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. 2016 Dec;2(4):444-455.
doi: 10.1002/osp4.82. Epub 2016 Nov 16.

Longitudinal quality of life improvement in underserved rural youth with obesity

S Engebretsen  1 , R Sorrells  1 , J P Yi-Frazier  2 , K Briggs Early  1
Affiliations

Longitudinal quality of life improvement in underserved rural youth with obesity

S Engebretsen et al. Obes Sci Pract. 2016 Dec.

Abstract

Objective: ACT! (Actively Changing Together) is a family- and community-based intervention targeting youth with obesity. The objective of this study was to establish the longitudinal impact on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) as well as the relationship with anthropometric and demographic factors.

Methods: Youth (n = 75) aged 8-14 years meeting criteria for overweight or obesity were referred to the programme. Twelve, 90-min classes in English and Spanish were held at the YMCA. Demographics and anthropometrics were assessed, as well as HRQoL that was measured with the child-reported Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL™) 4.0 Generic Core Scale. Data was collected at three follow-up points after completion of the intervention: initial follow-up (n = 65), 6 (n = 41) and 12 months (n = 25). Analysis included paired dependent t-tests between baseline and follow-up, and Pearson's correlations on HRQoL, anthropometric and demographic data.

Results: PedsQL scores significantly improved from baseline to all follow-up timepoints (initial follow-up immediately following the intervention, and 6 and 12 months post intervention). Over time, body mass index Z-Score and per cent body fat displayed various points of significance and strengthening correlations.

Conclusions: Longitudinal improvements in HRQoL were sustained up to 12 months following a family- and community-based intervention in this underserved population. Anthropometric measures continuously correlated with and contributed to HRQoL outcomes.

Keywords: Behavioural science; childhood obesity; lifestyle modification; quality of life.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Longitudinal HRQoL Improvement. Paired dependent t‐test of child reported psychosocial (A) and physical (B) HRQoL based on follow‐up period. FU, follow‐up; HRQoL, Health‐Related Quality of Life; **p < 0.001; *p < 0.05
Figure 2
Figure 2
Longitudinal Anthropometric and HRQoL Correlations. Anthropometrics and psychosocial (A) and physical (B) HRQoL using coefficient of determination (R2) to represent statistical contribution. BMI, body mass index; FU, follow‐up; HRQoL, Health‐Related Quality of Life; *p < 0.05; #p = 0.05
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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