P157 THE USE OF PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH TO PROMOTE INCREASED CONSUMPTION OF VEGETABLES AMONG AFRICAN WOMEN WITH/AT RISK OF HYPERTENSION IN GQEBERHA, SOUTH AFRICA

Background and objectives: Poor vegetable and fruit intake are reported in multiple studies of the South African population, especially among people with less income and lower educational status and it is a known risk factor for non-communicable diseases such as hypertension. “South Africa has one of the highest levels of hypertension globally, coupled with poor rates of diagnosis, treatment and control” Ware et al., (2019). It has been suggested that indigenous vegetables may aid in increasing vegetable intake, a recommendation of the South African Food Based Dietary Guidelines. As urbanisation and the nutrition transition increases in South Africa, the loss of indigenous knowledge and utilisation of indigenous vegetables is significant and is worse compared to countries such as Kenya and Tanzania. The aim of this study was to collaboratively promote the use of indigenous vegetables by African women in a peri-urban area with/at risk of hypertension with the goal of improving agency to increase vegetable intake. Methods: A qualitative participatory action research (PAR) methodology was utilised. African adult women with hypertension or at risk of hypertension were recruited from a local healthcare facility for a one year long project, with a total enrolment of 12-24 participants. Data collection included observations, focus groups, key informant interviews and the research journal of the researcher. Results: Participants worked collaboratively to co-construct relevant nutrition education materials, recipe development using local indigenous vegetables, clinic open day and a seminar for other community members. There was greater uptake of vegetable gardening at home and at the local community centre. Conclusions: using PAR methodologies to address inadequate vegetable intake and promote the use of indigenous vegetable crops may benefit personal agency which includes an individual's perceptions about how much control they have over themselves and their environment, in order to carry out a certain behaviour; self-confidence or efficacy; the ability to self-regulate and monitor behaviour and the ability to identify and use good coping skills.