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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2011 Aug;49(2):148-54.
doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2010.11.243. Epub 2011 Mar 12.

The efficacy of the web-based childhood obesity prevention program in Chinese American adolescents (Web ABC study)

Jyu-Lin Chen  1 , Sandra Weiss, Melvin B Heyman, Bruce Cooper, Robert H Lustig
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

The efficacy of the web-based childhood obesity prevention program in Chinese American adolescents (Web ABC study)

Jyu-Lin Chen et al. J Adolesc Health. 2011 Aug.

Abstract

Purpose: To examine the feasibility and efficacy of a theory-driven and family-based program delivered online to promote healthy lifestyles and weights in Chinese American adolescents.

Methods: A randomized controlled study of a web-based intervention was developed and conducted in 54 Chinese American adolescents (ages, 12-15 years) and their families. Data on anthropometry, blood pressure, dietary intake, physical activity, and knowledge and self-efficacy regarding physical activity and nutrition were collected at baseline and 2, 6, and 8 months after the baseline assessment. Data were analyzed using linear mixed modeling.

Results: The intervention resulted in significant decreases in waist-to-hip ratio and diastolic blood pressure and increases in vegetable and fruit intake, level of physical activity, and knowledge about physical activity and nutrition.

Conclusion: This web-based behavior program for Chinese American adolescents and their families seems feasible and effective in the short-term. Long-term effects remain to be determined. This type of program can be adapted for other minority ethnic groups who are at high-risk for overweight and obesity and have limited access to programs that promote healthy lifestyles.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Study procedure.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Significant changes in (A) waist-to-hip ratio, (B) diastolic blood pressure, (C) actigraphy results, (D) vegetable and fruit intake, (E) physical activity knowledge, and (F) nutrition knowledge.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Significant changes in (A) waist-to-hip ratio, (B) diastolic blood pressure, (C) actigraphy results, (D) vegetable and fruit intake, (E) physical activity knowledge, and (F) nutrition knowledge.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Significant changes in (A) waist-to-hip ratio, (B) diastolic blood pressure, (C) actigraphy results, (D) vegetable and fruit intake, (E) physical activity knowledge, and (F) nutrition knowledge.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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