A Systems-oriented Analysis of Two Multilevel, Multisector Childhood Obesity Prevention and Control Projects

Project Lead: Emmeline Chuang, PhD

Description

To more effectively prevent and control childhood obesity, federal agencies in the U.S. have begun to promote multilevel, multisector approaches that focus on changing not just individual behavior but the broader sociophysical environment in which children leave, learn, eat, and play. 

The long-term success of such approaches depends not only on their efficacy, but on the strategies through which they are implemented and sustained. This study uses a convergent mixed methods design to document intervention activities and identify determinants of implementation effectiveness in two of three state sites (MA and CA) implementing multilevel, multisector interventions as part of the Childhood Obesity Research Demonstration (CORD) project. 

By systematically examining the processes, activities, and resources affecting intervention uptake, this study will contribute to knowledge about how to effectively implement socioecological approaches to child obesity prevention and control.

Sample Presentations:

• Schmied E, Chuang E, Moody J, Ibarra L, Full K, Ayala G. Engaging partners and participants to promote sustainability of a multi-sector, multi-level childhood obesity intervention. Poster presentation at the Art & Science of Health Promotion Conference. (April, 2015).
• Ganter C, Aftosmes-Tobio A, Chuang E, Land T, Davison K. Stakeholders’ perspectives on the effect of a multi-level, multi-sector intervention on parent engagement in and awareness of childhood obesity prevention and control. Oral presentation at the Experimental Biology conference. (March, 2015). 
• Gehre C, Aftosmes-Tobio A, Chuang E, Land T, Davison K. Key stakeholders’ perception of major factors influencing childhood obesity and persisting gaps: A qualitative approach in two low-income communities. Poster presentation at the International Society for Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity Annual Meeting. (May, 2014). 

Sample Publications:

• Chuang E, Ayala GX, Schmied E, Ganter C, Gittelsohn J, Davison K. (2015). Evaluation protocol to assess an integrated framework for the implementation of the Childhood Obesity Research Demonstration project at the California (CA-CORD) and Massachusetts (MA-CORD) sites. Childhood Obesity, 11(1), 48-57.
• Ayala GX, Ibarra L, Binggeli-Vallarta A, Moody J, McKenzie T, Angulo J, Hoyt H, Chuang E, Ganiats T, Gahagan S, Ji M, Zive M, Schmied E, Arredondo E, Elder J. (2015). Our Choice/Nuestra Opción: The Imperial County, California Childhood Obesity Research Demonstration Study (CA-CORD). Childhood Obesity, 11(1), 37-47.
• Ganter C, Chuang E, Blaine R, Aftosmes-Tobio A, Giannetti M, Hamel P, Land T, & Davison K. (2015). Community stakeholders’ perceptions of barriers to childhood obesity prevention in low-income families, Massachusetts 2012-2013. Preventing Chronic Disease, 12:140371

Additional Information:
To learn more, please email the Global Obesity Prevention Center at Johns Hopkins here.