Provider Communication and Role Modeling Related to Patients' Perceptions and Use of a Federally Qualified Health Center–Based Farmers' Market. Issue 2 (March 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Friedman, Daniela B.; Freedman, Darcy A.; Choi, Seul Ki; Anadu, Edith C.; Brandt, Heather M.; Carvalho, Natalia; Hurley, Thomas G.; Young, Vicki M.; Hébert, James R.
• Is Part Of: Health promotion practice. Volume 15:Issue 2(2014:Mar.)
• Page Start: 288
• Page End: 297
• Publication Date: 2014-03
• Subjects: federally qualified health center -- farmers' market -- diabetes -- obesity prevention -- patient-provider communication -- communication intervention; Health promotion -- Periodicals; Health promotion -- United States -- Periodicals; Health education -- Periodicals; Health education -- United States -- Periodicals; 613
• DOI: 10.1177/1524839913500050
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1524-8399

Abstract

Farmers' markets have the potential to improve the health of underserved communities, shape people's perceptions, values, and behaviors about healthy eating, and serve as a social space for both community members and vendors. This study explored the influence of health care provider communication and role modeling for diabetic patients within the context of a farmers' market located at a federally qualified health center. Although provider communication about diet decreased over time, communication strategies included: providing patients with "prescriptions" and vouchers for market purchases; educating patients about diet; and modeling healthy purchases. Data from patient interviews and provider surveys revealed that patients enjoyed social aspects of the market including interactions with their health care provider, and providers distributed prescriptions and vouchers to patients, shopped at the market, and believed that the market had potential to improve the health of staff and patients of the federally qualified health center. Provider modeling of healthy behaviors may influence patients' food-related perceptions and dietary behaviors.