Lompoc Valley Healthy Kids Initiative Lompoc Parent Perceptions on Childhood Obesity Judy Taggart MS, CHES

Background Lompoc 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 additional assistance to parents.

Parent Focus Groups Focus groups conducted November 17-19, 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 Weight Infants Did not express concern about future health effects. Identified healthy weight babies as “a little skinny.” Toddlers Did express concern for overweight toddlers. Felt it was too early to identify kids as overweight.

Parent Perceptions on Weight Adolescents & Teens Parents 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