Physical Activity–Related Policy and Environmental Strategies to Prevent Obesity in Rural Communities: A Systematic Review of the Literature, 2002–2013

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  • Renée Umstattd Meyer,
    • Other Affiliation: Baylor University; Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences; Department of Health; Human Performance and Recreation
  • Perry, Cynthia K.
    • Other Affiliation: School of Nursing; Oregon Health and Science University
  • Sumrall, Jasmin C.
    • Other Affiliation: Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences; Baylor University
  • Patterson, Megan S.
    • Other Affiliation: Baylor University
  • Walsh, Shana M.
    • Other Affiliation: Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences; Baylor University
  • Clendennen, Stephanie C.
    • Other Affiliation: Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences; Baylor University
  • Hooker, Steven P.
    • Other Affiliation: Arizona State University
  • Evenson, Kelly R.
    • Affiliation: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • Goins, Karin V.
    • Other Affiliation: University of Massachusetts Medical School
  • Heinrich, Katie M.
    • Other Affiliation: Kansas State University
  • Tompkins, Nancy O'Hara
    • Other Affiliation: West Virginia Prevention Research Center; West Virginia University
  • Eyler, Amy A.
    • Other Affiliation: Prevention Research Center; Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis
  • Jones, Sydney
    • Affiliation: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • Tabak, Rachel
    • Other Affiliation: Prevention Research Center; Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis
  • Valko, Cheryl
    • Other Affiliation: Prevention Research Center; Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis
Abstract
  • IntroductionHealth disparities exist between rural and urban residents; in particular, rural residents have higher rates of chronic diseases and obesity. Evidence supports the effectiveness of policy and environmental strategies to prevent obesity and promote health equity. In 2009, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended 24 policy and environmental strategies for use by local communities: the Common Community Measures for Obesity Prevention (COCOMO); 12 strategies focus on physical activity. This review was conducted to synthesize evidence on the implementation, relevance, and effectiveness of physical activity–related policy and environmental strategies for obesity prevention in rural communities.MethodsA literature search was conducted in PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, CINHAL, and PAIS databases for articles published from 2002 through May 2013 that reported findings from physical activity–related policy or environmental interventions conducted in the United States or Canada. Each article was extracted independently by 2 researchers.ResultsOf 2,002 articles, 30 articles representing 26 distinct studies met inclusion criteria. Schools were the most common setting (n = 18 studies). COCOMO strategies were applied in rural communities in 22 studies; the 2 most common COCOMO strategies were “enhance infrastructure supporting walking” (n = 11) and “increase opportunities for extracurricular physical activity” (n = 9). Most studies (n = 21) applied at least one of 8 non-COCOMO strategies; the most common was increasing physical activity opportunities at school outside of physical education (n = 8). Only 14 studies measured or reported physical activity outcomes (10 studies solely used self-report); 10 reported positive changes.ConclusionSeven of the 12 COCOMO physical activity–related strategies were successfully implemented in 2 or more studies, suggesting that these 7 strategies are relevant in rural communities and the other 5 might be less applicable in rural communities. Further research using robust study designs and measurement is needed to better ascertain implementation success and effectiveness of COCOMO and non-COCOMO strategies in rural communities.
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  • Article
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  • In Copyright
Journal title
  • Preventing Chronic Disease
Journal volume
  • 13
Language
  • English
ISSN
  • 1545-1151

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