Abstract
Obesity and associated non-communicable illnesses including coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke have steadily increased in prevalence over the last decade. Previous studies identified the involvement of individual, family, and community support intervention strategies used to prevent and manage obesity. Additionally, education on nutrition from the early stages of development is crucial for obesity prevention and control. Therefore, new preventative methods are needed to further engage and educate individuals and communities about health-conscious diets. Microgreen cultivation utilizes a reduced cost, low-footprint, recyclable, weather-independent, and transportable method to provide less nutrition-privileged communities with exposure to healthy foods within one week. A pilot microgreens outreach event, held at a medical school, tested for feasibility, and assessed for potential complications from utilizing microgreen cultivation as a teaching tool. Ninety-four first- and second-year medical students elected to participate in the pilot event and received a microgreen growing kit and a pre-and post-planting survey. Upon survey completion, nutrition attitudes and awareness levels were tracked. Analysis of survey results reveals that participants met this low-cost and easy teaching tool with enthusiasm, high levels of engagement, and minimal complications.
Recommended Citation
Haslund-Gourley B, Para C, Rachuri S, Enders S, Marshall R, Mishra V, Udeh S, Nwabeke J, Gadegbeku A. Microgreens Grow Kit: A Novel Pilot Study to Improve Nutrition Awareness. Transformative Medicine. 2022; 1(1):2-11. doi: https://doi.org/10.54299/tmed/ngfk2366.
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Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons, Educational Technology Commons, Health and Physical Education Commons, Public Health Education and Promotion Commons