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Coringrato E, Alaimo K, Leiferman JA, Villalobos A, Buchenau H, Decker E, Fahnestock L, Quist P, Litt JS. A process evaluation of a randomized-controlled trial of community gardening to improve health behaviors and reduce stress and anxiety. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13620. [PMID: 38871715 PMCID: PMC11176184 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63889-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
As part of the Community Activation for Prevention (CAPS) randomized controlled trial (RCT) of community gardening, we conducted a process evaluation to assess the implementation of a community gardening intervention over nine months, as measured by reach, fidelity (delivery, receipt, enactment), and acceptability. Evaluation instruments included repeated semi-structured interviews with study participants, direct observation of community garden sites, and an exit survey of participants. Primary outcomes were diet, physical activity, and anthropometry; secondary outcomes were stress and anxiety. The CAPS trial included 291 participants (19% non-white; 34% Hispanic/Latino; 35% without a college degree; 58% with income < $50,000 per year). Intervention delivery and receipt were high for environmental supports. Garden social events were offered by 73% of gardens, although only 48% of intervention participants reported attending these events. Of the 145 participants assigned to the gardening intervention, 97 (67%) reported gardening the entire season and reported visiting the community garden a median of 90 min per week (range: 0-840). Of the participants who completed the exit survey (48%), 89% were highly satisfied with the overall garden experience. The CAPS trial was favorably received and implemented with high fidelity, supporting the validity of the trial outcomes. These findings suggest that community gardens are a viable health promotion strategy that can be successfully implemented among new gardeners from diverse backgrounds. Strategies that engage new gardeners in the social aspects of the garden environment and connect gardeners with garden "mentors" or "buddies" to ensure new gardeners achieve success in their first years of gardening are recommended.Trial registration: NCT03089177. Registered 24 March 2017, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03089177 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Coringrato
- Department of Environmental Studies, University of Colorado Boulder, 4001 Discovery Drive, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Katherine Alaimo
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, G. Malcolm Trout Building, Room 208C, Michigan State University, 469 Wilson Road, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Jenn A Leiferman
- Department of Community and Behavioural Health, Colorado School of Public Health, Mail Stop B-119, Room W 3140, 13001 East 17th Place, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Angel Villalobos
- Department of Environmental Studies, University of Colorado Boulder, 4001 Discovery Drive, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Hannah Buchenau
- Department of Environmental Studies, University of Colorado Boulder, 4001 Discovery Drive, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Erin Decker
- Department of Environmental Studies, University of Colorado Boulder, 4001 Discovery Drive, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Lara Fahnestock
- Denver Urban Gardens, 1031 33rd Street, Suite 100, Denver, CO, 80205, USA
| | - Pallas Quist
- Department of Environmental Studies, University of Colorado Boulder, 4001 Discovery Drive, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Jill S Litt
- Department of Environmental Studies, University of Colorado Boulder, 4001 Discovery Drive, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA.
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Skiba MB, Miller D, Stratton DB, Hall CA, McKenna S, Blair CK, Demark-Wahnefried W. Adaptation and study protocol for harvest for health together Arizona: A mentored community garden intervention for survivors of cancer. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2024; 39:101290. [PMID: 38595771 PMCID: PMC11002544 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2024.101290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Current health behavior recommendations for skin cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship are the same for survivors of other cancers; they include eating a healthy diet, being physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, and minimizing ultraviolet (U.V.) exposure. Few interventions exist to support health behaviors beyond U.V. exposure. We adapted Harvest for Health, a home-based mentored gardening intervention for cancer survivors, for implementation in Arizona as a community-based intervention. Methods Stakeholder-informed adaptations for Harvest for Health Together Arizona (H4H2-AZ) included updating intervention materials to be relevant to the arid desert environment, emphasizing the importance of sun safety in cancer survivorship, and shifting from a home-based to a community-based delivery model. Participants will be enrolled in cohorts aligned with growing seasons (e.g., spring, monsoon, fall) and matched to an individual 30 ft2 community garden plot for two growing seasons (6 months). Original intervention components retained are: 1) Master Gardeners deliver the intervention providing one-to-one mentorship and 2) gardening materials and supplies provided. This pilot six-month single-arm intervention will determine feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of an evidence-based adapted mentored community gardening intervention for survivors of skin cancer as primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes are to explore the effects on cancer preventive health behaviors and health-related quality of life. Discussion This pilot single-arm intervention will determine feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of an evidence-based adapted mentored community gardening intervention for survivors of skin cancer. If successful, the intervention could be widely implemented throughout existing Master Gardener programs and community garden networks for survivors of other cancers. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05648604. Trial registered on December 13, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan B. Skiba
- Advanced Nursing Practice and Science Division, College of Nursing, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Dylan Miller
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Delaney B. Stratton
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Dermatology, Banner University Health, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Caitlyn A. Hall
- W.A. Franke Honors College, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Sharon McKenna
- Melanoma Task Force, Arizona Department of Health Services, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Cindy K. Blair
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Wendy Demark-Wahnefried
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Johnsrud M, Goth US, Skjerve H. The Impact of Urban Allotment Gardens on Physical and Mental Health in Norway. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:720. [PMID: 38928966 PMCID: PMC11204083 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21060720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
In Norway, many communities offer low-rent plots of land on which city dwellers can build summer cottages and grow crops. These allotment gardens serve as recreational escapes from urban life. However, little is known about the impact these gardens have on their members. This study attempts to shed light on today's impact of allotment gardens in a public health setting in Norway. The study was based on 17 semi-structured interviews and 2 in-depth interviews with allotment house owners. Informants were mainly recruited by "snowball sampling". Our data show that maintaining an allotment promotes exercise and provides a positive impact on self-perceived well-being and physical health through outdoor activities. Spending time in the garden contributes to new knowledge and experiences. Owning an allotment garden has provided new knowledge, new skills, new hobbies, and thereby an improvement in lifestyle. The allotment garden has a strong impact on perceived health, well-being, and sense of coherence (SOC) for the individuals. It promotes outdoor activities along with social interaction and can prevent feelings of loneliness and isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Johnsrud
- Department of Health and Exercise, School of Health Sciences, Kristiania University College, 0107 Oslo, Norway;
| | | | - Hilde Skjerve
- Department of Health and Exercise, School of Health Sciences, Kristiania University College, 0107 Oslo, Norway;
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Banwell N, Michel S, Senn N. Greenspaces and Health: Scoping Review of studies in Europe. Public Health Rev 2024; 45:1606863. [PMID: 38831866 PMCID: PMC11144923 DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2024.1606863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Access to greenspaces and contact with nature can promote physical activity and have positive effects on physical and mental health. This scoping literature review aims to examine current evidence linking greenspaces and (a) behaviour change, (b) health outcomes and (c) co-benefits. Methods This review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA scoping review guidelines. Searches were conducted through PubMed and EMBASE databases for studies published between 2000 and March 2023 with a focus on Europe. Results 122 scientific articles and grey literature reports were identified. Access to greenspaces is positively associated with physical and mental health, and reduced risk of all-cause mortality and some non-communicable diseases. Greenspace quality is associated with increased physical activity and reduced risk of obesity. Nature-based therapies or green prescription are effective in improving mental health outcomes and overall health. Importantly, numerous co-benefits of greenspaces are identified. Conclusion Increasing access to greenspaces for populations with particular attention to greenspace quality is important for co-benefits. Responsible governance and use of greenspaces are crucial to minimize public health risks and human disturbance of nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Banwell
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Research in Ethics (CIRE), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Michel
- Department of Family Medicine, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Senn
- Department of Family Medicine, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Gulyas BZ, Caton SJ, Edmondson JL. Quantifying the relationship between gardening and health and well-being in the UK: a survey during the covid-19 pandemic. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:810. [PMID: 38486178 PMCID: PMC10941614 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18249-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rates of non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, and mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression, are high and rising in the urbanising world. Gardening could improve both mental and physical health and help prevent a range of conditions by increasing fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption, promoting physical activity, and reducing stress. However, good quality quantitative research in the area is scarce, and our understanding of the role of allotments and home gardens, and the effects of the level of engagement in gardening and involvement with food production has thus far been limited. METHODS We quantitatively assess the relationship between home and allotment gardening and various indicators and predictors of health and well-being using an online survey of gardeners (n = 203) and non-gardeners (n = 71) in the UK. The survey was composed of multiple validated questionnaires (including the Short Form Food Frequency Questionnaire (SFFFQ), the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS), the Physical Health Questionnaire (PHQ) and the Self-Rated Health question (SRH)) and self-defined questions relating to participants' involvement with gardening and food production, and relevant demographic and lifestyle factors. Data were analysed using a series of hierarchical logistic and multiple linear regression models adjusting for socio-demographic variables. RESULTS After adjusting for relevant socio-demographic factors, gardening related variables were associated with better self-rated health, higher mental well-being, increased F&V consumption. Higher F&V intake was in turn also associated with better self-rated health and decreased odds of obesity. Thus, gardening had a positive association with four different aspects of health and well-being, directly or indirectly via increased F&V consumption. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that gardening in UK allotments and domestic gardens may promote different aspects of health and well-being via multiple mechanisms. Improving access to growing space and promoting regular gardening could provide a range of benefits to public health. More research on how socio-economic factors influence the health and well-being benefits of gardening will help policymakers devise strategies to maximise these benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boglarka Z Gulyas
- Plants, Photosynthesis and Soil, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, S10 2TN, Sheffield, UK
- Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research (SCHARR), School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, S10 2TN, Sheffield, UK
| | - Samantha J Caton
- Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research (SCHARR), School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, S10 2TN, Sheffield, UK
| | - Jill L Edmondson
- Plants, Photosynthesis and Soil, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, S10 2TN, Sheffield, UK.
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Baston M, Hernández-F M, Vázquez K, Ruiz-Morales M, Mehner-Karam P, Sil-Acosta M, Acevedo N, Granich-Armenta A, Holz K, Cantoral A. A community-based intervention study involving family gardens with aromatic herbs on changes in dietary and urinary sodium. BMC Nutr 2024; 10:33. [PMID: 38409182 PMCID: PMC10895754 DOI: 10.1186/s40795-024-00841-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To measure dietary and urinary changes in sodium (Na) intake and excretion through the implementation of family gardens with aromatic herbs and workshops for cooking, using the herbs as a substitute for salt and seasoning powder. METHODS Thirty-five participants from a neighborhood of Mexico City were included. A general questionnaire was administered to collect information on sociodemographic factors. At baseline and 3 months later, a dietary evaluation was conducted, and 24-hour urine samples were collected. Food items reported were classified according to the NOVA classification. Visits to participants´ houses were conducted to measure the amount of salt and seasoning powder added to food during the preparation of meals as well as a home food inventory. All participants were given a family garden with 6 aromatic herbs and a recipe book. The intervention included 7 cooking and 3 garden care workshops. Qualitative information on the experience was also collected. Linear regression models were run in order to estimate the contribution of each NOVA group, salt, and seasoning powder to total dietary Na intake. RESULTS Participants were 44 years old on average and were mainly women (91.4%). The participation compliance in the workshops was 69.5%. After 3 months, there was a Na intake mean reduction of 976 mg. There was also a reduction in the excreted urinary Na of 325 mg per day. CONCLUSION A positive level of involvement in this program had a direct influence on dietary habits to lower Na consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Baston
- Health Department, Universidad Iberoamericana, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - M Hernández-F
- Research Center for Equitable Development EQUIDE, Universidad Iberoamericana, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - K Vázquez
- Centro Ibero Meneses, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - M Ruiz-Morales
- Chemical, Industrial and Food Engineering Department, Universidad Iberoamericana, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - P Mehner-Karam
- Health Department, Universidad Iberoamericana, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - N Acevedo
- Centro Ibero Meneses, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - K Holz
- Health Department, Universidad Iberoamericana, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - A Cantoral
- Health Department, Universidad Iberoamericana, Mexico City, Mexico.
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Hall SM, Tikku V, Heiger-Bernays WJ. Potential Policy and Community Implications of Equitable Organic Waste, Compost, and Urban Agricultural Systems in the United States. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:115001. [PMID: 37966215 PMCID: PMC10648754 DOI: 10.1289/ehp12921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Urban organic waste diverted from landfills for use as compost feedstock may help mitigate and adapt to the effects of our changing climate. Yet, compost produced from urban food and yard waste is often a source of contaminants harmful to human and environmental health. Efforts by multiple municipalities are increasing residential and commercial food and yard waste collection; however, finished, tested compost is typically unavailable to those contributing the waste and whose gardens would benefit. OBJECTIVES This commentary evaluates the relative equity and safety of U.S. organic waste cycles in relation to urban and peri-urban agriculture (UA) and waste stewardship. We a) explore historical structures that have led to siloed food and waste systems and b) provide recommendations to promote safer compost production from urban organic waste inputs. The engagement of intersectional partners in the creation of equitable policies and contracts that integrate food and waste justice is crucial to this work. METHODS A 15-y relationship between community, academic, and government partners in Boston, Massachusetts, has increased access to health-promoting community gardens. Historical concerns raised by gardeners resulted in improvement to the quality of compost sourced from municipal organic waste and motivated a case study of Boston and three other cities (Seattle, Washington; San Francisco, California; New York, New York). This case study provides the approaches used to source, collect, process, test, and deliver urban organic waste as compost for UA. It informed recommendations to improve the safety and equity of organic waste-to-compost cycles. DISCUSSION Strict feedstock regulation and required compost safety testing are essential to produce safe, city-sourced compost. Balancing the needs of landfill diversion with equitable distribution to all contributors, particularly low-income and food-insecure people, will help concentrate UA benefits within marginalized communities. Adoption of a public health lens may help ensure the safety of nutrient-rich compost available for urban growers through legislation at state and local levels, along with explicit industry contracts. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP12921.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M. Hall
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vidya Tikku
- The Trustees of Reservations, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Wendy J. Heiger-Bernays
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Wang PC, Huang JW, Lee DC. Participation in Intergenerational Food and Agriculture Education Programs Effectively Promotes Place Attachment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4616. [PMID: 36901626 PMCID: PMC10002175 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This study adopted an empirical approach to examine the effectiveness of integrating intergenerational education with food and agricultural education to increase students' affection for their learning environment. The intergenerational food and agricultural education program in this study consisted of various courses promoting educational dialogue between students and their parents and grandparents at home. The bidirectional learning process allowed the three generations to better understand each other's dietary and life experiences and pass on the relevant knowledge and culture. The 51 participants in this quantitative study were rural elementary schoolchildren who were divided into an experimental group and a control group. Place attachment was evaluated through the two sub-dimensions of place identity and place dependence. The results revealed that food and agricultural education implemented as intergenerational education strengthens learners' affective attachment to their school environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Ching Wang
- Department of Landscape Architecture, National Chiayi University, 300 Syuefu Rd., Chiayi City 600355, Taiwan
| | | | - De-Chih Lee
- Department of Information Management, Da-Yeh University, Changhua City 515006, Taiwan
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DeNunzio M, Miller M, Chase M, Kraak V, Serrano E, Misyak S. A Scoping Review of the Community Health Worker Model Used for Food Systems Interventions Within the United States. Am J Health Promot 2023; 37:401-419. [PMID: 36112805 DOI: 10.1177/08901171221125451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To document and analyze the food systems interventions delivered by community health workers (CHW) serving as educators within the United States (U.S.). DATA SOURCE Ten databases (ie, Agricola, CAB Abstracts, CINAHL, ERIC, Proquest Social Science and Education, Proquest Theses and Dissertations, PubMed, Scopus, SocIndex, Web of Science) and gray-literature repositories were searched for publications between 2005-2020. STUDY INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA English-language and U.S. studies included with CHW as educators or facilitators for food systems interventions. Food systems defined as processes of production, processing, distribution, marketing, access, preparation, consumption, and disposal of food products. Studies excluded for clinical settings; non-adult CHWs; CHWs with medical or public health credentials; and programming guides, reviews, and commentaries. DATA EXTRACTION Variables included CHW and intervention description, priority population, food system processes, and targeted and unexpected outcomes. DATA SYNTHESIS Data were analyzed by the lead investigator and described narratively. RESULTS Of 43 records, CHWs educated for consumption (n = 38), preparation (n = 33), and food access (n = 22) to improve health of priority populations. Community health workers educated for the highest number of food system processes in garden-based interventions. Programs reached many underserved racial and socioeconomic populations. CONCLUSIONS The CHW model has been used to educate in interventions for all food systems processes and reached many diverse underserved audiences. Future work must explore garden-based food systems education and CHWs as community change agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria DeNunzio
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, 1757Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Makenzie Miller
- 4366Louisiana State University AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Melissa Chase
- Department of Food Science and Technology, 118724Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Vivica Kraak
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, 1757Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Elena Serrano
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, 1757Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Sarah Misyak
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, 1757Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
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Litt JS, Alaimo K, Harrall KK, Hamman RF, Hébert JR, Hurley TG, Leiferman JA, Li K, Villalobos A, Coringrato E, Courtney JB, Payton M, Glueck DH. Effects of a community gardening intervention on diet, physical activity, and anthropometry outcomes in the USA (CAPS): an observer-blind, randomised controlled trial. Lancet Planet Health 2023; 7:e23-e32. [PMID: 36608945 PMCID: PMC9936951 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(22)00303-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and social disconnection are important modifiable risk factors for non-communicable and other chronic diseases, which might be alleviated through nature-based community interventions. We tested whether a community gardening intervention could reduce these common health risks in an adult population that is diverse in terms of age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. METHODS In this observer-blind, randomised, controlled trial, we recruited individuals who were on Denver Urban Garden waiting lists for community gardens in Denver and Aurora (CO, USA), aged 18 years or older, and had not gardened in the past 2 years. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1), using a randomised block design in block sizes of two, four, or six, to receive a community garden plot (intervention group) or remain on a waiting list and not garden (control group). Researchers were masked to group allocation. Primary outcomes were diet, physical activity, and anthropometry; secondary outcomes were perceived stress and anxiety. During spring (April to early June, before randomisation; timepoint 1 [T1]), autumn (late August to October; timepoint 2 [T2]), and winter (January to March, after the intervention; timepoint 3 [T3]), participants completed three diet recalls, 7-day accelerometry, surveys, and anthropometry. Analyses were done using the intention-to-treat principle (ie, including all participants randomly assigned to groups, and assessed as randomised). We used mixed models to test time-by-intervention hypotheses at an α level of 0·04, with T2 and T3 intervention effects at an α level of 0·005 (99·5% CI). Due to potential effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on outcomes, we excluded all participant data collected after Feb 1, 2020. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03089177, and data collection is now complete. FINDINGS Between Jan 1, 2017, and June 15, 2019, 493 adults were screened and 291 completed baseline measures and were randomly assigned to the intervention (n=145) or control (n=146) groups. Mean age was 41·5 years (SD 13·5), 238 (82%) of 291 participants were female, 52 (18%) were male, 99 (34%) identified as Hispanic, and 191 (66%) identified as non-Hispanic. 237 (81%) completed measurements before the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. One (<1%) participant in the intervention group had an adverse allergic event in the garden. Significant time-by-intervention effects were observed for fibre intake (p=0·034), with mean between-group difference (intervention minus control) at T2 of 1·41 g per day (99·5% CI -2·09 to 4·92), and for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (p=0·012), with mean between-group difference of 5·80 min per day (99·5% CI -4·44 to 16·05). We found no significant time-by-intervention interactions for combined fruit and vegetable intake, Healthy Eating Index (measured using Healthy Eating Index-2010), sedentary time, BMI, and waist circumference (all p>0·04). Difference score models showed greater reductions between T1 and T2 in perceived stress and anxiety among participants in the intervention group than among those in the control group. INTERPRETATION Community gardening can provide a nature-based solution, accessible to a diverse population including new gardeners, to improve wellbeing and important behavioural risk factors for non-communicable and chronic diseases. FUNDING American Cancer Society, University of Colorado Cancer Centre, University of Colorado Boulder, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Michigan AgBioResearch Hatch projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill S Litt
- Department of Environmental Studies, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.
| | - Katherine Alaimo
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Kylie K Harrall
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Richard F Hamman
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - James R Hébert
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Thomas G Hurley
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Jenn A Leiferman
- Department of Community and Behavioural Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kaigang Li
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, College of Health and Human Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Angel Villalobos
- Department of Environmental Studies, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Eva Coringrato
- Department of Environmental Studies, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Jimikaye Beck Courtney
- Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Deborah H Glueck
- Colorado School of Public Health and Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; University of Colorado School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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Sapin A, Bodenan P, Lebeau T, Fleury‐Bahi G. Allotment gardens: Psychosocial benefits and conflictual community aspects. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY & APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/casp.2663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Arnaud Sapin
- Laboratoire de Psychologie des Pays de la Loire, UR 4638 Nantes Université Nantes France
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences et Techniques de la Ville, FR2488 Nantes Université, CNRS Nantes France
| | - Philippe Bodenan
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences et Techniques de la Ville, FR2488 Nantes Université, CNRS Nantes France
| | - Thierry Lebeau
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences et Techniques de la Ville, FR2488 Nantes Université, CNRS Nantes France
- Laboratoire de Planétologie et Géosciences, UMR 6112 CNRS‐Nantes Université Nantes France
| | - Ghozlane Fleury‐Bahi
- Laboratoire de Psychologie des Pays de la Loire, UR 4638 Nantes Université Nantes France
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences et Techniques de la Ville, FR2488 Nantes Université, CNRS Nantes France
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12
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Gripper AB, Nethery R, Cowger TL, White M, Kawachi I, Adamkiewicz G. Community solutions to food apartheid: A spatial analysis of community food-growing spaces and neighborhood demographics in Philadelphia. Soc Sci Med 2022; 310:115221. [PMID: 36058113 PMCID: PMC11253559 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Black and low-income neighborhoods tend to have higher concentrations of fast-food restaurants and low produce supply stores. Limited access to and consumption of nutrient-rich foods is associated with poor health outcomes. Given the realities of food access, many members within the Black communities grow food as a strategy of resistance to food apartheid, and for the healing and self-determination that agriculture offers. In this paper, we unpack the history of Black people, agriculture, and land in the United States. In addition to our brief historical review, we conduct a descriptive epidemiologic study of community food-growing spaces, food access, and neighborhood racial composition in present day Philadelphia. We leverage one of the few existing datasets that systematically documents community food-growing locations throughout a major US city. By applying spatial regression techniques, we use conditional autoregressive models to determine if there are spatial associations between Black neighborhoods, poverty, food access, and urban agriculture in Philadelphia. Fully adjusted spatial models showed significant associations between Black neighborhoods and urban agriculture (RR: 1.28, 95% CI = 1.03, 1.59) and poverty and urban agriculture (RR: 1.27, 95% CI = 1.1, 1.46). The association between low food access and the presence of urban agriculture was generally increased across neighborhoods with a higher proportion of Black residents. These results show that Philadelphia neighborhoods with higher populations of Black people and neighborhoods with lower incomes, on average, tend to have more community gardens and urban farms. While the garden data is non-temporal and non-causal, one possible explanation for these findings, in alignment with what Philadelphia growers have claimed, is that urban agriculture may be a manifestation of collective agency and community resistance in Black and low-income communities, particularly in neighborhoods with low food access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley B Gripper
- The Ubuntu Center on Racism, Global Movements, and Population Health Equity, Drexel Dornsife School of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Community Health and Prevention, Drexel Dornsife School of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Drexel Dornsife School of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
| | - Rachel Nethery
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Tori L Cowger
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; FXB Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Monica White
- Department of Community and Environmental Sociology, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Ichiro Kawachi
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Gary Adamkiewicz
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
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13
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Pluto-Pradzynska A, Pluto-Pradzynska K, Frydrychowicz M, Lagiedo-Zelazowska M, Owoc J, Benjamin S, Au TY, Jaracz K, Dworacki G, Wysocki J, Wasik J. Are yoga and physical activity determinants of quality of life in Polish adults? a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e059658. [PMID: 36167364 PMCID: PMC9516201 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-059658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Yoga is an ancient form of physical activity (PA) that encompasses meditation, stretching and breathing techniques. Although the benefits of PA and associated lifestyle interventions are clear, we here addressed the paucity of evidence regarding the specific relationship between yoga and quality of life (QOL) in adults in Poland. We hypothesised that participation in PA and yoga could result in a positive impact on QOL. DESIGN Cross-sectional, self-administered questionnaire-based survey. Both the quantitative and qualitative variables were statistically compared. Multivariate analyses were performed using linear regression. Results were determined based on age, sex and education level; a p<0.05 was considered significant. SETTING Questionnaires were delivered to participants online, at high schools and universities, and in elderly communities in Poland. PARTICIPANTS 714 polish citizens aged over 18 participated in the study; there are no specific entry and exclusion criteria besides age. RESULTS Statistically significant differences (p<0.05) were observed between the QOL of the physically active group (PAG) and non-PAG (N-PAG). Meanwhile, yoga practice was revealed to have a significant effect on QOL; QOL was found to be statistically higher (p<0.001) in the PAG with yoga (PAG-Y) (4.29±0.66) than in the N-PAG (3.83±0.92) and PAG without yoga (4.07±0.68). CONCLUSIONS The study shows that both regular PA and yoga practices could improve QOL; however, PAG-Y produced higher QOL scores than PA of other types. This outcome may be explained by the impact of physiological and psychological aspects within yoga practice. These results suggest that this unique combination impacts health more positively than other kinds of PA alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Pluto-Pradzynska
- Department of Immunology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Karolina Pluto-Pradzynska
- Department of Immunology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Faculty of Educational Studies, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
| | - Magdalena Frydrychowicz
- Department of Immunology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Lagiedo-Zelazowska
- Department of Immunology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Jakub Owoc
- Department of Immunology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Shamiram Benjamin
- Department of Immunology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Tsz Yuen Au
- Department of Immunology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Krystyna Jaracz
- Department of Neurological Nursing, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Dworacki
- Department of Immunology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Jacek Wysocki
- Chair of Health Prevention, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Jacek Wasik
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Prevention, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa, Czestochowa, Poland
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14
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Machida D. Relationships between Food Production Experience and the Behavior, Attitude, and Knowledge of Dietary Recommendations among Japanese Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14173639. [PMID: 36079894 PMCID: PMC9459759 DOI: 10.3390/nu14173639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries proposed to educate more people in food production as one of the objectives of the Basic Plan for Food and Nutrition Education Promotion. This cross-sectional study aims to elucidate the relationship between food production experience (agricultural, forestry, and fishery experiences) and the behavior, attitude, and knowledge of dietary recommendations among Japanese adults. This study was conducted using data obtained from the “Survey on Dietary Habits and Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishery Experiences (2019)”. This survey was conducted by mailing paper questionnaires to respondents aged 20–69 years living in 17 regions across Japan. The independent variable was food production experience. The dependent variables were each of the 13 goals of the dietary guidelines in Japan, the total score for adherence to the 13 items (low scores indicate good adherence), adherence to a Japanese-style diet, and four items on the attitude and knowledge of dietary recommendations. I also examined the association between the point in life the food production experience occurred and the above outcomes. The data obtained from 3461 participants aged 20 to 69 years were used for multivariate logistic and linear regression analyses. Food production experience was positively associated with an improved behavior, attitude, and knowledge of dietary recommendations among adults in Japan. The study found a strong relationship with food production experiences in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Machida
- Home Economics Education Course, Cooperative Faculty of Education, Gunma University, Aramaki 4-2, Maebashi 371-8510, Japan
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15
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Music J, Mullins L, Charlebois S, Large C, Mayhew K. Seeds and the city: a review of municipal home food gardening programs in Canada in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 9:273. [PMID: 35990764 PMCID: PMC9381390 DOI: 10.1057/s41599-022-01301-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada, home food gardening articles have saturated popular media outlets. Home food gardening is more popular than ever, and community gardens and community greenhouses are at capacity with long waiting lists for plots. Several local governments across the country are also participating in the food gardening craze. This study compares 19 municipal urban home food gardening programs that ran in 2020. These municipalities provided program participants with free gardening supplies and instructions on how to grow food at home. This study reveals a complicated relationship among municipalities, food gardening programs and household and community food security. The study also determines that the social and emotional challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic are somewhat alleviated through gardening. Ultimately, municipalities are limited in their policy capacities to adequately move the needle on food insecurity in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Music
- Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS Canada
| | - Lisa Mullins
- Faculty of Management, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS Canada
| | | | - Charlotte Large
- Faculty of Management, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS Canada
| | - Kydra Mayhew
- Faculty of Management, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS Canada
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16
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Asl SR, Azadgar A. The spatial distribution of urban community gardens and their associated socio-economic status in Tehran, Iran. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2022.949075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Urban community gardens are a type of green space presenting a diverse role in urban systems. They can also be beneficial for solving the matter of food insecurity by providing self-sufficiency and resilience in low-income communities and increasing the continuity of agricultural activities. Even though plenty of research has been conducted around community gardens, there is a noticeable research gap concerning case studies in different geographic contexts, especially in the Middle East. This paper in response to the said gap aims at mapping the spatial distribution of community gardens and their socio-economic attributes in Tehran, Iran. A methodology consisting of semi-structured interviews, qualitative and descriptive analysis along with tools such as ArcGIS was employed and secondary data were obtained from various sources such as the Tehran statistical yearbook of the year 2020. The results demonstrate that currently there are a total of 26 community gardens in Tehran and they run based on governmental funds and support with a strong educational motive backing them up. There is also an evident geographical distribution imbalance in terms of gardens placement with them mostly being present in the southern part of the city, while in the northern districts the idea of community gardens has almost been nonexistent. Only districts 22, 8, and 7 among northern districts in Tehran have community gardens. In the southern part, district 19 includes the majority of gardens having seven in total. In short, gardens are mainly placed in areas with lower average land prices, median household income, and higher education graduates.
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17
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Chevance G, Fresán U, Hekler E, Edmondson D, Lloyd SJ, Ballester J, Litt J, Cvijanovic I, Araújo-Soares V, Bernard P. Thinking Health-related Behaviors in a Climate Change Context: A Narrative Review. Ann Behav Med 2022; 57:193-204. [PMID: 35861123 PMCID: PMC10074036 DOI: 10.1093/abm/kaac039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human activities have changed the environment so profoundly over the past two centuries that human-induced climate change is now posing serious health-related threats to current and future generations. Rapid action from all scientific fields, including behavioral medicine, is needed to contribute to both mitigation of, and adaption to, climate change. PURPOSE This article aims to identify potential bi-directional associations between climate change impacts and health-related behaviors, as well as a set of key actions for the behavioral medicine community. METHODS We synthesized the existing literature about (i) the impacts of rising temperatures, extreme weather events, air pollution, and rising sea level on individual behaviors (e.g., eating behaviors, physical activity, sleep, substance use, and preventive care) as well as the structural factors related to these behaviors (e.g., the food system); and (ii) the concurrent positive and negative roles that health-related behaviors can play in mitigation and adaptation to climate change. RESULTS Based on this literature review, we propose a first conceptual model of climate change and health-related behavior feedback loops. Key actions are proposed, with particular consideration for health equity implications of future behavioral interventions. Actions to bridge the fields of behavioral medicine and climate sciences are also discussed. CONCLUSIONS We contend that climate change is among the most urgent issues facing all scientists and should become a central priority for the behavioral medicine community.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Eric Hekler
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, UC San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.,Center for Wireless and Population Health Systems, Qualcomm Institute, UC San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Donald Edmondson
- Center for Behavioral Cardiovascular Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Jill Litt
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain.,Environmental Studies, University of Colorado Boulder, CO, USA
| | | | - Vera Araújo-Soares
- Health Technology & Services Research, University of Twente, The Netherlands
| | - Paquito Bernard
- Department of Physical Activity Sciences, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Research Center, University Institute of Mental Health at Montreal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
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18
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Kingsley J, Diekmann L, Egerer MH, Lin BB, Ossola A, Marsh P. Experiences of gardening during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Health Place 2022; 76:102854. [PMID: 35842955 PMCID: PMC9242931 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2022.102854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Gardening has the potential to improve health and wellbeing, especially during crises. Using an international survey of gardeners (n = 3743), this study aimed to understand everyday gardening experiences, perspectives and attitudes during early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Our qualitative reflexive thematic and sentiment analyses show that during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic, gardening seemed to create a safe and positive space where people could socially connect, learn and be creative. Participants had more time to garden during the pandemic, which led to enhanced connections with family members and neighbours, and the ability to spend time in a safe outdoor environment. More time gardening allowed for innovative and new gardening practices that provided enjoyment for many participants. However, our research also highlighted barriers to gardening (e.g. lack of access to garden spaces and materials). Our results illustrate the multiple benefits of gardening apparent during COVID-19 through a lens of the social-ecological model of health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Kingsley
- School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, 12 Wakefield Street (Swinburne Place West), Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122, Australia; Centre of Urban Transitions, Swinburne University of Technology, Level 1 EW Building, Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122, Australia.
| | - Lucy Diekmann
- University of California Cooperative Extension, 1553 Berger Dr., San Jose, CA, 95112, USA.
| | - Monika H Egerer
- Department of Life Science Systems, School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Hans Carl-von-Carlowitz-Platz 2, 85354, Freising, Germany.
| | - Brenda B Lin
- CSIRO Land & Water, GPO Box 2583, Brisbane, QLD, 4001, Australia.
| | - Alessandro Ossola
- University of California, Davis, CA, USA; Macquarie University Sydney and University of Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Pauline Marsh
- Centre for Rural Health, University of Tasmania, 1 Liverpool St, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia.
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19
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How Gardening in Detroit Influences Physical and Mental Health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19137899. [PMID: 35805558 PMCID: PMC9265422 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19137899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Gardening has the potential to improve health by providing access to nature, vegetables, and physical activity. However, scarce research exists on the health impacts of gardening on racial and ethnic minority urban populations in the United States. This study used qualitative interviews to examine the perceived physical and mental health effects of gardening in a primarily African American sample of 28 gardeners. Prominent physical health impacts attributed to gardening included providing an enjoyable source of activity, management of chronic diseases, and improved physical functioning. Participants also reported that gardening improved their mood, relieved stress, was an important part of their spirituality, contributed to their personal growth, and provided an opportunity for helping others. These findings suggest that gardening may improve physical and mental health among diverse groups.
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20
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Darcy PM, Taylor J, Mackay L, Ellis NJ, Gidlow CJ. Understanding the Role of Nature Engagement in Supporting Health and Wellbeing during COVID-19. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19073908. [PMID: 35409590 PMCID: PMC8997429 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19073908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The importance of natural environments in supporting health and wellbeing has been well evidenced in supporting positive mental and physical health outcomes, including during periods of crisis and stress. Given the disproportionate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have been greatest for those who are most vulnerable, understanding the role of natural environment and alternative forms of nature engagement in supporting health and wellbeing for vulnerable groups is important. This study explored how nature engagement supported health and wellbeing in those with a pre-existing health condition during the first UK lockdown. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 adults with a pre-existing health condition and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Four themes were identified: COVID-19 versus nature; Nature as an extension and replacement; Nature connectedness; and Therapeutic nature. The findings show the importance of nature in supporting health and wellbeing in those with a pre-existing health condition through engagement with private and public natural environments, micro-restorative opportunities, nature connection as an important pathway, and the therapeutic benefits of nature engagement. The present research extends the evidence-base beyond patterns of nature engagement to a deeper understanding of how those with existing health conditions perceived and interacted with nature in relation to their health and wellbeing during the first UK lockdown. Findings are discussed in relation to health supporting environments, micro-restorative opportunities, and policy implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia M. Darcy
- Centre for Health and Development, Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DF, UK; (N.J.E.); (C.J.G.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Jennifer Taylor
- School of Health, Science and Wellbeing, Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DE, UK; (J.T.); (L.M.)
| | - Lorna Mackay
- School of Health, Science and Wellbeing, Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DE, UK; (J.T.); (L.M.)
| | - Naomi J. Ellis
- Centre for Health and Development, Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DF, UK; (N.J.E.); (C.J.G.)
| | - Christopher J. Gidlow
- Centre for Health and Development, Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DF, UK; (N.J.E.); (C.J.G.)
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21
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Lampert T, Costa J, Santos O, Sousa J, Ribeiro T, Freire E. Evidence on the contribution of community gardens to promote physical and mental health and well-being of non-institutionalized individuals: A systematic review. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0255621. [PMID: 34358279 PMCID: PMC8345884 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There has been growing interest in community gardens as an effective and affordable health promotion strategy. However, most available evidence is derived from qualitative studies, whereas quantitative research on this subject is limited. OBJECTIVES To synthetize the literature about physical and mental health outcomes associated with community gardening. Two main questions were addressed: a) is there evidence, from quantitative studies, that community gardening is associated to physical and mental health and well-being of non-institutionalized individuals? b) Does community gardening provokes any discomfort in terms of physical health, i.e., bodily pain, to their beneficiaries? METHODS A systematic review of the literature was carried out following PRISMA guidelines by searching relevant electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science). Empirical, quantitative studies published in English with no restrictions concerning the date of publication were considered eligible. The quality of the evidence was appraised using the tool developed by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies. RESULTS Overall, 8 studies were considered eligible, of which seven studies were rated as having good methodological quality (one scored as fair). Community gardeners had significantly better health outcomes than their neighbours not engaged in gardening activities in terms of life satisfaction, happiness, general health, mental health, and social cohesion. CONCLUSION Community gardens are associated to health gains for their users, irrespective of age, being an affordable and efficient way of promoting physical and mental health and well-being. To encourage the design, maintenance, and prospective evaluation of supportive urban environments promoting healthy and, at the same time, sustainable lifestyles, is essential to achieve public health gains and environmental sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarsila Lampert
- Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Joana Costa
- EnviHeB Lab, Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Osvaldo Santos
- Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- EnviHeB Lab, Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Unbreakable Idea Research, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Joana Sousa
- Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Laboratório de Nutrição, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Elisabete Freire
- Departamento das Ciências Sociais do Território, Faculdade de Arquitectura, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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22
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Kou H, Zhang S, Li W, Liu Y. Participatory Action Research on the Impact of Community Gardening in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Investigating the Seeding Plan in Shanghai, China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18126243. [PMID: 34207721 PMCID: PMC8295992 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18126243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to examine the impacts of community gardening on the daily life of residents and the management organisation of pandemic prevention in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, a major public health scourge in 2020. The research team applied a participatory action research approach to work with residents to design and implement the Seeding Plan, a contactless community gardening program. The authors carried out a study to compare the everyday conditions reflecting residents’ mental health of the three subject groups during the pandemic: the participants of the Seeding Plan (Group A), the non-participants living in the same communities that had implemented the Seeding Plan (Group B), and the non-participants in other communities (Group C). According to the results, group A showed the best mental health among the three; Group B, positively influenced by seeding activities, was better than Group C. The interview results also confirmed that the community connections established through gardening activities have a significant impact on maintaining a positive social mentality under extraordinary circumstances. From this, the study concluded that gardening activities can improve people’s mental health, effectively resist negative impacts, and it is a convenient tool with spreading influence on the entire community, so as to support the collective response to public health emergencies in a bottom-up direction by the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaiyun Kou
- College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Key Laboratory of Ecology and Energy-Saving Study of Dense Habitat of Ministry of Education, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China;
| | - Sichu Zhang
- Library and Information Centre, Shanghai Urban Construction Vocational College, Shanghai 200433, China;
| | - Wenjia Li
- College of Communication and Art Design, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China;
| | - Yuelai Liu
- College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Key Laboratory of Ecology and Energy-Saving Study of Dense Habitat of Ministry of Education, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-137-6120-2806
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23
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Tharrey M, Darmon N. Urban collective garden participation and health: a systematic literature review of potential benefits for free-living adults. Nutr Rev 2021; 80:6-21. [PMID: 33997887 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuaa147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Collective gardens are increasingly considered a tool to promote health and well-being. OBJECTIVE In this systematic review, we critically appraise quantitative studies exploring the potential health benefits of urban collective garden participation. DATA SOURCES Articles published between January 2000 and August 2020 were used. DATA EXTRACTION All original research studies reporting at least 1 health outcomes associated with urban collective gardening in free-living adults from Western and other high-income countries were included. Of 1261 articles identified, 15 were included in the systematic review. Methodological quality was assessed by applying the criteria of the Quantitative Study Quality Assessment Tool. ANALYSIS A wide range of health indicators was used. Collective gardening was associated with higher fruit and vegetable consumption than was nongardening. Mixed results were found for physical activity and physiological health. A positive association was found in most studies with mental health and social health. However, the vast majority of included studies were cross-sectional and presented selection bias (n = 13 of 15 for both) and very few used objective measurement methods (n = 3 of 15). CONCLUSIONS Longitudinal studies allowing the exploration of causal relationships are needed before the health benefits of collective garden participation suggested by existing studies can be confirmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Tharrey
- M. Tharrey and N. Darmon are with MoISA, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, CIHEAM-IAMM, INRAE, Institut Agro, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Nicole Darmon
- M. Tharrey and N. Darmon are with MoISA, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, CIHEAM-IAMM, INRAE, Institut Agro, IRD, Montpellier, France
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Abstract
The lack of academic attention that home food gardening has received in Canada and the United States is surprising, given the many demonstrated benefits of community gardening programs, including increased community cohesion and resilience. The aim of the exploratory study is to explore the current surge in home food gardening and its relationship to the COVID-19 pandemic. A national survey was conducted, consisting of 43 main questions, asking respondents about their home life and food provisioning during COVID-19, the physical characteristics of their food gardens, and their attitudes and beliefs concerning home food production. Survey results show that 51% of respondents grow at least one type of fruit or vegetable in a home garden. Of those, 17.4% started growing food at home in 2020 during COVID-19 pandemic. To gain more insight into just how significant a cause the pandemic lockdown was on home food gardening, follow-up surveys and policy recommendations are suggested.
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Community Garden Initiatives Addressing Health and Well-Being Outcomes: A Systematic Review of Infodemiology Aspects, Outcomes, and Target Populations. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18041943. [PMID: 33671320 PMCID: PMC7922762 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Previous research has suggested that activities such as community gardens could offer a wide range of health benefits. The aim of the article is to systematically review the available literature to analyse the magnitude of the phenomenon, the geographical distribution, and the main characteristics in terms of health outcomes and target populations. The search addresses the question whether the activity in community gardens improves health and well-being outcomes of individuals. From the total amount of 7226, 84 selected articles showed that:(1) up to 50% are published by U.S. universities or institutions; (2) up to 44% of the studies considered “community gardens” as the main activity of the research focus; (3) one-third of the studies included adults; (4) almost 25% of the studies used “general health” as the main outcome when investigating the benefits of community gardens; (5) the percentage of studies that achieved their outcomes was heterogeneous among the different health dimensions. In conclusion, while a certain degree of heterogeneity in the used definition and outcome still exist, community gardens may be a viable strategy for well-being promotion in terms of psychological, social, and physical health and may be considered as an innovative urban strategy to promote urban public health.
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Designing Age-Friendly Communities: Exploring Qualitative Perspectives on Urban Green Spaces and Ageing in Two Indian Megacities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18041491. [PMID: 33557432 PMCID: PMC7914589 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The World Health Organization and the United Nations have increasingly acknowledged the importance of urban green space (UGS) for healthy ageing. However, low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like India with exponential ageing populations have inadequate UGS. This qualitative study examined the relationships between UGS and healthy ageing in two megacities in India. Participants were recruited using snowball sampling in New Delhi and Chennai and semi-structured interviews were conducted with consenting participants (N = 60, female = 51%; age > 60 years; fluent in English, Hindi, or Tamil). Interviews were recorded, transcribed, translated, and analysed using inductive and thematic analysis. Benefits of UGS included community building and social capital, improved health and social resilience, physical activity promotion, reduced exposure to noise, air pollution, and heat. Poorly maintained UGS and lack of safe, age-friendly pedestrian infrastructure were identified as barriers to health promotion in later life. Neighbourhood disorder and crime constrained older adults' use of UGS in low-income neighbourhoods. This study underscores the role of UGS in the design of age-friendly communities in India. The findings highlight the benefits of UGS for older adults, particularly those living in socially disadvantaged or underserved communities, which often have least access to high-quality parks and green areas.
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Kunpeuk W, Spence W, Phulkerd S, Suphanchaimat R, Pitayarangsarit S. The impact of gardening on nutrition and physical health outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Health Promot Int 2020; 35:397-408. [PMID: 30982073 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daz027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Community gardening has been widely recognized as a multicomponent approach that has affected a broad range of health and well-being outcomes. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between community gardening and nutrition and physical health among adults. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted. Five electronic databases were searched systematically. Quality of included studies was appraised by several quality assessment tools related to the study design of each included article. Evidence from 19 articles was included (14 cross-sectional studies, 4 quasi-experimental studies and 1 case-control study). Although the majority of included studies appeared to have moderate quality, there existed weaknesses in the methods used, including low response rate and lack of confounder controls. Due to diversity in the measurement units, only body mass index (BMI) data could be pooled to perform meta-analysis. The results suggest that gardening had a significantly positive effect on BMI reduction. Subgroup analysis showed that quasi-experimental and case-control studies produced greater pooled effect size than those of cross-sectional design. Funnel plot and Egger's test showed no significant evidence of publication bias. As robust evidence for the effect of community gardening on BMI reduction was found, this intervention should be integrated in health promoting policy to improve population health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Watinee Kunpeuk
- International Health Policy Program (IHPP), Ministry of Public Health, Muang, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand.,School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - William Spence
- School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Sirinya Phulkerd
- Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Rapeepong Suphanchaimat
- International Health Policy Program (IHPP), Ministry of Public Health, Muang, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand.,Bureau of Epidemiology, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Muang, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand
| | - Siriwan Pitayarangsarit
- International Health Policy Program (IHPP), Ministry of Public Health, Muang, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand.,Bureau of Non-Communicable Diseases, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Muang, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand
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Tharrey M, Sachs A, Perignon M, Simon C, Mejean C, Litt J, Darmon N. Improving lifestyles sustainability through community gardening: results and lessons learnt from the JArDinS quasi-experimental study. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1798. [PMID: 33243204 PMCID: PMC7690132 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09836-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite an increasing number of studies highlighting the health benefits of community gardening, the literature is limited by cross-sectional designs. The "JArDinS" quasi-experimental study aimed to assess the impact of community garden participation on the adoption of more sustainable lifestyles among French adults. METHODS Individuals entering a community garden in Montpellier (France) in 2018 (n = 66) were compared with pairwise matched individuals with no experience in community gardening (n = 66). Nutritional quality, environmental impact and cost of monthly household food supplies, level of physical activity measured by accelerometers, as well as mental and social well-being, sensitivity to food waste, and connection with nature were evaluated at baseline (t0) and 12 months later (t1) to explore sustainability of lifestyles in social/health, environmental and economic dimensions. Linear mixed models were used to determine the independent effect of community gardening on investigated lifestyles components. In-depth interviews were conducted at t1 with 15 gardeners to better understand changes that may have occurred in gardeners' lives during the first year of gardening. RESULTS At t0, gardeners had lower education level, lower BMI and their household reported lower percentage of meals consumed outside of the home compared to non-gardeners (p < 0.05). Participating in the community garden had no significant impact, in spite of sufficient statistical power, on fruit and vegetables supplies (main outcome), nor on physical activity parameters, nor on others of the social/health, environmental and economic lifestyles components investigated. Qualitative interviews suggested the existence of pre-established health and environmental consciousness in some gardeners and revealed several barriers to the participation such as lack of time, lack of gardening knowledge, physical difficulty of gardening, health problems and conflicts with other gardeners. CONCLUSIONS The health benefits of community gardening previously reported by cross-sectional studies might be confounded by selection bias. The JArDinS study highlights the need to identify solutions to overcome barriers related to community garden participation when designing relevant public health interventions for the promotion of sustainable lifestyles. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03694782 . Date of registration: 3rd October 2018, retrospectively registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Tharrey
- MOISA, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, CIHEAM-IAMM, INRAE, Institut Agro, Montpellier, France.
| | - Ashby Sachs
- University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Marlène Perignon
- MOISA, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, CIHEAM-IAMM, INRAE, Institut Agro, Montpellier, France
| | - Chantal Simon
- CarMen Laboratory, INSERM 1060, INRA 1397, University of Lyon, F-69600, Oullins, France
| | - Caroline Mejean
- MOISA, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, CIHEAM-IAMM, INRAE, Institut Agro, Montpellier, France
| | - Jill Litt
- University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.,ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nicole Darmon
- MOISA, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, CIHEAM-IAMM, INRAE, Institut Agro, Montpellier, France
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Triguero-Mas M, Anguelovski I, Cirac-Claveras J, Connolly J, Vazquez A, Urgell-Plaza F, Cardona-Giralt N, Sanyé-Mengual E, Alonso J, Cole H. Quality of Life Benefits of Urban Rooftop Gardening for People With Intellectual Disabilities or Mental Health Disorders. Prev Chronic Dis 2020; 17:E126. [PMID: 33059797 PMCID: PMC7587297 DOI: 10.5888/pcd17.200087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The number of urban community gardens, including those on rooftops, is increasing. However, few studies have explored the benefits of these gardens for people with intellectual disabilities or mental health disorders. We evaluated the association between urban rooftop gardening and quality of life of individuals with moderate to very marked disability. Methods We collected quality of life information with a preliminary version of the INTEGRAL Scale questionnaire from all gardeners (n = 54) and among a comparison group of nongardeners (n = 43). We also conducted semi-structured interviews with participants and technicians, and made field observations. Results Our results indicated that urban rooftop gardening was associated with better personal development and suggested enhanced physical and emotional well-being, sense of purpose, social inclusion, interpersonal relations (including new perspectives on the urban environment and the changes in social roles), and general quality of life. Conclusion Our study extends the evidence on the potential benefits of urban rooftop gardening in general, and specifically for those with intellectual disabilities and mental health disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarita Triguero-Mas
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, C/ Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain. .,Institute for Environmental Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain.,Barcelona Lab for Urban Environmental Justice and Sustainability, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isabelle Anguelovski
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institute for Environmental Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain.,Barcelona Lab for Urban Environmental Justice and Sustainability, Barcelona, Spain.,ICREA (Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Judith Cirac-Claveras
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institute for Environmental Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain.,Barcelona Lab for Urban Environmental Justice and Sustainability, Barcelona, Spain
| | - James Connolly
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institute for Environmental Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain.,Barcelona Lab for Urban Environmental Justice and Sustainability, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Vazquez
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ferran Urgell-Plaza
- Municipal Institute for People with Disabilities, Barcelona City Council, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Núria Cardona-Giralt
- Municipal Institute for People with Disabilities, Barcelona City Council, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Jordi Alonso
- IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Helen Cole
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institute for Environmental Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain.,Barcelona Lab for Urban Environmental Justice and Sustainability, Barcelona, Spain
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30
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Beam DR, Szabo A, Olson J, Hoffman L, Beyer KMM. Vacant lot to community garden conversion and crime in Milwaukee: a difference-in-differences analysis. Inj Prev 2020; 27:403-408. [PMID: 32912967 DOI: 10.1136/injuryprev-2020-043767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vacant lots generate the perception of neglect and are often opportunistic locations for crime. Evidence is building to suggest that greening vacant lots, especially through community engaged approaches, is associated with reductions in some types of crime. METHODS Using a retrospective quasi-experimental approach, we compared the conversion of vacant lots into community gardens (n=53) with a group of matched control lots (n=159) to examine the effect of this intervention on police reported theft, violent and nuisance crime in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Conversions often involved the addition of planter boxes to create a garden, and sometimes included benches, paths, works of art or other landscaping features. Public crime data were used to generate crime rates within 100 m and 250 m around each lot. RESULTS Violent and nuisance crime rates are lower near treatment lots based on an unadjusted difference-in-differences analysis of means and two Poisson regression models. While no substantial effects were observed among theft crimes, the most consistent crime rate reductions were found among violent crime within 250 m, ranging between 3.7% and 6.4% across analyses. CONCLUSIONS Despite the small number of interventions, community-driven vacant lot to garden conversions were associated with slight reductions in crime. Urban greening initiatives may be a promising strategy to reduce urban crime and warrant further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Beam
- Division of Epidemiology, Institute for Health and Equity, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Aniko Szabo
- Division of Biostatistics, Institute for Health and Equity, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jared Olson
- Division of Epidemiology, Institute for Health and Equity, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | | | - Kirsten M M Beyer
- Division of Epidemiology, Institute for Health and Equity, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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31
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Food Co-Operatives: A Potential Community-Based Strategy to Improve Fruit and Vegetable Intake in Australia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17114154. [PMID: 32532100 PMCID: PMC7312496 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17114154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Only 5% of Australian children and adults eat enough fruit and vegetables. Two common barriers are high cost and limited access. Food co-operatives (‘co-ops’) may have the potential to reduce these barriers. We conducted a scoping analysis of food co-ops in the Sydney region to describe their characteristics and objectives. We also conducted a survey of members and non-members of co-ops to assess their fruit and vegetable intake using validated questions. Fifteen food co-ops were identified in the Sydney region and the most common objective was to provide cheap affordable produce. Most co-ops (61%) were in areas of high socio-economic status (SES). Members of food co-ops had a higher vegetable intake than non-members [mean difference (MD) = 0.54 serves/daily; 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.15 to 0.93] and were also more likely to meet the recommendations for fruit and vegetable intake [odds ratio (OR) = 4.77 (95% CI = 1.15, 19.86)]. Implications of this study are that if food co-ops can be implemented on a wider scale, they hold potential for improving fruit and vegetable intakes.
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32
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Gascon M, Harrall KK, Beavers AW, Glueck DH, Stanislawski MA, Alaimo K, Villalobos A, Hebert JR, Dexter K, Li K, Litt J. Feasibility of collection and analysis of microbiome data in a longitudinal randomized trial of community gardening. Future Microbiol 2020; 15:633-648. [PMID: 32495698 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2019-0195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: We explored the feasibility of collecting and analyzing human microbiome data in a longitudinal randomized controlled trial of community gardening. Methods & materials: Participants were randomly assigned to gardening (N = 8) or control (N = 8). Participants provided stool, mouth, hand and forehead microbiome samples at six timepoints. Analyses combined mixed models with Qiita output. Results: Participant satisfaction was high, with 75% of participants completing evaluations. While no microbial effects were statistically significant due to small sample size, the analysis pipeline utility was tested. Conclusion: Longitudinal collection and analysis of microbiome data in a community gardening randomized controlled trial is feasible. The analysis pipeline will be useful in larger studies for assessment of the pathway between microbiota, gardening and health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireia Gascon
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kylie K Harrall
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes Center, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO 800455, USA
| | - Alyssa W Beavers
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 488246, USA
| | - Deborah H Glueck
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 800457, USA
| | - Maggie A Stanislawski
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 800458, USA
| | - Katherine Alaimo
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 488246, USA
| | - Angel Villalobos
- Environmental Studies, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 488246, USA
| | - James R Hebert
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Colombia, SC 8030310, USA
| | - Kelsey Dexter
- Department of Endocrinology, University of Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 2920811, USA
| | - Kaigang Li
- Department of Health & Exercise Science, Colorado State University, CO 8004512, USA
| | - Jill Litt
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain.,Environmental Studies, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 488246, USA
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Hunter CM, Williamson DHZ, Pearson M, Saikawa E, Gribble MO, Kegler M. Safe Community Gardening Practices: Focus Groups with Garden Leaders in Atlanta, Georgia. LOCAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 25:18-35. [PMID: 33041628 PMCID: PMC7540182 DOI: 10.1080/13549839.2019.1688268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Although best management practices have been recommended by government agencies and non-profit organizations to reduce community gardeners' potential exposure to soil contaminants such as lead, some gardeners do not perform these practices. Understanding gardeners' beliefs and motivations is critical for effective promotion of safer gardening practices. This study, grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), employed five focus groups to investigate Atlanta community garden leaders' perspectives concerning three gardening practices: composting, hygiene behaviors, and mulching. These general practices are also considered safe gardening practices in that they can reduce exposure to toxicants in urban gardens. Qualitative analysis identified advantages and disadvantages; supporters and non-supporters; and barriers and facilitators that might influence gardeners' opinions regarding these behaviors. Gardeners expressed that more funding, volunteers, and training are needed to promote these behaviors. Gardeners noted that mulch and compost provided advantages such as improving soil quality, but a primary barrier was concern about contamination of source materials. Focus group participants did not directly associate composting and mulching with reduction of exposure to soil contaminants. Behavioral challenges related to hygiene included concerns about decreased exposure to salubrious bacteria, inadequate access to potable water, and limited availability of gloves and wipes. These study findings characterize factors that community garden stakeholders should consider when promoting safe gardening practices and interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candis M. Hunter
- Department of Environmental Health, Atlanta, Emory University, Atlanta, USA
| | - Dana HZ Williamson
- Department, of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Emory University, Atlanta, USA
| | - Melanie Pearson
- Department of Environmental Health, Atlanta, Emory University, Atlanta, USA
| | - Eri Saikawa
- Department of Environmental Health, Atlanta, Emory University, Atlanta, USA
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, USA
| | - Matthew O. Gribble
- Department of Environmental Health, Atlanta, Emory University, Atlanta, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Atlanta, Emory University, USA
| | - Michelle Kegler
- Department, of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Emory University, Atlanta, USA
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Nature-Based Social Prescribing in Urban Settings to Improve Social Connectedness and Mental Well-being: a Review. Curr Environ Health Rep 2019; 6:297-308. [DOI: 10.1007/s40572-019-00251-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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35
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Kou H, Zhang S, Liu Y. Community-Engaged Research for the Promotion of Healthy Urban Environments: A Case Study of Community Garden Initiative in Shanghai, China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16214145. [PMID: 31661836 PMCID: PMC6862388 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16214145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The importance of community gardens in a healthy urban environment has been extensively documented, while the garden building involving communities has not been much explored in fast-developing cities. This study examines community engagement in garden building activities in a rapid urbanization context, aiming to explore the application of community-engaged research methods for the promotion of neighbourhood environments. The Community Garden Initiative consisting of an array of progressive actions is formulated by the research team, featuring a process of increasing involvement of community members and decreasing intensity of external interventions. These activities have been launched based on community-university partnerships in Shanghai since 2014, synchronising with a transformation of urban regeneration paradigm in China where people-oriented approaches are more emphasized. Five actions covering 70 community gardens are analysed through surveys on participants’ attitudes and perceptions towards the activities. The results of the study presented people’s rapid acceptance of participation in public affairs, reflected possible measures to promote public participation, and confirmed the positive impacts of the garden building on the neighbourhood environmental health as well as on the community-building. Taking into account that residents generally lack the consciousness and capacities required to implement actions at the initial stage of community engagement, we proposed in the conclusion to start with external interventions and capacity buildings carried out by professionals as a supplement to the ‘community-driven’ principle of CBPR methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaiyun Kou
- College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Institute for Advanced Study in Architecture and Urban-Rural Planning, Key Laboratory of Ecology and Energy-Saving Study of Dense Habitat of Ministry of Education, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Sichu Zhang
- Shanghai Urban Construction Vocational College, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Yuelai Liu
- College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Key Laboratory of Ecology and Energy-Saving Study of Dense Habitat of Ministry of Education, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
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36
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Palar K, Lemus Hufstedler E, Hernandez K, Chang A, Ferguson L, Lozano R, Weiser SD. Nutrition and Health Improvements After Participation in an Urban Home Garden Program. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2019; 51:1037-1046. [PMID: 31601420 PMCID: PMC6949143 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2019.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To elucidate the perceived health benefits of an urban home gardening and nutritional education program in a population at high cardiometabolic risk. DESIGN Qualitative data collected via in-depth, semistructured interviews in Spanish or English. SETTING Community-based program offering supported urban home gardening together with nutrition education in Santa Clara County, CA. PARTICIPANTS A total of 32 purposively sampled low-income participants in an urban home gardening program. Participants were primarily female (n = 24) and Latino/a (n = 22). PHENOMENON OF INTEREST Perceptions of the nutrition and health benefits of education-enhanced urban home gardening. ANALYSIS Bilingual researchers coded transcripts using a hybrid inductive and deductive approach. Two coders double coded at intervals, independently reviewed coding reports, organized content into key themes, and selected exemplary quotations. RESULTS The most salient perceived impacts were greater food access, increased consumption of fresh produce, a shift toward home cooking, and decreased fast food consumption. Participants attributed these changes to greater affordability, freshness, flavor, and convenience of their garden produce; increased health motivation owing to pride in their gardens; and improved nutritional knowledge. Participants also reported improved physical activity, mental health, and stress management; some reported improved weight and adherence to diabetes-healthy diets. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Education-enhanced urban home gardening may facilitate multidimensional nutrition and health improvements in marginalized populations at high cardiometabolic risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kartika Palar
- Division of HIV, Infectious Disease, and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA.
| | - Emiliano Lemus Hufstedler
- Division of HIV, Infectious Disease, and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; University of California, Berkeley-UCSF Joint Medical Program, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
| | - Karen Hernandez
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Annie Chang
- University of California, Berkeley-UCSF Joint Medical Program, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
| | - Laura Ferguson
- Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | | | - Sheri D Weiser
- Division of HIV, Infectious Disease, and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; Institute for Global Health, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
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Tharrey M, Perignon M, Scheromm P, Mejean C, Darmon N. Does participating in community gardens promote sustainable lifestyles in urban settings? Design and protocol of the JArDinS study. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:589. [PMID: 31101095 PMCID: PMC6525470 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6815-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite growing evidence for the multiple health benefits of community gardening, longitudinal studies based on quantitative data are needed. Here we describe the protocol of JArDinS, a quasi-experimental study, aimed at assessing the impact of community garden participation (a natural experiment) in the adoption of more sustainable lifestyles. Methods Gardeners (n = 80) starting gardening in a community garden in Montpellier (France) will be recruited. Volunteers with no experience in community gardening and matched for age range, gender, household income and household composition will be recruited in a control group (n = 80). The sustainability of lifestyles in its social/health, environmental and economic dimensions will be assessed from a food supply diary (recording type, quantity and price of foods acquired in a 1-month period and the carbon impact of relevant food trips), a triaxial accelerometer (measuring physical activity) and online questionnaires on mental and social health, sensitivity to food waste, and connection with nature. Change of outcomes after 1 year will be compared between the natural experiment and the control groups. Discussion This study will provide information on the impact of participation in a community garden on the different dimensions of sustainability, based on a robust quasi-experimental design allowing causality evaluation. Trial registration The JArDinS study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03694782. Date of registration: 3rd October 2018, retrospectively registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Tharrey
- MOISA, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, CIHEAM-IAMM, INRA, Montpellier SupAgro, Montpellier, France.
| | - Marlène Perignon
- MOISA, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, CIHEAM-IAMM, INRA, Montpellier SupAgro, Montpellier, France
| | - Pascale Scheromm
- INNOVATION, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, CIHEAM-IAMM, INRA, Montpellier SupAgro, Montpellier, France
| | - Caroline Mejean
- MOISA, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, CIHEAM-IAMM, INRA, Montpellier SupAgro, Montpellier, France
| | - Nicole Darmon
- MOISA, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, CIHEAM-IAMM, INRA, Montpellier SupAgro, Montpellier, France
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Relationship between Community or Home Gardening and Health of the Elderly: A Web-Based Cross-Sectional Survey in Japan. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16081389. [PMID: 30999687 PMCID: PMC6517951 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16081389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
There have been many reports indicating the relationship between gardening and health or healthy lifestyles among adults in developed countries all over the world. However, Japanese evidence is lacking. The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship between community or home gardening and health status or a healthy lifestyle using a web-based survey with Japanese elderly living in the community. A survey was conducted to gather data from 500 gardeners and 500 nongardeners aged 60 to 69. As a result, significant relationships were shown between community gardening and exercise habits, physical activity, eating vegetables, and connections with neighbors. Moreover, the significant relationships between home gardening and the following items were indicated: Subjective happiness, exercise habits, physical activity, sitting time, eating breakfast, eating vegetables, eating balanced meals, and connections with neighbors. No item demonstrated a significant relationship with gardening frequency. A significant relationship was demonstrated between gardening duration and health problems affecting everyday life. Further significant relationships were shown between gardening with others and subjective happiness, having a reason for living. In conclusion, promising positive relationships between community or home gardening and health or healthy lifestyles were indicated.
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Beavers AW, Atkinson A, Alaimo K. How Gardening and a Gardener Support Program in Detroit Influence Participants’ Diet, Food Security, and Food Values. JOURNAL OF HUNGER & ENVIRONMENTAL NUTRITION 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/19320248.2019.1587332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa W. Beavers
- Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Katherine Alaimo
- Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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Cho D, Nguyen NT, Strong LL, Wu IHC, John JC, Escoto KH, Wetter DW, McNeill LH. Multiple Health Behaviors Engagement in an African American Cohort: Clustering Patterns and Correlates. HEALTH EDUCATION & BEHAVIOR 2019; 46:506-516. [PMID: 30776919 PMCID: PMC10069919 DOI: 10.1177/1090198119826207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
We investigated class clustering patterns of four behaviors—physical activity, fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake, smoking, and alcohol use—in a faith-based African American cohort. Guided by socio-ecological models, we also examined the psychosocial and neighborhood social environmental factors associated with the clustering patterns. Participants were 1,467 African American adults recruited from a mega church in the metropolitan Houston, TX, in 2008-2009. They completed a survey and health assessment. Latent class analysis and multinomial regression analysis were conducted. Results supported a three-class model: Class 1 was characterized by low physical activity, low F&V intake, and low substance use (smoking and alcohol use). Class 2 was characterized by high physical activity, low F&V intake, and mild drinking. Class 3 seemed to be the healthiest group, characterized by high physical activity, moderate-to-high F&V intake, and low substance use. The probabilities of being included in Classes 1, 2, and 3 were .33, .48, and .19, respectively. Participants in Class 1 (vs. Class 3) reported lower physical activity norm ( p < .001) and higher smoking norm ( p = .002) and lower neighborhood social cohesion ( p = .031). Participants in Class 2 (vs. Class 3) reported higher cancer risk perception ( p < .001), lower F&V norm ( p = .022), lower physical activity norm ( p < .001), higher smoking norm ( p < .001), and lower social cohesion ( p = .047). As health behaviors are clustered together, future interventions for African Americans may consider targeting multiple health behaviors instead of targeting a single health behavior. Interventions addressing social norm and neighborhood social cohesion may enhance multiple health behaviors engagement in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalnim Cho
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Nga T. Nguyen
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Larkin L. Strong
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ivan H. C. Wu
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jemima C. John
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - David W. Wetter
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Lorna H. McNeill
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Halbe J, Adamowski J. Modeling sustainability visions: A case study of multi-scale food systems in Southwestern Ontario. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2019; 231:1028-1047. [PMID: 30602227 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.09.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The process of systematically developing a sustainability vision is an important element of effective environmental management. Sustainability visions can, however, include contradictions and counterintuitive effects due to complex system behavior (e.g., feedback loops, multi-causality) and ambiguous system boundaries (e.g., choice of a scale, such as a regional or national scale). This paper proposes an innovative methodological framework for vision design and assessment (VDA) to analyze the sustainability of future visions on multiple scales with consideration of ecosystem services, and to test their plausibility based upon expert and local knowledge. First, requirements and functions of visionary system designs are identified. Second, a functional organizational analysis defines structures and processes that generate functions. Third, a literature review and participatory modeling process are conducted to analyze the system structures of visionary system designs using causal loop diagrams. Fourth, fuzzy cognitive mapping is used to assess visions based upon sustainability indicators. A case study on sustainable food systems in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, is provided to demonstrate the application of the methodology. Three designs of a sustainable food system were analyzed and tested: urban organic gardening, a local diversified organic food system and a globalized commodity-based organic food system. The results show the advantages and disadvantages of each system design and underline the sustainability benefits of a multi-scale food system based upon a combination of system designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Halbe
- Department of Bioresource Engineering, McGill University, Macdonald Stewart Building, 21111 Lakeshore Road, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada.
| | - Jan Adamowski
- Department of Bioresource Engineering, McGill University, Macdonald Stewart Building, 21111 Lakeshore Road, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Morley
- John E. Morley, MB, BCh, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1402 S. Grand Blvd., M238, St. Louis, MO 63104,
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Hawkins KR, Burton JH, Apolzan JW, Thomson JL, Williamson DA, Martin CK. Efficacy of a school-based obesity prevention intervention at reducing added sugar and sodium in children's school lunches: the LA Health randomized controlled trial. Int J Obes (Lond) 2018; 42:1845-1852. [PMID: 30254362 PMCID: PMC6237630 DOI: 10.1038/s41366-018-0214-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Decreasing selection and consumption of sodium and added sugars in the school cafeteria setting is important to provide optimal nutrition to children. OBJECTIVE The ofjective of this study is to determine whether Louisiana (LA) Health, a school-based obesity prevention intervention, could successfully reduce children's selection and consumption of sodium and added sugars during school lunches vs. the control group. DESIGN Food selection, consumption, and plate waste from student lunches (3 consecutive days) in 33 public schools in rural Louisiana were collected and analyzed using the digital photography of foods method at baseline and after a 28-month obesity prevention intervention (LA Health) beginning in 4th-6th grade (87% of children received free or reduced cost lunch). Selection and consumption of energy, added sugar, and sodium was objectively measured using digital photography of foods. Mixed models, including Race and BMI, were used to determine whether change in selection and consumption differed by group. RESULTS Sodium decreased for selection (- 233.1 ± 89.4 mg/lunch, p = 0.04) and consumption (- 206.3 ± 65.9, mg/lunch) in the intervention (vs. control) by month 18, and in consumption by month 28 (- 153.5 ± 66.9 mg/lunch, p = 0.03). Change in added sugar consumption decreased in the intervention (vs. control) at month 18 (- 3.7 ± 1.6, p = 0.05) and at month 28 (- 3.5 ± 1.6 tsp/lunch, p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS LA Health decreased the amount of added sugar and sodium selected and consumed, but not plate waste, by month 28. Results highlight the importance of long-term interventions and policies targeting provision and selection to improve dietary patterns in children, with less focus on plate waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keely R Hawkins
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University System, 6400 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA, 70808, USA
| | - Jeffrey H Burton
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University System, 6400 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA, 70808, USA
| | - John W Apolzan
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University System, 6400 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA, 70808, USA
| | - Jessi L Thomson
- USDA Agricultural Research Service, 141 Experiment Station Road, Stoneville, MS, 38776, USA
| | - Donald A Williamson
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University System, 6400 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA, 70808, USA
| | - Corby K Martin
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University System, 6400 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA, 70808, USA.
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Litt JS, Alaimo K, Buchenau M, Villalobos A, Glueck DH, Crume T, Fahnestock L, Hamman RF, Hebert JR, Hurley TG, Leiferman J, Li K. Rationale and design for the community activation for prevention study (CAPs): A randomized controlled trial of community gardening. Contemp Clin Trials 2018; 68:72-78. [PMID: 29563043 PMCID: PMC5963280 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2018.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Revised: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Engaging in health-promoting behaviors (e.g., healthy fruit- and vegetable-rich diet, physical activity) and living in supportive social and built environments are consistently and significantly associated with reductions in cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. Interventions to change diet and physical activity behaviors should aim to educate individuals, change the environments in which people live, work and recreate, improve access, availability, and affordability of healthy foods, and create safe places the facilitate active lifestyles. This trial will assess whether community gardening increases fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity, improves social support and mental health, and reduces age-associated weight gain and sedentary time among a multi-ethnic, mixed-income population. METHODS/DESIGN A randomized controlled trial of community gardening began in Denver, Colorado in January 2017. Over 3 years, we will recruit 312 consenting participants on Denver Urban Gardens' waitlists and randomize them to garden or remain on the waitlist. At baseline (pre-gardening), harvest time, and post-intervention, study participants will complete three 24-hour dietary recalls, a 7-day activity monitoring period using accelerometry, a health interview and physical anthropometry. DISCUSSION This project addresses health-promoting behaviors among a multi-ethnic, mixed-income adult population in a large metropolitan area. If successful, this trial will provide evidence that community gardening supports and sustains healthy and active lifestyles, which can reduce risk of cancer and other chronic diseases. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT03089177: Registered on 03/17/17.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Litt
- Environmental Studies, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States.
| | - K Alaimo
- Michigan State University, Lansing, MI, United States
| | - M Buchenau
- Denver Urban Gardens, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - A Villalobos
- University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - D H Glueck
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, CO, United States
| | - T Crume
- Colorado School of Public Health, Denver, CO, United States
| | - L Fahnestock
- Denver Urban Gardens, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - R F Hamman
- Colorado School of Public Health, Denver, CO, United States
| | - J R Hebert
- University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - T G Hurley
- University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - J Leiferman
- Colorado School of Public Health, Denver, CO, United States
| | - K Li
- Environmental Studies, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
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Schram-Bijkerk D, Otte P, Dirven L, Breure AM. Indicators to support healthy urban gardening in urban management. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 621:863-871. [PMID: 29216594 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.11.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Revised: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Urban gardening is part of a trend towards more parks and green areas in cities, consumption of organic, locally grown products, and a closer relationship with one's own living environment. Our literature review shows that urban gardens provide opportunities for physical activity and allow people to consume homegrown fruit and vegetables. Urban gardens may also reduce stress levels of gardeners and improve social cohesion. In this way, they can help to prevent health problems. Good quality of urban soil and the functioning of soil ecosystems are indispensable prerequisites for these. We developed a framework that shows how ecosystem health and human health are interconnected in urban gardening, by placing it in the context of urban green space management and valuation. This study yields a set of indicators, which can be used to assess soil ecosystem services and health impacts. They may provide a basis for the evolving dialogue in decision-making processes and partnership activities in urban management. Recognizing the potential effects and discussing what is important to whom, might be enough to find synergies. Importantly, the initiators of urban gardens are often citizens, who seek support from other stakeholders. The social network established by gardens may contribute to health-enabling, cohesive communities involved with their living environment. To maximize health benefits, it is useful to make the urban gardens accessible to many people. This study suggests that urban gardens deserve a position in urban green space management as they may help to address societal challenges like urbanization, health and well-being in aging populations and climate adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieneke Schram-Bijkerk
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Centre for Sustainability, Environment and Health, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Piet Otte
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Centre for Sustainability, Environment and Health, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Liesbet Dirven
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Centre for Sustainability, Environment and Health, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Anton M Breure
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Centre for Sustainability, Environment and Health, Bilthoven, The Netherlands; Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Litt JS, Lambert JR, Glueck DH. Gardening and age-related weight gain: Results from a cross-sectional survey of Denver residents. Prev Med Rep 2017; 8:221-225. [PMID: 29159017 PMCID: PMC5683668 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2017.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2017] [Revised: 10/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
This study examined whether gardening modifies the association between age and body mass index (BMI). We used data from the Neighborhood Environments and Health Survey, which was conducted in Denver (N = 469) between 2006 and 2007. We fit two general linear mixed models. The base model had BMI in kg/m2 as the outcome, and age, an indicator variable for non-gardening status and the age-by-non-gardening status interaction as predictors. The adjusted model included as covariates the potential confounders of education, ethnicity and self-reported health. We assessed self-selection bias and confounding. BMI was 27.18 kg/m2 for non-gardeners, 25.62 kg/m2 for home gardeners, and 24.17 kg/m2 for community gardeners. In the base model, a statistically significant association was observed between age and BMI for non-gardeners but not for the combined community and home gardening group (F = 9.27, ndf = 1, ddf = 441, p = 0.0025). In the adjusted model, the association between age and BMI in non-gardeners was not statistically significant (F = 1.72, ndf = 1, ddf = 431, p = 0.1908). Gardeners differed on social and demographic factors when compared to non-gardeners. The results from the base model are consistent with the hypothesis that gardening might offset age-related weight gain. However, the cross-sectional design does not permit differentiation of true causal effects from the possible effects of bias and confounding. As a follow-up study, to remove bias and confounding, we are conducting a randomized clinical trial of community gardening in Denver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill S. Litt
- Environmental Studies Program, University of Colorado Boulder, 4001 Discovery Drive, Boulder, CO 80303, United States
| | - Jeffrey Richard Lambert
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, 13001 E. 17th Place, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Deborah H. Glueck
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, 13001 E. 17th Place, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
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Arenas IA, Navas-Acien A, Ergui I, Lamas GA. Enhanced vasculotoxic metal excretion in post-myocardial infarction patients following a single edetate disodium-based infusion. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 158:443-449. [PMID: 28689036 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.06.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Revised: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Toxic metals have been associated with cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. We have hypothesized that enhanced excretion of vasculotoxic metals might explain the positive results of the Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy (TACT). The purpose of this study was to determine whether a single infusion of the edetate disodium- based infusion used in TACT led to enhanced excretion of toxic metals known to be associated with cardiovascular events. METHODS Twenty six patients (post-MI, age > 50 years, serum creatinine ≤ 2.0mg/dL) were enrolled in this open-label study. Urinary levels of 20 toxic metals normalized to urinary creatinine concentrations were measured at baseline in overnight urine collections, for 6h following a placebo infusion of 500mL normal saline and 1.2% dextrose, and for 6h following a 3g edetate disodium-based infusion. Self-reported metal exposure, smoking status, food frequency, occupational history, drinking water source, housing and hobbies were collected at baseline by a metal exposure questionnaire. RESULTS The mean age was 65 years (range 51-81 years). All patients were male. 50% had diabetes mellitus and 58% were former smokers. Mean (SD) serum creatinine was 0.95 (0.31) mg/dL. Toxic metals were detected in the baseline urine of >80% of patients. After placebo infusion there were no significant changes in total urinary metal levels. After edetate infusion, total urinary metal level increased by 71% compared to baseline (1500 vs. 2580µg/g creatinine; P<0.0001). The effect of edetate was particularly large for lead (3835% increase) and cadmium (633% increase). CONCLUSIONS Edetate disodium-based infusions markedly enhanced the urinary excretion of lead and cadmium, toxic metals with established epidemiologic evidence and mechanisms linking them to coronary and vascular events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan A Arenas
- The Columbia University Division of Cardiology at Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL, USA
| | - Ana Navas-Acien
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ian Ergui
- The Columbia University Division of Cardiology at Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL, USA
| | - Gervasio A Lamas
- The Columbia University Division of Cardiology at Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL, USA.
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Prescott SL, Logan AC. Transforming Life: A Broad View of the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease Concept from an Ecological Justice Perspective. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 13:ijerph13111075. [PMID: 27827896 PMCID: PMC5129285 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13111075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The influential scientist Rene J. Dubos (1901–1982) conducted groundbreaking studies concerning early-life environmental exposures (e.g., diet, social interactions, commensal microbiota, housing conditions) and adult disease. However, Dubos looked beyond the scientific focus on disease, arguing that “mere survival is not enough”. He defined mental health as fulfilling human potential, and expressed concerns about urbanization occurring in tandem with disappearing access to natural environments (and elements found within them); thus modernity could interfere with health via “missing exposures”. With the advantage of emerging research involving green space, the microbiome, biodiversity and positive psychology, we discuss ecological justice in the dysbiosphere and the forces—financial inequity, voids in public policy, marketing and otherwise—that interfere with the fundamental rights of children to thrive in a healthy urban ecosystem and learn respect for the natural environment. We emphasize health within the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) rubric and suggest that greater focus on positive exposures might uncover mechanisms of resiliency that contribute to maximizing human potential. We will entrain our perspective to socioeconomic disadvantage in developed nations and what we have described as “grey space”; this is a mental as much as a physical environment, a space that serves to insidiously reinforce unhealthy behavior, compromise positive psychological outlook and, ultimately, trans-generational health. It is a dwelling place that cannot be fixed with encephalobiotics or the drug-class known as psychobiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan L Prescott
- International Inflammation (in-FLAME) Network, Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley 6009, Australia.
- School of Paediatrics and Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, P.O. Box D184, Princess Margaret Hospital, Perth 6001, Australia.
| | - Alan C Logan
- International Inflammation (in-FLAME) Network, Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley 6009, Australia.
- PathLight Synergy, 23679 Calabassas Road, Suite 542, Calabassas, CA 91302, USA.
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