A cluster randomised controlled trial of knowledge translation methods for obesity prevention [ 2007 - 2010 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Elizabeth Waters (Principal investigator) ,  Prof Boyd Swinburn ,  Prof Robert Carter ,  Prof Sing Lo

Brief description This study aims to increase the use of evidence in the development of programs for childhood obesity prevention by local government. There has been a lot of research to examine what works and what doesn't to increase healthy eating, physical activity and prevent childhood obesity, and programs conducted by local government have an important role to play. However, many who work in local government have not been trained in how to access research, nor do they have the time to search extensively for it, or interpret what the results from studies conducted elsewhere may mean for them in the local context. This study aims to examine what are the most effective and cost effective methods to increase access to evidence, and to increase the adoption of evidence by those working in local government (eg planners, maternal and child health nurses, family day care, environmental planners etc) to address environmental factors (playgrounds, walkability and active transport, policies for sporting events, community gardens, sporting events, street closures), health and social services (parent education, access to health promotion and prevention programs, education initiatives, environmental policies). Comparable research on what works for knowledge translation has only been conducted in the clinical context, for example, hospital clinics, and it is difficult to generalise these findings to the community based public health setting and relevant programs.

Funding Amount $AUD 432,292.34

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant