Community Based Intervention to Reduce Obesity and Improve Health Behaviors in Barry County, MI

PURPOSE: Community based health intervention are efficient in addressing many health challenges like obesity. The B.Healthy Coalition was formed in 2012 as the result of a needs assessment using county level Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS) finding obesity a top health concern. B.Healthy aims to reduce obesity by focusing on community level changes like food access, physical activity, and healthy workplaces and schools. METHODS: Multiple methods are used to assess the impact of B.Healthy. BRFSS data collected at county, state, and national levels are used to quantitatively compare trends of health behaviors and outcomes (fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity, and weight). Additionally, an online survey was conducted to qualitatively examine the barriers and assets to health in Barry County. ANALYSES: Trends in BRFSS data (n=390) show weight status of Barry County’s population increased more than state and national levels. However, data shows the population is engaging in health promoting behaviors, like eating vegetables and exercising, more often than state and national populations. RESULTS: Data from the survey (n=25) shows barriers like healthy food access, and needs for physical activity venues. Additionally, survey data shows assets found in Barry County from B.Healthy, like Fresh Food Initiative, and No Family Left Indoors. CONCLUSION: Weight status remains a priority in Barry County, however, this study shows initiatives of B.Healthy are impacting health behaviors in the community by creating access, and providing education. These findings will help B.Healthy continue to make progress in reducing obesity in the community