Work

Power Prism framework for health advocacy: A case of dietary supplements for weight loss and muscle building sold to youth in Massachusetts municipalities

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study applied the Power Prism advocacy framework as a strategy design tool to inform an 18-month case study conducted in four Massachusetts municipalities (USA). The case study addressed the weak regulation and easy access to potentially dangerous weight-loss and muscle-building dietary supplements for youth in Massachusetts municipalities. The Power Prism advocacy framework is made up of six “power tools”: research and data collection, coalition building and maintenance, fundraising and development, grassroots advocates and key contacts, media advocacy, and decision-maker advocacy. Based on the case study, a municipality-targeted advocacy strategy was developed for Harvard University’s strategic training initiative for the prevention of eating disorders to support their efforts to persuade policymakers to strengthen regulation of weight-loss and muscle-building supplements sold to youth. The detailed application of the framework provides a replicable and innovative model for other public health initiatives seeking to promote policy changes at different levels of government.

Source: Electronic Journal of General Medicine

DOI: 10.29333/ejgm/16371

Authors: Kuanysh A Yergaliyev, Lori Fresina, Akerke Ayaganova, S Bryn Austin

Institutions: Harvard University, Nazarbayev University, American Heart Association, Aktobe Regional State University named after K.Zhubanov, Boston Children's Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Public Health Policies and Education

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4410370985