Date of Award
6-2009
Document Type
Union College Only
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Sociology
Language
English
Keywords
health, approach, childhood, obesity integrated
Abstract
The development of effective solutions for the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity would be a great advance to ensure the future health of today’s children. Childhood obesity is caused by a combination of social, environmental and personal factors. It is seemingly impossible to successfully address one cause without also considering other related causes, which poses a great barrier to those who are currently attempting to curb the rates of childhood obesity. The basis of this study involves the analysis and comparison of the clinical and public health perspectives for the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity. After identifying the practices, strengths and barriers of each approach, the main purpose of this study is to develop an integrated approach to childhood obesity incorporating both the clinical and public health perspective. Interviews were conducted with twelve individuals directly involved in the issue, including parents, public health workers, school health workers and a physician. Based on these interviews, considerations for integrated solutions were expanded to also include the parenting approach in addition to the public health and clinical approaches. There was an overwhelming amount of support for an integrated approach, with participants recognizing that establishing communication between each party was critical to its success. Once communication and cooperation are established, an integrated approach could be achieved through enhanced education, increased access to community and school-based healthcare programs and expanded community-wide fitness opportunities.
Recommended Citation
Vielkind, Monica Lynn, "Childhood obesity : integrating the individual and public health perspectives" (2009). Honors Theses. 1416.
https://digitalworks.union.edu/theses/1416