Evolution in obesity and chronic disease prevention practice in California public health departments, 2010.
BACKGROUND
Local health departments (LHDs) are dedicating resources and attention to preventing obesity and associated chronic diseases, thus expanding their work beyond traditional public health activities such as surveillance. This study investigated practices of local health departments in California to prevent obesity and chronic disease.


METHODS
We conducted a web-based survey in 2010 with leaders in California's LHDs to obtain diverse perspectives on LHDs' practices to prevent obesity and chronic disease. The departmental response rate for the 2010 survey was 87% (53 of California's 61 LHDs).


RESULTS
Although staff for preventing obesity and chronic disease decreased at 59% of LHDs and stayed the same at 26% of LHDs since 2006, LHDs still contributed the same (12%) or a higher (62%) level of effort in these areas. Factors contributing to internal changes to address obesity and chronic disease prevention included momentum in the field of obesity prevention, opportunities to learn from other health departments, participation in obesity and chronic disease prevention initiatives, and flexible funding streams for chronic disease prevention. LHDs that received foundation funding or had a lead person or organizational unit coordinating or taking the lead on activities related to obesity and chronic disease prevention were more likely than other LHDs to engage in some activities related to obesity prevention.


CONCLUSIONS
California LHDs are increasing the intensity and breadth of obesity and chronic disease prevention. Findings provide a benchmark from which further changes in the activities and funding sources of LHD chronic disease prevention practice may be measured.
Ad Lucem Consulting, 1339 Waller St, San Francisco, CA 94117. Telephone: 415-252-8646. E-mail: Liz@adlucemconsulting.com. At the time of the study, Ms Schwarte was affiliated with The Sarah Samuels Center for Public Health Research and Evaluation, Oakland, California.
Liz
L
Schwarte
MPH/MSW candidate at the University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California. At the time of the study, Ms Ngo was affiliated with The Sarah Samuels Center for Public Health Research and Evaluation, Oakland, California.
Samantha
S
Ngo
Resource Development Associates, Oakland, California. At the time of the study, Dr Banthia, was affiliated with The Sarah Samuels Center for Public Health Research and Evaluation, Oakland, California.
Rajni
R
Banthia
The California Endowment, Oakland, California.
George
G
Flores
Partnership for the Public's Health/Public Health Institute, Oakland, California. Dr Prentice is now retired.
Bob
B
Prentice
Abt Associates, Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts. At the time of the study, Ms Boyle was affiliated with The Sarah Samuels Center for Public Health Research and Evaluation, Oakland, California.
Maria
M
Boyle
The Sarah Samuels Center for Public Health Research and Evaluation, Oakland, California. Sarah E. Samuels died March 29, 2014.
Sarah E
SE
Samuels
D002140:California / Q000453:epidemiology; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019058:Community Networks; D006295:Health Resources; D006801:Humans; D009111:Local Government; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011635:Public Health Administration / Q000379:methods*; D015980:Public Health Practice