The effect of a community garden on HgA1c in diabetics of Marshallese descent

J Community Health Nurs. 2012 Jan;29(1):12-24. doi: 10.1080/07370016.2012.645724.

Abstract

A mixed-convergent parallell designed intervention study was created to learn whether a community garden could provide improved diabetes control for members of a Midwest community of immigrants from the Marshall Islands. Qualitative data gathered through field observations on cultural norms and beliefs, food perceptions, and barriers to health care corrobrorated data gained at medical appointments for diabetes follow-up. Marshallese clients from a local community health center were recruited to participate in a community garden. Persons who participated in a community garden had significant reduction in their HgA1c postintervention, compared to persons who did not participate actively.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Diabetes Mellitus / ethnology
  • Diabetes Mellitus / rehabilitation*
  • Emigrants and Immigrants*
  • Exercise
  • Feeding Behavior
  • Female
  • Gardening*
  • Glycated Hemoglobin / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Micronesia / ethnology
  • Middle Aged
  • Midwestern United States
  • Pilot Projects

Substances

  • Glycated Hemoglobin A