Access to primary care child weight management programs: Urban parent barriers and facilitators to participation

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 509-521 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noel L Kulik ◽  
Erica M Thomas ◽  
Samantha Iovan ◽  
Margaret McKeough ◽  
Stephanie Kendzierski ◽  
...  

The prevalence and comorbidities of childhood obesity among low-income urban children are a significant health issue in the United States. Programs designed to assist families are underutilized. The aim of this study is to describe barriers and facilitators relevant to intervention program participation from the perspective of parents who have children who are overweight or obese. Systematic thematic analysis of focus groups and semi-structured interviews with parents from multiple urban pediatrics and family medicine practices were used to gather data. A framework analysis approach was used and a codebook of themes was developed. Transcripts were coded independently by the research team and consensus among researchers was reached. Forty-eight parents participated in the study. Perceived barriers to participation included (1) varied referral process (lack of follow-up or varying referral experience), (2) costs (time and program fee), (3) logistics (location and program schedule), and (4) child motivation. Perceived facilitators to participation included (1) systematic referral process (in-office referral and timely follow-up), (2) program content and organization, and (3) no cost. Multiple barriers and facilitators affect weight management program participation among families, which should be specifically targeted in future obesity interventions in order to effectively reach urban, minority parents and children.

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1615-1615
Author(s):  
Cindy Castro ◽  
Margaret Jones ◽  
Daisy Posada ◽  
Robyn Mehlenbeck ◽  
Sina Gallo

Abstract Objectives To assess the demographic predictors of attrition and attendance among Latino children and their families participating in a family-based, culturally-adapted pediatric weight management program. Methods Latino children, ages 5–9 with a BMI-for-age ≥85th percentile were recruited from local schools and clinics serving low-income populations. Families met weekly as a group for ∼120 minutes for 10 consecutive weeks. The VALÉ program was designed to address nutrition, physical activity, and health behavior modification. The current analysis included data from four cohorts that participated in the VALÉ program between 2017 and 2019. Demographic variables were collected from families at baseline. Family attendance was recorded at each session and categorized (as ≤80% and >80% of sessions attended). Attrition was defined the % of participants who returned for follow-up immediately post program completion. Differences in demographics between attendance and attrition groups were compared using X2 or T-Test and an alpha of 0.05 was used as the cutoff for significance. Results Participants (n = 88) had an average age of 7.6 years, 66% were male, and the majority of parents were born in Central America (78% of mothers, 74% of fathers). Average household size was 5.7 with 88% reported being <185% of the federal poverty level. Overall, 18% attended >80% of all sessions and 61% returned for follow-up. Both maternal and paternal age were significantly higher for those completed >80% of sessions (P = 0.12 and 0.17, respectively) and returned for follow-up (P < 0.01 and P = 0.05, respectively). The proportion of mothers who were employed was higher among those who completed >80% of sessions (69%) compared with those attending fewer sessions (39%, P = 0.03). Total number of children in the household was lower among those who returned for follow-up (P = 0.04). Conclusions Among a Latino sample of children and their families participating in a pediatric weight management program, maternal and paternal age, number of children in the household, and maternal employment were important predictors of either program attendance and/or attrition. Funding Sources George Mason University, Potomac Health Foundation.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric E. Wickel ◽  
Lamiaa Ali ◽  
Hollie Hawkins ◽  
Eden Hemming

Abstract Background Relatively little is known about weight management programs targeted toward young children with obesity. Using data from the Early Lifestyles Intervention program, we report outcomes from a referral-based, multi-disciplinary weight management program targeted toward children aged 2 to 6 years with obesity or severe obesity. Methods Data from 55 children (4.5 ± 1.3 years) medically referred to the ELI program were examined in this non-randomized investigation. At baseline, a nurse collected demographic, anthropometric and clinical measures from the study child, while parents/guardians completed questionnaires regarding their child’s nutrition and activity behavior. Follow-up sessions were conducted to discuss healthy behavior strategies and collect anthropometrics from the study child. Body mass index (BMI) values were reported relative to the 95th BMI percentile (%BMIp95) and children were classified as obese (≥ 100% of 95th BMI percentile) or severely obese (≥ 120% of 95th BMI). Questionnaire data were analyzed to report group-level differences and to determine whether individual items predicted changes in %BMIp95 from baseline to follow-up. Regression models were used to examine the change in %BMIp95 by sex, ethnicity, and baseline body size. Results Certain behaviors were more frequent among non-Hispanic children compared to Hispanic children (demanding certain foods), whereas other behaviors were more frequent among children with severe obesity compared to children with obesity (requesting a second helping, getting own snack and sneaking food). Greater reductions in the study child’s %BMIp95 were found among parents indicating their child requests a second helping, is a faster eater, or complains of being hungry. Among the combined sample, %BMIp95 significantly decreased from baseline to final follow-up. On average, the decrease in %BMIp95 did not differ by sex, ethnicity, or baseline body size. Conclusions Modest improvements in body size were observed. Additional studies are needed to identify best practices for pediatric interventions seeking weight management.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 205031211986392
Author(s):  
Amy Saxe-Custack ◽  
Jean M. Kerver ◽  
Getrude Mphwanthe ◽  
Lorraine Weatherspoon

Background: Pediatric obesity is a serious and widespread medical condition that is increasing in the United States. Unfortunately, family-based programming to address the disorder fails to successfully reach and engage many children, particularly in low-income communities. To provide more affordable, accessible, and scalable programming options, researchers partnered with pediatricians and the Cooperative Extension Service (Extension) in a Midwestern state to develop a collaborative intervention. Partnering pediatricians referred children and families to a weight management program delivered by a trained Extension paraprofessional. The current study describes family experiences with the program. Methods: Researchers conducted a focus group or family interview with 13 program completers to elicit program perceptions, experiences with paraprofessionals, and motivators to continue. The focus group and family interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim for textual analysis. Using thematic analysis, researchers examined patterns across transcripts and formulated emerging themes. Results: Key themes that emerged included (1) nutrition guidance, (2) interaction, (3) child influence, and (4) family engagement. Families viewed paraprofessionals as compassionate and competent educators who were instrumental in helping families modify health-related behaviors. Conclusions: Results of the current study are important to efforts focused on addressing childhood obesity, particularly in underserved communities where access to healthcare services is limited.


2021 ◽  
Vol 68 (2) ◽  
pp. S46-S47
Author(s):  
Jennifer Kosoy Shook ◽  
Amanda C. Mancilla ◽  
Stephanie Di Figlia-Peck ◽  
Ronald Alan Feinstein ◽  
Martin Fisher

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christiaan G. Abildso ◽  
Olivier Schmid ◽  
Megan Byrd ◽  
Sam Zizzi ◽  
Alessandro Quartiroli ◽  
...  

Intentional weight loss among overweight and obese adults (body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2) is associated with numerous health benefits, but weight loss maintenance (WLM) following participation in weight management programming has proven to be elusive. Many individuals attempting to lose weight join formal programs, especially women, but these programs vary widely in focus, as do postprogram weight regain results. We surveyed 2,106 former participants in a community-based, insurance-sponsored weight management program in the United States to identify the pre, during, and post-intervention behavioral and psychosocial factors that lead to successful WLM. Of 835 survey respondents (39.6% response rate), 450 met criteria for inclusion in this study. Logistic regression analyses suggest that interventionists should assess and discuss weight loss and behavior change perceptions early in a program. However, in developing maintenance plans later in a program, attention should shift to behaviors, such as weekly weighing, limiting snacking in the evening, limiting portion sizes, and being physically active every day.


2011 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ai Kubo ◽  
Yun-Yi Hung ◽  
Jeffrey Ritterman

Background: Congestive heart failure (CHF) is highly prevalent and the most costly cardiovascular illness in the United States. Yoga is known to be effective in lowering stress, lessening depression, and increasing physical fitness and may be used as an adjuvant management program for CHF patients. Primary Study Objective:To determine the feasibility of a yoga intervention program among a multiethnic CHF population living in underserved neighborhoods. Methods: Uncontrolled intervention trial. Setting: Kaiser Permanente Medical Centers,Richmond and Oakland, California. Participants: 14 CHF patients (7 female), mean age 64 (SD = 6.4) years, and 62% African-American. Intervention: Eight-week, 2x/week, 1-hr yoga classes that included meditation, breathing exercises, gentle yoga poses, and relaxation. Primary outcome measures: The intervention feasibility was measured by recruitment rates, participant retention and adherence. Body weight and self-reported depression and quality of life were measured before and after the intervention. Results: Among the 14 patients enrolled, 13 completed the intervention. Of those who completed the trial, 92% attended at least 50% of the classes. There was a significant reduction in weight (-3.5 lb, p = 0.01) and improvement in the severity of depression (p < 0.05), as well as a trend toward increased quality of life (p = 08). No adverse events were observed. Conclusions: This pilot trial demonstrates that it is feasible for patients with CHF to incorporate yoga into their lifestyle. Yoga may help with routine disease management, prevention of fluid retention, and improvement of depression and quality of life. A larger trial is needed to confirm efficacy and to determine the long-term effects on other important outcomes, such as hospital re-admission rates or prognostic biomarkers.


Author(s):  
Meg Simione ◽  
Haley Farrar-Muir ◽  
Fernanda Neri Mini ◽  
Meghan E Perkins ◽  
Man Luo ◽  
...  

We are implementing Connect for Health, a primary care-based intervention to improve family-centered outcomes for children, ages 2–12 years, in organizations that care for low-income children. We will use the ‘Reach-Effectiveness-Adoption-Implementation-Maintenance’ framework to guide our mixed-methods evaluation to examine the effectiveness of stakeholder-informed strategies in supporting program adoption and child outcomes. We also describe characteristics of children, ages 2–12 years with a BMI ≥85th percentile and obesity-related care practices. During the period prior to implementation, 26,161 children with a BMI ≥85th percentile were seen for a primary care visit and a majority lacked recommended diagnosis codes, referrals and laboratory evaluations. The findings suggest the need to augment current approaches to increase uptake of proven-effective weight management programs. Clinical trial registration number: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04042493 , Registered on 2 August 2019; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04042493 .


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