Choice and voice: obesity debates in television news

Bonfiglioli, Catriona; Smith, Benjamin John; King, Lesley; Chapman, Simon; Holding, Simon

doi:10.5694/j.1326-5377.2007.tb01354.x

Cited by 81 publications

(70 citation statements)

References 13 publications

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“…In particular, the 2002 NSW Child Obesity Summit [18] provided a supportive policy context which facilitated the formation of partnerships between survey researchers and EUs, and provided mechanisms and structures (such as the NSW Government Action Plan for Child Obesity Prevention 2003–2007, [16] and a Senior Officers Group with responsibility for overseeing implementation of this plan) which facilitated application of survey findings. In addition, ongoing media coverage of child obesity throughout this period reinforced the political and social relevance of these surveys [25]. …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Utilization of a population health survey in policy and practice: a case study

Laws

King

Hardy

et al. 2013

Health Res Policy Sys

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BackgroundThere is growing interest by funding bodies and researchers in assessing the impact of research on real world policy and practice. Population health monitoring surveys provide an important source of data on the prevalence and patterns of health problems, but few empirical studies have explored if and how such data is used to influence policy or practice decisions. Here we provide a case study analysis of how the findings from an Australian population monitoring survey series of children’s weight and weight-related behaviors (Schools Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey (SPANS)) have been used, and the key facilitators and barriers to their utilization.MethodsData collection included semi-structured interviews with the chief investigators (n = 3) and end-users (n = 9) of SPANS data to explore if, how and under what circumstances the survey findings had been used, bibliometric analysis and verification using documentary evidence. Data analysis involved thematic coding of interview data and triangulation with other data sources to produce case summaries of policy and practice impacts for each of the three survey years (1997, 2004, 2010). Case summaries were then reviewed and discussed by the authors to distil key themes on if, how and why the SPANS findings had been used to guide policy and practice.ResultsWe found that the survey findings were used for agenda setting (raising awareness of issues), identifying areas and target groups for interventions, informing new policies, and supporting and justifying existing policies and programs across a range of sectors. Reported factors influencing use of the findings were: i) the perceived credibility of survey findings; ii) dissemination strategies used; and, iii) a range of contextual factors.ConclusionsUsing a novel approach, our case study provides important new insights into how and under what circumstances population health monitoring data can be used to influence real world policy and practice. The findings highlight the importance of population monitoring programs being conducted by independent credible agencies, researchers engaging end-users from the inception of survey programs and utilizing existing policy networks and structures, and using a range of strategies to disseminate the findings that go beyond traditional peer review publications.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Utilization of a population health survey in policy and practice: a case study

Laws

King

Hardy

et al. 2013

Health Res Policy Sys

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…This finding is perhaps unsurprising given the competing and at times confusing range of messages that are given about obesity from a range of different agencies. Previous studies have highlighted the inaccurate and at times exaggerated information that is communicated about obesity from the media, academics, industry and government [39,40], while research into public health campaigns suggests that individuals may be ‘shutting off’ from obesity messaging strategies which are increasingly based on ‘fear’ and which they consider at best to be irrelevant for their needs and at worst stigmatizing [24,41]. Without a clear understanding of how and why attitudes cluster within different groups, and how and why attitudes may change over time, it will be difficult for public health practitioners to create salient social marketing strategies – that is, messages that are relevant and significant to the target audience [42,43].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Clustering of attitudes towards obesity: a mixed methods study of Australian parents and children

Olds

Thomas

Lewis

et al. 2013

Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act

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BackgroundCurrent population-based anti-obesity campaigns often target individuals based on either weight or socio-demographic characteristics, and give a ‘mass’ message about personal responsibility. There is a recognition that attempts to influence attitudes and opinions may be more effective if they resonate with the beliefs that different groups have about the causes of, and solutions for, obesity. Limited research has explored how attitudinal factors may inform the development of both upstream and downstream social marketing initiatives.MethodsComputer-assisted face-to-face interviews were conducted with 159 parents and 184 of their children (aged 9–18 years old) in two Australian states. A mixed methods approach was used to assess attitudes towards obesity, and elucidate why different groups held various attitudes towards obesity. Participants were quantitatively assessed on eight dimensions relating to the severity and extent, causes and responsibility, possible remedies, and messaging strategies. Cluster analysis was used to determine attitudinal clusters. Participants were also able to qualify each answer. Qualitative responses were analysed both within and across attitudinal clusters using a constant comparative method.ResultsThree clusters were identified. Concerned Internalisers (27% of the sample) judged that obesity was a serious health problem, that Australia had among the highest levels of obesity in the world and that prevalence was rapidly increasing. They situated the causes and remedies for the obesity crisis in individual choices. Concerned Externalisers (38% of the sample) held similar views about the severity and extent of the obesity crisis. However, they saw responsibility and remedies as a societal rather than an individual issue. The final cluster, the Moderates, which contained significantly more children and males, believed that obesity was not such an important public health issue, and judged the extent of obesity to be less extreme than the other clusters.ConclusionAttitudinal clusters provide new information and insights which may be useful in tailoring anti-obesity social marketing initiatives.

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“…PHC providers have a role in giving scientifically based information and evidence‐based practical advice to parents as well as policy advice, training and resources to childcare and early education providers. Because of their expert status and standing in the community, PHC providers, particularly GPs, also have a potential role in influencing community attitudes and advocating for change in broader social policy that impacts on healthy growth of children 31 , 32 …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Review of evidence to guide primary health care policy and practice to prevent childhood obesity

Hearn¹,

Miller²,

Campbell-Pope³

2008

Medical Journal of Australia

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Objectives: To identify key barriers to effective engagement of primary health care (PHC) providers and families in promoting healthy weight among children aged 2–6 years, and to examine promising interventions to identify policy goals to overcome these barriers. Methods: We conducted a literature review of published and unpublished articles from January 1990 to February 2006 using keywords relating to childhood obesity, risk factors, prevention, populations and primary care provider interventions, constraints and models. We identified barriers to engagement by PHC providers. Appraisal of “promise” was based on best available evidence and consideration of strengths and weaknesses of interventions in specific contexts and settings. Results: Of 982 interventions aimed at the primary prevention of overweight and obesity among children, few related to 2–6‐year‐olds, with only 45 interventions meeting the inclusion criteria and 11 ranking highly on key criteria. Areas of weakness were low‐level engagement by PHC providers, focus on single risk factors rather than a multidimensional approach, and lack of a population focus. A range of administrative, attitudinal, knowledge, skills and training issues were identified as barriers to effective engagement of different PHC providers with parents and other early childhood service providers. Conclusions: Engagement of PHC providers in prevention of childhood obesity requires a systematic approach involving practice protocols, assessment tools, client support material and referral pathways, as well as adequate training and sufficient staff for implementation. A more comprehensive approach could be promoted by increased collaboration, agreed role delineation, consistent public health messages and better coordination between PHC providers and other service providers, facilitated at service policy and administration level.

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Choice and voice: obesity debates in television news

Cited by 81 publications

References 13 publications

Utilization of a population health survey in policy and practice: a case study

Utilization of a population health survey in policy and practice: a case study

Clustering of attitudes towards obesity: a mixed methods study of Australian parents and children

Review of evidence to guide primary health care policy and practice to prevent childhood obesity

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