[A comprehensive professional evaluation of the program Obesity in French Polynesia]

Abstract

A professional evaluation of the program of the fight against obesity set up by the French Polynesian Health Board for a five-year period was carried out in 2001. A comprehensive evaluation was favoured so that adjustments could be better established. Its principle is based on qualitative analysis of the speech of the 27 actors belonging to all levels of intervention and decision in the program. It aims to highlight the convergences and the deviations between what the program produced on the socio-cultural environment and their institutional or professional references. Semi-directive interviews were carried out. The results highlighted a state of uncertainty in the management of human, financial and material resources linked to the political context--awarding the necessary means for implementing the program remains unpredictable. A lack of human resources, problems of collaborating with other sectors, shortcoming skills, and structures around a methodology and forecast indicators were identified. The objectives (media campaigns, improvement in medical practice, and adaptation of a healthy and balanced food environment) were partially carried out. After a year and a half, the most remarkable result is finally that obesity problem is recognised as a public health priority by the population, professionals and decision-makers.