American Journal of Health Behavior · 2014 · 30 citations · 0 references
Public HealthHealth BehaviorHealth PromotionCancer Survivorship CareMental Health PromotionNutrition EducationCancer SurvivorshipCommunity Health PromotionLifestyle Behavior ChangeNutrition During Cancer CareNutrition PromotionUrban Health PromotionAdult Health Behavior ChangeCancer Survivorship SupportGarden EcologyHealth Behavior ChangeHealth Promotion In SurvivorshipHealth-promoting BehaviorsNutrition For SurvivorsSurvivorship Nutrition
OBJECTIVES: To gather information about perceptions of personal health behavior change in cancer survivors following participation in an urban gardening program. METHODS: This qualitative study used focus groups of adult cancer survivors with an open-ended question thread format. Data were transcribed and analyzed by identifying, coding, and categorizing primary patterns/themes. RESULTS: Four overarching themes were identified: (1) greater dietary intake of produce; (2) improved mental and physical health; (3) enhanced sense of community and social support; and (4) challenges to long-term maintenance. CONCLUSIONS: Perceptions of positive behavior changes associated with harvesting at an urban garden targeting cancer survivors may inform future community and health promotion interventions aimed at improving adherence to evidence-based lifestyle behavior guidelines for cancer survivorship.