Eat...Play...Move: A CBPR Plan to Promote Healthy Eating, Cooperative Play and Active Movement in Disadvantaged School Children

Background. The childhood obesity epidemic has reached a crisis. One in every 3 children in America ages 2-19 is overweight or obese facing inevitable consequences. Obesity is particularly disproportionate in communities of color. The problem calls for a collaborative approach from a variety of stakeholders. The Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) methodology allows the involvement of researchers, service providers, and the underserved. A collaboration between public health nurse researchers and the schools provides the optimum environment to improve health. Description. This project used a CBPR approach to foster an ongoing relationship in a charter elementary school proximal to the college. The collaboration consisted of school staff including teachers, the school administrator, social worker, nurse, chef and ultimately parents in this disadvantaged community focusing on healthy eating, play and exercise. The interdisciplinary college team began with a focus group of school staff discussing common needs and potential solutions that could be developed in the school. The school staff identified potential interventions and activities collaboratively with the researchers. An XBox Kinect was purchased for the school and school menus were targeted for interventions. Ultimately, a community health fair is jointly planned for Spring 2012. Results. The team met routinely and instituted planned activities in conjunction with the school staff. Plans are ongoing for a school-wide community health fair focusing on the goals of "healthy eating, cooperative play, and active movement" derived from the focus group analysis. Recommendations. Collaboration between researchers and community partners can promote health in the community setting.