scholarly journals Stakeholders perspectives of barriers and facilitators of childhood obesity prevention policies in Iran: A Delphi method study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shahnaz Taghizadeh ◽  
Mahdieh Abbasalizad Farhangi ◽  
Rahim Khodayari-Zarnaq

Abstract Background The prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents is one of the most important health challenges of the present century. Many factors affect the prevention policies related to this health problem and make their implementation difficult. This study examined perceived barriers and facilitators of childhood obesity prevention policies by stakeholders. Methods A qualitative descriptive research design based on Delphi method was conducted. In addition, semi-structured one-to-one interviews were conducted with childhood obesity prevention policy stakeholders (n=39) and initial identification of barriers and facilitators in this area. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, and finally analyzed, followed by using thematic analysis. Subsequently, two-round Delphi panel was done by sending e-mails to stakeholders (21 stakeholders participated in the first round and 15 stakeholders in the second round) for the final selection of barriers and facilitators of obesity prevention policies among children and adolescents in Iran. Results The identified barriers and facilitators were divided into three levels: individual, executive, and structural. Barriers and facilitators of the structural level showed a high score and priority regarding obesity prevention policies among children and adolescents. Conclusion The existence of significant barriers at all three levels and especially at the structural level were among the concerns of stakeholders.

2016 ◽  
Vol 01 (02) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lainie Rutkow ◽  
Jesse Jones Smith ◽  
Hannah J Walters ◽  
Marguerite O Hara ◽  
Sara N Bleich

2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 123-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine M Porter

AbstractObjective(i) To map how US adults value ‘choice’ in the context of obesity policy and (ii) to discuss implications for obesity prevention in children.DesignSemi-structured interviews (n 105) were conducted between 2006 and 2009 about causes of and solutions to childhood obesity. Quotes captured in field notes from community meetings (n 6) on childhood obesity prevention were also analysed. Each use of the word ‘choice’ and its variants was identified in these texts. Content and discourse were analysed to identify the implied values and meaning in each use.SettingNorth-eastern USA.SubjectsOne hundred and five adults, some involved in childhood obesity prevention initiatives.ResultsThree distinct frames of ‘choice’ emerged: (i) having choices (choice as freedom), (ii) making choices (choice as responsibility) and (iii) influencing choices (contextual constraints and impacts on choice). Many speakers used more than one frame over the course of an interview. Most people using the third frame seemed to share the values behind the first two frames, but focused on conditions required to enable people to be accountable for their choices and to make truly free choices. A small subset thought outside the frame of individual choice, valuing, as one person put it, a ‘social contract’.ConclusionsPublic debate in the USA about responsibility for and solutions to rising obesity rates often hinges on notions of ‘choice’. These frames, and the values underlying them, are not mutually exclusive. Respecting the values behind each ‘choice’ frame when crafting obesity prevention policy and employing all three in public communications about such policy may facilitate greater consensus on prevention measures.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea B. Fuller ◽  
Rebecca A. Byrne ◽  
Rebecca K. Golley ◽  
Stewart G. Trost

Abstract Background Establishing healthy nutrition, activity, and sleep behaviours early in life is a key strategy in childhood obesity prevention. Parents are the primary influence on the development and establishment of obesity-related behaviours in young children. There is evidence that autonomy supporting parenting practices are crucial for the development of self-regulation and the internalisation of healthy behaviours in children. It is therefore imperative that parenting practices are targeted as part of an obesity prevention intervention. However, there is limited understanding of barriers and facilitators to parents using autonomy supporting parenting practices with their children aged 0–5 years. Therefore, the aim of the study was to identify barriers and facilitators to using autonomy supporting parenting practices. A secondary aim was to determine parent preferences in respect to an intervention program to be delivered in community playgroups. Methods Parents were recruited through Playgroup Queensland (PGQ), a not-for-profit organisation in Brisbane, Australia, to attend a focus group during their usual playgroup session. The focus group interview guide was designed to promote discussion among the participants in respect to their shared experiences as parents of young children. The focus group transcripts were coded and analysed using qualitative content analysis. Five focus groups with parents (n = 30) were conducted in May 2018. Most of the participants were mothers [1], and the majority (76%) had a child at playgroup aged between 2 and 4 years. Results The support and guidance received from other parents at playgroup was a facilitator to autonomy supporting parenting practices. Barriers included beliefs around the need to use rewards to encourage child eating, beliefs around the need for screens as babysitters, and feeling disempowered to change sleep behaviours. Parents were enthusiastic about a potential program that would leverage off the existing playgroup support networks, but they did not want to be “educated”, or to lose their “playgroup time” to an intervention. Rather they wanted strategies and support to deal with the frustrations of food, screen and sleep parenting. Conclusion These results will be used to inform the development of a childhood obesity prevention intervention to be delivered in a community playgroup setting.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shahnaz Taghizadeh ◽  
Rahim Khodayari-Zarnaq ◽  
Mahdieh Abbasalizad Farhangi

Abstract Background Pediatric obesity is one of the most important health challenges of the twenty-first century. Primary prevention of childhood obesity, can lessen its consequences. This study aims to assess childhood obesity prevention policies in Iran through a policy analysis of agenda-setting using Kingdon’s multiple streams. Methods A qualitative study was conducted using in-depth interviews with 39 key informants and document review from different stages of the policymaking process of childhood and adolescent obesity prevention programs in Iran. The analysis of documents and interviews were guided based on Kingdon’s multiple streams (problem, policy and political streams). Results The important factors of the problem stream were the high prevalence of childhood and adolescent obesity and its risk factors in Iran. In the policy stream, a focus on preventing non-communicable diseases in the health system, increasing the workforce in health centers, promoting health school programs, and creating healthy eating buffets in schools was identified. Under the political stream, the impact of the WHO ECHO program in 2015 and the implementation of the health system transformation plan in Iran in the new government took place after 2013, caused the Iran ECHO program entered the agenda and implemented from 2016. Conclusions Now that a window of opportunity for childhood and adolescent obesity prevention policymaking has been created, the problems such as the therapeutic approach in the health system, the existence of sanctions against Iran and outbreak of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), have hindered the successful implementation of this policy and the opportunity window has not been well used. However, actors need political support from the high levels of government to keep this policy on the agenda.


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