Detailed methods of two home-based vegetable gardening intervention trials to improve diet, physical activity, and quality of life in two different populations of cancer survivors

Abstract

Background Cancer survivors suffer from long-term adverse effects that reduce health-related quality of life (QOL) and physical functioning, creating an urgent need to develop effective, durable, and disseminable interventions. Harvest for Health, a home-based vegetable gardening intervention, holds promise for these domains. Methods This report describes the methods and recruitment experiences from two randomized controlled feasibility trials that employ a waitlist-controlled design. Delivered in partnership with Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners, this intervention provides one-on-one mentorship of cancer survivors in planning and maintaining three seasonal vegetable gardens over 12 months. The primary aim is to determine intervention feasibility and acceptability; secondary aims are to explore effects on objective and subjective measures of diet, physical activity and function, and QOL and examine participant factors associated with potential effects. One trial is conducted exclusively among 82 female breast cancer survivors residing in the Birmingham, AL metropolitan area (BBCS); another broadly throughout Alabama among 46 older cancer survivors aged ≥60 (ASCS). Results Response rates were 32.6% (BBCS) and 52.3% (ASCS). Both trials exceeded 80% of their accrual target. Leading reasons for ineligibility were removal of >10 lymph nodes (lymphedema risk factor), lack of physician approval, and unwillingness to be randomized to the waitlist. Conclusion To date, recruitment and implementation of Harvest for Health appears feasible. Discussion Although both studies encountered recruitment challenges, lessons learned can inform future larger-scale studies. Vegetable gardening interventions are of interest to cancer survivors and may provide opportunities to gain life skills leading to improvements in overall health and QOL.

Health Behaviors and Lifestyle Interventions in African American Breast Cancer Survivors: A Review

“…Capitalizing on concepts such as “tiny habits” proposed by BJ Fogg at Stanford University may also provide sufficient motivation to make long-lasting behavioral changes (120). Furthermore, focusing on enjoyable activities such as gardening (121), dancing (122), and acquiring extra steps while shopping may be additional strategies to promote.…”

A home‐based mentored vegetable gardening intervention demonstrates feasibility and improvements in physical activity and performance among breast cancer survivors

“…The majority of the study staff were blinded to randomization status, and all study staff who collected follow‐up data were blinded with regard to previously collected data. A detailed description of the study protocol was published previously …”

“…These MGs interfaced bimonthly (home visits alternating with telephone or e‐mail contact) with BCS to mentor in the planning, planting, and maintaining of 3 (spring, summer, and fall seasons) home‐based vegetable gardens over the course of 1 year. BCS were provided with: 1) 1 raised bed or 4 grow boxes; 2) gardening supplies (ie, soil, seeds, plants, fertilizer, natural pest repellent, gardening hose and tools, watering can, frost cover, and trellis); 3) a gardening workbook detailing the planning, planting, tending, and harvesting of the 3 gardens; 4) a MG contact schedule; 5) contact information for their MG, county Cooperative Extension agent, and the study staff; and 6) a gardening journal in which to record their observations and notes . In addition, BCS were encouraged to participate in a private Facebook group to facilitate interaction with other BCS and MGs.…”

Physical activity and nutrition interventions for older adults with cancer: a systematic review

“…A further eight related papers were referenced to provide more detail when unable to find information in the primary paper (e.g. protocol papers) [61][62][63][64][65][66][67][68]. One study was a three-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) [47] with the remaining 13 studies being twoarm RCTs.…”