Factors predicting parent engagement in a family-based childhood obesity prevention and control program

Abstract

Background Family-based interventions are efficacious at preventing and controlling childhood overweight and obesity; however, implementation is often hindered by low parent engagement. The purpose of this study was to evaluate predictors of parent engagement in a family-based childhood obesity prevention and control intervention. Methods Predictors were assessed in a clinic-based community health worker (CHW)-led Family Wellness Program consisting of in-person educational workshops attended by parents and children. This program was part of a larger effort known as the Childhood Obesity Research Demonstration projects. Participants included 128 adult caretakers of children ages 2–11 (98% female). Predictors of parent engagement (e.g., anthropometric, sociodemographic, psychosocial variables) were assessed prior to the intervention. Attendance at intervention activities was recorded by the CHW. Zero-inflated Poisson regression was used to determine predictors of non-attendance and degree of attendance. Results Parents’ lower readiness to make behavioral and parenting changes related to their child’s health was the sole predictor of non-attendance at planned intervention activities in adjusted models (OR = 0.41, p < .05). Higher levels of family functioning predicted degree of attendance (RR = 1.25, p < .01). Conclusions To improve engagement in family-based childhood obesity prevention interventions, researchers should consider assessing and tailoring intervention strategies to align with the family’s readiness to change and promote family functioning. Trial registration NCT02197390, 22/07/2014.

Cost‐effectiveness analysis of individual‐level obesity treatment in paediatrics: A scoping review

“…This favoured approaches that could be modified to be cost‐saving, either by harnessing already available community resources or utilizing peer or parent facilitators to deliver the materials (both to augment efficacy and limit cost). Several studies examined a different aspect of community‐based weight management: They altered which individuals received the intervention to determine whether family‐based interventions are superior to parent‐only interventions, including their relative cost‐effectiveness from a societal perspective 54 …”