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Is it time for father‐focused childhood obesity prevention programs for low‐income families? A needs assessment and feasibility study (808.19)
Author(s) -
Mobley Amy,
Adamsons Kari,
Vollmer Rachel,
Rose Andrew,
Smith Jaime
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.28.1_supplement.808.19
Subject(s) - focus group , thematic analysis , childhood obesity , social cognitive theory , child obesity , screen time , psychology , physical activity , nutrition education , gerontology , cognition , developmental psychology , medical education , obesity , qualitative research , medicine , physical therapy , psychiatry , social science , marketing , sociology , business , overweight
Fathers (n=35) of children ages 3‐5 years old participated in focus groups (n=10) to determine 1) perceived key barriers and resources needed to improve nutrition and physical activity of their child, and 2) interest and feasibility of a father‐focused childhood obesity prevention program. Focus group questions were based on social cognitive theory. Each group was audio taped, transcribed verbatim and evaluated using thematic analysis. Participants were on average 36 ± 8 years old, 38% with high school or less education, 40% Hispanic, 38% black race, and 49% married. Key response themes indicated a need to improve: 1) self efficacy as it relates to cooking and increasing physical activity for their child, 2) behavioral capability in increasing their child’s vegetable and water consumption, and 3) problem solving as it relates to mealtime challenges and feeding practices. Fathers were generally interested in a program just for them. Based on focus group results, a father‐focused childhood obesity prevention program was piloted with father/child pairs (n=5) in a community setting over four interactive sessions. Topics focused on improving diet, cooking and, physical activity related self efficacy and skills. Qualitative program feedback was positive but future quantitative evaluation is needed to evaluate the impact on father/child health. Grant Funding Source : University of Connecticut