Taking Action against Obesity in Nova Scotia

Abstract

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE Obesity rates in Nova Scotia exceed the national average. Evidence suggests that the causes, nature and treatments for obesity are complex and multisectorial. This study recruited a broad range of obesity professionals and used a mixed-methods approach to identify effective current treatments, current gaps and potential opportunities. The goal of this paper is to organize current expert opinion into a framework that will serve as a guide to future work, so that limited resources can be directed in an efficient and integrated manner. METHOD This mixed-methods study used a grounded theory method with focus groups (N=4) of professionals (N=38) from across the healthcare continuum to address policy, clinical, professional education and research issues in obesity in Nova Scotia. A semi-structured approach was used in the focus groups, and opinions were captured and analyzed for thematic content. Frequency counts were used to represent the relative saliency of issues generated from the collective opinion. Combining qualitative and quantitative methods allowed the development of a comprehensive schematic. RESULTS Current approaches and gaps were analyzed together. A total of 449 codeable responses were categorized into 27 separate issues, which in turn were assigned to themes: either existing positive efforts or current approaches that are not health promoting. Existing positive efforts included specific examples of supports, positive partnerships, industry responsiveness and public health promotion activities. Current approaches that are not health promoting included patient-centred issues, system issues and environmental issues. Opportunities were analyzed separately and categorized into themes of clinical programs, education, research, media and organizations/communities. CONCLUSION Obesity needs to be addressed via a comprehensive multisectorial approach. The results of this study provide an organized framework that service providers, programs and regions can use to compile a list of existing positive efforts, develop strategies to address current approaches that are not health promoting and capitalize on opportunities for change. Since it is unlikely that any organization will be able to address all issues simultaneously, this framework can be used as a management guide for the use of limited resources. This can help address obesity efforts not only in Nova Scotia, but in the rest of Canada as well.