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Open Access 22-11-2022 | Obesity | Original Article

Assessing community readiness for overweight and obesity prevention among Ghanaian immigrants living in Greater Manchester, England

Authors: Hibbah Araba Osei-Kwasi, Peter Jackson, Robert Akparibo, Michelle Holdsworth, Mary Nicolaou, Ama De Graft Aikins, Paula Griffiths

Published in: Journal of Public Health | Issue 12/2023

Abstract

Aim

This study assesses community readiness to prevent overweight/obesity among Ghanaian immigrants in Greater Manchester, England.

Subject and method

The Community Readiness Model (CRM) was applied using a semi-structured interview tool with 13 key informants (religious and other key community members) addressing five readiness dimensions. A maximum of 9 points per dimension (from 1 = no awareness to 9 = high level of community ownership), was assigned, alongside qualitative textual thematic analysis.

Results

The mean readiness score indicated that the study population was in the “vague awareness stage” (3.08 ± 0.98). The highest score was observed for community knowledge of the issue (4.42 ± 0.99) which was in the pre-planning phase, followed by community climate (vague awareness; 3.58 ± 0.62). The lowest scores were seen for resources (denial/resistance; 2.70 ± 0.61) and knowledge of efforts (no awareness; 1.53 ± 0.44). Findings identified structural barriers, including poor living conditions as a result of poorly paid menial jobs and high workload, contributing to the adoption of unhealthy lifestyle behaviours. Socio-cultural factors such as fatalism, hereditary factors, and social status were associated with acceptance of overweight.

Conclusion

Despite recognising overweight/obesity as an important health issue in these communities, especially among women, it is not seen as a priority for targeting change. To help these communities to become more ready for interventions that tackle overweight/obesity, the focus should initially be to address the structural barriers identified, including reducing poverty, alongside designing interventions that work with these structural barriers, and thereafter focus on the socio-cultural factors.

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Title: Assessing community readiness for overweight and obesity prevention among Ghanaian immigrants living in Greater Manchester, England
Authors: Hibbah Araba Osei-Kwasi
Peter Jackson
Robert Akparibo
Michelle Holdsworth
Mary Nicolaou
Ama De Graft Aikins
Paula Griffiths
Publication date: 22-11-2022
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Obesity
Obesity
Overweight
Published in: Journal of Public Health / Issue 12/2023
Print ISSN: 2198-1833
Electronic ISSN: 1613-2238
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-022-01777-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Assessing community readiness for overweight and obesity prevention among Ghanaian immigrants living in Greater Manchester, England

Abstract

Aim

Subject and method

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Aim

Subject and method

Results

Conclusion

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