Abstract
Introduction
An increased consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables is associated with health benefits [1,2]. Including them in the daily diet can reduce the risk of noncommunicable diseases [2]. Urban gardens (UG) can improve communities around them by allowing a supply of such products [3,4], by contributing to conscious decisions about eating [4] and lessening the health costs of its populations [2–4], by improving their participants self-esteem, and by helping in the development of competencies [4]. This preliminary study aimed to understand the parameters that could be evaluated on a greater scale future study, to assess the role of urban gardens in their participants health, nutrition knowledge and family budget.
Materials and methods
An UG in Setúbal, Portugal, was selected for this study. All data was collected in October, 2018 and included: demographic data from the gardeners (n = 133), a “Food and Nutrition Knowledge” validated questionnaire [5] with 20 true and false questions (n = 6), and semi-structured interviews (n = 6). All interviewed gardeners understood the purpose and signed the informed consent.
Results
The UG had 138 plots with 133 in use. Most of the gardeners were men (59.9%) and under 65 years of age (74.4%). 30,5% had an income under (n = 133) 11,999€per year.
Discussion and conclusions
Our results meet those of recent studies that enhance the importance of UG in feeding populations, especially those with diminished food security and low access to fresh quality products [6–8]. Increased level of activity, higher fruit and vegetable consumption, along with savings in the family budget were referred by gardeners supporting the need for a more in-depth study. The UG is eligible for an observational study using the methods already stated. In addition, collection of anthropometric data and nutritional and cognitive screening tests would allow for a better view of the gardeners health.
Acknowledgements
The authors acknowledge no conflict of interest.
References
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