Wellness out West! (WoW!): Co-creating a systems map to address mental wellbeing and obesity in regional Southeast Queensland, Australia
1
1. School of Health, Psychological and Medical Sciences and Institute for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, Australia
2
2. Manna Institute, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Australia
3
3. UCT Research Centre for Health through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport (HPALS), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
4
4. Southern Queensland Rural Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A2594
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Long-term mental health problems were reported in more than 1 in 5 Queenslanders1 which is higher than the national average Mental health and obesity are interlinked, whereby those with obesity have a 55% higher risk of depression and adults with mental health disorders have an 8% greater chance of being obese2. The aim of this participatory research study was to use systems mapping to develop a multi-sectorial approach to address both mental health and obesity in regional communities.
METHODS:
Participants (n=70) representing a range of community and cultural groups were recruited. Seven in-person workshops were conducted. After a brief introduction, participants were asked to post ‘sticky notes’ reflecting their perceptions of the determinants of mental wellbeing and obesity in their community. This was followed by discussions where they provided more insight into the determinants listed. Next, participants drew connection circles illustrating links between determinants. Finally, they identified ‘actors’ that could play a role in improving mental health and obesity in the region. Kumo software was used to create the collated systems map, after which causal loop diagrams were developed.
RESULTS:
All the determinants and the causal links were collated to create a systems map. Access to unhealthy food, health education, physical activity had the most influence on mental health and obesity. Other determinants included loneliness, spending time in nature, access and engagement with community groups and the cost of living. Local government, workplaces and schools were identified as ‘actors’ that could play a role in improving wellbeing. Furthermore, the importance of community groups, sports clubs, and the media were highlighted.
CONCLUSIONS:
The systems map generated illustrates the relationship between the determinants of both mental health and obesity, that can inform actions that can be implemented by community, various organisations, and government.
Long-term mental health problems were reported in more than 1 in 5 Queenslanders1 which is higher than the national average Mental health and obesity are interlinked, whereby those with obesity have a 55% higher risk of depression and adults with mental health disorders have an 8% greater chance of being obese2. The aim of this participatory research study was to use systems mapping to develop a multi-sectorial approach to address both mental health and obesity in regional communities.
METHODS:
Participants (n=70) representing a range of community and cultural groups were recruited. Seven in-person workshops were conducted. After a brief introduction, participants were asked to post ‘sticky notes’ reflecting their perceptions of the determinants of mental wellbeing and obesity in their community. This was followed by discussions where they provided more insight into the determinants listed. Next, participants drew connection circles illustrating links between determinants. Finally, they identified ‘actors’ that could play a role in improving mental health and obesity in the region. Kumo software was used to create the collated systems map, after which causal loop diagrams were developed.
RESULTS:
All the determinants and the causal links were collated to create a systems map. Access to unhealthy food, health education, physical activity had the most influence on mental health and obesity. Other determinants included loneliness, spending time in nature, access and engagement with community groups and the cost of living. Local government, workplaces and schools were identified as ‘actors’ that could play a role in improving wellbeing. Furthermore, the importance of community groups, sports clubs, and the media were highlighted.
CONCLUSIONS:
The systems map generated illustrates the relationship between the determinants of both mental health and obesity, that can inform actions that can be implemented by community, various organisations, and government.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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