What are Social Determinants of Childhood Obesity in the West End?

The Social System Design Lab worked with the West End Mount Carmel Baptist Church and the public health research organization, Transtria LLC, to develop a qualitative system dynamics model of the social determinants of childhood obesity in the West End. The model was the result of workshops with clergy, health care providers, parents, youth, and young adults from the West End Neighborhood on the topic of childhood obesity. The work done in this project allowed for public health organizations, policy makers, and more to make decisions that directly intervened with childhood obesity in the West End community.

Project Lead

Peter Hovmand, PhD

Timeline

2012-2014

Location:

St. Louis, MO, USA

Project Partners

West End Mount Carmel Baptist Church

Transtria LLC

Project Goals

  • Describe the social determinants of childhood obesity in St.Louis’ West End community.
  • Inform efforts by West End residents, community development organizations, health care professionals, and government entities to identify and design programs and services that would help decrease childhood obesity.