The role of outdoor recreation program in mental health among hikers at Wawasan Hill, Puchong, Selangor

This study evaluated the effects of outdoor recreation programs on the mental health and psychological wellbeing of hikers at Wawasan Hill in Puchong Selangor. Adopting a quantitative research approach, researchers collected two hundred ninety-six valid responses through a structured Google Form survey that incorporated demographic profiles the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale and the Recreation Experience Preference scale. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version thirty-one employing descriptive statistics to identify key recreational factors independent tests to compare gender differences and Pearson chi square analysis to examine relationships between outdoor recreation and mental health outcomes. The findings highlight how nature-based interventions and physical activity in natural environments contribute to mitigating depression, anxiety and stress.