Health Promotion International Advance Access originally published online on September 16, 2009
Health Promotion International 2009 24(4):311-324; doi:10.1093/heapro/dap029
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Creating community action plans for obesity prevention using the ANGELO (Analysis Grid for Elements Linked to Obesity) Framework
1 School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia, 2 School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia, 3 Population Health, Hunter New England Area Health Service, NSW, Australia, 4Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, 5 School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand and 6 Fiji School of Medicine, Suva, Fiji
* Corresponding author. E-mail: anne.simmons{at}deakin.edu.au
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Abstract |
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Community-based interventions are an important component of obesity prevention efforts. The literature provides little guidance on priority-setting for obesity prevention in communities, especially for socially and culturally diverse populations. This paper reports on the process of developing prioritized, community-participatory action plans for obesity prevention projects in children and adolescents using the ANGELO (Analysis Grid for Elements Linked to Obesity) Framework. We combined stakeholder engagement processes, the ANGELO Framework (scans for environmental barriers, targeted behaviours, gaps in skills and knowledge) and workshops with key stakeholders to create action plans for six diverse obesity prevention projects in Australia (n = 3), New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga from 2002 to 2005. Some sites included sociocultural contextual analyses in the environmental scans. Target groups were under-5-year-olds (Australia), 4–12-year-olds (Australia) and 13–18-year-olds (all four countries). Over 120 potential behavioural, knowledge, skill and environmental elements were identified for prioritization leading into each 2-day workshop. Many elements were common across the diverse cultural communities; however, several unique sociocultural elements emerged in some cultural groups which informed their action plans. Youth were actively engaged in adolescent projects, allowing their needs to be incorporated into the action plans initiating the process of ownership. A common structure for the action plan promoted efficiencies in the process while allowing for community creativity and innovation. The ANGELO is a flexible and efficient way of achieving an agreed plan for obesity prevention with diverse communities. It is responsive to community needs, combines local and international knowledge and creates stakeholder ownership of the action plan.
Key words: childhood; obesity prevention; action plan