As investments are made to engage communities in childhood obesity prevention efforts, an approach to better understand local communities' readiness to implement evidence-based strategies is needed. The Community Readiness Model (CRM) was used to assess the readiness of 15 communities in Georgia actively working to prevent childhood obesity. Seventy-nine key informant interviews were conducted assessing six dimensions of readiness. Data were analyzed and scored using the CRM protocol. Overall community readiness scores ranged from 2.8 to 5.1 on a 9-point scale. The mean readiness score, 4.3 (SD = 0.5) corresponds with a preplanning level of readiness. Findings suggest that communities are recognizing the problem, organizing stakeholders, and beginning to develop solutions. There is a need for funders to match their community-based funding initiatives with the readiness levels of the communities being supported. Communities should focus their attention to the six dimensions of readiness while utilizing evidence-based frameworks and guidance on prevention.
Physical inactivity among children is a public health problem associated with low levels of fitness, obesity, and increased risk of chronic diseases. Public health experts have identified policies targeting physical activity as a promising strategy to address this challenge. Understanding the process by which such policies are adopted may help to facilitate progress nationally. To examine lessons learned from the passage of the Student Health and Physical Education Act in Georgia, we conducted 15 interviews with people engaged in the adoption of the act. We found that several factors were vital to policy adoption: a shifting social and political climate, the organization and mobilization of diverse partners behind a common agenda, and the development of strategies to overcome impediments to legislative progress. These findings suggest that engagement and cooperation with partners, establishment of mutual interests as a basis for collaboration, and grassroots outreach and advocacy can facilitate adoption of policies that promote physical activity.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.