Dataset Information

Engaging School and Family in Navajo Gardening for Health: Development of the Yeego Intervention to Promote Healthy Eating among Navajo Children.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Navajo children are at increased risk for obesity, in part due to limited access to healthy foods. School garden interventions have been shown to increase access to fresh fruit and vegetables and consumption of healthy foods. Our study describes the development and pilot testing of a school garden intervention for Navajo elementary school children.

Methods

We reviewed existing school garden interventions and conducted formative research with students, caregivers, and school staff to inform the intervention. The intervention consisted of a garden built at the school and a yearlong curriculum on gardening and healthy eating. We pilot tested the intervention in an elementary school on the Navajo Nation.

Results

Formative research revealed the importance of incorporating Diné culture, including traditional growing practices and the preparation of traditional foods into the curriculum. School staff also stressed the value of tying the curriculum to state and Diné educational standards. Students enjoyed opportunities for hands-on activities and snack preparation.

Conclusions

Schools have a meaningful role to play in addressing childhood obesity disparities among Navajo children. School-based interventions that draw on cultural strengths and include healthy traditional practices can be a promising strategy for increasing fruit and vegetable consumption.

SUBMITTER: Ornelas IJ

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8658646 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Engaging School and Family in Navajo Gardening for Health: Development of the Yéego Intervention to Promote Healthy Eating among Navajo Children.

Ornelas India J IJ Rudd Kassia K Bishop Sonia S Deschenie Desiree D Brown Emily E Lombard Kevin K Beresford Shirley A A SAA

Health behavior and policy review 20210501 3

<h4>Objective</h4>Navajo children are at increased risk for obesity, in part due to limited access to healthy foods. School garden interventions have been shown to increase access to fresh fruit and vegetables and consumption of healthy foods. Our study describes the development and pilot testing of a school garden intervention for Navajo elementary school children.<h4>Methods</h4>We reviewed existing school garden interventions and conducted formative research with students, caregivers, and sch ...[more]

PMID: 34901297

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