Mobilizing community based organizations to address obesity: Our communities, Our issues, Our solutions

Objectives: 1) To identify attitudes towards socio-economic barriers giving rise to high risk obesity related behaviors among predominantly African American (AA) neighborhoods with high obesity prevalence in the Houston metropolitan area served by the Houston Area Urban League (HAUL); 2) To describe the relationship between high risk obesity related behaviors and intergenerational messages coupled with values among our AA populations; 3) To develop prevention strategies, education tools, and resources targeting obesity, tailored to the communities served. Methods: Using a Community Based Participatory Research (CPBR) framework, the HAUL research team, comprised of public health professionals, local policy makers, physicians, and community leaders, will facilitate focus groups with community members accessing HAUL services. Focus group results will be used to develop a larger population based survey to further investigate obesity related risk factors. Use of Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping will identify resources (parks, fitness centers, healthy food markets, health clinics, etc.) in the residential communities of the target population. Results: Anticipated results will identify individual, cultural and societal factors contributing to obesity. These results will guide the development of the “HAUL Healthy Houston Initiative”, a pilot program seeking to increase healthy decision making and access to wellness services among AAs. Conclusion: “HAUL Healthy Houston Initiative” is the initial course of action in addressing societal factors, renowned for breeding social injustice commonplace in AA populations. Our goal is to expand the Urban League movement's efficacy by identifying data that will combat social injustices while strengthening the core of the communities we serve.