Details:

Alternative Title:
Prev Chronic Dis
Personal Author:
Niederdeppe, Jeff ; Robert, Stephanie A. ; Kindig, David A.
Niederdeppe, Jeff ; Robert, Stephanie A. ; Kindig, David A. Less -
Description:
Introduction

Successful efforts to reduce obesity will require public policy strategies that target both individuals and external factors such as social conditions, economic circumstances, and physical environments. Public opinion data suggest that many policy changes to reduce obesity are likely to face public resistance.

Methods

We conducted 4 focus groups involving 33 adults living in or near a midsized Midwestern city in July 2008. Participants were assigned to the focus groups on the basis of self-reported political ideology. We used a semi structured discussion guide to 1) better understand public perceptions of obesity and 2) assess the promise of narratives as a strategy to stimulate meaningful discussion about obesity-related policy change.

Results

Participants viewed internal factors as primary causes of obesity. Despite substantial acknowledgment of external causes of obesity, many participants — particularly political conservatives — were resistant to external policy solutions for the problem. Across the political spectrum, participants responded more favorably to a short narrative emphasizing barriers to reducing adult obesity than a story emphasizing barriers to reducing childhood obesity.

Conclusion

This study provides a deeper context for understanding public perceptions about obesity. Some types of narratives appear promising for promoting support for policy solutions to reduce obesity.


Subjects:
[+]
Adult Aged Aged, 80 And Over Diet Female Focus Groups Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice Health Policy Humans Male Middle Aged Obesity Risk Factors Socioeconomic Factors
Source:
Prev Chronic Dis. 8(2).
Document Type:
Journal Article
Place as Subject:
United States
Location:
North America
Collection(s):
Preventing Chronic Disease
Main Document Checksum:
[+]
urn:sha256:572ba4dc0e836b4bfe9637a38e2868e649ff93d3a46c6763b13f206371a1fbfe
Download URL:
https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/20562/cdc_20562_DS1.pdf
File Type:

Supporting Files

• 	license.txt	txt
  	PCD82A39.nxml	txt

More +