Community nutrition and physical activity
Eating habits and physical activity are important determinants of health and well-being. Not following recommendations increases the risk for chronic diseases from cardiovascular diseases, obesity, type-2 diabetes, cancer and premature death.
Vision
Equality in health through high quality intervention and implementation research in the area of eating habits and physical activity.
Aims
- Multidisciplinary research on the development, implementation and evaluation of interventions to promote healthy eating habits and physical activity with regard to process, effect and costs.
- Education at basic, advanced and postgraduate level in theory and practice of intervention and implementation research and further education of professionals in evidence-based public health.
- Commissioned assignments within the groups research competence.
We work mainly in low-income areas in child health care, preschools, schools, in residences for adults with disabilities and work places. We also develop interventions to encourage parents to promote healthy dietary habits and physical activity in their children.
A social-ecological model of health
Our research builds on a social-ecological model of health and uses a multilevel approach targeting the individual, groups, organisations and society. We use both quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods and study both process, outcome and costs. We develop health education materials for our target groups.
Knowledge exchange and cooperation
We collaborate with the Swedish Institute of Public Health, the National Food Agency, Stockholm County Council, the Swedish Association for Local Authorities and Regions, non-governmental organisations, municipalities and other research groups. We participate in knowledge exchange within the European Union and the World Health Organization.
The research group is led by Liselotte Schäfer Elinder, MSc, PhD, associate professor.
