Using the RE-AIM framework to evaluate the feasibility of a parent-focused intervention targeting childhood obesity

Abstract

Background Childhood obesity remains a serious public health concern. Community-based childhood obesity treatment interventions have the potential to improve health behaviors and outcomes among children, but require thorough evaluation to facilitate translation of research into practice. The purpose of the current study was to determine the feasibility of a community-based, parent-focused childhood obesity intervention (“C.H.A.M.P. Families”) using the RE-AIM framework, an evaluation tool for health interventions. Methods A single-group, non-randomized, repeated measures feasibility study was conducted. Participants (n = 16 parents/caregivers of 11 children with obesity) completed a 13-week parent-focused education intervention. The intervention consisted of three main components: (a) eight group-based (parent-only) education sessions; (b) eight home-based (family-centered) activities; and (c) two group-based follow-up support sessions for parents and children. The five dimensions of RE-AIM—reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance—were assessed using various measures and data sources (e.g., child, parent/caregiver, costing, census) obtained throughout the study period. Outcome variables were measured at baseline, mid-intervention, post-intervention, and at a 6-month follow-up. Results Overall, the C.H.A.M.P. Families intervention reached approximately 0.09% of eligible families in London, Ontario. Despite the small number, participants were generally representative of the population from which they were drawn, and program participation rates were high (reach). Findings also suggest that involvement in the program was associated with improved health-related quality of life among children (effectiveness/individual-level maintenance). In addition, the intervention had high fidelity to protocol, attendance rates, and cost-effectiveness (implementation). Lastly, important community partnerships were established and maintained (adoption/setting-level maintenance). Conclusions Based on a detailed and comprehensive RE-AIM evaluation, the C.H.A.M.P. Families intervention appears to be a promising parent-focused approach to the treatment of childhood obesity. Trial registration ISRCTN Registry, Study ID ISRCTN 10752416. Registered 24 April 2018.

Childhood Obesity as Interactions of Environmental and Genetic Factors: A Community – Based Study on Primary School Children of Hanoi, Vietnam

“…On the other hand, families with overweight parents are more likely to have high energy diets and sedentary lifestyles, which in turn will have a greater impact on the lifestyle of Figure 2 Predictive models of obesity in Hanoi primary school children children. As a result these children are at a higher risk of obesity 16,31 . In this study, urban living areas were a factor that increased the risk of obesity in children.…”