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

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.