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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2018 May;57(5):547-557.
doi: 10.1177/0009922817733703. Epub 2017 Oct 25.

An Interactive Web-Based Intervention to Achieve Healthy Weight in Young Children

Ellen R Wald  1 , Linda J Ewing  2 , Stacey C L Moyer  3 , Jens C Eickhoff  1
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

An Interactive Web-Based Intervention to Achieve Healthy Weight in Young Children

Ellen R Wald et al. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2018 May.

Abstract

This prospective, randomized, controlled trial for parents of overweight and obese 3- to 7-year-olds was performed to assess the feasibility of a program promoting healthy eating and lifestyle by targeting parents as agents of change. The intervention was composed of 6-in-person group sessions and a customized website over 12 months. The control group received customary care. The primary outcome was feasibility of the intervention to promote healthy behavior change measured by attendance. The secondary outcome was effectiveness assessed by attaining reduced body mass index (BMI) z scores, healthy behavior changes and increased parent self-efficacy. Seventy-three child-parent dyads were enrolled; 14 parents never attended any sessions. Participation in follow-up assessments did not meet the hypothesized level. Ultimate BMI z scores did not differ between control and intervention groups. Parenting skills did not improve in the intervention group. This intervention to achieve healthy lifestyle changes in children via their parents as "change agents" was unsuccessful.

Keywords: children; intervention; obesity; parents; web-based.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of Conflicting Interests

The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Combined flowchart for recruitment, retention, and analysis of patients. Dropouts are families that discontinue participation after notification. Lost to follow-up is the designation for subjects who discontinue attendance with refusal to respond to calls or letters.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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