Journal article
Mixed Methods Evaluation of “Cooking Monsters”: An Empowerment-Focussed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Adolescent Nutrition Programme
Journal of Primary Care & Community Health, Vol.17, pp.1-13
2026
PMID: 41746817
Abstract
Background:
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Sector are well placed to address health equity concerns, including the disproportionate rates of obesity in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adolescents. Building on previous research, this study piloted a co-designed empowerment-focussed obesity prevention programme with rural Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adolescents.
Methods:
Using mixed-methods, this research assessed nutrition and weight-related outcomes and explored programme acceptability and potential benefits through qualitative yarning. Seventeen adolescents participated.
Results:
There were no significant changes in quantitative weight-related and nutrition behaviour outcomes. However, qualitative insights suggest the programme was highly valued and viewed as a success. Community believed they could see observable changes in adolescent food literacy, empowerment and cooking confidence. Improvements for future delivery of the programme were identified by end-users.
Discussion:
This study is strengthened by implementing critical success factors for obesity prevention programmes and demonstrating ethical research practice with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Conclusion:
Future research opportunities continue to be actively explored by local community-controlled partners.
Details
- Title
- Mixed Methods Evaluation of “Cooking Monsters”: An Empowerment-Focussed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Adolescent Nutrition Programme
- Authors
- Renae Earle (Corresponding Author) - The University of QueenslandFloyd Leedie - Goondir Health Services (Australia)Robyn Littlewood - Health and Wellbeing QueenslandSimone Nalatu - Health and Wellbeing QueenslandSalifu Yusif - Goondir Health Services (Australia)Jacqueline L. Walker - The University of Queensland
- Publication details
- Journal of Primary Care & Community Health, Vol.17, pp.1-13
- Publisher
- Sage Publications, Inc.
- Date published
- 2026
- DOI
- 10.1177/21501319261419935
- ISSN
- 2150-1327
- PMID
- 41746817
- Copyright note
- © The Author(s) 2026. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) which permits any use, reproduction and distribution of the work without further permission provided the original work is attributed as specified on the SAGE and Open Access page (https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/open-access-at-sage).
- Data Availability
- The authors are willing to share analytical methods and study materials with other researchers. Data collected in this study is sensitive (collected from children) and difficult to de-identify (qualitative data). Given this sensitivity, further ethical approvals and consent from participants would be required to openly share the data. Interested research are encouraged to discuss with the authors the potential to share data and jointly consider these sensitivities.
- Grant note
- The lead researher (RE) was supported by a Higher Degree by Research Scholarship from the University of Queensland.
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health - Public Health
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991245898602621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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