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Impact of a master gardener program on health outcomes among middle-aged and older adults: A pilot study
Methods. A survey was administered to identify factors associated with BMI among Master Gardener Program participants (n=63). Covariates included three types of gardening-related self-efficacy, unhealthy days (physically or mentally), PHQ2 depression, and sociodemographics. Robust ordinary least squares regression models were used to identify correlates of higher BMI.
Results. Approximately 30% of respondents were obese, and another 24% were overweight. One quarter of participants had PHQ2 depression scores equal to or greater than 2 (representing a high chance of having a depressive disorder). Higher gardening self-efficacy (Coef=0.33, P=0.012) and PHQ2 depression equal to or greater than 2 (Coef=3.32, P=0.009) was associated with higher BMI scores; whereas having very good (Coef=-6.15, P<0.001) and excellent (Coef=-9.55, P<0.001) perceived health was associated with lower BMI scores.
Conclusion. These findings suggest that enrolling in the local gardening programs may help middle-aged and older adults with higher BMI improve their health and well-being.
Learning Objectives:
List factors associated with body mass index (BMI) among middle-aged or older participants in the Master Gardener program in the Greater Memphis area.
Assess the effects of the 15-week courses of the Master Gardener Program on BMI, gardening self-efficacy, physical health, and mental health.
Identify essential elements needed when trying to create evidence-based community gardening programs to improve body mass index among middle-aged or older adults.
Keywords: Obesity, Community Programs
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have studied in obesity issues among older adults by generating more than 20 quality peer review journal articles.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.