The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

3346.0: Monday, November 17, 2003 - 4:42 PM

Abstract #57084

Building and maintaining a state legislation database for nutrition and physical activity

David Ramsey, MPH, CHES and Tracey Teuber, MPH. Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway NE, Mailstop k-24, Atlanta, GA 30341

Background: The Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity (DNPA/CDC) has created a web-based searchable database which tracks state based nutrition and physical activity bills and legislation and provides information to users. Most states have passed some type of nutrition and/or physical activity legislation. This database comprehensively tracks state nutrition and physical activity legislation.

Theoretical Foundation: The premise of this project is to provide a searchable database of legislative activity to inform the user of nutrition and physical activity related policies introduced, passed, or pending in the state legislatures. This information may be accessed by end users to initiate legislation in their locale.

Objectives: The primary objectives for this project are: 1) Design and construct a nutrition and physical activity state legislation database to permit the user to search, using at least one search tool; 2) Test the concept and design with users; 3) Provide access to abstracted overviews of state bills, and links to the respective state legislature site for full-text access; 4) Evaluate the usefulness of the state legislation database over time.

Evaluation measures: A formative evaluation was conducted to assess usability prior to the construction of the site. A segment of potential users were asked to assess the final database for usability prior to its public release. Evaluation of long-term use is under development.

Learning Objectives:

Keywords: Legislative, Internet

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Preventing Overweight and Obesity: Policy and Environmental Approaches

The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA