Developing a family based program to reduce the incidence of obesity in American Indian children

Abstract

Childhood obesity is a significant health problem resulting in decreased lifespan related to chronic health problems. Prevalence of childhood obesity is experienced in American Indian (AI) children at greater rates than their non-native peers. Social determinants of health significantly impact AIs; socioeconomic status, geographic location of reservations, and family and community dynamics uniquely impact health outcomes and risk factors of AI families and communities. This scholarly project investigates the disparity of childhood obesity within the AI community and the potential of a culturally relevant and acceptable family-based program to reduce the prevalence. A community advisory board (CAB) and components of successful AI-specific programs will guide the development of a culturally relevant family-based program. This project aims to reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity in AI children by supporting nutritional knowledge and sovereignty, family engagement, and positive behavior support and coping mechanisms. A culturally relevant family-based program has the potential to reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity in AI children and improve health equity.