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Date of Award
Spring 2026
Degree Name
Master of Public Health
Department
Community & Global Public Health; College of Health Sciences
First Advisor
Dr. Suzanne Redington
Abstract
Background: Childhood obesity disproportionately affects racial/ethnic minorities and low-income groups, negatively impacting quality of life and leading to poor health outcomes in adulthood. To address upstream factors perpetuating these disparities, the social determinants of health need to be addressed in future interventions, in addition to behavioral factors.
Purpose: This systematic literature review aimed to evaluate the integration of SDOH into childhood obesity interventions for children ages 6-17 years old and its role in program effectiveness.
Methods: A literature search for studies published between 2015 and 2026 was carried out following PRISMA guidelines using PubMed and Science Direct. Demographic data, intervention characteristics, integration of SDOH, and weight-related outcomes were extracted from included studies. SDOH integration was based on the Healthy People 2030 domains and the CDC’s criteria for each domain.
Results: In total, 23 studies were included. Most interventions included criteria from at least one SDOH domain, with education most frequently addressed. No intervention addressed all five SDOH domains and only a few studies addressed 3 or more different domains. Average SDOH integration was higher when the target population was a non-white majority compared to a white majority; however, ineffective programs scored higher on SDOH integration than effective programs.
Conclusion: Findings suggest that the intentional accounting for SDOH isn’t frequent across childhood obesity interventions. The current evidence base does not clearly demonstrate how to best integrate SDOH into interventions while also improving program effectiveness.
Recommended Citation
Johnson, Alyssa, "Addressing Childhood Obesity through the Lens of Social Determinants of Health" (2026). Capstone Showcase. 4.
https://scholarworks.arcadia.edu/showcase/2026/public_health/4
Addressing Childhood Obesity through the Lens of Social Determinants of Health
Background: Childhood obesity disproportionately affects racial/ethnic minorities and low-income groups, negatively impacting quality of life and leading to poor health outcomes in adulthood. To address upstream factors perpetuating these disparities, the social determinants of health need to be addressed in future interventions, in addition to behavioral factors.
Purpose: This systematic literature review aimed to evaluate the integration of SDOH into childhood obesity interventions for children ages 6-17 years old and its role in program effectiveness.
Methods: A literature search for studies published between 2015 and 2026 was carried out following PRISMA guidelines using PubMed and Science Direct. Demographic data, intervention characteristics, integration of SDOH, and weight-related outcomes were extracted from included studies. SDOH integration was based on the Healthy People 2030 domains and the CDC’s criteria for each domain.
Results: In total, 23 studies were included. Most interventions included criteria from at least one SDOH domain, with education most frequently addressed. No intervention addressed all five SDOH domains and only a few studies addressed 3 or more different domains. Average SDOH integration was higher when the target population was a non-white majority compared to a white majority; however, ineffective programs scored higher on SDOH integration than effective programs.
Conclusion: Findings suggest that the intentional accounting for SDOH isn’t frequent across childhood obesity interventions. The current evidence base does not clearly demonstrate how to best integrate SDOH into interventions while also improving program effectiveness.