Development and piloting of a multi‐level obesity prevention program for low income African American children: The B’More Healthy Communities for Kids study (132.4)

Abstract

Multi‐component interventions are needed in low income urban settings to address the complex environmental, economic, and social issues driving obesity. Low income neighborhoods in Baltimore can be described as “food swamps,” with few supermarkets and many small food outlets stocking unhealthy foods. After a decade of focused work in specific food source types (e.g. corner stores) in Baltimore, we are developing and implementing a multi‐level intervention to prevent childhood obesity. Substantial formative research has been conducted to develop the B’More Healthy Communities for Kids (BHCK) program, including in‐depth interviews (n=24) with children, parents and store owners, focus groups (n=4), and direct observations (n=7). We piloted structural incentives for small sources, a farm to store component, and a peer mentored cooking program. The BHCK program will be implemented at the policy, wholesaler, corner store, carryout, recreation center, family and individual levels. The program will use a four‐fold strategy to improve healthy eating behavior ‐ including environmental interventions to increase access to healthy foods, behavioral nudging to make choosing healthier options easier, interactive nutrition education opportunities to increase consumer demand, and policies (informed by systems models) to increase long‐term sustainability. Detailed process and impact evaluations will take place at each intervention level.Grant Funding Source: NIH U54