Padres Preparados, Jóvenes Saludables: intervention impact of a randomized controlled trial on Latino father and adolescent energy balance-related behaviors

Abstract

Background Studies have shown associations among food and activity behaviors and body weight of Latino fathers and adolescents. However, few Latino father-focused interventions have been designed to improve energy balance-related behaviors (EBRBs) and weight status among early adolescents. Thus, this efficacy study aims to evaluate the Padres Preparados, Jóvenes Saludables (Padres) youth obesity prevention program for positive changes in EBRBs (fruit, vegetable, sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB), sweet/salty snack, and fast-food consumption, physical activity, and screen time) and weight status among low-income Latino fathers and adolescents (10-14 years). Methods A two-arm (treatment versus delayed-treatment control group) randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of 8 weekly experiential learning sessions (2.5 hours each) based on social cognitive theory. The sessions included food preparation, parenting skills, nutrition, and physical activity. The program was delivered to father-adolescent dyads (mothers were encouraged to attend) in trusted community-based settings in a Midwest metropolitan area between 2017 and 2019. In March 2020, in-person implementation was discontinued due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, which limited the sample size. Father/adolescent dyads were randomized to treatment or control group within each site. Surveys and measurements were completed by fathers and adolescents to assess changes in food and activity behaviors from baseline to post-intervention. Adolescents also completed 24-hour dietary recall interviews at baseline and post-intervention. Intervention effects were assessed using linear regression mixed models adjusted for covariates and accounting for clustering of participants within sites. Results Data from 147 father/adolescent dyads who completed at least the baseline data collection were used. No significant differences were observed for baseline to post-intervention changes in adolescents’ and fathers’ EBRBs or weight status between treatment and control groups. Fathers’ SSB and fast food intakes were not statistically significant (p = 0.067 and p = 0.090, respectively). Conclusions The Padres program resulted in no significant improvements in adolescent and father EBRBs and weight status. Additional Latino father-focused interventions are needed to examine intervention effects on EBRBs among Latino adolescents. Trial registration The Padres Preparados, Jóvenes Saludables study is registered with the U.S. National Library of Medicine, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03469752 (19/03/2018).

Padres Preparados, Jóvenes Saludables: A Randomized Controlled Trial to Test Effects of a Community-Based Intervention on Latino Father’s Parenting Practices

“…This study used Time-1 (baseline) and Time-2 data (after the 8-week program was conducted for the intervention group) from the Padres program trial [ 29 ]. The primary outcomes of the randomized controlled intervention trial (identifier: NCT03641521), which were father and adolescent dietary intake and weight status, are reported elsewhere, as well as intervention details [ 29 ]. This paper reports on secondary outcomes regarding the frequency of father parenting practices.…”

“…Father/adolescent dyads were randomized to either an intervention or a delayed-treatment control group [ 29 ]. The program was implemented in person at four locations (community service centers and churches) in the Minneapolis/St.…”

“…Initial sample size and power calculations were completed based on expected primary program outcomes as described elsewhere [ 29 ]. Post hoc power calculations were completed using nQuery sample size software (Version 4.0.0.0) to determine the power available to detect the observed between-group differences in parenting practice outcomes as significant at alpha = 0.05, using the study sample size in each group.…”

“… CONSORT diagram (Father/adolescent dyads) [ 29 ]. 1 Participants reported frequency of paternal parenting practices; 2 Four participant dyads were randomized to intervention but attended delayed-treatment control group educational sessions; 3 Seven participant dyads were randomized to delayed-treatment control but attended intervention group sessions.…”

“…The primary goal of the Padres Preparados, Jóvenes Saludables (Padres) (Prepared Parents, Healthy Youth) program was to prevent overweight and obesity among Latino adolescents in low-income households by increasing the frequency of healthy father food and activity parenting practices [ 29 ]. The Padres program was adapted from a successful community-based parenting skills education program to prevent substance use among Latino parents and adolescents [ 30 ].…”