Abstract

Barriers to wellness that may contribute to childhood obesity in South Dakota Native American communities are poorly understood. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify barriers to wellness that may contribute to the of etiology childhood obesity in a South Dakota Native American community and explore potential approaches for prevention. Methods: This qualitative study gathered the perceptions of tribal college students and tribal elders regarding nutrition and physical activity utilizing talking circles. A series of nutrition and physical activity related questions were investigated in the talking circles. The talking circles were transcribed and analyzed using Grounded Theory research. Results: Data from the talking circles identified the environment as the core phenomenon and location, family and resources as casual conditions. Talking circle data also elicited several strategies and intervening conditions that impact childhood obesity in the studied populations. Conclusion: The built environment of the studied rural, Native American communities is a contributing factor to childhood obesity. These data can be used to understand the etiology of childhood obesity in the studies rural Native American communities and to create effective sustainable childhood obesity intervention efforts.