Siobhan C. Maty, PhD, MPH¹, Lucille Webb, MEd², Wyokemia N. Joyner, MHSA (c)³, Megan P. Boose, MPH (c)¹, Megan E. Trautman, MPH (c)¹, Kacey Hanson, MPH⁴, and Janice M. Dodds, EdD, RD⁵. (1) School of Community Health, Portland State University, PO Box 751, Portland, OR 97207-0751, 503-725-5108, maty@pdx.edu, (2) Strengthening the Black Family, Inc., Box 28716, 568 East Lenoir Street, Raleigh, NC 27611, (3) Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Michigan, 109 Observatory Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, (4) Department of Maternal and Child Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB # 7445, Chapel Hill, NC 27559, (5) Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 4101 McGavran Greenberg Building, CB#7400, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Rates of child and adolescent overweight and obesity have skyrocketed recently, primarily due to the increase in sedentary activities, universal availability of high-fat, super-sized meals, and the American family’s reliance upon automobiles. Overweight and obesity are associated with several negative health outcomes in both childhood and adulthood. Dietary intake and physical activity are the two key determinants of overweight.

We conducted a community-based participatory research project that identified factors in the social and physical environment which influence eating and physical activity behaviors of urban, African-American adolescents and their caregivers. Community involvement was maintained throughout problem identification, protocol development and study implementation. Focus groups and a mapping methodology were used to gather data from 30 adolescents (aged 14-17, 60% female) and their caregivers (N=10, 100% female) over a six-month period. Findings were shared with study participants for discussion, validation and interpretation.

Results from 8 adolescent and 4 caregiver focus groups identified factors in the home, school, and neighborhood that acted as barriers to and facilitators of healthy eating. For all participants, the cost of healthy food was the most common barrier. Additional obstacles for adolescents included the excessive availability of fast-food and reliance upon parents for meal choices. Body image, disease prevention, and the presence of positive role models facilitated healthy eating. Furthermore, caregivers identified insufficient knowledge and time to prepare healthy meals as barriers. Some factors, such as family traditions, food preferences, and the representation of health in the media were reported as either facilitators or barriers to healthy eating.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) will be able to identify factors in homes, schools and neighborhoods that acted as barriers to and facilitators of healthy eating among a sample of urban, African-American adolescents and their caregivers. The learner also will be exposed to some of the unique challenges and benefits of a community-based participatory research project with families in an urban setting.

Keywords: Adolescent Health, Environment

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.