The investigators previous studies show that community gardening is associated with reduction of key health behaviors for cancer prevention in diverse populations. Community gardeners eat more fruits and vegetables per day, are more physically active, and are more likely to avoid age-associated increase in body mass index (BMI). The effect is partially explained by the finding that gardeners are more socially involved, and feel more social support than non-gardeners. The investigators propose a randomized controlled trial to determine whether community gardening improves cancer-preventive behaviors among a multi-ethnic, low-income adult population and elucidate the pathways that shape cancer-preventive behaviors. A randomized controlled trial is needed to demonstrate that the observed behavioral differences are due to the effect of gardening as an intervention rather than self-selection by gardeners.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
296
The investigators will recruit prospective adult gardeners who have not been gardening for the past two years and who are listed on Denver Urban Gardens (DUG) wait lists. Individuals randomized to the garden intervention will receive a standardized garden resource package, which includes the following: 1. A garden plot in a Denver Urban Garden 2. Seeds and plant starts 3. Introductory gardening workshop 4. Social events including garden-specific events and garden mentoring. The Wait List Control group will remain on the community gardening wait lists and will not receive these resources. Duration of the intervention is 1 year.
University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, Colorado, United States
Change in fruit and vegetable intake from baseline at 20 weeks and 52 weeks
9 24-hour diet recalls will be collected randomly
Time frame: Measurements will occur during weeks 1-2 (3 random recalls) and week 20 (3 random recalls) and week 48 (3 random recalls)
Change in sedentary time from baseline at 20 weeks and 48 weeks
Accelerometers will be adhered to thigh and collect data for 7 days
Time frame: 3 measurements over one year, T1 (week 1), T2 (week 20), T3 (week 52)
Change in fiber Intake from baseline at 20 weeks and 52 weeks
9 24-hour diet recalls will be collected randomly
Time frame: Measurements will occur during weeks 1-2 (3 random recalls) and week 20 (3 random recalls) and week 48 (3 random recalls)
Change in Healthy Eating Index (HEI) from baseline at 20 weeks and 52 weeks
9 24-hour diet recalls will be collected randomly
Time frame: Measurements will occur during weeks 1-2 (3 random recalls) and week 20 (3 random recalls) and week 48 (3 random recalls)
Change in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) from baseline to 20 weeks
Accelerometers will be adhered to thigh and collect data for 7 days
Time frame: 3 measurements over one year, T1 (week 1), T2 (week 20), T3 (week 52)
Change in waist circumference from baseline to 20 weeks and 52 weeks
Measurement of waist circumference (cm)
Time frame: 3 measurements over one year, T1 (week 1), T2 (week 20), T3 (week 52)
Change in weight (kg) from baseline to 20 weeks and 52 weeks
Objective measurement of weight will be collected
Time frame: 3 measurements over one year, T1 (week 1), T2 (week 20), T3 (week 52)
Change in Perceived Stress from baseline to 20 weeks and 52 weeks
Validated scale of perceived stress will be completed
Time frame: 3 measurements over one year, T1 (week 1), T2 (week 20), T3 (week 52)
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