A Participatory Evaluation of an Urban Garden Project in Ecuador
Exploring Factors That Impact the Recovery of People With Severe Mental Health Problems
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 14993825 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Emilia C Zamora-Moncayo (0000-0001-6565-4564, Escuela de Psicología, Universidad de las Américas, Quito, Ecuador, corresponding author), Bernarda Herrera (SHM Foundation, London, UK), June Larrieta (0000-0002-0845-3210, SHM Foundation, London, UK), Aimée DuBois (Huertomanías, Nayón, Ecuador), Georgina Miguel Esponda (0000-0001-5616-191X, SHM Foundation, London, UK) |
| Year | 2024 |
| Volume | 34 |
| Issue | 14 |
| Pages | 1472-1485 |
| Publication date | 2024-12-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Qualitative Health Research (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1049-7323 • E-ISSN: 1552-7557 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/10497323241245867 |
| PMID | 39030699 |
| OpenAlex | W4400855795 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 29 |
For the past years, Ecuador has been transitioning away from a hospital-based model of mental healthcare to one that is community-centred. However, challenges associated with hospital-based models endure, notably financial burden faced by those with severe mental health problems (SMHPs) due to labour market discrimination. Employment access for this group is often disregarded in policy planning, despite evidence of its benefits on mental health. Huertomanías, an urban garden initiative in Ecuador founded in 2015, works with individuals with SMHPs, providing work, income, and social inclusion. A case study using a participatory approach was carried out to explore factors that impact the recovery of people with SMHPs. Twelve participants engaged in diverse stages of the research, where several participatory activities were conducted including cognitive mapping, a photovoice project, and interviews. The analysis employed a thematic approach leading to four categories of impact within the urban garden: autonomy (financial and personal), interpersonal relations and relation with the environment, mental health, and family dynamics. A final category of impact was established encompassing external factors ( family support and public policy and healthcare services) that influence recovery. Findings suggest that the urban garden promotes autonomy and active participation within society, improves mental health, and transforms family dynamics. Further, this study highlights the importance of community-based mental healthcare (CBMHC), emphasising the need of public policies and healthcare in promoting autonomy through employment and community-centred services. Lastly, the study contributes insights into recovery experiences and CBMHC benefits, informing programme development and similar initiatives in Latin America
Autonomy · Citizen journalism · Economic growth · Mental health · Participatory action research · Political science · Psychiatry · Public relations · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · Thematic analysis · Community Health and Development · Medicine · Nursing · Participatory Visual Research Methods · Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction · Psychology
Recovery and Severe Mental Illness
Supported employment for people with severe mental illness
Gardening as a mental health intervention
Landscape and well-being
Social identity makes group-based social connection possible
Case Study Research
Using the framework method for the analysis of qualitative data in multi-disciplinary health research
Photovoice
Participatory Research Methods – Choice Points in the Research Process
The Power and the Promise
Increasing Social Support for Individuals with Serious Mental Illness
New Roads Paved on Losses
Photovoice as a Social Process of Critical Consciousness
Cómo encontrar un lugar en el mundo
| Highly cited | No |
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