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Outcomes of an early childhood obesity prevention program in a low‐income community: a pilot, randomized trial
Author(s) -
Cloutier M. M.,
Wiley J. F.,
Kuo C. L.,
Cornelius T.,
Wang Z.,
Gorin A. A.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
pediatric obesity
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.226
H-Index - 69
eISSN - 2047-6310
pISSN - 2047-6302
DOI - 10.1111/ijpo.12458
Subject(s) - medicine , breastfeeding , randomized controlled trial , screen time , obesity , childhood obesity , pediatrics , intervention (counseling) , demography , physical therapy , overweight , psychiatry , sociology
Summary Background Obesity is a major and worldwide health problem in children. Objectives The Early Childhood Obesity Prevention Program is a multi‐component, randomized, controlled trial of a pilot community‐focused obesity prevention program for mother/newborn dyads. Methods Underserved, mother/newborn dyads were recruited to receive a standard home visitation program (Nurturing Families Network, NFN) or an enhanced program (NFN+) that incorporated behavioural change strategies (e.g., goal‐setting, problem‐solving) and focused on six obesity‐associated behaviours (breastfeeding, juice/sugar‐sweetened beverages, solids, infant sleep, TV/screen time and soothability) with linkages to community resources. Weight‐for‐length (WFL) z‐score and maternal diet were secondary outcomes. Results Fifty‐seven dyads were recruited and 47 fully eligible dyads were enrolled (NFN = 21, NFN+ = 26). Forty‐one (87.2%) were assessed at 6 months and 34 (72.3%) at 12 months. Retention at 12 months was higher for NFN+ dyads (84.6% vs. 56.1%, p = 0.04). NFN+ mothers were more likely to continue breastfeeding at 6 and 12 months vs. NFN mothers ( p = 0.03 and 0.003, respectively), and at 12 months, NFN+ infants had fewer nocturnal awakenings ( p = 0.04). There were no differences in other primary outcome measures or in WFL z‐score at 6 or 12 months. Conclusions A multi‐component behavioural intervention increased breastfeeding duration and decreased nocturnal awakenings in infants of low‐income families.