolerance threshold and less aggression, and ultimately suffer less from depression and other mental disorders.