Culturally Tailored, Family-Centered, Behavioral Obesity Intervention for Latino-American Preschool-aged Children

Abstract

WHAT'S KNOWN ON THIS SUBJECT: Childhood obesity is already prevalent by preschool age, particularly among Latinos. Parents have tremendous influence on factors that contribute to childhood obesity (eg, diet, physical activity); thus, family plays a crucial role in pediatric obesity prevention. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS:This randomized controlled trial examined the effect of a behavioral intervention involving LatinoAmerican parent-preschool-aged child dyads. The intervention resulted in reductions in absolute BMI across the 3-month study period, with patterns suggesting the largest effect for obese children.abstract OBJECTIVE: To test the effect of a culturally tailored, family-centered, short-term behavioral intervention on BMI in Latino-American preschool-aged children. METHODS:In a randomized controlled trial, 54 parent-child dyads were allocated to the intervention and 52 dyads were allocated to an alternative school-readiness program as the control condition. Parent-child dyads were eligible if the parent self-defined Latino, was at least 18 years old, had a 2-to 6-year-old child not currently enrolled in another healthy lifestyle program, had a valid telephone number, and planned on remaining in the city for the next 6 months. The Salud Con La Familia (Health with the Family) program consisted of 12 weekly 90-minute skills-building sessions designed to improve family nutritional habits and increase physical activity. Both programs were conducted in a community recreation center serving an urban neighborhood of mostly Spanish-speaking residents.RESULTS: Forty-two percent of participating preschool-aged children were overweight or obese. Controlling for child age, gender, and baseline BMI, the effect of the treatment condition on postintervention absolute BMI was B = -0.59 (P , .001). The intervention effect seemed to be strongest for obese children.CONCLUSIONS: A skills-building, culturally tailored intervention involving parent-child dyads changed short-term early growth patterns in these Latino-American preschool-aged children. Examining long-term effects would be a prudent next step.

A Positive Deviance Approach to Early Childhood Obesity: Cross-Sectional Characterization of Positive Outliers

“…4 In contrast, few interventions have been attempted in preschool children, and there is minimal information specific to Hispanic children. [5][6][7] Programs that have shown promising results in younger children have used family-centered, behavioral approaches using trained facilitators or instructors. 7 A major challenge of all obesity prevention and treatment programs in children is sustainability after research teams leave given that the facilitators are not a natural component of the community.…”

Pediatricians' Communication About Weight With Overweight Latino Children and Their Parents

“…Previous research has documented that Latino parents welcome suggestions regarding how to make traditional Latino foods healthier, suchassubstitutingwhole-wheatforflour tortillas, water with lemon for sugary beverages, and fish for red meat, and including more vegetables in meals 28 ; and culturally tailored obesity interventions have been shown to effectively reduce BMI and improve target health behaviors among Latino-American and MexicanAmerican children. [29][30][31] Also noteworthy, although not significant, was the higher frequency of communication regarding traditional foods among LI versus LC groups. It is possible that LI underscored cultural differences, and perhaps the need to address culturally relevant dietary plans.…”

An Exploration of the Relationship of Body Mass Index with Motor Performance Measures and Quality of Life in Children Living in an Urban Setting

“…Programs aimed at encouraging children to exercise in a safe and invigorating manner with a variety of activities may help decrease pain and increase energy levels with potential prolonged health benefits. While some school based programs have been shown to be successful in reducing BMI (22,24), others have not had long lasting success (25,26). Research supports programs that address the "whole child" and family centered approaches to promote health (22).…”