A qualitative assessment of weight control among rural Kansas women

Abstract

Objective: To explore weight control beliefs, attitudes, knowledge, and practices among rural Kansas women, and to characterize the relationship of these women with their primary-care providers around weight control.

Design: Qualitative research using focus groups.

Setting: Three separate communities of rural Kansas.

Participants: Six focus groups among 31 women during fall 2006.

Intervention: Two focus groups in each community, each of 2-hour duration. A focus group moderator's guide was used to explore the roles of individuals, primary-care practice teams, and communities around weight control.

Analysis: This study used a qualitative analysis with an iterative process and standard techniques. The analysis team summarized central findings, descriptive topic areas, and general themes.

Results: There were 5 broad themes that emerged from these focus groups. These themes are lack of support from primary-care providers; primary-care offices as community resources; lack of resources for promoting dietary change, but adequate resources for physical activity; the importance of group support and inclusiveness; and a need for more intensive interventions for weight control.

Conclusions and implications: Rural populations have an above-average prevalence of obesity and related comorbidities. Rural communities need better approaches for addressing the obesity epidemic.