A UK survey conducted by Anglia Ruskin University has found that recreational fishing may reduce the severity of mental health problems.
The survey included about 1,900 UK adults. It was published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
“The present study aimed to compare the participation patterns, motivators and barriers to fishing between anglers with and without disabilities, to identify potential opportunities, motivators and barriers to offering fishing on prescription,” according to the study’s authors.
“Our results suggest that fishing participation is similar between anglers with disabilities and anglers without disabilities.”
“The results found no difference regarding the type of fishing, frequency of fishing, length of time spent fishing and engagement in fishing matches associated with the presence of a disability. Previous studies have also suggested that fishing participation rates between people with disabilities and people without disabilities may be similar.”
The findings were published on April 14, 2022.