Nursing Research Theoretical framework: Nursing research study

According to the article by Reed (2013) entitled "Childhood obesity policy: Implications for African-American girls and a nursing ecological model" from Nursing Science Quarterly, while obesity has been on the rise for all socio-economic and racial groups in the U.S., amongst African-American adolescent girls the condition has become particularly rampant. Reed uses an ecological model to analyze obesity. She focuses on how exterior circumstances and larger social forces may impact the obesity rate amongst girls, versus focusing on individual health problems or personal choices. The author suggests that cultural and economic factors in the African-American community regarding weight and health are having a negative impact upon young women's health. "The seemingly cultural acceptance of poor nutrition and physical inactivity are leading to an epidemic of obesity in America that is affecting African-American children at disproportionate rates. Public health policies aimed at decreasing the incidence of childhood obesity, particularly in minority populations, are needed to change the poor outlook for health for this nation's children" (Reed 2013:86). The author points to the success of American gymnast Gabby Douglas who, despite her achievements was criticized for having 'sloppy' hair while competing, versus being praised for her athleticism, and the resistance to the First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" campaign.

As well as cultural resistance, the pressures of poverty also have given rise to a higher obesity rate in this population. "Food insecurity in the United States has led to an influx of poor dietary behaviors and chronic diseases related to obesity" (Reed 2013: 87). While in the developing world, food insecurity means a lack of food and can result in emaciation, in the U.S. The problem is not a deficit of calories, but a lack of healthy calories for poor children. Malnutrition,...

Studies have shown a correlation between adolescents' overweight status and neighborhood variables such as a lack of access to quality healthy food and the presence of fast food restaurants which is often typical of urban minority communities (Reed 2013: 88). Other risk factors include early puberty and a lack of parental education, both of which are more likely to be features in the lives of African-American young women.
Because of the strong correlations of obesity with highly specific social variables, "ecological frameworks show promise in capturing the environmental factors related to childhood obesity. Ecological models of human interaction and development can be used to study complex community problems that affect adolescent obesity and other health situations….the ecological model describes health behaviors as affecting and being affected by environmental systems at multiple levels" (Reed 2013: 89). They reflect the fact that there is no single silver bullet cause or solution for obesity.

Ecological models are composed of different levels of analysis and Reed specifically uses her own ecological model to interpret adolescent girls' obesity. The first, physical level (Level I) consists of the girl's weight status (BMI); the second level (Level II) consists of personal characteristics and risk factors (such as gender, age, and dietary needs and calorie intake); Level III reflects parental characteristics and Level IV reflects the community and demographic variables, including socioeconomic factors, cultural attitudes towards food, and the wider food environment (Reed 2013:89).

To demonstrate how all of these different levels can impact obesity, the author conducted a review of existing research literature as…