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Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Child Health Ecological Surveillance System (CHESS) for childhood obesity: a feasibility study
R C Plotnikoff1, P Lightfoot, S McFall
1School of Education, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia. ron.plotnikoff@newcastle.edu.au
Chronic Diseases in Canada
|July 9, 2010
Summary
Developing an ecological surveillance system for childhood obesity faces challenges. While awareness is high, data format issues and low interest hinder progress, suggesting a need for organizational collaboration.
Area of Science:
- Public Health Surveillance
- Childhood Obesity Prevention
- Health Systems Research
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a significant public health concern requiring effective monitoring.
- Ecologically guided approaches can provide a comprehensive understanding of obesity determinants.
- Existing surveillance systems may not adequately capture the multi-faceted nature of childhood obesity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of implementing an ecologically guided surveillance system for childhood obesity.
- To identify barriers and facilitators for establishing such a system within a specific health region.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study utilizing qualitative and quantitative data.
- Surveyed 31 representatives from 28 organizations across three communities in Alberta, Canada.
- Data collection focused on organizational awareness, participation in initiatives, data availability, and interest in surveillance.
Main Results:
- High awareness of childhood obesity (100%) and moderate participation in initiatives (36%) were reported.
- Relevant data exist but are not formatted for surveillance; privacy legislation poses a barrier.
- Low interest (18%) in developing and sustaining an ecologically based surveillance system was observed.
Conclusions:
- The heterogeneity of data and limited organizational vision constrain the feasibility of an ecologically based childhood obesity surveillance system.
- Addressing data format issues and privacy concerns is crucial for system development.
- Building a broad coalition through increased organizational awareness is recommended to support long-term surveillance efforts.
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