RESEARCH

Opportunities for Growth: Evaluating the Feasibility of a Community Gardening Intervention Pairing Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors with Experienced Gardeners

This study finds that a mentored gardening program positively impacts young cancer survivors by improving their diet, physical activity, and social well-being. The program fostered a sense of community and provided participants with meaningful activities.

Program Types: Social

Population Groups: Chronic/Acute Health Conditions, Master Gardeners

Setting or Context: Community Gardens

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Better Nutritional Awareness, Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Greater Sense of Purpose, Improved Physical Health, Improved Quality of Life, Improved Stress Management, Increased Self-Efficacy

Allied Profession Intersections: Forest/Ecotherapy, Landscape Design

Type of Activity: Edible Plant Gardening, Meal/Diet-Based Activities, Outdoor Gardening

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Qualitative Research, Quantitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Patient-Reported Outcomes, Program Effectiveness, Standardized Assessment Tools

Access: Paid

Summary

This research paper investigates the effects of a community gardening program on adolescent and young adult cancer survivors. The program pairs these survivors with experienced gardeners to tend to garden plots in a hospital-based community garden. The study aims to assess the feasibility of such an intervention and gather qualitative data on its outcomes, focusing on the improvements it can bring to diet, physical activity, and overall well-being. It also looks into the potential psychosocial benefits, such as fostering a sense of community and solidarity among participants.

The results showed that the gardening program was successfully implemented, with cancer survivors being able to plant and harvest vegetables under the mentorship of experienced gardeners. Participants reported improvements in their diet and physical activity levels, and experienced positive psychosocial benefits, including enhanced feelings of community and purpose.

Link

Winkels, R.M., Artrip, R., Tupinio, M. et al. (2020). Opportunities for growth: Evaluating the feasibility of a community gardening intervention pairing adolescent and young adult cancer survivors with experienced gardeners. Journal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology, 9(1), 115-119

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RESEARCH

Opportunities for Growth: Evaluating the Feasibility of a Community Gardening Intervention Pairing Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors with Experienced Gardeners

Summary

Link

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