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Background The Philadelphia Ujima Coalition for a Healthier Community (Philadelphia Ujima) promotes health improvement of girls, women, and their families using a gender framework and community-based participatory research approach to addressing gender-based disparities. Institutional policies developed through community-based participatory research approaches are integral to sustaining gender-integrated health-promotion programs and necessary for reducing gender health inequities. This paper describes the results of a policy analysis of the Philadelphia Ujima coalition partner sites and highlights two case studies. Methods The policy analysis used a document review and key informant interview transcripts to explore 1) processes that community, faith, and academic organizations engaged in a community participatory process used to develop policies or institutional changes, 2) types of policy changes developed, and 3) initial outcomes and impact of the policy changes on the target population. Results Fifteen policies were developed as a result of the funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health. Policy changes included 1) healthy food options guidance, 2) leadership training on sexual and relationship violence, and 3) curricula and programming inclusion and expansion of a sex and gender focus in high school and medical school. Conclusions Organizational practice changes and policies can be activated through individual-level interventions using a community participatory approach. This approach empowers communities to play an integral role in creating health-promoting policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Pregnant obese women have an increased risk for infant mortality and poor maternal outcomes. Environmental and social conditions pose barriers for less-advantaged overweight women to participate in weight loss interventions. The B'more Fit for Healthy Babies Program aimed to address existing gender inequities that persist where exposure to community-level trauma is present. Methods A gender-based analysis using qualitative and quantitative approaches informed B'more Fit's intervention and identified opportunities for trauma-informed care policies. Key data sources for analyses included two series of focus groups and a quantitative survey. Review of additional Baltimore-based literature and research also informed policy development. Results A workgroup formulated policies for B'more Fit staff and participants. Policies involved technical assistance, staff consultation, and gender-sensitive counseling sessions. These activities gained the attention of the Baltimore City Health Department's leadership, and department-wide trainings were conducted. Highly publicized violence in Baltimore led to expanded trauma-informed care training and policy development in all local government agencies through a partnership between the Baltimore City Health Department and Behavioral Health Systems Baltimore, Inc. Conclusions The development and monitoring of trauma-informed interventions and policies within governmental and human service agencies can counterbalance social and environmental exposures. Applying a gender-based and trauma-informed program provided B'more Fit participants with strategies for weight loss, improved nutrition, and better parenting. Coordinated policies and interventions are underway in city institutions to address residents' behavioral health needs and improve citywide services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The Coalition for a Healthier Community for Utah Women and Girls (CHC-UWAG) focused on addressing obesity-related health disparities impacting Utah women of color using community-based participatory research, a gender-based approach, and culturally sensitive health promotion activities delivered through community health workers (CHWs). A randomized trial of low vs. high intensity wellness coaching by CHWs was initiated. During this process, numerous policy issues emerged and were tracked. We present a case study illustrating how we identified, tracked, and engaged with emerging policy initiatives. Methods Between September 2011 and August 2017, policy initiatives addressing obesity-related disparities among Utah women and girls were identified, tracked in a shared document, and updated regularly. Policies were classified by level (organizational, local, and statewide) and by focus (healthy eating, active living, and promotion of community health workers). CHC-UWAG engagement with policy work was also documented and tracked. Results Broad dissemination of study findings generated interest in the role of CHWs in addressing obesity. Partnering community-based organizations implemented policies focused on healthy eating and physical activity. Barriers to the broader use of CHWs in Utah were addressed in policy initiatives including the formation of a Utah Public Health Association Section for CHWs and a statewide CHW Coalition with involvement of CHC-UWAG members. Conclusions The regular solicitation of information about policy initiatives resulted in successful policy tracking and engagement in policy work. The utilization of a gender-based approach helped illuminate the impact of emerging policies on the health of women and girls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]