Action Research Plan Addressing Childhood Obesity - Term Paper Example

 Course title: Action Research Abstract: Childhood obesity is a serious health problem in Britain. Obesity refers to abnormal increase of an individual’s weight. This is because of storage of body fats within the body of an individual. As a health problem, policy makers need to come up with policies that will help in solving the problem. On this basis, there is a need of an extensive research on the various methods of eliminating obesity amongst school going children in Britain. Action research is the best type of research that health officials need to use in solving the problem of obesity. This is because action research can identify the problem, its causes, and develop effective solution to the problem under consideration. The Impact Of Action Research In Eliminating Obesity Problem With British Children Introduction: Obesity is serious health problem, whereby the body of an individual accumulates excess fats. This paper gives a definition of childhood obesity, and why it is a problem that affects school going children. This paper is a proposal on carrying out an Action Research Plan Addressing Childhood Obesity. On this basis, this paper has a literature review that examines the concept of child hood obesity. After the literature review, this paper has a problem statement, which highlights the problems associated with childhood obesity, and how to solve the problem under consideration. It thereafter explains what action research is, and why it is an important process in addressing childhood obesity. This paper also contains the reflections of the researcher. Under reflection, the researcher identifies how various books have helped in understanding the concept of action research, and why it is important in finding a solution to address the problem of childhood obesity. This paper also explains the action research processes, and the various ethical considerations that a researcher needs to consider while carrying out the research. This paper also explains the methods in which a researcher will use in gathering data, and it has a conclusion, which is a summary of the main points found in the paper. Literature Review: McGhee (2012) denotes that there is an increase of obesity amongst British children over the last three decades. Beatty (2012) further denotes that obesity affects 32% of children who reside in Britain. Obesity refers to a medical state in which the body of an individual has excess fats, which have accumulated for a period of time, and these excess body fats have a negative effect on the body of a person under consideration (McGhee, 2012 and Beatty, 2012). Beatty (2012) explains that childhood obesity is a term used to refer to a situation where a child has an excess body fats to an extent that they become a risk to the health status of the child under consideration. Gullota, Blau and Ramos (2008) believe that a child who suffers from obesity has a reduced life expectancy. Problem Statement: When a child does not engage in physical activities, then their body fats are not used, as a result, they increase weight (Haerens, 2012). Haerens (2012) further denotes that it is technology that makes children not want to engage in sports or physical exercises. These technological innovations include play station games, computers, and satellite television programs (Smith, 2012). Haerens (2012) supports this observation by Smith (2012) that children spend most of their time with the identified technological gadgets, as opposed to engaging in sports, or other physical activities. On this basis, Haerens (2012) claims that physical inactivity of a school going child is the main factor that leads to the development of obesity. Cain and Peterson (2012) believe that for a child to be healthy, he or she must engage in physical exercises for at least 60 minutes in a day. McGhee (2012) denotes that 60% of children in Britain do not engage in physical activities for at least 60 minutes a day. Because of this factor, 60% of children in Britain are vulnerable to acquiring obesity (McGhee, 2012), and this has to change. This project seeks to give an answer to the following questions; How can children with obesity be helped? How can the pattern be changed so that the situation at the moment (more number of obese children) is improved or reversed? What happens when physical activities that are helpful in reducing obesity amongst children are initiated in schools on compulsory basis? How to make physical activities more interesting so that each individual can find personal interest in a customized activity? What is Action Research? Johnson (2012) signifies that the term action research first merged in 1944, through a study that Professor Kurt Lewin was conducting. Action research is a comparative type of research concerning the conditions, and effects of a variety of social actions (Johnson, 2012). Action research therefore leads to the development of a social procedure that involves the following procedures (Johnson, 2012); Identification of the questions or problems under consideration. Planning and identification of the action to take in solving the problem under consideration. Collection and analysis of data. The action reflection cycle. Action research involves the process of interaction (Johnson, 2012), and people can use this concept to carry out a research on issues that affect their lives, and work place environment (Murphy, 2012). Murphy (2012) further denotes that on most occasions, action research involves the help of a facilitator, for it to be effective. Johnson (2012) and Murphy (2012) maintain that the main aim of action research is to create a mechanism which can help people to solve a variety of problems that affects the society. Action research is also based on the concept, and believes that the most efficient manner of solving and identifying a problem is to allow all the major stakeholders of the issue under consideration to participate (Remington, Brownson and Wegner, 2010). Confusion normally arises between the concepts of academic research and action research (Williamson and Bellman, 2012). There is usually a conflict between academic and action research. There can’t be rigid rules when it comes to pragmatic structure of a problem. Academic research is based on historical evidence. Theoretically it is supposed to work for future problems but it doesn’t, the factors and dynamics change. There are always some adjustments needed to make that are suited to the situation. Johnson (2012) is also of the mind that there is a great difference between these two concepts (academic and action research), whereby the main aim of action research is to solve a variety of problems that the researcher identified (Johnson, 2012). It is hardly ever the case that two problems are exactly the same, they can be similar. Action research is solution oriented as opposed to academic research that ‘figures out’ trends or problems. Problems are solved by developing methods aimed at resolution or to an acceptable result. In action research this is done by developing a set of new policies whose main intention is to tackle the problem under consideration (Williamson and Bellman, 2012). Academic research is the means to an end (‘end’ within the parameters of the study). Academic research involves the provision of a generalized idea (Johnson, 2012). The concept of participation changes from academic to action research. Action research is action oriented, and this is because it involves the active participation of participants in the actual process of research (Williamson and Bellman, 2012). Action research also offers variety of ways in which the ‘solution’ can be reached. It is similar to academic research in this sense. Academic research also opts for different methodologies (qualitative, quantitative etc.) depending on the subject under consideration. Johnson (2012) mentions some of the action research methods that an individual can carry out in an action research plan; appreciative inquiry, cooperative inquiry, participative inquiry, and action learning inquiry. Each of these methods of conducting action research has their own characteristics. However, Johnson (2012) denotes that these different types of action research have a similarity, and these similarities include allowing everybody to participate during these process of action research, and affording equal opportunity to everybody wishing to participate in this research. Williamson and Bell (2012) further believe that the main purpose of an action research is to produce knowledge that will help in solving particular social problems within a society. Cain and Peterson (2012) agree with the views held by Williamson and Bell (2012), however, they further propose that the main purpose of carrying out an action research is to solve a variety of complex problems within the society. It is understandable that action research is solution oriented. It is more suited to solving complex problems as some scenarios pose specific complications. These complications can be due to differences in societies, geography, language, age, or simply lack of academic research in that particular niche. Peterson (2012) and Williamson and Bell (2012) mention solving variety of complex problems ‘within’ the society. This study is oriented at solving the problem of child obesity ‘within’ British society. The other aspect that highlights the importance of action research in this frame is the time. This research takes place in 2013, within the changing dynamics of today. The complexity added by time and geography make it more suitable to find the solutions through action research. Importance of Action Research: Johnson (2012) observes that the main importance of action research is to provide information, and thereafter develop a solution to the problem under consideration. McGhee (2012) states that most research carried out to study the cause of childhood obesity does not use the information obtained from their research in a manner that will lead to a reduction of obesity amongst school going children. This is because people who engage in research mainly gather information on the causes of obesity, without giving a solution to the problems that they identified (McGhee, 2012). This action research gathers data on the various causes of child hood obesity in Britain, and thereafter provides a solution on how to help these children reduce their weights by engaging in physical activities. This action plan therefore provides some information on how British schools should develop their curriculum, for purposes of offering physical education to their students. This action plan will also be used by parents, for purposes of encouraging their children to engage in physical exercises. The research includes children as decision makers; their decisions directly impact the outcome of the study. The stakeholders (children and parents) can benefit from this research as they certainly don’t want obesity as a problem. Reflection in Action Research Reflection is a process whereby an individual gives careful consideration of a substance, or an issue that affects their lives. This is therefore reflection on the various studies that I have undertaken, with the intention of understanding the concept of action research. Action research involves a process of interaction, and it encompasses collecting data about a certain problem that the British society faces. It also involves developing solutions to the problem identified, based on the information that an individual or team has. On this basis, action research is a social process (Shaw, 2012). This is an assertion that Williamson and Bellman (2012) support when they assert that the main aim of carrying out action research is to gather information concerning a social problem, and thereafter find a solution that will effectively solve the problem under consideration. To understand this concept of action research, I had to read a variety of books that explain the meaning of action research, and how it can be used to solve the problems of childhood obesity. The books by Klein (2012) Action Research Methods Plain and Simple, Williamson and Bellman (2012) Action Research in Nursing and Healthcare helped me to understand the concept of action research, and how it applies in nursing. For example, Williamson and Bellman (2012) provide a clear illustration on how to plan and develop an action plan that addresses a particular issue under nursing. This was a very useful resource to me. This is because it provides me the knowledge on how to carry out a research that will best address the obesity problem, and thereafter develops a solution to the problem. These resources illustrate examples similar to my research. How to Use Action Research: Williamson and Bellman (2012) identify four major steps to follow while conducting action research. These steps are; identification of the problem or the research question, planning of the action research, data collection and analysis, and the action reflection cycle. Klein (2012) explains that problem identification is the process whereby the researcher identifies the issue that needs to be solved through his or her research. In this case, the problem under consideration is the rising cases of childhood obesity amongst British children. The research problem at hand is designing a practical gateway to reduce childhood obesity amongst school children in Britain, in the context of the modern electronic life where commuting on foot is considered the habit of the past. Mouse clicks and telephone calls can get the job done that used to burn 100s of calories per day without stepping out of the study/work schedule. Britain has one of the most modern societies in the world. Electronic gadgets have made their way to the life of ordinary people and even children. The concept of ‘fun’ has changed in Britain. Having an Xbox or PlayStation at home is the fashion now. The fabricated reality is the new fun now. The second step of conducting this action plan is the planning stage. According to Klein (2012) at this stage, a researcher plans on the various methods of carrying out his or her research. It is at this stage the researcher will identify the participants, collect the materials for conducting the research, identify the various challenges that the researcher will get, and thereafter develop solutions on how he or she will overcome the challenges. In the case of this research, the participants are 10 students, from ______ School, aged between 9 and 15 years. These students will be involved in the research by registering their everyday activities. They will be introduced to new patterns of living where more physical activities will be presented to them. Their behaviour and their own responses will be recorded on ‘up to date’ basis. The changes made to their routines during the study will also be based on their feedback. The expected challenges will mostly be financial. Counting body fat is complex and doesn’t come within the scope of this research, mainly due to limited finances. An alternate, a less accurate measure, weighing machines will be used for this purpose. However, I will still need money to print questionnaires, and to buy weighing machines that are capable of giving us reliable results. To overcome this challenge, I intend to use my personal savings to buy these items. Williamson and Bellman (2012) identify the third stage of an action research process as the collection and analysis of data. During this stage of data analysis and collection, I will measure record the different weights of these children. I will also observe their behaviours in relation to how they engage in sports and any other physical activity. During this process, I will categorize my participants into two categories, namely; normal and overweight children. I will observe how they behave, and thereafter record the findings, and analyze them. The fourth stage in an action research is the reflection cycle. Under this step, the researcher will have to observe what is happening in the research process. After the observation, the researcher will have to reflect what the results mean, after which he or she will re-plan the research process (Klein, 2012). This is by changing certain areas that are not conducive for the research. Thereafter, the researcher will again act on the re-drafted plan in order to see whether he or she achieves the desired result. This is the reflective cycle that I will use in my action plan research. Observation Action Reflection Plan Reflection cycle stages: Stage 1: Observation It involves looking at what is happening to my participants (the ten students) in regards with their body weight and their daily routine. This observation will try to capture their specific activities. This will help define patterns that lead to obesity. For instance, student A spends 4 hours in front of TV on five days a week on average. Stage 2: Reflection. It involves analysing the meaning of whatever is happening during the process of carrying out the research, and why it is happening. For example in my research, I will have to reflect if there are changes in weight on children who are participating in physical activities. Stage 3: Plan. I will have to plan on areas where I will need to change during the process of carrying out the research. Stage 4: Action This involves implementing the necessary changes in my research. Ethical Issues under Consideration: There will be a variety of ethical issues to consider while carrying out this action research. These issues include securing the permission of the participants of the research. They will mainly be parents, students, teachers, and some medical practitioners. Another ethical issue to consider is to inform the various participants of the intention of this research process, and how the results of the research will be used. Corkin, Clarke and Ligget (2012) propose that it is very important to inform participants of a research process about the intentions of carrying out the research. This will help in making the research legitimate, and its recommendations can be used by targeted institutions. There is also the issue of privacy breach. Participants might not feel comfortable communicating their daily activities. This is why they will be instructed in detail that first Their information will be used only for the study purpose and it will not be communicated in anyway whatsoever outside the parameters of this study. This will help in giving them courage to effectively participate in this research process. Obesity is a sensitive problem. Ethics demand the politest way to communicate the purpose of the research to the participants. There is a risk that the participants might develop lower self-esteem simply because of the nature of the study. During the process there can be a change of mind. It is an action research that involves their active participation. The participants are required to give feedback and suggestions. If they simply feel disconnected at any point during the process, this can be damaging for the study. The ethical issue here is to get the consent only if they are willing to participate actively to the end. Applied Methods in the Project: While conducting this research, I will collect information by using questionnaires, and results from the clinical tests amongst participants. I will also seek information amount the measurements of my participants’ weights. This is by personally conducting a weight check. While conducting this research, I will seek the participation of 10 students. Their ages will be between 9 to 15 years. In this research, overweight and obesity are the dependent variables, whereas the independent variable is physical activity. Conclusion The study looks at ways to help British students get over obesity. It is concluded that modern lifestyle offers more luxuries and less chances of physical activities. The daily routines of British school children are greatly influenced by technology and their eating habits. It is also concluded that this pattern can be changed but it requires effort. This effort is required of children as well as their parents. Simply making arrangements for children where parents won’t allow children TV without playing sports (or engaging in any physical activity). Children’s eating habits need some improvement too. This depends largely on the parents as children from 9-15 years of age can hardly be given the responsibility of staying away from junk food. The problem is solvable and it includes a gradual process. Parents and children need awareness about nutrition and physical activities. Experts should be available to customize diet and exercise suited to specific lifestyles. References Beatty, A. S. (2012). Country-level decision making for control of chronic diseases workshop summary. Washington, D.C.: National Academies Press. Busse, R. (2010). Tackling chronic disease in Europe strategies, interventions and challenges. Copenhagen: World Health Organization on behalf of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies. Cain, L. P., & Paterson, D. G. (2012). The children of Eve: population and well-being in history. Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell. Corkin, D., Clarke, S., & Liggett, L. (2012). Care planning in children and young people's nursing. Chichester, West Sussex, UK: Wiley-Blackwell. Gillman, M. W. (2012). Maternal obesity. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Gozal, L. (2012). Sleep disordered breathing in children a comprehensive clinical guide to evaluation and treatment. Dordrecht: Springer. Gullotta, T. P., Blau, G. M., & Ramos, J. M. (2008). Handbook of childhood behavioral issues: evidence-based approaches to prevention and treatment. New York: Routledge/Taylor & Francis. Haerens, M. (2012). Obesity. Detroit: Greenhaven Press. Johnson, A. P. (2012). A short guide to action research (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson. Klein, S. (2012). Action research methods plain and simple. New York: Palgrave Macmillan. McGhee, L. K. (2012). Childhood obesity. Detroit, MI: Lucent Books. Murphy, W. B. (2012). Obesity. Minneapolis, MN: Twenty-First Century Books. Remington, P. L., Brownson, R. C., & Wegner, M. V. (2010). Chronic disease epidemiology and control (3rd ed.). Washington, DC: American Public Health Association. Shaw, K. (2012). Diabetes chronic complications (3rd ed.). Chichester, West Sussex: Wiley- Blackwell. Smith, J. (2012). Chronic diseases related to aging and health promotion and disease prevention report of the Standing Committee on Health. Ottawa, Ont.: Standing Committee on Health. Williamson, G. R., & Bellman, L. (2012). Action research in nursing and healthcare. London: SAGE. Top of Form Read More