Assessing community readiness for childhood obesity prevention: Findings from Georgia

Background: Numerous coalitions efforts have led to documented impact on community health and disease prevention through policy, systems, and environmental change approaches. In Georgia, little is known about the number of coalitions at work or their readiness and capacity to implement evidence-based childhood obesity prevention strategies.

Study Aim: In 2012, researchers identified community coalitions in Georgia focused on childhood obesity prevention.  The Community Readiness Model (CRM) was used to assess the readiness of communities to implement childhood obesity prevention programs and policies. This study presents the findings of this assessment.

Methods: A total of 15 community coalitions were identified statewide. Seventy-nine key informant interviews were conducted across these communities by trained interviewers using a structured interview assessing six dimensions of readiness. Data were analyzed using qualitative methods.  

Results: Community readiness scores ranged from 2.8 to 5.1 on a 9-point scale with two-thirds of the communities scoring between 4.0 and 4.9, the preplanning stage. This stage suggested communities recognized a need for action and begun to organize some strategies. Additional stages represented across scores included denial/resistance (little recognition that the problem is occurring locally); vague awareness (a local concern, but no immediate motivation to address it); and preparation (active leaders with modest support of efforts).

Discussion: Fifteen counties out of 159 in Georgia have established coalitions dedicated to childhood obesity prevention. There is a need for state action to catalyze efforts to support the establishment of additional coalitions and build capacity and readiness to implement childhood obesity prevention programs and policies.