Presenting Author: Jill Litt, PhD, University of Colorado at Boulder

ABSTRACT

Background: Consuming a healthy diet rich in fiber, fruits and vegetables, being active and less sedentary, maintaining a healthy weight, and living in supportive social and built environments are consistently and significantly associated with lower rates of cancer. Despite this, obesity, physical inactivity, and low fruit and vegetable intake are more pronounced among people of color, those of lower socioeconomic position, and those who lack access to the social networks and physical amenities that support healthy living. Reducing disparities in cancer preventive behaviors requires theory-informed, socio-ecological approaches. The purpose of this trial is to prospectively evaluate health behavior change and weight status in residents participating in a community garden or waiting the season out on a garden wait list.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial of community gardening to demonstrate whether gardening increases in fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity, social support, and reduces age-associated weight gain, and sedentary time among a multi-ethnic, low income population of adults 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. Data will be collected at baseline, mid-intervention, and follow up using objective, observed and self-report data.

Results: Quantitative outcome data will include anthropometric measurements of height, weight, and waist circumference; objective physical activity; 3-day averages of food and nutrient intake; and structured surveys of perceived stress, anxiety, and general well-being. Process evaluation surveys and direct observations of garden and neighborhood environments will be used to describe intervention experiences for the participants, the garden leaders involved in the study, and community partners.

Implications: This project holistically addresses health behaviors among low income and minority adults in a large urban metropolitan area. If successful, this trial will provide evidence for a low-cost community-level intervention that supports and sustains healthy and active lifestyles, is accessible to people across social and demographic groups, and reduces cancer risk.

Authors: Jill Litt, PhD; Katherine Alaimo, MS, PhD; Angel Villalobos, BS; Deborah H. Glueck, PhD; Tessa Crume, PhD; Richard Hamman, PhD; Jenn Leiferman, PhD; James Hebert, PhD; Thomas Hurley, MS; Kaigang Li, PhD.