title: Initiating policy, systems, and environmental changes for childhood obesity prevention by engaging six faith-based organizations.
abstract: Little is known about how to engage faith-organizations, especially churches, when using policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) change approaches for prevention. This article documents the PSE changes implemented by engaging 6 faith organizations, with an estimated reach of 3500 members, for 18 months. Timeline (n = 6), focus group (n = 6), report (n = 18), and observational meeting (n = 16) and event (n = 5) summaries were analyzed using content analysis. Early changes were usually environmental changes. Mid and later changes focused on policy and systems change. Churches structured for process and outcome accountability and person-centered accountability can accomplish PSE changes.
authors.affiliation: Psychosocial and Community Health, University of Washington, School of Nursing, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. dboutain@u.washington.edu
authors.forename: Doris M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Boutain
authors.forename: Molly
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: McNees
mesh_terms: D002675:Child, Preschool; D002835:Christianity; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016134:Organizational Policy; D014861:Washington