Lompoc Valley Healthy Kids InitiativeLompoc Parent Perceptions

on Childhood Obesity

Judy Taggart MS, CHES

BackgroundLompoc Valley Healthy Kids Coalition has been working to combat childhood obesity for 3 years.

Multi-focal initiative focusing on: Community awareness Increasing physical activity opportunities Access to nutritious foods Worksite wellness

We recognized the need to provide additionalassistance to parents.

Parent Focus GroupsFocus groups conducted November 17-19, 2008.

Partnered with Cal Poly C.O.P.E.

Six focus groups 4 in English, 2 in Spanish Parents were recruited through SBCPHD-WIC (85%)

and Lompoc Boys & Girls Club (15%). Parents were provided a meal and were also

compensated for their time. Parents were low income with at-risk children.

The Discussion

Parents were asked to discuss their children’s weight and how it was influenced by their family, their school and the community.

Parents shared what they perceived to be barriers to healthy behaviors for their families.

Parent Perceptions on WeightInfants

Did not express concern about future health effects.Identified healthy weight babies as “a little skinny.”

ToddlersDid express concern for overweight toddlers.Felt it was too early to identify kids as overweight.

Parent Perceptions on Weight

Adolescents & TeensParents were reluctant to identify overweight teens if they looked happy and comfortable with themselves.

More accurately identified teens as overweight when they appeared unhappy or self conscious.

The Doctor’s Role in Obesity

Express concern if their child was overweight.

Make food and nutrition recommendations for families with overweight children.

Doctors discouraged sedentary time, but no parents could recall being advised to limit T.V.

The Parent’s Role in Obesity

Encourage play time.

Prepare different or healthier food.

Model good behavior.

Perceived Barriers

Parent Perceptions - Barriers

Healthy Behaviors in the Home

Lack of support from spouse and other family members.

Economics

Time

Cultural issues

Parent Perceptions - Barriers

Healthy Behaviors at School

Lack of health and nutrition education.

Many food offerings have low nutritional value.

Need to promote more physical activity in school.

Parent Perceptions - Barriers

Healthy Behaviors in the Community

Lack of affordable recreational programming.

Safety, design and maintenance of parks.

Community Involvement.

Language barrier.

Beyond the Barriers

Communication

Use diverse media resources

Repetition

Address language barriers

Environmental Barriers

Parks and playgrounds

Recreation programs

Pedestrian/bicycle corridors

Access to affordable healthy

foods in the community

Community Involvement

Outreach through family service agencies and community organizations

Neighborhood Groups

Engage stakeholders

Thank you