Primary school healthy lifestyle promotion: preventing childhood obesity and overweight through a participatory action research project

Enrico De Luca; Lorena  Menta; Angela  Carrieri; Marianella   Bonetti; Martina Papa; Giancarlo  Vetri; Giovanna Artioli

doi:10.23750/abm.vi.16791

Authors

Enrico De Luca University of Birmingham, Department of Nursing&Midwifery
Lorena Menta University of Parma, School of Physiotherapy, Department of Medicine and Surgery, via Gramsci, 14 – Parma (Italy)
Angela Carrieri Humanamente – Servizi alla persona.Via Antonio Gramsci, 12, 72015 Fasano BR, Italia
Marianella Bonetti Azienda Sanitaria Locale (AUSL) Bologna, U.A. Assistenza Domiciliare Loiano- San Lazzaro (Italy)
Martina Papa District Nurse, TEST Lab, Viale Verdi 63, Modena (Italy)
Giancarlo Vetri Azienda USL della Romagna, Department of Primary Care Ravenna, Faenza, Lugo (Italy)
Giovanna Artioli University of Parma, Department of Medicine and Surgery, via Gramsci, 14 – Parma (Italy)

Keywords:

Childhood Obesity, Childhood Overweight, prevention and control, Community-Based Participatory Research, Primary Schools, Focus Groups

Abstract

Background. In the last 30 years, childhood obesity has become a global issue. In Europe, Italy is particularly affected, especially among primary school-aged children. Post-COVID-19 reflections revealed the need for more research and collaboration to address this concerning issue for children health. Aims. To understand parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals’ childhood obesity and overweight perceptions and to co-create an educational intervention. Methods. A participatory research approach, combined with qualitative methods, was based on a high child obesity rate area of Southern Italy. Results. Focus groups conducted in three primary schools involved teachers, parents, and healthcare professionals. The emerging themes, “Healthy lifestyle: a complex issue?”, “Fat Stigma and Prejudice” and “Possible Interventions”, paint a dramatic scenario and highlight that obesity prevention is effective only through the integrated involvement of all parties and the community playing a central role. Sharing results with stakeholders helped to draft prospective education interventions. Conclusion. Collaboration between public and private parties and avoiding a blame culture by listening to the needs of families and children is crucial in preventing childhood obesity and overweight.

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