Community Readiness – are municipalities prepared to prevent obesity in childhood and youth?

Abstract

Abstract Background Essential for the success of prevention efforts is the readiness to address a health problem (community readiness). Aim of this study is to analyze the stage of community readiness for the prevention of childhood obesity in municipalities using the Community Readiness Model (CRM). Based on this, strategies will be developed to improve community readiness for the prevention of obesity in childhood and youth. Methods A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted in the databases PubMed, LIVIVO, Cochrane and Google Scholar to identify studies that used the CRM for the prevention of childhood obesity. In order to assess community readiness, the CRM, a structured interview guide and scoring system, was used. Following the CRM protocol, guided interviews were conducted with key informants that were identified in a modified stakeholder analysis. The transcribed interviews were analyzed by two scientists following the CRM scoring system. Results The SLR revealed 270 hits. In 28 international studies the CRM has been applied to childhood obesity prevention, predominantly in the Anglo-American language area. In Germany, no studies could be identified using the CRM for the prevention of childhood obesity. Key informant interviews (n = 28) were conducted in five Bavarian municipalities from January to April 2021. The key informant sample comprised administration departments, health and educational facilities. Conclusions The CRM enables a multidimensional analysis of a municipality's material and immaterial infrastructure. In workshops with the participating municipalities the results of the community readiness assessment will be reflected. The aim is to develop an action plan with strategies to increase the stage of readiness and support prevention efforts in order to address childhood obesity. Key messages The CRM provides a theoretical basis to understand and improve community readiness. It enables the analysis of assets and weaknesses that can influence obesity prevention in municipalities.