Why do Organizations Focus on Health Equity in their Childhood Obesity Policy Work?
Keywords:
Childhood obesity; Health disparities; Health equity; Public health practice; Health policy; Community-based organizations.Abstract
Introduction: Childhood obesity disparities exist, yet little is known about why organizations focus on health equity (i.e., the absence of systematic disparities in health) when working in this area. Methods: From September 2014 to April 2015, we interviewed 43 policy-makers, non-gov-ernmental organization representatives, and academics to explore why organizations focus on health equity within their childhood obesity policy work. Results: Key themes included: organizational mission/focus on health equity, funders’ require-ments to prioritize health equity, and community engagement coupled with data availability to support their interest in health equity. Conclusions: Funders and other childhood obesity stakeholders can capitalize on these findings to facilitate activities that address health equity.
