PRC Core Research Project

2019-2024

The purpose of the Core Research Project is to develop and disseminate approaches that will increase the use of effective policies at the local-level to reduce obesity disparities and promote health equity.

Project Goals

Describe the prevalence of effective policies addressing obesity and factors influencing the policy process at the local-level in a sample of communities experiencing obesity disparities
Identify the most important local-level policies for health equity
Assess different versions of a policy brief (text-based, risk framing, narrative, and risk framing + narrative) for translation of research about effective policies to address obesity among local policymakers
Evaluate the impact of strategies (community stakeholder-informed, and social network-informed) on local policy processes for obesity prevention and health equity in a sample of communities

Implications for Research and Practice

This project will help to better define the local policy process, content, and outcomes, which are fundamental to use of effective policies and poorly understood.

Our project will impact the field by enhancing abilities to: (1) measure implementation of evidence-based policies, (2) understand communication and network drivers in the local policy process, and (3) accelerate the translation of effective policies to local public health policy and practice, thus promoting health equity.