Internet‐based intervention programme for obese adolescents and their families (Next.Step): research protocol of a controlled trial

Abstract

The results of this research will promote reflection on new approaches directed to treat adolescent obesity and on the promotion of healthy behaviours. We expect to gather empirical evidence of the intervention programme effectiveness. The expectations lie on the population health gains, empowerment in decision-making and adoption of healthier lifestyles.

Association between treatment adherence and quality of life among overweight adolescents

“…Data were obtained from the first wave of an ongoing controlled trial (baseline evaluation) 22 . Data were collected from different sources: clinical files (demographic, anthropometric, behavioral variables); and self-report instruments (Adherence to Weight Control Questionnaire -AWCQ, Impact of Weight on Quality of Life -IWQOL).…”

“…Data were obtained from the first wave of an ongoing controlled trial 22 of an Internetbased adolescent obesity intervention programme. Participants (N = 94) are adolescents treated at the Pediatric Obesity Clinic of the Santa Maria Hospital (a tertiary referral hospital in Portugal), aged between 12 and 18 years, fulfilling the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) criteria for overweight (body mass index -BMI percentile ≥ 85th).…”

“…Weekly physical activity was measured by asking adolescents how many hours they spent doing structured physical activity in a typical week (hours/week) 22 . The concept of structured physical activity was explained during the clinical interview.…”

“…Screen time was obtained by asking adolescents the average number of leisure-time hours they spent playing video games and watching television, DVDs or videos, for both weekdays and weekend days (hours/week) 22 .…”

Usability of an internet-based platform (Next.Step) for adolescent weight management

“…Survey methods and platform functioning have been previously described in detail elsewhere, 11 as this study is part of an ongoing longitudinal research. Data were collected through different sources, namely: a) the clinical file (demographics, anthropometric, behavioral, and clinical variables); b) the Next.…”