Tailored communications for obesity prevention in pediatric primary care: a feasibility study

Health Educ Res. 2018 Feb 1;33(1):14-25. doi: 10.1093/her/cyx063.

Abstract

Recommendations for the prevention of childhood obesity encourage providers to counsel parents and their children on healthy diet and activity behaviors. This study evaluated the feasibility of a theory-based, tailored communication intervention for obesity prevention (Team Up for Health) delivered during a well-child visit. A two-armed randomized controlled trial was used. Parents of children aged 4-10 years were recruited from a list of patients due for a well-child visit at a pediatric primary care clinic. Parents were randomized to either the 'immediate' condition (parent and pediatrician received the tailored report at the well-child visit) or the 'delayed' condition (parent received the report at the end of the study). Self-report measures assessed physical activity, fruits, vegetables, television time, sugary drinks, and 100% fruit juice. Parents completed assessments at baseline, <48 h and 4-week follow-up. Providers were interviewed at the end of the study. Independent t-tests were used to examine between group differences. Seven areas of feasibility were evaluated: Recruitment, randomization, measurement, retention, acceptability, implementation and demand. Results showed high rates of measurement (85%) and acceptability (89%) and implementation (80%) of the intervention. In conclusion, Team Up for Health was feasible; however, a larger study is needed to evaluate its efficacy.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01768533.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Communication
  • Diet, Healthy*
  • Exercise
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Health Education / organization & administration*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Parents / education*
  • Pediatric Obesity / prevention & control*
  • Primary Health Care / organization & administration*
  • Screen Time
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Television

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT01768533