Contribution of formative research to design an environmental program for obesity prevention in schools in Mexico City.

OBJECTIVE This paper describes the methods and key findings of formative research conducted to design a school-based program for obesity prevention. MATERIALS AND METHODS Formative research was based on the ecological model and the principles of social marketing. A mixed method approach was used. Qualitative (direct observation, indepth interviews, focus group discussions and photo-voice) and quantitative (closed ended surveys, checklists, anthropometry) methods were employed. RESULTS Formative research key findings, including barriers by levels of the ecological model, were used for designing a program including environmental strategies to discourage the consumption of energy dense foods and sugar beverages. CONCLUSION Formative research was fundamental to developing a context specific obesity prevention program in schools that seeks environment modification and behavior change.