Applying Community-based System Dynamics to promote child health equity: the case of healthy and fit kids in Milwaukee, WI.

Background: Child health equity is influenced by complex systemic factors, including structural racism, socioeconomic disparities, and access to resources. Traditional public health interventions often target individual behaviors, but there is a growing need for systems approaches that address these root causes. This study examines coalition members' perspectives on promoting child health equity in Milwaukee as a result of participating in an intervention that includes Community-based System Dynamics (CBSD).

Comparison of Methods Used to Correct Self-Reported Protein Intake for Systematic Variation in Reported Energy Intake Using Quantitative Biomarkers of Dietary Intake.

Background: Multiple methods of correcting nutrient intake for misreported energy intake have been proposed but have not been extensively compared. The availability of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) data set, which includes several objective recovery biomarkers, offers an opportunity to compare these corrections with respect to protein intake.

Objective: We compared 5 energy-correction methods for self-reported dietary protein against urinary nitrogen-derived protein intake.

Lessons From a Pilot Community-Driven Approach for Obesity Prevention.

Introduction: The Wisconsin Obesity Prevention Initiative has piloted a novel approach for community action for obesity prevention that incorporates both coalition and community organizing efforts in 2 counties. This article describes lessons learned to date from this experience.

Methods: A description of the progress made in these communities and the support provided by Initiative staff and other partners are drawn from process evaluation of the pilot from November 2014 through December 2015, as well as the reflections of community partners.

Developing a Strategy Menu for Community-Level Obesity Prevention.

Childhood obesity is a complex problem influenced by policies, systems, and environments, and its prevention requires changes across a range of community settings. To address this, we developed an obesity prevention strategy menu and an ongoing study to pilot its use and provide technical support for its implementation. The strategy menu is comprised of a set of effective approaches communities can use to develop tailored, context-specific health interventions based on local community needs and capacity.

Community-Led Collaborative Action to Prevent Obesity.

At the population level, turning the tide on obesity requires not only health education and promotion programs, but also systemic changes in our society. However, few of these changes can be implemented by single agencies or organizations acting in isolation. Broader community-driven efforts are needed to advance and maintain systematic changes across multiple settings.

The Obesity Prevention Initiative: A Statewide Effort to Improve Child Health in Wisconsin.

Background/significance: Obesity rates have increased dramatically, especially among children and disadvantaged populations. Obesity is a complex issue, creating a compelling need for prevention efforts in communities to move from single isolated programs to comprehensive multisystem interventions. To address these issues, we have established a childhood Obesity Prevention Initiative (Initiative) for Wisconsin.