Journal article
Elucidating knowledge and beliefs about obesity and eating disorders among key stakeholders: paving the way for an integrated approach to health promotion
BMC public health, Vol.19(1), pp.1-10
16/12/2019
PMID: 31842820
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Abstract
Background: Understanding the knowledge and beliefs of key stakeholders is crucial in developing effective public health interventions. Knowledge and beliefs about obesity and eating disorders (EDs) have rarely been considered, despite increasing awareness of the need for integrated health promotion programs. We investigated key aspects of knowledge and beliefs about obesity and EDs among key stakeholders in Australia.
Methods: Using a semi-structured question guide, eight focus groups and seven individual interviews were conducted with 62 participants including health professionals, personal trainers, teachers and consumer group representatives. An inductive thematic approach was used for data analysis. Results: The findings suggest that, relative to obesity, EDs are poorly understood among teachers, personal trainers, and certain health professionals. Areas of commonality and distinction between the two conditions were identified. Integrated health promotion efforts that focus on shared risk (e.g., low self-esteem, body dissatisfaction) and protective (e.g., healthy eating, regular exercise) factors were supported. Suggested target groups for such efforts included young children, adolescents and parents.
Conclusions: The findings indicate areas where the EDs and obesity fields have common ground and can work together in developing integrated health promotion programs.
Details
- Title
- Elucidating knowledge and beliefs about obesity and eating disorders among key stakeholders: paving the way for an integrated approach to health promotion
- Creators
- Bianca Bullivant - The University of SydneyAaron R. Denham - Macquarie UniversityClare Stephens - Macquarie UniversityRebecca E. Olson - The University of QueenslandDeborah Mitchison - Western Sydney UniversityTimothy Gill - The University of SydneySarah Maguire - The University of SydneyJanet D. Latner - University of Hawaiʻi at MānoaPhillipa Hay - Western Sydney UniversityBryan Rodgers - Australian National UniversityRichard J. Stevenson - Macquarie UniversityStephen Touyz - The University of SydneyJonathan M. Mond - University of Tasmania
- Publication Details
- BMC public health, Vol.19(1), pp.1-10
- Publisher
- BioMed Central
- Grant note
- This work was supported by the Macquarie University Research Development Grant [9201401491].
- Identifiers
- 991013401571502368
- Copyright
- © The Author(s). 2019
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article