Listening through seeing: Using design methods to learn about the health perceptions of Garden on the Go® customers

Abstract

The goal of this project is to apply an innovative approach to gathering beliefs and attitudes of an inner city population in a more valid and reliable way than traditional data collection methods. This community based research study will focus on dietary risk factors for obesity, diabetes type 2, and cardiovascular disease in underserved communities. Our study assesses what health means to the underserved Garden on the Go® clients and how they define a healthy diet. Garden on the Go®, a signature obesity prevention effort, is Indiana University Health’s year-round mobile produce delivery program providing fresh, affordable produce to Marion County neighborhoods in need. We build upon previous research conducted with Garden on the Go® to enhance the effectiveness of this intervention and provide valuable information that other groups may use to improve the impact of their efforts in meeting the health needs of similar communities.