Oral Presentation ANZOS Annual Scientific Meeting 2021

State and territory eclectic approaches to obesity prevention policy (#254)

Emma Esdaile 1
  1. The University of Sydney, Coorparoo, QLD, Australia

This study provides a snapshot of the approaches taken towards obesity prevention policy by Australian state and territory governments. A mixed methods approach was used to provide a snapshot of obesity prevention policy across Australian jurisdictions, late 2018 to early 2019. Policy mapping was undertaken using a tool, adapted from the WHO Ending Childhood Obesity Report. The policy mapping was an iterative process, initially undertaken to support the interviews and during the interviews participants were asked to identify other relevant policies to include in the mapping. Semi-structured interviews with senior officials in each state and territory health department were conducted to gain insights into the contextual differences of policy development and implementation across Australian jurisdictions. The study found that state and territory approaches to obesity prevention policy were eclectic and while there are numerous similarities no two jurisdictions are the same. Models for delivery of health services and community programs are unique. Policies to influence health supportive food and physical activity environments are an emerging policy space, although they tend to happen in a sporadic and uncoordinated way. The diversity of approaches between jurisdictions is influenced by the policy culture and unique social, geographic, and funding contexts in each jurisdiction.