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To develop a conceptualization of cultural influence on perceptions of a rural food and physical activity policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) change project to inform public health research and practice. Basic qualitative research design, semistructured phone interviews with community health coalition members. Five rural Southern counties (obesity prevalence > 40%). Thirty-nine community coalition members. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention High Obesity Program. PSE initiatives to increase access to healthy food and physical activity opportunities through a community coalition model. Social norms and cultural influences surrounding community members' food preferences, physical activity behavior, and future hopes for community development. Abductive content analysis. Major categories on food social norms (subcategories: physical health, eating habits, and food preference), race relations, generational factors, physical activity social norms, and hopes for the community (subcategories: increased engagement, health, awareness, cohesion, and inspiration) were discussed in relation to the progress of PSE initiatives. Because of community member perceptions, PSE initiatives became associated with factors beyond food and fitness, such as race relations, generational differences, and community cohesion. A focus on increased youth and church involvement, community values, relationship building, and input from diverse voices can be foundational to culturally-appropriate PSE efforts in rural settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine church leaders' views on the role of faith-based organizations in promoting healthy eating and physical activity in children. Qualitative research using semi-structured in-depth interviews. South Carolina. Leaders (n = 26) from United Methodist churches (n = 20). Perceptions of health promotion efforts for children in faith-based settings, including primary health concerns, perceived opportunities, partnerships, and the relationship of these efforts to the overall church mission. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded using a constant comparative method. Five themes emerged related to (1) multiple concerns about health issues facing children; (2) existing church structures influencing health behaviors; (3) potential partnerships to address children's health; (4) importance of role models; and (5) the need for a tailored approach. Church leaders viewed childhood health behaviors as an important area of concern for the church and identified links between physical and spiritual health. They identified multiple existing and potential organizational and community structures as important in improving healthy eating and physical activity. Faith-based organizations can play an important role in developing and delivering health programming for children but desired assistance through partnerships with subject matter experts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective To determine preferred policies and programs to prevent obesity and diabetes as identified by parents and caregivers of 3- to 5-year-old Latino children. Design Constructs from the Social Ecological Model were used to develop 10 focus group and key informant interview questions. Setting Community venues and schools in St Paul, MN. Participants A total of 64 parents and caregivers and 20 key informants provided comments. Intervention(s) Community-based participatory research methods were used to gather opinions regarding appropriate and preferred methods to prevent obesity and diabetes among Latino youth. Native Spanish-speaking investigators who were members of the community conducted 7 focus groups (60–90 minutes each) and 20 key informant interviews. Main Outcome Measures Themes and subthemes of preferences based on participant comments. Analysis Transcript-based, long-table qualitative analysis. Results Five themes were identified: (1) cultural beliefs and practices are inconsistent with obesity prevention; (2) cost and convenience; (3) positive parenting practices; (4) we want to learn more about being healthy; and (5) gardens, parks, gyms, and school meals. At least 1 theme fell within each of the Social Ecological Model domains. Conclusions and Implications Our results suggest that parents of young Hispanic children prefer that obesity and diabetes prevention programs address multiple levels of influence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-overdose outreach has emerged in the United States as an increasingly common response to non-fatal overdose. This qualitative study investigates the implementation of such programs through public health-public safety partnerships in Massachusetts. We conducted semi-structured interviews with post-overdose outreach team members, overdose survivors, and family members who received outreach. Interview transcripts were inductively analyzed to identify emergent themes and subsequently organized within the framework of Ecological Systems Theory. Forty-nine interviews were conducted, including 15 police officers (80% male, 100% non-Hispanic White); 23 public health partners (48% male, 87% non-Hispanic White); 8 overdose survivors who received outreach services and 3 parents of survivors who received services (collectively 27% male, 64% non-Hispanic White). Implementation factors identified across all levels (macrosystem, exosystem, mesosystem, and microsystem) of Ecological Systems Theory included key program facilitators, such as access to police data and funding (macro), interagency collaboration (exo), shared recognition of community needs (exo), supportive relationships among team members (meso), and program champions (micro). Common barriers included inherent contradictions between policing and public health mandates (macro), poor local treatment and service capacity (exo), divergent staff views of program goals (exo), overdose survivors' prior negative experiences with law enforcement (meso), difficulty locating overdose survivors (meso), and police officers' lack of qualifications or training in providing psycho-social services (micro). Most post-overdose outreach programs in this study were dependent on funding and data-sharing partnerships, which police agencies largely controlled. Yet, police participation, especially during outreach visits presented numerous challenges for engaging overdose survivors and establishing non-coercive linkages with evidence-based services, which may undermine the public health goals of these programs. These findings should inform state and federal efforts to expand the role of law enforcement in behavioral health initiatives. • Post-overdose outreach is an emerging overdose response strategy. • Outreach teams describe police data as necessary for operating outreach programs. • Programs face complex challenges when police officers join outreach teams. • Police officers face practical, ethical contradictions that may undermine public health goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When used appropriately, congregate care placements can provide children in foster care with the structure and treatment services they need. However, children are often placed in congregate care when their needs can be met in family settings, a practice that contradicts the child welfare mandate to place children in the least restrictive environment possible. In 2000, a class action lawsuit filed against the State of Tennessee highlighted that the state routinely placed children in congregate care settings contrary to their best interests. Since then, the state''s Department of Children''s Services (DCS) has been extremely successful in reducing its use of congregate care. This paper presents major findings from a qualitative research study that explored how DCS accomplished this critical system change. Fifty-one Tennessee child welfare stakeholders were interviewed using an open ended protocol. DCS administrative data, performance monitoring data, and official policy documents were also analyzed to provide context for the interviewees'' comments. Analysis of interview transcripts revealed three main change agents that helped set the stage for deinstitutionalization, as well as three types of systemwide reforms that were undertaken to ensure a successful reduction in congregate care use. Implications for jurisdictions embarking on similar reforms are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of low-income youth participation in a summer sport-based positive youth development (PYD) program on individual, parent, family, and community level outcomes. Specific mechanisms that contribute to program outcomes also were explored. Ten parents of youth participating in a summer sport-based PYD program were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Parents identified key outcomes at the individual, parent, family and community level, such as youth biopsychosocial development and positive changes in affect, parents'' peace of mind due to child involvement, improved family interactions, youth involvement in prosocial activities, and community interaction/support. Key mechanisms contributing to these outcomes point to the importance of program characteristics such as the qualities and roles of counselors, incorporation of lessons for sport and life, opportunities for peer/family interactions, program structure, and the provision of resources. Findings provide qualitative evidence of the value of sport-based PYD summer programs, as well as point to important mechanisms that may guide program design in this emergent field of practice. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Colombian public relations professionals face an environment shaped by a government-declared war against guerrillas, paramilitaries, and drug traffickers. Practitioners explained the implications of this conflict-laden environment for the practice of public relations during 10 in-depth, highly structured interviews. Findings include how regionalism has marked the evolution and practice in Colombia, the need for organizational representatives to keep a low profile because of security concerns, encroachment on the profession by other disciplines, and lack of trust in institutions due to the country's critical situation, demanding nation-building campaigns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]