Participatory Policy Development in a Northern New Mexico Community

We report results of a one-year, participatory policy study in two school districts in a northern New Mexico community that is predominantly Hispanic with high poverty and obesity rates. Background: Local, community-based health planning partnerships are key participants and leaders in addressing social and health problems in their communities. Less well understood however is how these partnerships influence systems changes, and specifically local social or health policy. We are a university-community-agency collaboration currently engaged in a participatory research policy study to examine local school wellness policies related to physical activity and nutrition. Methods: We examined formal and informal school-based nutrition and physical education policies, through a participatory research process. Partners conducted a policy scan of school wellness policy and interviews with key school personnel to learn about formal and informal nutrition and physical activity policies. Partners also conducted two focus groups with middle school and high school students to examine how school policies influence students' eating and physical activity during the school day. Research partners have participated in various tasks and phases of the study, determined by interest, skill, and comfort level. Contribution: The systematic exploration of how partnerships influence systems change is particularly relevant in an era of a growing commitment to developing upstream approaches. Integrating participatory approaches into practice-based research can build community capacity to address public health problems. This participatory process also helps link research and practice and creates learning opportunities for community, agency, and university partners who are involved in creating healthy public policy.