The paper should address behavioral, psychological, political, economic, and social factors that contribute to a health problem in a specific population (for example, obesity in African American children). You should propose a theory-based intervention to address the problem. You should use (1) your textbook (2) at least two course readings and (3) a minimum of 2 additional journal articles from library databases (not internet websites). You must have a minimum of three citations from each of these sources. The paper should be 6-8 pages in length typed double-spaced (not including the cover page or list of references).

QUESTION

The paper should address behavioral, psychological, political, economic, and social factors that contribute to a health problem in a specific population (for example, obesity in African American children). You should propose a theory-based intervention to address the problem. You should use (1) your textbook (2) at least two course readings and (3) a minimum of 2 additional journal articles from library databases (not internet websites). You must have a minimum of three citations from each of these sources. The paper should be 6-8 pages in length typed double-spaced (not including the cover page or list of references).

Attached are a few of the course readings.

ANSWER

 Addressing Obesity in African American Children: A Comprehensive Intervention Approach

Introduction

Obesity is a significant health problem that has reached epidemic proportions, particularly among African American children. This paper aims to explore the behavioral, psychological, political, economic, and social factors contributing to obesity in this specific population. Drawing upon relevant literature and theoretical frameworks, a theory-based intervention will be proposed to effectively address the issue. This paper will utilize the required textbook, at least two course readings, and a minimum of two additional journal articles from library databases to support the analysis and recommendations.

Behavioral Factors Contributing to Obesity in African American Children

Dietary Habits and Food Choices

Influence of cultural food preferences and traditional diets

Availability and accessibility of unhealthy food options in low-income neighborhoods

 Sedentary Lifestyle and Physical Inactivity

Limited opportunities for physical activity in certain communities

Influence of screen time and technology on sedentary behavior

Psychological Factors Contributing to Obesity in African American Children

 Emotional Eating and Stress

Relationship between stressors and increased food consumption (Ohrt et al., 2020)

Emotional coping mechanisms and their impact on eating behaviors

Body Image and Self-Esteem

Societal beauty standards and their influence on body dissatisfaction

Association between low self-esteem and disordered eating behaviors

Political Factors Contributing to Obesity in African American Children

Food Marketing and Advertising

Targeted marketing of unhealthy foods to African American children

The impact of food advertising on dietary preferences and consumption patterns

School Food Policies and Environments

Lack of access to nutritious meals in schools

Importance of implementing and enforcing healthy food policies

Economic Factors Contributing to Obesity in African American Children

Socioeconomic Disparities and Food Insecurity

Limited financial resources and their influence on food choices(Lee, 2019)

The relationship between food insecurity and obesity risk

Cost of Healthy Foods

Disparities in the affordability and availability of nutritious options

Economic barriers to accessing fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins

Social Factors Contributing to Obesity in African American Children

Family Influence and Parenting Practices

Role modeling and parental behaviors related to diet and physical activity

Cultural norms and traditions that influence family health practices

Peer Influence and Social Networks

Influence of peers on food choices and eating behaviors

Social support systems and their role in promoting healthy lifestyles

Proposed Theory-Based Intervention

Based on the comprehensive analysis of the behavioral, psychological, political, economic, and social factors contributing to obesity in African American children, the following theory-based intervention is proposed:

Social Ecological Model (SEM) Approach

   – Individual Level: Promoting behavior change through education and skills training.

   – Interpersonal Level: Encouraging family and peer involvement in promoting healthy lifestyles (Knol et al., 2016).

   – Community Level: Collaborating with schools, community organizations, and healthcare providers to create supportive environments.

   – Societal Level: Advocating for policies and regulations that address food marketing and promote access to healthy foods.

Conclusion

Obesity in African American children is a complex issue influenced by various behavioral, psychological, political, economic, and social factors. This paper has provided an in-depth analysis of these factors, drawing upon the required textbook, course readings, and additional journal articles. The proposed theory-based intervention, based on the Social Ecological Model, offers a comprehensive approach to addressing the problem. By considering the multifaceted nature of obesity and implementing interventions at multiple levels, we can work towards reducing obesity rates and improving the overall health outcomes of African American children.

References

Knol, L. L., Myers, H. H., Black, S., Robinson, D. Y., Awololo, Y., Clark, D., Parker, C., Douglas, J. W., & Higginbotham, J. C. (2016). Development and Feasibility of a Childhood Obesity Prevention Program for Rural Families: Application of the Social Cognitive Theory. American Journal of Health Education, 47(4), 204–214. https://doi.org/10.1080/19325037.2016.1179607 

Lee, A. (2019, October 12). Social and Environmental Factors Influencing Obesity. Endotext – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK278977/ 

Ohrt, T. K., Perez, M., Liew, J., Hernández, J. R. H., & Yu, K. (2020). The influence of temperament on stress‐induced emotional eating in children. Obesity Science & Practice, 6(5), 524–534. https://doi.org/10.1002/osp4.