Creating informed communities: Container gardening as a strategy for managing and preventing type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a major health problem in the US due to sedentary lifestyles, the rise in obesity and its contributing factors, and the aging population. There is a growing need for education about its risk factors, complications and prevention for all ages. The literature suggests that unmanaged and uncontrolled diabetes can lead to health complications such as blindness, limb amputations, heart disease, kidney disease and death; and suggest that prevention is the best cure. Community gardens have been identified as one approach to enhancing healthier lifestyles and promoting improved quality of life; however, not everyone is able to participate in a community garden, thus container gardening is a more convenient alternative. To best inform program development, graduate students conducted a targeted needs and assets assessment (NA+A) in the SACHS-Norton Clinic community in San Bernardino, CA. Data were collected through windshield surveys, literature reviews, site observations, 8 theory-based semi-structured interviews, and a confirmatory focus group. Data were coded, themed and analyzed using Grounded Theory methods. Emerging themes revealed limited or no access to affordable nutritious foods, lack of a safe environment for physical activity; a lack of knowledge about type 2 diabetes, and poor dietary habits. Program recommendations include diabetes management, awareness and prevention education, exercise and nutrition classes, and direct access to plenty of fruits and vegetables through container gardening. We then developed, implemented and evaluated a pilot program using process and impact evaluation for program improvement. Results will be discussed in light of program sustainability.