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Koivusilta L, Alanne S, Kamila M, Ståhl T. A qualitative study on multisector activities to prevent childhood obesity in the municipality of Seinäjoki, Finland. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1298. [PMID: 35794541 PMCID: PMC9258052 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13658-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Multisector activities are needed to prevent childhood obesity due to its multifactorial background. The first aim was to identify the activities that had been undertaken for obesity prevention and deduce their main targets. Second, we analyzed the public health policy approaches (upstream, midstream, and downstream) which were followed. Finally, we studied the perception of interviewees regarding their sectors’ roles in implementing the local obesity program. Methods Deductive content analysis was used to analyze semi-structured interviews with 34 key professionals (from seven administrative sectors) who had participated in multisector health promotion during 2009–2016 and five representatives of other core parties. Results Several midstream and upstream activities were targeted at making physical activity (PA) and healthy eating (HE) integral parts of children’s lifestyle. One long-term strategy was to create environments for PA accessible to every inhabitant and build and renovate the interiors and yards of schools and day-care centers. The healthiness of meals was increased progressively. In addition to midstream and upstream activities, as a downstream activity, an intervention targeting children at risk of obesity was implemented. The impact of management on the activities was considerable; childhood obesity prevention was included in the city strategy and systematically coordinated at the highest managerial level. Altogether, various sectors operated efficiently to promote obesity-preventing lifestyles; however, not all (important) sectors recognized their role in the multisector process. Conclusion Most of the activities to guide children towards obesity-preventing lifestyles were either at the midstream or upstream level. Among the latter, considerable work is aimed at creating opportunities to practice PA and making it a natural part of the daily life. The aim of familiarizing children with lifestyles that include PA and HE was shared across sectors, including sectors that had not yet acknowledged their role in obesity prevention. Strong support from city management and systematic coordination of the activity are important factors that contribute to the engagement of several administrative sectors in working towards a shared aim, such as the prevention of childhood obesity.
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Pereira M, Padez C, Nogueira H. Municipal health promotion programs: is childhood obesity a concern at local level in Portugal? Health Promot Int 2021; 37:6220448. [PMID: 33842966 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daab044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Health promotion programs, targeted at distinct health outcomes such as childhood obesity, at local level are increasingly used worldwide. Therefore, there is a need to better understand the role of local governments (municipalities) as key public health promoters namely in the prevention of obesity in children. We aimed to provide some input regarding this issue in Portugal. First, we identified health-enhancing programs promoted by Portuguese municipalities in which children could participate. Then, we conducted a document analysis to provide clues about how municipalities conceptualized child health by retrieving information on which topics the programs were focused in, or acted upon, and identifying which socio-ecological model levels were addressed (or not) by each program. The 77 identified programs were promoted by 30 of the 308 Portuguese municipalities and only 11 programs addressed childhood obesity. Most programs focused in the individual health determinants and provided limited information which disabled its deeper analysis. Portuguese municipalities seem to disregard their potential as public health promoters. Childhood obesity is a major public health concern at national (and global) level but the same does not emerge locally. Municipalities are the closest government entities to the population, and it is their responsibility to ensure the population's quality of life, by addressing the social determinants and the physical environments. Therefore, municipalities should acknowledge health in their actions and delineate health improvement programs considering current evidence, specifically in the case of childhood obesity prevention that besides being a health problem in itself, is a risk factor for non-communicable diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarida Pereira
- Department of Life Sciences, Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, Edifício de São Bento, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Cristina Padez
- Department of Life Sciences, Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, Edifício de São Bento, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Helena Nogueira
- Department of Life Sciences, Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, Edifício de São Bento, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
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Barriers and facilitators to implementing a healthier food outlet initiative: perspectives from local governments. Public Health Nutr 2020; 24:2758-2770. [PMID: 32895071 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980020002323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Local governments have integral roles in contributing to public health. One recent focus has been on how local governments can impact community nutrition by engaging food service outlets to improve their food offer. The Healthier Catering Commitment (HCC) is an initiative where London local governments support takeaways and restaurants to meet centrally defined nutrition criteria on their food options. Using the case of HCC, the current study aims to provide (1) practical learnings of how local governments could facilitate and overcome barriers associated with implementing healthy food service initiatives in general, and (2) specific recommendations for enhancements for HCC. DESIGN Key informant, semi-structured interviews were conducted with local government staff involved in HCC, exploring barriers and facilitators to HCC implementation in food businesses. A thematic analysis approach was used, with results presented according to a logic pathway of ideal implementation in order to provide practical, focused insights. SETTING Local governments implementing HCC. PARTICIPANTS Twenty-two individuals supporting HCC implementation. RESULTS Facilitators to implementation included flexible approaches, shared resourcing and strategically engaging businesses with practical demonstrations. Barriers were limited resources, businesses fearing negative customer responses and low uptake in disadvantaged areas. Key suggestions to enhance implementation and impact included offering additional incentives, increasing HCC awareness and encouraging recruited businesses to make healthy changes beyond initiative requirements. CONCLUSIONS In order to facilitate the implementation of healthy food initiatives in food outlets, local governments would benefit from involving their environmental health team, employing community-tailored approaches and focusing on supporting businesses in disadvantaged areas.
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Moore LV, Carlson SA, Onufrak S, Carroll DD, Galuska D. Development and implementation of a local government survey to measure community supports for healthy eating and active living. Prev Med Rep 2017; 6:74-79. [PMID: 28271024 PMCID: PMC5329065 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2017.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Revised: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to make healthy choices is influenced by where one lives, works, shops, and plays. Locally enacted policies and standards can influence these surroundings but little is known about the prevalence of such policies and standards that support healthier behaviors. In this paper, we describe the development of a survey questionnaire designed to capture local level policy supports for healthy eating and active living and findings and lessons learned from a 2012 pilot in two states, Minnesota and California, including respondent burden, survey sampling and administration methods, and survey item feasibility issues. A 38-item, web-based, self-administered survey and sampling frame were developed to assess the prevalence of 22 types of healthy eating and active living policies in a representative sample of local governments in the two states. The majority of respondents indicated the survey required minimal effort to complete with half taking < 20 min to complete the survey. A non-response follow-up plan including emails and phone calls was required to achieve a 68% response rate (versus a 37% response rate for email only reminders). Local governments with larger residential populations reported having healthy eating and active living policies and standards more often than smaller governments. Policies that support active living were more common than those that support healthy eating and varied within the two states. The methods we developed are a feasible data collection tool for estimating the prevalence of municipal healthy eating and active living policies and standards at the state and national level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Latetia V Moore
- Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Susan A Carlson
- Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Stephen Onufrak
- Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Dianna D Carroll
- Division of Human Development and Disability, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Commissioned Corps, U.S. Public Health Service, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Deborah Galuska
- Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
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Kelly PM, Davies A, Greig AJM, Lee KK. Obesity Prevention in a City State: Lessons from New York City during the Bloomberg Administration. Front Public Health 2016; 4:60. [PMID: 27064755 PMCID: PMC4812825 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2016.00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To illuminate the key components of multi-sector reform to address the obesogenic environment in New York City during the administration of Mayor Michael Bloomberg from 2002 to 2013, we conducted a case study consisting of interviews with and a critical analysis of the experiences of leading decision makers and implementers. Method Key informant interviews (N = 41) conducted in 2014 were recorded, transcribed, coded, and thematically analyzed. Participants included officials from the Health Department and other New York City Government agencies, academics, civil society members, and private sector executives. Results Participants described Mayor Bloomberg as a data-driven politician who wanted to improve the lives of New Yorkers. He appointed talented Commissioners and encouraged them and their staff to be bold, innovative, and collaborative. Multiple programs spanning multiple sectors, with varied approaches and targets, were supported. This study found that much of the work relied on loose coalitions across City Government, with single agencies responsible for their own agendas, some with health co-benefits. Many policies were implemented through non-legislative mechanisms such as executive orders and the Health Code. Despite support from academic and some civil society groups, strong lobbying from industry and an unfavorable media led to some reforms being modified, legally challenged or blocked completely, particularly food environment modifiers. In contrast, reforms of the physical environment were described as highly consultative across and outside government and resulted in slower but more sustained reform. Conclusion The Bloomberg administration was a “window of opportunity” with the imprimatur of the executive to progress a long-term, multi-faceted obesity prevention strategy, which has successfully reversed childhood trends. Through the involvement of external researchers and the extensive use of empirical data from a wide range of participants, this study offers a unique insight into the ways in which this was achieved. While some of the aspects of the reforms in New York City are unique to that setting at that time, there are important lessons that are transferable to other urban settings. These include: strong and consistent leadership; a commitment to innovative approaches and cross-sectoral collaboration; and a context to support and encourage this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M Kelly
- ACT Health, Canberra, ACT, Australia; Australian National University Medical School, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | | | - Alexandra J M Greig
- ACT Health, Canberra, ACT, Australia; Department of Health, Australian Government, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Karen K Lee
- Dr. Karen Lee Health+Built Environment+Social Determinants Consulting, New York City, NY, USA; School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Horodyska K, Luszczynska A, Hayes CB, O'Shea MP, Langøien LJ, Roos G, van den Berg M, Hendriksen M, De Bourdeaudhuij I, Brug J. Implementation conditions for diet and physical activity interventions and policies: an umbrella review. BMC Public Health 2015; 15:1250. [PMID: 26678996 PMCID: PMC4683715 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-015-2585-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This umbrella review aimed at identifying evidence-based conditions important for successful implementation of interventions and policies promoting a healthy diet, physical activity (PA), and a reduction in sedentary behaviors (SB). In particular, we examined if the implementation conditions identified were intervention-specific or policy-specific. This study was undertaken as part of the DEterminants of DIet and Physical Activity (DEDIPAC) Knowledge Hub, a joint action as part of the European Joint Programming Initiative a Healthy Diet for a Healthy Life. METHODS A systematic review of reviews and stakeholder documents was conducted. Data from nine scientific literature databases were analyzed (95 documents met the inclusion criteria). Additionally, published documentation of eight major stakeholders (e.g., World Health Organization) were systematically searched (17 documents met the inclusion criteria). The RE-AIM framework was used to categorize elicited conditions. Across the implementation conditions 25 % were identified in at least four documents and were subsequently classified as having obtained sufficient support. RESULTS We identified 312 potential conditions relevant for successful implementation; 83 of these received sufficient support. Using the RE-AIM framework eight implementation conditions that obtained support referred to the reach in the target population; five addressed efficacy of implementation processes; 24 concerned adoption by the target staff, setting, or institutions; 43 referred to consistency, costs, and adaptations made in the implementation process; three addressed maintenance of effects over time. The vast majority of implementation conditions (87.9 %; 73 of 83) were supported by documents referring to both interventions and policies. There were seven policy-specific implementation conditions, which focused on increasing complexities of coexisting policies/legal instruments and their consequences for implementation, as well as politicians' collaboration in implementation. CONCLUSIONS The use of the proposed list of 83 conditions for successful implementation may enhance the implementation of interventions and policies which pursue identification of the most successful actions aimed at improving diet, PA and reducing SB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Horodyska
- Department of Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, 30b Ostrowskiego St, 53238, Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Aleksandra Luszczynska
- Department of Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, 30b Ostrowskiego St, 53238, Wroclaw, Poland.
- Trauma, Health, & Hazards Center, University of Colorado, 1861 Austin Bluffs Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO, 80933-7150, USA.
| | - Catherine B Hayes
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Trinity College Dublin, Centre for Health Sciences, Tallaght Hospital, Dublin 24, Ireland.
| | - Miriam P O'Shea
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Trinity College Dublin, Centre for Health Sciences, Tallaght Hospital, Dublin 24, Ireland.
| | - Lars J Langøien
- Department for Physical Education, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, P.O. BOX 4014, Ullevål Stadion, N-0806, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Gun Roos
- SIFO - National Institute for Consumer Research, P.O. BOX 4682, Nydalen, N-0405, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Matthijs van den Berg
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3721, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Marieke Hendriksen
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3721, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Ilse De Bourdeaudhuij
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Ghent University, Watersportlaan 2, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Johannes Brug
- VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Getting food policy on the Mayoral table: a comparison of two election cycles in New York and London. Public Health 2015; 129:295-302. [DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2015.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Reeve B, Ashe M, Farias R, Gostin L. State and municipal innovations in obesity policy: why localities remain a necessary laboratory for innovation. Am J Public Health 2015; 105:442-50. [PMID: 25602886 PMCID: PMC4330836 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2014.302337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Municipal and state governments are surging ahead in obesity prevention, providing a testing ground for innovative policies and shifting social norms in the process. Though high-profile measures such as New York City's soda portion rule attract significant media attention, we catalog the broader array of initiatives in less-known localities. Local innovation advances prevention policy, but faces legal and political constraints-constitutional challenges, preemption, charges of paternalism, lack of evidence, and widening health inequalities. These arguments can be met with astute framing, empirical evidence, and policy design, enabling local governments to remain at the forefront in transforming obesogenic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda Reeve
- Belinda Reeve is with the Faculty of Law, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia. Lawrence Gostin is with the O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law, Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, DC. Marice Ashe and Ruben Farias are with ChangeLab Solutions, Oakland, CA
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Libman K, Freudenberg N, Sanders D, Puoane T, Tsolekile L. The role of urban food policy in preventing diet-related non-communicable diseases in Cape Town and New York. Public Health 2015; 129:327-35. [PMID: 25731129 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2014.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cities are important settings for production and prevention of non-communicable diseases. This article proposes a conceptual framework for identification of opportunities to prevent diet-related non-communicable diseases in cities. It compares two cities, Cape Town in South Africa and New York City in the United States, to illustrate municipal, regional, national and global influences in three policy domains that influence NCDs: product formulation, shaping retail environments and institutional food practices, domains in which each city has taken action. STUDY DESIGN Comparative case study. METHODS Critical analysis of selected published studies and government and non-governmental reports on food policies and systems in Cape Town and New York City. RESULTS While Cape Town and New York City differ in governance, history and culture, both have food systems that make unhealthy food more available in low-income than higher income neighborhoods; cope with food environments in which unhealthy food is increasingly ubiquitous; and have political economies dominated by business and financial sectors. New York City has more authority and resources to take on local influences on food environments but neither city has made progress in addressing deeper social determinants of diet-related NCDs including income inequality, child poverty and the disproportionate political influence of wealthy elites. CONCLUSIONS Through their intimate connections with the daily lives of their residents, municipal governments have the potential to shape environments that promote health. Identifying the specific opportunities to prevent diet-related NCDs in a particular city requires intersectoral and multilevel analyses of the full range of influences on food environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Libman
- University of the Western Cape School of Public Health, Cape Town, South Africa; The City University of New York School of Public Health and Hunter College, New York, NY, United States
| | - N Freudenberg
- University of the Western Cape School of Public Health, Cape Town, South Africa; The City University of New York School of Public Health and Hunter College, New York, NY, United States.
| | - D Sanders
- University of the Western Cape School of Public Health, Cape Town, South Africa; The City University of New York School of Public Health and Hunter College, New York, NY, United States
| | - T Puoane
- University of the Western Cape School of Public Health, Cape Town, South Africa; The City University of New York School of Public Health and Hunter College, New York, NY, United States
| | - L Tsolekile
- University of the Western Cape School of Public Health, Cape Town, South Africa; The City University of New York School of Public Health and Hunter College, New York, NY, United States
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Stakeholder perceptions of obesity-prevention strategies: a comparison of geographically diverse rural counties. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2014; 19:511-20. [PMID: 24080815 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0b013e318289476c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Understanding barriers and facilitators to strategies directed at obesity-prevention policy change, particularly in rural, southern US counties where obesity is more prevalent, is important so that strategies deemed most winnable can be pursued. As such, community stakeholders and policy makers were interviewed using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Common Community Measures for Obesity Prevention Assessment in 2 rural, geographically diverse regions of North Carolina. Stakeholder interviews revealed many similarities despite population differences and unique geographic challenges to each region. In both Western and Eastern North Carolina, strategies involving increasing opportunities for physical activity were deemed the most winnable, whereas strategies incentivizing businesses to locate in underserved areas and limiting advertisements of unhealthy food and beverages were deemed the least winnable. Differences among Western and Eastern North Carolina regions revolved around zoning, geographic constraints, and topographically influenced local food strategies. These findings add to the literature by systemically identifying similarities and differences among geographically diverse rural communities.
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Vallgårda S. Ethics, equality and evidence in health promotion Danish guidelines for municipalities. Scand J Public Health 2014; 42:337-43. [PMID: 24608091 DOI: 10.1177/1403494814525007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AIM The Danish National Board of Health has expressed its commitment to social equality in health, evidence-informed health promotion and public health ethics, and has issued guidelines for municipalities on health promotion, in Danish named prevention packages. The aim of this article is to analyse whether the Board of Health adheres to ideals of equality, evidence and ethics in these guidelines. METHODS An analysis to detect statements about equity, evidence and ethics in 10 health promotion packages directed at municipalities with the aim of guiding the municipalities towards evidence-informed disease prevention and health promotion. RESULTS Despite declared intentions of prioritizing social equality in health, these intentions are largely absent from most of the packages. When health inequalities are mentioned, focus is on the disadvantaged or the marginalized. Several interventions are recommended, where there is no evidence to support them, notwithstanding the ambition of interventions being evidence-informed. Ethical considerations are scanty, scattered and unsystematically integrated. Further, although some packages mention the importance of avoiding stigmatization, there is little indicating how this could be done. CONCLUSIONS Including reduction of health inequalities and evidence-informed and ethically defendable interventions in health promotion is a challenge, which is not yet fully met by the National Board of Health. When judged from liberal ethical principles, only few of the suggested interventions are acceptable, i.e., those concerning information, but from a paternalistic view, all interventions that may actually benefit the citizens are justified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Signild Vallgårda
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Caraher M, O’Keefe E, Lloyd S, Madelin T. The planning system and fast food outlets in London: lessons for health promotion practice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rpsp.2013.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Loureiro MIG, Freudenberg N. Engaging municipalities in community capacity building for childhood obesity control in urban settings. Fam Pract 2012; 29 Suppl 1:i24-30. [PMID: 22399552 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmr076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reducing rates of child obesity requires an approach that transcends the medicalization of overweight. Family practice doctors and public health professionals need to work with other sectors to establish comprehensive approaches to obesity reduction. OBJECTIVES This study compares the approaches of three cities with different health and political systems (Lisbon, London and New York City) to promoting effective action to decrease child obesity. METHODS Using a comparative case study approach, participant observers in three intersectoral municipal collaborative on child obesity describe their challenges and accomplishments. RESULTS Municipal governments made child obesity a policy priority and coordinate efforts in different sectors. Public health provided relevant information on population characteristics and scientific evidence for decision-making, family practice monitored children's growth and assisted families to adopt healthy behaviors. These sectors, together with university-based researchers, also played an advocacy role, addressing inequalities, alerting the public and policy makers about damaging products or risky situations, and regulating private interests that threaten well-being, e.g., the food and beverage industry that promotes unhealthy products. Local, national and global networks of health providers, municipal agencies and researchers have helped to diagnose problems, coordinate action across sectors and levels, share and evaluate successes and failures, translate evidence into practice and promote social cohesion. CONCLUSIONS These cities have developed common approaches and face similar challenges in reducing high rates of child obesity, suggesting that it may be possible for cities in different parts of the world to learn from each other and thus accelerate progress.
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Fleischhacker S, Vu M, Ries A, McPhail A. Engaging tribal leaders in an American Indian healthy eating project through modified talking circles. FAMILY & COMMUNITY HEALTH 2011; 34:202-210. [PMID: 21633212 DOI: 10.1097/fch.0b013e31821960bb] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Frequently used in the American Indian (AI) community and proven to be a valuable tool in health research, a talking circle is a method used by a group to discuss a topic in an egalitarian and nonconfrontational manner. Using community-based participatory research, a modified Talking Circle format was developed for engaging tribal leaders in an American Indian Healthy Eating Project in North Carolina. The culturally informed formative research approach enabled us to garner project support from 7 tribes, as well as insights on developing planning and policy strategies to improve access to healthy eating within each of the participating communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila Fleischhacker
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, 27599, USA.
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