267259 Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity (DNPAO) Health Equity Resource Toolkit: A Framework for Addressing Obesity Disparities through a Health Equity Lens

Wednesday, October 31, 2012 : 11:10 AM - 11:30 AM

Gayle Payne, PhD , Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Stephen James Jr., MPH , Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, SciMetrika, LLC, Research Triangle Park, NC
Lisa Hawley, MPH , Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, SciMetrika, LLC, Research Triangle Park, NC
Rachel Kramer, MPH , Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences, SciMetrika, LLC, Research Triangle Park, NC
Alicia Hunter, JD, MSW , Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Yvonne Wasilewski, PhD, MPH , Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, SciMetrika, LLC, Research Triangle Park, NC
     
Introduction. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity (DNPAO) seeks to build and enhance state capacity to effectively address nutrition, physical activity, and obesity-related health disparities. DNPAO recently developed the Obesity Health Equity Resource Toolkit for state health departments and their partners, an innovative resource emphasizing solutions to mitigate the obesity epidemic.

Methods. DNPAO convened an expert panel to explore policy, systems, and environmental approaches and social determinants of obesity among disparate populations. Outcomes from the panel discussions have informed the development of the Toolkit.

Results. The Toolkit presents a 6-step planning framework to guide the implementation of effective responses to obesity in populations facing health disparities. The Toolkit highlights conceptual frameworks and processes, such as the Social Ecological Model, as well as evidence-informed and practice-based examples of strategies for eliminating obesity health disparities. Each toolkit section contains, 1) a description of the process and actions to help address obesity disparities, 2) practical tools for carrying out activities to help reduce obesity disparities, and 3) a case study of a successful effort with a focus on health equity.

Discussion. The Toolkit will be disseminated to practitioners through the DNPAO and Center TRT websites, various listservs and social media sites, and at conferences and trainings. This tool provides public health practitioners with guidance on how to better achieve health equity in underserved communities.

Learning Areas:
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Diversity and culture
Program planning
Public health or related organizational policy, standards, or other guidelines

Learning Objectives:
1. To explain the development and utility of the Obesity Health Equity Resource Toolkit. 2. To identify evidence-informed and practice-based examples of strategies states and communities have employed to eliminate obesity health disparities, including increasing access to healthy foods and beverages and improving access to safe physical activity environments. 3. To list resources available for the promotion of health equity through change at the policy, systems, and environmental levels.

Keywords: Obesity, Health Disparities

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been the project manager overseeing the development of multiple toolkits in conjunction with CDC. I was involved in planning the expert panel that informed the Obesity Health Equity Resource Toolkit, have been continually involved with the development of the toolkit, and prioritized revisions from multiple stakeholders. All of these activities were conducted in collaboration with CDC Division of Nutrition, Physical Actvity and Obesity.
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.

Back to: 5125.0: Evidence-based Obesity Prevention Strategies for Policy, Systems, and Environmental Changes