238014 Role of community collaboration in addressing childhood obesity

Monday, October 31, 2011: 5:00 PM

Hannah Laughlin, MPH , Community Health, Indiana University Health Bloomington, Bloomington, IN
Catherine Sherwood-Laughlin, HSD, MPH , Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Scot Moore, MD , Southern Indiana Pediatrics, Bloomington, IN
Lindsay Buuck , City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation, Bloomington, IN
Stacey Matavuli, MEd, RD, CD , Community Health, Indiana University Health Bloomington, Bloomington, IN
Samantha Schaefer, MS, RD, CD , Community Health, Indiana University Health Bloomington, Bloomington, IN
Jean Sherfick , Early Childhood and Family, Monroe County YMCA, Bloomington, IN
Danielle Neukam , Applied Health Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Jessica Bare , AmeriCorps Improving Health Throughout Indiana, Indiana University Health Bloomington, Bloomington, IN
Ann Moore, PhD, HSPP , Clinical Psychologist, Bloomington, IN
                 
Introduction: Addressing the issue of childhood obesity is an important issue in public health. Pediatric weight managements programs are often clinical; however there is a need to involve community organizations for a comprehensive approach. By involving community-based partners, G.O.A.L. is fostering healthy communities through collaboration for promotion of healthy minds and bodies to not only the G.O.A.L. families but also the community partners. Information about the planning, implementation and assessment of the program will be presented.

Methods: The G.O.A.L. (Get Onboard Active Living) program began in August 2010 and is a free, family-focused community approach to decreasing childhood obesity and encouraging healthy lifestyles for children and their families. G.O.A.L. is a 24-week cooperative and comprehensive effort that includes eight community partners providing medical, behavioral, nutrition, exercise and community education and support. Children and their families were evaluated throughout to document changes in awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and skills related to healthy behaviors.

Results: At the end of the program, 66.7% of children had a decreased BMI. Sixty-nine percent of children reported eating at least two fruits and two vegetables each day. Over three-fourths of children reported that they were sure they could exercise after school instead of watching television and 91.6% reported feeling better about their body .

Discussion: The dynamic relationship between the community-based partners, including a local hospital, YMCA, public schools, and a state university, may be an innovative model to increase the success of the families towards the goal of leading a healthier life and reducing obesity.

Learning Areas:
Administer health education strategies, interventions and programs
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs

Learning Objectives:
Explain the successes and lessons learned related to community-based pediatric weight management programs. Explain the importance of community-based collaboration for planning, implementation, and evaluation of a free pediatric weight management program. Identify the participants’ outcomes related to the specific changes that support a healthier lifestyle and reduce obesity.

Keywords: Community Collaboration, Obesity

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: In May 2010, Hannah started her career in public health to address issues of obesity in Indiana. She has researched, developed and implemented a pediatric weight management program, G.O.A.L. (Get Onboard Active Living), to teach overweight or obese children about healthy eating, physical activity, feelings and community resources. She also works with the local school systems on coordinated school health initiatives and is developing an action plan for obesity prevention through policy and environmental change for IU Health Bloomington. Her areas of interest include obesity, pediatric health and community-based programming.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Academic-community partnerships: the good, the bad, and the ugly
See more of: Community-Based Public Health Caucus