A population health needs assessment: Pre-K children in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania

Childhood obesity is an epidemic that is affecting children worldwide. Childhood obesity is a topic of public health importance because of its effect on the health of society. Children who are obese are more likely to be obese adults. Preventable obesity-related conditions, such as type two diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure, increase healthcare expenditure and loss of productivity. This essay describes a population health needs assessment conducted for a non-profit childhood obesity prevention program, HEALTHY Armstrong, in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania preschool-aged children. The need assessment methodology includes a detailed literature search and stakeholder interviews. Eight interviews were conducted from a range of professionals, physical education teachers, pediatricians, dieticians, and the Head Start Director. Findings between both methods were largely consistent, including the connection between weight status and health implications, parent’s influence on their child’s weight, and future intervention focus points. The interviews were able to give a more detailed look at the specifics of the population in Armstrong County. In addition, interviews revealed areas of concern for this population that were not mentioned by the literature, such as lack of connectedness between providers and time restrictions during provider appointments. Using information collected in this needs assessment, HEALTHY Armstrong will be able to design an effective intervention that considered the needs of this population