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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.
SUBMITTER: Schmied EA
PROVIDER: S-EPMC9996842 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

Schmied Emily A EA Madanat Hala H Chuang Emmeline E Moody Jamie J Ibarra Leticia L Cervantes Griselda G Strong David D Boutelle Kerri K Ayala Guadalupe X GX
BMC public health 20230308 1
<h4>Background</h4>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.<h4>Methods</h4>Predictors were assessed in a clinic-based community health worker (CHW)-led Family Wellness Program consisting of in-person educational worksho ...[more]