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Simulation modeling to assist with childhood obesity control: perceptions of Baltimore City policymakers

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Abstract

Computational simulation models have potential to inform childhood obesity prevention efforts. To guide their future use in obesity prevention policies and programs, we assessed Baltimore City policymakers’ perceptions of computational simulation models. Our research team conducted 15 in-depth interviews with stakeholders (policymakers in government and non-profit sectors), then transcribed and coded them for analysis. We learned that informants had limited understanding of computational simulation modeling. Although they did not understand how the model was developed, they perceived the tool to be useful when applying for grants, adding to the evidence base for decision-making, piloting programs and policies, and visualizing data. Their concerns included quality and relevance of data used to support the model. Key recommendations for model design included a visual display with explanations to facilitate understanding and a formal method for gathering feedback during model development.

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Acknowledgements

We acknowledge all stakeholders who participated in the Policy Working Group. We also thank the following students, staff, and volunteers: Andrew Seiden, Naomi Rapp, Stacy Nam, Jenny Brooks, Kripa Rajagopalan, and Harmony Farner. This project was supported by Grant Number U54HD070725 from Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD). The project was co-funded by NICHD and Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not represent the official views of NICHD or OBSSR. Additional funding was supported by Grant Number U48DP005045 and 1U48DP000040, SIP 14-027 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Leah Seifu

  2. Department of Nutritional Sciences, Center for Childhood Obesity Research, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA

    Cara Ruggiero

  3. Global Obesity Prevention Center, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA

    Marie Ferguson & Bruce Y. Lee

  4. Community of Global Health Equity, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA

    Yeeli Mui

  5. Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St., Room W2041, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA

    Joel Gittelsohn

Authors
  1. Leah Seifu
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  2. Cara Ruggiero
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  3. Marie Ferguson
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  4. Yeeli Mui
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  5. Bruce Y. Lee
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  6. Joel Gittelsohn
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Correspondence to Joel Gittelsohn.

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Seifu, L., Ruggiero, C., Ferguson, M. et al. Simulation modeling to assist with childhood obesity control: perceptions of Baltimore City policymakers. J Public Health Pol 39, 173–188 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41271-018-0125-0

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