Abstract
Session presented on: Friday, July 26, 2013:
Purpose: Insufficient fruit/vegetable intake (FVI) is among the ten leading risk factors for global mortality and is linked to the rising incidence of obesity worldwide (World Health Organization, 2011). Evidence suggests the theoretical concepts from social cognitive theory identified as individual, social and environmental factors influence the facilitators and barriers to healthy eating (HE). The purpose of this study is to better understand the complexities related to HE and provide insight leading to increased FVI in a community garden setting.
Methods: A qualitative pilot study design was used. Data was collected from 13 individuals participating in a community garden (CG) project. Questions asked pertained to barriers and facilitators of HE, benefits of a CG, and willingness to use social media as a prompt for HE. Dialog was encouraged and data collection considered complete after no new responses were offered. Comprehensive analysis of the recorded focus group took place following transcription and emerging themes were identified.
Results: Themes that were facilitators for HE included 1) positive impact on the body, 2) having family support, 3) using technology [text-messages and e-mail reminders to prompt HE throughout the week], and 4) overall enjoyment of cooking. Barriers included 1) busy lifestyles, 2) availability of unhealthy foods, 3) cost of HE, and 4) pleasant taste of unhealthy foods. Participants believed participating in the CG positively impacted HE.
Conclusion: Gaining a better understanding of the complex facilitators and barriers related to HE is an important step towards obesity prevention and creating a healthy population at the community level. Insights gained from this research may lead to new strategies beneficial for educating the population on HE. Further, the use of social media to prompt HE is suggested as an acceptable method of encouraging HE amidst busy lifestyles and availability of unhealthy food choices.
Sigma Membership
Non-member
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
N/A
Research Approach
N/A
Keywords:
Fruit/Vegetable Consumption, Obesity Prevention, Healthy Eating
Recommended Citation
Cotton, Matthew T. and Long, JoAnn D., "Exploring facilitators and barriers to healthy eating among community gardeners" (2013). INRC (Congress). 116.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2013/presentations_2013/116
Conference Name
24th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Prague, Czech Republic
Conference Year
2013
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Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Exploring facilitators and barriers to healthy eating among community gardeners
Prague, Czech Republic
Session presented on: Friday, July 26, 2013:
Purpose: Insufficient fruit/vegetable intake (FVI) is among the ten leading risk factors for global mortality and is linked to the rising incidence of obesity worldwide (World Health Organization, 2011). Evidence suggests the theoretical concepts from social cognitive theory identified as individual, social and environmental factors influence the facilitators and barriers to healthy eating (HE). The purpose of this study is to better understand the complexities related to HE and provide insight leading to increased FVI in a community garden setting.
Methods: A qualitative pilot study design was used. Data was collected from 13 individuals participating in a community garden (CG) project. Questions asked pertained to barriers and facilitators of HE, benefits of a CG, and willingness to use social media as a prompt for HE. Dialog was encouraged and data collection considered complete after no new responses were offered. Comprehensive analysis of the recorded focus group took place following transcription and emerging themes were identified.
Results: Themes that were facilitators for HE included 1) positive impact on the body, 2) having family support, 3) using technology [text-messages and e-mail reminders to prompt HE throughout the week], and 4) overall enjoyment of cooking. Barriers included 1) busy lifestyles, 2) availability of unhealthy foods, 3) cost of HE, and 4) pleasant taste of unhealthy foods. Participants believed participating in the CG positively impacted HE.
Conclusion: Gaining a better understanding of the complex facilitators and barriers related to HE is an important step towards obesity prevention and creating a healthy population at the community level. Insights gained from this research may lead to new strategies beneficial for educating the population on HE. Further, the use of social media to prompt HE is suggested as an acceptable method of encouraging HE amidst busy lifestyles and availability of unhealthy food choices.