The prevalence of child obesity has nearly tripled over the past 20 years. It is estimated that about 20% of children aged 6-11 years are obese (CDC). Obesity in children can lead to several health consequences including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, insulin resistance, sleep apnea, fatty liver disease, and social and psychological issues such as poor self-esteem. The major causes of child obesity are poor nutrition, low physical activity and high sedentary behaviors. Community Partnership: This project is a community partnership between the Mountain Park Health Center, the South Mountain Community Center and Arizona State University that aims to leverage resources in order to design, implement and evaluate a nutrition and physical activity program among 6-11 year old children and their parents. The goals of the project are to:
1. Create sustainable programs that are delivered in recreation centers throughout the City of Phoenix
2. Encourage and increase participation of children and their families in healthy lifestyles.
3. Promote physical activity, exercise, wellness and a healthy diet among children and their families.
4. Provide greater opportunities to engage in regular physical activity in community settings.
5. Reduce the prevalence of obesity among underserved communities in the City of Phoenix. Progress To Date:
Phase 1-Formative Research
1. We have completed the formative research phase of the project in which we conducted two focus groups with families living near the community center. The focus group data have been instrumental in tailoring and developing the program curricula.
2. In collaboration with community partners, we are currently developing a nutrition and physical activity curriculum aimed at children ages 6-11 and their parents. The draft curriculum will be completed by November 2012. Phase 2-Feasibility Program
1. A small-scale feasibility program conducted at the South Mountain Community Center to assess the acceptability of the program for children and their parents. The feasibility program was conducted in the Spring semester 2013.
2. Information was gathered through the feasibility program to modify and tailor the program so that it can be implemented at a larger scale. Phase 3-Efficacy Study
1. The qualitative and quantitative data gathered in Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the project will be used to develop an efficacy trial to test the effects of the program on the following outcomes: anthropometrics, fitness, physical activity behaviors, dietary behaviors, and psychosocial factors. The efficacy study was conducted in the summer of 2013.
2. The results of the efficacy trial will be used to inform policy recommendations related to effective programing in community centers to address childhood obesity.
