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Development of a culturally appropriate nutrition and physical activity curriculum for Wisconsin American Indian families
Author(s) -
LaRowe Tara,
Adams AK,
Wubben DP,
LamonSmith M,
Vannatter S,
Arneson J
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.20.5.a1007-d
Subject(s) - overweight , community based participatory research , participatory action research , curriculum , general partnership , childhood obesity , gerontology , culturally appropriate , physical activity , intervention (counseling) , obesity , psychology , medicine , medical education , nursing , sociology , political science , pedagogy , physical therapy , anthropology , law
Our previous research among Wisconsin American Indian (AI) children, ages 5–7, shows that 27% are overweight and an additional 19% are at risk for overweight, suggesting obesity prevention should be targeted earlier in childhood. Furthermore, our qualitative studies have shown that other family members play a key role in children's lifestyle choices. Our current project uses a participatory research approach in 3 AI communities to design, implement and assess an obesity prevention program. Healthy Children Strong Families (HCSF) is an obesity prevention study for AI children ages 3–5 and their primary caregiver. Using a family‐based mentoring model, it aims to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors within each community's cultural and structural framework. HCSF focuses on four healthy behavior objectives: increasing physical activity, increasing fruit and vegetables, decreasing TV viewing, and decreasing soda/candy. We describe the HCSF program with special emphasis on the development of curricular materials. The process involved home‐based mentors, academic researchers, and community collaborators and was based on experience, previous research in the communities, and published research. The design of the material emphasizes bringing back and balancing traditional patterns of diet and physical activity within community contexts. The HCSF intervention is being assessed by process evaluation, healthy behavior and obesity outcomes. This research is funded by the Wisconsin Partnership Fund for a Healthy Future.