Characterization of a Regional Childhood Obesity Prevention and Treatment System

Child Obes. 2021 Jun;17(4):291-297. doi: 10.1089/chi.2020.0294. Epub 2021 Mar 31.

Abstract

This project characterized the system of childhood obesity-related programs and functions based on a socioecological framework within the Kansas City region to determine strengths, weaknesses, and leverage points for informing collective impact. A mixed-method approach was employed to identify and collect data ∼260 childhood obesity-related programs provided by 89 organizations. Findings indicated no major gaps in population or location served although few programs specifically focused on service to minority groups or neighborhoods. The region has many programs working within the system, yet the distribution of programs does not occur as expected throughout the dimensions of a standard socioecological model or community health system. In addition, several organizations perform certain leadership functions such as coordination, resource allocation, or monitoring, but none perform all, indicating the lack of a traditional "backbone" organization. These findings demonstrate how a region's childhood obesity prevention and treatment programs can be evaluated using a socioecological framework.

Keywords: obesity; public health; systems.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Humans
  • Minority Groups
  • Pediatric Obesity* / epidemiology
  • Pediatric Obesity* / prevention & control
  • Residence Characteristics