Date of Award

Spring 3-31-2009

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Nursing (MAN)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Susan K Nash

Second Advisor

Ruth Enestvedt

Abstract

Low health literacy interferes with an individual's ability to reduce and treat preventable diseases. Given the spectrum of disease burden throughout the US, there are a number of important health topics deserving of our immediate attention in order to improve the public's health literacy. Overweight and obesity have surfaced as societal topics and any quest to improve health literacy must address these growing problems as they are likely to contribute to disease prevention and improved disease management. Unfortunately, the growing problem of overweight and obesity is not restricted to adults. America's youth are also experiencing epidemic rates of overweight and obesity which are directly associated with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiac disease. Traditional methods of individualized care have not proven to be effective in addressing this health issue. The question remains as to whether a differing approach utilizing Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) methods are more effective than the traditional medical model approach to addressing this growing health concern. This field project outlines the process of developing a CBPR project designed to maximize the efforts of health professionals, teachers, parents and students as collaborative partners in addressing childhood obesity.

Identifier

SC 11.MAN.2009.Weis.JA

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