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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2018 Nov;13(11):677-685.
doi: 10.1111/ijpo.12458. Epub 2018 Aug 28.

Outcomes of an early childhood obesity prevention program in a low-income community: a pilot, randomized trial

M M Cloutier  1 , J F Wiley  2 , C-L Kuo  3 , T Cornelius  4 , Z Wang  5 , A A Gorin  6
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Outcomes of an early childhood obesity prevention program in a low-income community: a pilot, randomized trial

M M Cloutier et al. Pediatr Obes. 2018 Nov.

Abstract

Background: Obesity is a major and worldwide health problem in children.

Objectives: The Early Childhood Obesity Prevention Program is a multi-component, randomized, controlled trial of a pilot community-focused obesity prevention program for mother/newborn dyads.

Methods: Underserved, mother/newborn dyads were recruited to receive a standard home visitation program (Nurturing Families Network, NFN) or an enhanced program (NFN+) that incorporated behavioural change strategies (e.g., goal-setting, problem-solving) and focused on six obesity-associated behaviours (breastfeeding, juice/sugar-sweetened beverages, solids, infant sleep, TV/screen time and soothability) with linkages to community resources. Weight-for-length (WFL) z-score and maternal diet were secondary outcomes.

Results: Fifty-seven dyads were recruited and 47 fully eligible dyads were enrolled (NFN = 21, NFN+ = 26). Forty-one (87.2%) were assessed at 6 months and 34 (72.3%) at 12 months. Retention at 12 months was higher for NFN+ dyads (84.6% vs. 56.1%, p = 0.04). NFN+ mothers were more likely to continue breastfeeding at 6 and 12 months vs. NFN mothers (p = 0.03 and 0.003, respectively), and at 12 months, NFN+ infants had fewer nocturnal awakenings (p = 0.04). There were no differences in other primary outcome measures or in WFL z-score at 6 or 12 months.

Conclusions: A multi-component behavioural intervention increased breastfeeding duration and decreased nocturnal awakenings in infants of low-income families.

Keywords: Body mass index; breastfeeding; solids; sugar-sweetened beverages.

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Conflict of interest statement

Author disclosure statement

None of the authors have any financial relationships or conflicts of interest related to this work to disclose.

Conflict of interest statement

No conflict of interest was declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
CONSORT diagram of study participants.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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