Youth nutrition and physical activity asset mapping project

The growing obesity epidemic remains a critical public health issue in American youth today (particularly in Long Beach, California). Related interventions are varied and debatable, ranging from individual to multi-level approaches. This pilot project represents a youth-driven community assessment that provides concrete knowledge of the environmental promoters and barriers to healthy eating and physical activity in Central Long Beach using GIS mapping and Photovoice. The three project aims are: (1) To create visual asset maps that identify promoters and barriers; (2) To develop youth advocates for healthy eating and physical activity; and (3) To develop recommendations that are a call to action. Twenty-four low-income, inner-city youth were recruited from two local programs that primarily target Cambodian youth. These individuals were trained in GIS mapping and Photovoice methodologies in order to: (1) Perform supervised street-by-street mappings using GPS devices and cameras; (2) Develop Photovoice vignettes that complement the GIS maps; and (3) Present project findings to community stakeholders and policymakers. Youth participants revealed the interweaving of multiple issues at a socioecological level (e.g., safety, availability of and access to resources). Although spaces for healthy eating and physical activity are available, but limited, in Central Long Beach, these same venues also serve as barriers when considering issues of accessibility, affordability and practicality. Youth participants were empowered to become advocates for healthy eating and physical activity within their community, revealing the potential for greater capacity building. (This study was funded by the UCLA Center for Community Partnerships.)