Multilevel Systems-oriented Childhood Obesity Study In China
Title: Multilevel Systems-oriented Childhood Obesity Study In China
Principal Investigator: Youfa Wang, MD, PhD
Funding Agency: Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), Johns Hopkins University
Period: 09/01/11 - 08/31/16 original award period at Johns Hopkins University
- grant transferred to UB 12/2013, UB award period 12/01/13 - 12/31/15, and 01/01/16 - 12/31/16
Abstract: The objective of this study is to use a systems-oriented conceptual framework, unique rich longitudinal data collected in China from large cohorts, and novel systems analysis to study the interplay, impact, and feedback loops of the built, social, economic, environmental and policy factors and their changes on individual children and their families' decisions, eating, physical activity, and adiposity outcomes.
We will also study why some individuals/families may respond differently to the environments and how they may affect their environments.
China offers an unprecedented opportunity for systems-oriented pediatric obesity research considering its large population size, area and regional contextual variation; the rapid economic growth and many social- environmental transformations over the past 2-3 decades including dramatic changes in its food systems and food environment. The large variance and change in macro-level contextual variables and in health outcomes including obesity can help advance understanding of disparities in the U.S. through comparative studies. Findings will have many important policy implications for the U.S. and other countries.
