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Case Study: Childhood Obesity Prevention
Program
Scenario:
The city of Riverview, a mid-sized urban area, has seen a 35% increase in childhood obesity
over the past decade. Public health officials are concerned about rising rates of Type 2
diabetes, hypertension, and low physical activity levels among children aged 6-12 years.
The Riverview Health Department (RHD) has received a $500,000 grant to develop and
implement a Childhood Obesity Prevention Program targeting low-income communities. The
program must include nutrition education, physical activity promotion, and policy advocacy.
Key Challenges Identified:
Lack of access to healthy foods (food deserts)
Low levels of physical activity in schools and communities
High screen time among children
Parental influence and cultural barriers
The RHD team must develop a program plan, implement interventions, and evaluate their
effectiveness over a 2-year period.
Case Study Questions
1. Needs Assessment
What data sources should be used to assess the extent of childhood obesity in
Riverview?
What key stakeholders should be involved in the needs assessment?
How can community input be collected to ensure culturally appropriate interventions?
2. Program Planning
What SMART goals should the program set?
Which intervention strategies should be prioritized based on the needs assessment?
How should the budget ($500,000) be allocated?
, 3. Implementation Strategies
How can the program ensure schools, parents, and community organizations are
engaged?
What strategies should be used to promote sustained behavior change among children?
How can technology and social media be leveraged for outreach?
4. Evaluation & Sustainability
What process, impact, and outcome measures should be used to evaluate success?
How can the program ensure long-term sustainability beyond the grant period?
What policy recommendations should be made to support obesity prevention?
Sample Response & Program Plan
1. Needs Assessment
Data Collection Methods:
✅ Primary Data
Community surveys & focus groups with parents & children
School BMI screenings & physical activity assessments
✅ Secondary Data
CDC and state health department reports on obesity trends
School lunch and physical activity policies
Key Stakeholders:
🔹 Local schools & teachers (to implement nutrition & exercise programs)
🔹 Community health organizations (for outreach & support)
🔹 Parents & caregivers (to reinforce behavior at home)
🔹 Policymakers (to support school-based nutrition policies)
2. Program Planning
SMART Goals: