Community-Driven Health Campaigns to Reduce Obesity Inequities in Early Childhood

Preschoolers from low-income and minority backgrounds are at greater risk of obesity and subsequent immediate and long-term comorbidities of excess weight gain. Detroit is 83% African American, has more children living in poverty than any other major U.S. city. Ongoing challenges with access to food, transportation, and safe green spaces also make it hard for families to meet recommendations for the eating and activity behaviors that can decrease obesity risk. Too often community members are not included in combating health issues affecting their neighborhoods. Obesity, particularly with young kids, it is a touchy subject. Community-driven solutions could destigmatize these conversations and significantly impact obesity outcomes.

Our lab is currently working with 4 community action councils to develop, implement, and evaluate community-driven health campaigns to reduce obesity inequities in early childhood in Detroit. Our Family-Pediatrician Partnership Community Advisory Board will implement their campaign in local pediatric practices. We are also partnering with Brilliant Detroit and three campaigns will be completed in Detroit neighborhoods where they have locations (Morningside, Southwest, and Cody Rouge).

Our lab utilizes Boot Camp Translation (BCT) to guide community members and organizations through the campaign process. BCT methodology engages community members in a process to translate evidence-based medical care into locally relevant, culturally appropriate messages and resources. BCT draws from the basic questions of “What does the community need to know” about a particular health problem, “how do we share that information in away that the community will understand and be motivated to take action,” and “how do we disseminate that message to our community?” Health campaigns developed using BCT have increased rates of colon cancer screening, reduced blood pressure, and improved asthma management in underserved populations.

1) Minimum of 3.0 cumulative GPA
2) B or better in at least 3 social, behavioral, public health, or health sciences courses
3) Commit to at least 6 hours per week for 2 semesters
4) Reliable and punctual
5) Can work both independently and as a team
6) Excellent communication skills

One of our councils is currently implementing their health campaign, which will end late fall of 2021. One council is looking to launch their campaign in September, 2021. Two councils will begin developing their campaigns in fall, 2021. All campaigns will be completed (including evaluation) by summer of 2022.

As noted above in qualifications-students must be willing to commit two semesters. Relationship building and trust are critical in community engaged research, and these outcomes are fostered over time.

Students who work on these projects have the opportunity to attend community action council meetings (all virtual), work with community members to develop products that are components of health campaigns, and learn about BCT implementation. It is also possible that students will assist with campaign implementation pending the campaign design and dissemination strategies selected by community members and organizations. Opportunities to assist with campaign evaluation are available pending previous experience and coursework. Students may also have the opportunity to submit abstracts to present project outcomes at local conferences pending performance.

August 19, 2021