Factors predicting parent engagement in a family-based childhood obesity prevention and control program - PubMed (original) (raw)

Clinical Trial

Factors predicting parent engagement in a family-based childhood obesity prevention and control program

Emily A Schmied et al. BMC Public Health. 2023.

Abstract

Background: Family-based interventions are efficacious at preventing and controlling childhood overweight and obesity; however, implementation is often hindered by low parent engagement. The purpose of this study was to evaluate predictors of parent engagement in a family-based childhood obesity prevention and control intervention.

Methods: Predictors were assessed in a clinic-based community health worker (CHW)-led Family Wellness Program consisting of in-person educational workshops attended by parents and children. This program was part of a larger effort known as the Childhood Obesity Research Demonstration projects. Participants included 128 adult caretakers of children ages 2-11 (98% female). Predictors of parent engagement (e.g., anthropometric, sociodemographic, psychosocial variables) were assessed prior to the intervention. Attendance at intervention activities was recorded by the CHW. Zero-inflated Poisson regression was used to determine predictors of non-attendance and degree of attendance.

Results: Parents' lower readiness to make behavioral and parenting changes related to their child's health was the sole predictor of non-attendance at planned intervention activities in adjusted models (OR = 0.41, p < .05). Higher levels of family functioning predicted degree of attendance (RR = 1.25, p < .01).

Conclusions: To improve engagement in family-based childhood obesity prevention interventions, researchers should consider assessing and tailoring intervention strategies to align with the family's readiness to change and promote family functioning.

Trial registration: NCT02197390, 22/07/2014.

Keywords: Childhood obesity; Family-based interventions; Health education; Health promotion; Hispanic/Latino health; Parent engagement; Rural health.

© 2023. The Author(s).

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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