Yeego! Healthy Eating & Gardening School-Based Randomized Controlled Trial
Condition: Dietary Habits; Health Behavior; Eating Behavior
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      In this study, one year changes in healthy eating and gardening behaviors associated with the
      intervention were estimated using a group randomized controlled trial design, with the
      comparison arm receiving a delayed intervention in the following school year.
    

Detailed description: 
      The small randomized controlled trial of an intensive curriculum and school garden
      intervention was implemented in elementary schools in two communities (Shiprock and Tsaile).
      The study began in year 1 with a period of engagement and recruitment of schools in each
      community; with the goal of recruiting three schools in each community to complete the run-in
      phase. The run-in period included time for greater engagement with the school community, an
      assessment of the potential garden site and an assessment of evaluation readiness. Depending
      on whether three schools in the community qualify for the study at the end of run-in, or only
      two schools per community, it was planned to randomize three or two schools to intervention
      or delayed intervention status in each community. Six schools were randomized, two
      intervention schools and 4 comparison (delayed intervention) schools. Baseline data
      collection was conducted at the beginning of the school year 2019-2020 in Year 2 with 3rd and
      4th grade children. Students in the intervention schools received the curriculum and school
      garden during that academic school year (Study Year 2). At the end of the school year,
      8-month follow-up assessment was conducted. The main evaluation period is between baseline
      and 8-month follow-up, and the statistical analysis methods estimate the differential change
      in outcome measures (healthy eating and gardening).

      Not part of the clinical trial, the study continued in the next school year (2020-2021). At
      the beginning of Study Year 3, the comparison schools were scheduled to receive the delayed
      intervention. During Study Year 3, it was planned to conduct quarterly community gardening
      workshops for adult family members in all schools. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a series of
      10 video workshops were produced and made available via YouTube. Attendance/Views were
      tracked. A final assessment survey was conducted at the end of that school year (in 2021) in
      all 6 schools to allow additional descriptive analyses.
    

Intervention name(s): Behavioral Gardening Exposure; Healthy Eating and Gardening Curriculum
Intervention type(s): Behavioral; Behavioral
Intervention description(s): Assistance provided with planting and maintaining the school garden; 14 to 17 lessons (about 45 minutes each) throughout the school year, during the normal school day, that are focused on healthy eating and gardening, coordinated with the growing season
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Intervention model description: Group Randomized Trial
Masking: Single (Outcomes Assessor)
Primary purpose: Prevention