Background: The prevalence of childhood obesity and childhood weight-related comorbidities is increasing, and Aboriginal children are overrepresented in these statistics. Multicomponent lifestyle and behavioural interventions are needed that are family-based and multi-disciplinary, developed with genuine partnership and co-creation. An equitable healthy lifestyle program from Aotearoa/New Zealand is being scaled out to pilot in East Metropolitan Perth with community partnership and key cultural considerations. The program includes a home-based weight-related health assessment, followed by 6 months of weekly community-based group sessions with education on nutrition, physical activity and wellbeing, and further health assessments at 6 and 12 months.
Aim: To explore the adaptations required to facilitate program implementation in Perth to increase acceptability and feasibility, based on the perspectives of Aboriginal community members.
Method: In April 2024, 29 attendees from various Aboriginal community groups attended a workshop to explore perspectives on the program, including barriers and how to enhance engagement. The workshop was recorded and will be transcribed verbatim and analysed using Framework Analysis.
Results: Preliminary findings have identified program barriers including time (busy lifestyle, lack of routine); location and transport; conflict between participants; financial considerations; food insecurity; and trauma. Mitigation strategies include flexible programming and venue, clear participation guidelines, transport-sharing, dietitian-assisted meal planning, and healing circles.
Conclusion: Identified barriers and enablers for patient recruitment and retention within the program will inform program development. Ongoing adaptation of the Perth pilot healthy lifestyle program will be possible with continued Aboriginal engagement. Preparatory work prior to implementing programs in different contexts is paramount to determine barriers and adaptions required to mitigate.