Healthy Habits , Happy Homes : Methods and baseline data of a randomized controlled trial to improve household routines for obesity prevention

Abstract Objective To develop a home-based intervention for parents of 2–5 year old children to promote household routines to prevent overweight/obesity. Methods We recruited 121 children from health centers in Boston between 2011 and 2012 and randomized 62 to intervention and 59 to the control cond...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Preventive medicine 2012-11, Vol.55 (5), p.418-426
Main Authors: Taveras, Elsie M, McDonald, Julia, O'Brien, Ashley, Haines, Jess, Sherry, Bettylou, Bottino, Clement J, Troncoso, Karen, Schmidt, Marie Evans, Koziol, Renata
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Behavior change
Boston
Child, Preschool
Children
Eating
Feeding Behavior
Female
Health
Health Education - methods
Health Educators
Home-based interventions
Households
Humans
Internal Medicine
Male
Mentors
Motivation
Obesity
Obesity - prevention & control
Overweight
Parenting
Poverty
Routines
Sleep
Teaching Materials
Television
Text Messaging
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Summary:Abstract Objective To develop a home-based intervention for parents of 2–5 year old children to promote household routines to prevent overweight/obesity. Methods We recruited 121 children from health centers in Boston between 2011 and 2012 and randomized 62 to intervention and 59 to the control condition. The 6-month intervention included 1) motivational coaching at home and by phone with a health educator, 2) mailed educational materials, and 3) weekly text messages. The intervention promoted three household routines: eating meals as a family, obtaining adequate sleep, and limiting screen time. Results Of the 121 children, mean (SD) age was 4.0 (1.1) years; 52% were Hispanic, 34% Black, and 14% White/Other. Nearly 60% of the sample had annual household incomes ≤ $20,000. Approximately 64% of families reported eating together ≥ 7 times per week, however, many meals were eaten in front of a TV. Over half of the children slept less than the recommended 11 h/night and 78% viewed ≥ 2 h/day of screen time. Conclusions Household routines that increase obesity risk were prevalent among low-income families in this study. If proven to be effective, promotion of household routines related to family meals, sleep, and screen time may prevent young children from becoming overweight/obese. Clinical Trials Registration Number: NCT01565161.
ISSN:0091-7435
1096-0260
DOI:10.1016/j.ypmed.2012.08.016