142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition

Annual Meeting Recordings are now available for purchase

308561
Perceptions of Chileans, Common Factors among Individuals Living with Obesity and the Reforms Necessary to Lower the Rate of Obesity in Valparaíso, Chile

142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition (November 15 - November 19, 2014): http://www.apha.org/events-and-meetings/annual
Monday, November 17, 2014 : 8:30 AM - 8:45 AM

Chad Moles, BSPH , School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
Ingrid Alvarez, Nutritionist , CESFAM Quebrada Verde, Valparaíso, Chile
Chile is making a transition in development to a country with the burden of a substantial percent (25% of adults are clinically obese).  Currently there is limited research investigating Chileans perceptions of nutrition and access to service, such as a nutritionist.  This investigation aimed to document concepts of nutrition and provides information for planning reforms to lower rates of obesity.

A mixed methods approach was utilized in this study. An in-depth interview with a nutritionist was carried out regarding reforms necessary to reduce the national rate of obesity.  A cross sectional convenience sample survey was distributed to university students to determine their knowledge of nutrition and perceptions of obesity, and adults diagnosed with obesity to analyze health determinants.

University students and obese adults yielded similar results in all categories of the survey regarding their attitude toward exercise, consumption, and the prevalence of obesity.  Data revealed a statistical difference between sample groups regarding their opinion on access to nutritional services.

Previous studies demonstrate proximity as an important factor in consumption of fast food.  The in-depth interview results confirmed the findings of previous research, suggesting government reforms limiting access to types of food that are high in fats and sugars (i.e., fast food) in schools and the workplace.  Survey data revealed an increased emphasis on education is necessary to rectify misguided perceptions and stop the increasing rate of obesity.  Following this investigation, future studies are necessary to investigate the cause for differences in perception of nutritional services among distinctive age groups.

Learning Areas:

Advocacy for health and health education
Chronic disease management and prevention
Diversity and culture
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Identify and evaluate Chileans perceptions of nutrition. Analyze cultural views to plan reforms for lowering the rate of obesity.

Keyword(s): Nutrition, Obesity

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am an undergraduate student working towards achieving an advanced degree. I am a public health major and have taken multiple courses regarding nutrition, obesity, and research methods and ethics. I am supported and advised by multiple faculty members. I presented an abstract for a 8 minute talk in a professional conference before. I presented a poster for previous research at a REU capstone poster symposium and won (150 students competing).
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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