RESEARCH

Sustainability Capacity of a Vegetable Gardening Intervention for Cancer Survivors

The analysis revealed that the majority of reviewed studies targeted the socially protected group, accounting for 59.7% of the theses analyzed, and that horticultural therapy programs most frequently consisted of 11 to 20 total sessions, found in 67.2% of the papers. Regarding activities, planting was the most common type, making up 41.5% of activities, although activities requiring touching soil comprised a lower share (25.1%) compared to other activity types combined (74.9%).

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Rehabilitation, Chronic/Acute Health Conditions, Volunteers

Setting or Context: Urban vs. Rural Settings, Homes/Private Residences

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Greater Sense of Purpose, Improved Physical Health, Increased Social Engagement & Skills, Longevity & Aging Well, Increased Horticultural Knowledge

Allied Profession Intersections: Behavioral Therapy, Education

Type of Activity: Outdoor Gardening, Edible Plant Gardening, Meal/Diet-Based Activities, Growing Plants from Seed

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Observational Research, Qualitative Research, Quantitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Patient-Reported Outcomes, Standardized Assessment Tools, Program Effectiveness, Longitudinal Studies

Access: Free

Print Form

Summary

This study conducted a survey and analysis of 68 masters and doctoral theses published between 1998 and 2016, focusing on horticultural therapy programs implemented with inpatients in hospitals in Korea. The primary goal was to review existing research to understand the types of programs, participant characteristics, and plant species used in this specific, limited environment, recognizing hospital instructions that sometimes ban flowers and plants due to infection risk. This retrospective analysis aimed to provide reference data for applying horticultural therapy safely and effectively within hospital settings.

The methodology involved systematically categorizing the collected theses based on research participants’ symptoms (general, disease, or socially protected groups), the frequency and number of program sessions (sessions per week and total sessions), and the types of horticultural therapy activities. A crucial categorization divided planting activities into those using soil and those not using soil, reflecting concerns about pathogenic bacteria in hospitals. The data extracted from these studies were analyzed for frequency and percentage using the IBM SPSS19.0 Statistics program and a χ² goodness-of-fit test.

Link

Cases, MG., Blair, CK., & Hendricks, PS. (2022, June). Sustainability capacity of a vegetable gardening intervention for cancer survivors. BMC Public Health, 22(1), 1238

Other Recommended Research

“Connecting people and the earth”: the occupational experience of people with different capabilities participating in an inclusive horticultural social enterprise

This thesis examines how a gardening-based social enterprise helps people of all abilities by providing meaningful work, social connections, and a sense of belonging. While it highlights the benefits of inclusion and community participation, it also points out challenges like funding and governance that need to be addressed for long-term success.

‘The nourishing soil of the soul’: The role of horticultural therapy in promoting well-being in community-dwelling people with dementia

Gardening can help people with dementia feel more active, connected, and less lonely by improving their physical and mental well-being. The article highlights the need for more accessible gardening programs in the community to support social engagement and a better quality of life.

RESEARCH

Sustainability Capacity of a Vegetable Gardening Intervention for Cancer Survivors

Summary

Link

Other Recommended Research

Self-Portrait Activity

Herbal Compound Butter

Tomato Guessing Game Riddles

‘Into the Wild’: A meta-synthesis of talking therapy in natural outdoor spaces

“Connecting people and the earth”: the occupational experience of people with different capabilities participating in an inclusive horticultural social enterprise

‘The nourishing soil of the soul’: The role of horticultural therapy in promoting well-being in community-dwelling people with dementia