Feasibility and acceptability of technology-based caregiver engagement strategies delivered in a summertime childhood obesity prevention intervention: results from an internal pilot of the Camp NERF (Nutrition, Education, Recreation, and Fitness) study

Abstract

BackgroundThe most efficacious childhood obesity prevention interventions have involved caregivers directly or indirectly. Due to the high reliance on technology, research examining technological intervention approaches is warranted, particularly during the summer when parents may be more difficult to engage and the risk for excess weight gain among children is high.MethodsThe feasibility and acceptability of a multi-component childhood obesity prevention intervention incorporating a caregiver component utilizing technology-based approaches—texting and social media—was explored. This was an internal pilot of the Camp Nutrition Education Recreation and Fitness (NERF) study, a group RCT for school-age children coupled to the USDA Summer Food Service Program. Feasibility and acceptability of the technology caregiver engagement component were assessed via process outcomes (participation rates) and in-depth interviews.ResultsParticipants (n = 37) were 91.9% female, 91.8% Black, 58.7% low-income, and 75.0% overweight/obese. Participation rates in texting and social media were 62.2% and < 3%, respectively. Themes emerged from the in-depth interviews were texting provides connection; desire more involvement with program; fear social media privacy intrusion.ConclusionsResults will be used to inform changes to technology-based caregiver engagement strategies to be tested in future interventions.Trial registrationClinical Trials, NCT02908230/09-19-2016. Registered 20 September 2016

Mediterranean diet intervention among World Trade Center responders with post‐traumatic stress disorder: Feasibility and outcomes of a pilot randomized controlled trial

“…A total of 62 participants were randomized to intervention (MedDiet n = 31) and control (Usual care n = 31). The sample size was based on available budget and was also informed by other feasibility studies involving behavior change nutrition interventions and the home food environment 34,35 . The primary aim of the study was to assess the feasibility of the intervention and the secondary aims were that by the end of the intervention and at 3‐months post intervention (follow‐up) the MedDiet group compared to the control group would have had higher MedDiet score indicating higher intake of food representative of the Mediterranean dietary pattern, more favorable anthropometric measures, and improvements in lipid profile and inflammatory biomarkers.…”

“…The sample size was based on available budget and was also informed by other feasibility studies involving behavior change nutrition interventions and the home food environment. 34,35 The primary aim of the study was to assess the feasibility of the intervention and the Overall, the participants at the program were mainly male (92%) and worked in law enforcement (71.5%) during the 9/11 disaster. 36…”

African Americans’ perceptions of nutrition interventions: a scoping review

“…Several studies implemented qualitative methods alone (n = 18, 48%), either through focus group discussions or semi-structured interviews. These qualitative-only studies largely focused on collecting information about participant satisfaction, (47,54,68,79,80) feedback or suggestions for improvement, (53,(55)(56)(57)75) or individuals' general perceptions of the intervention. (50,51,62,63,78) Among studies implementing quantitative methods alone or in combination with other methods (n = 17), twelve evaluated nutrition education interventions alone, two evaluated direct education along with a PSE change and three evaluated PSE changes alone.…”

“…Genesis Health Project, a community-designed, culturally competent intervention in African American churches, offering a 12week programme on physical activity and healthy eating. The church also changed the types of food served at events Hopkins, 2018 (57) Pierce, 2017 (47) Qualitative. A post-intervention interview with participants discussed satisfaction among parents and youth participants N/A Most youth participants described the intervention as "fun" and many described self-awareness and self-regulation as outcomes of the intervention.…”