Mapping Data Shape Community Responses to Childhood Obesity

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-2010

Journal Title

Health Affairs

ISSN

0278-2715

DOI

10.1377/hlthaff.2010.0153

Abstract

Geographic information system (GIS) mapping can help communities visualize the health of their neighborhoods and identify opportunities for improvement. In Austin, Texas, Children’s Optimal Health, a nonprofit association, used GIS to map the prevalence of obesity among middle school children and to identify contributory factors. The maps indicated that obesity is a problem in all Austin middle schools. Two neighborhoods outside downtown Austin have particularly high concentrations of overweight and obese students. Maps also showed that the neighborhoods have different proportions of fast-food outlets, grocery stores selling fresh produce, green recreation space, and students failing cardiovascular testing. The mapping exercise spurred community groups to propose obesity interventions tailored to each neighborhood.

First Page

498

Last Page

502

Num Pages

5

Volume Number

29

Issue Number

3

Publisher

Health Affairs

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