A Socio-Ecological Conceptualization of Factors Promoting Excessive Weight Gain in Rural African Americans Girls: Considerations for Adapting Interpersonal Psychotherapy for the Prevention of Excessive Weight Gain and Enhancing Relationships in Underserved Populations (POWER-UP) Study
Abstract
This thesis places-in broader context-data from a community-based qualitative study exploring disordered eating and obesity among rural African American girls in order to culturally adapt an obesity prevention program. Obesity rates are high, particularly in African American girls. Such high rates place these girls at greater risk of developing adverse obesity-related health comorbidities, such as type II diabetes and hypertension. With regard to rural youth, rates of obesity are often higher than youths living in urban settings. Limited data have explored the unique risks of obesity for rural African American girls who may be a vulnerable, high-risk group. While obesity and disordered eating prevention for rural African American girls is critical, efforts must be tailored to fit the given population. In doing so, researchers must carefully consider relevant, culturally specific factors precipitating obesity risk in these girls. Importantly, such risk factors must extend beyond the individual and capture broader social, cultural, and political influences. Collaborating with community members through community-based participatory research (CBPR) may provide valuable insights regarding such factors and help improve acceptability and sustainability of the prevention program. Data will be presented from a CBPR qualitative study aimed to explore community members perspectives on obesity, disordered eating behaviors, and an empirically supported excessive weight gain prevention program. The thesis concludes with a discussion of the various levels of risk factors highlighted by community participants and describes how data will be used to adapt the prevention program manual.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 12, 2014
- Accession Number
- AD1127738
Entities
People
- Omni Cassidy
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences