NURS_FPX6026 Population Health Policy Advocacy
NURS_FPX6026 Population Health Policy Advocacy
Current State of Obesity among Children
Childhood obesity remains a critical public health concern in most global states, including America. Childhood obesity has risen sharply over the last four decades, translating into an increase in the burden of disease associated with it. Obese children are predisposed to health problems including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and premature mortality (Hildebrand et al., 2019). The rise in childhood obesity rates necessitates approaches tailored to the vulnerable populations’ individual needs.
The Necessity of Health Policy Development for Childhood Obesity
Currently, policies that address childhood obesity exist. However, the proposed policy addresses the issue by incorporating integrated nutritional programs and physical activity. According to Duran et al. (2021), integrated nutrition education programs and physical activity interventions addresses obesity in the affected children and those at risk by promoting linear growth and healthy lifestyles and behaviors.
Policy Justification
By adopting the policy on integrated nutrition education programs and physical activity, awareness will be created in the affected and populations at risk. It will also empower community members to promote healthy lifestyles and behaviors. The impact will include a reduction in the disease burden due to comorbidities of obesity in children (Hayes et al., 2018). Healthcare providers will educate parents of the affected children and those at risk. School health education will also be provided to enhance policy effectiveness.
Policy Development in Other Care Settings
The applicability of the policy also extends to community settings. Accordingly, community members will be informed about the
interventions needed to prevent and manage obesity. They will be empowered to take responsibility for creating safe environments for the affected children and those at risk. Parents will also be empowered to collaborate with healthcare providers in promoting healthy lifestyles and behaviors in their children and communities (Hildebrand et al., 2019).
Inter-Professional Aspects
The inter-professional collaboration will be utilized for the successful implementation of the policy. Healthcare providers, public health officials, and education stakeholders will collaborate in implementing the policy. They will also organize public outreach programs to enhance the public’s awareness level. The inter-professional collaboration will ensure relevance, sustainability, and optimum outcomes following policy implementation.
References
Duran, A. C., Mialon, M., Crosbie, E., Jensen, M. L., Harris, J. L., Batis, C., Corvalán, C., & Taillie, L. S. (2021). Food environment solutions for childhood obesity in Latin America and among Latinos living in the United States. Obesity Reviews, 22(S3), e13237. https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.13237
Hayes, D., Contento, I. R., & Weekly, C. (2018). Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior, and School Nutrition Association: Comprehensive Nutrition Programs and Services in Schools. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 118(5), 913–919. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2018.03.005
Hildebrand, D. A., Betts, N. M., & Gates, G. E. (2019). Parents’ Perceptions of Childhood Obesity and Support of the School Wellness Policy. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 51(4), 498–504. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneb.2018.12.009