State and local health departments collaborate to promote healthy weight in women of reproductive age in Massachusetts

Patterns of weight gain before, during and after pregnancy are associated with poor birth outcomes and contribute to long-term negative health outcomes for women and their children. Adverse pregnancy outcomes linked to maternal obesity include infertility, pregnancy and labor complications, fetal/infant death, low birthweight, prematurity, birth defects, gestational diabetes, maternal mental health, decreased breastfeeding and childhood obesity. Concern about increasing rates of obesity and decreased physical activity in Boston, Massachusetts, especially among African American and Hispanic residents, prompted both city and state officials to prioritize addressing obesity, yet there has been little coordination between state and community efforts.

In order to participate in the CityMatCH/AMCHP Healthy Weight in Women of Reproductive Age Action Learning Collaborative (HWALC), a state-local team was formed comprised of staff from Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC), Masschusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), and partners from community health centers and academic institutions. The team developed an action plan building upon strengths and assets of each partner. The MDPH provided state level data and technical assistance to analyze this data; the BPHC engaged community partners to recruit women for focus groups; students and staff from academic institutions participated in key informant interviews and provided insight into data collected; and, community partners offered resources, insight and logistical help in developing, conducting, analyzing and producing a report. Through the state-local collaboration, the Boston team has effectively combined quantitative state data with qualitative data from Boston focus groups to develop recommendations for addressing healthy weight in women of reproductive age.