Year 5 of the Children’s Healthy Living (CHL) Program for Remote Underserved Minority Populations of the Pacific Region

Abstract

Prevent child obesity and promote health in the Pacific through capacity building in research, training and outreach. US-Affiliated Pacific Land Grant Colleges and local partners implemented a child obesity prevalence survey and a community randomized environmentally focused intervention trial that supported community agency actions and role models. Obesity prevention degree-providing scholarship and training program was developed and provided by distance to 21 recipients across the Pacific. Graduates and successful activities are being integrated into regional infrastructures. Curriculum is being developed into a sustainable summer institute which will support ongoing efforts to develop and support the Pacific workforce and health monitoring network. Community reports are being generated that provide a comprehensive compilation of all data collected, and findings are being reported in the scientific literature. Prevalence of obesity was 14.0%, overweight 14.4%, healthy weight 68.9%, and underweight 2.6%, higher in males (16.3%) than females (11.6%), higher among 6-8 years old (yo) (16.3%) than 2-5 yo (12.9%), highest in American Samoa (21.7%) and absent in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Obesity was highly associated with Acanthosis Nigricans (Odds Ratio = 9.25, 95% Confidence Interval = 6.69-12.80), with strongest relationships among Asians, followed by Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (NHPI). Preliminary results of the CHL intervention suggest an effect of the policy, system and environmental change program on decreasing waist circumference of children. Pacific-wide data systems among partners monitor and evaluate program activities and health behaviors and outcomes, providing data for evidence, outreach and policy development. Alignment of CHL program actions at multiple levels and sectors provided a foundation for sustainable childhood obesity prevention and child health.