Long-term follow-up effects of the HomeStyles randomized controlled trial in families with preschool children on social cognitive theory constructs associated with physical activity cognitions and behaviors

A scoping review of outcomes commonly reported in obesity prevention interventions aiming to improve obesity-related health behaviors in children to age 5 years

This scoping review was undertaken as the first stage of development of the Core Outcome Sets for Early Prevention of Obesity in CHildhood (COS-EPOCH). The aim of this review is to identify the outcomes collected and reported in randomized controlled trials of early childhood obesity prevention interventions. A systematic scoping review was undertaken following published guidelines. Trial registries and Medline were searched, and records retrieved were screened by two reviewers. Included trials aimed to prevent childhood obesity in the first 5 years of life and were randomized. Data were extracted using a standardized form. Outcomes were assigned to outcome domains, and similar definitions within each domain were merged, based on key literature and expert consensus. Outcome and domain frequencies were estimated and presented in outcome matrices. Eighteen outcome domains were identified from 161 included studies: "anthropometry," "dietary intake," "physical activity," "sedentary behaviour," "emotional functioning/wellbeing," "feeding," "cognitive/executive functioning," "sleep," "other," "study-related," "parenting practices," "motor skill development," "environmental," "blood and lymphatic system," "perceptions and preferences," "quality of life," and "economic," "oral health." The most frequently reported outcome domain was anthropometry (92% of studies), followed by dietary intake (77%) and physical activity (60%). 221 unique outcomes were identified, indicating a high degree of heterogeneity. Body mass index was the only outcome reported in >50% of studies. The considerable heterogeneity in outcomes supports the need for the development of COS-EPOCH.

The reliability and validity of a physical activity and sedentary behaviour home audit tool for children aged 2-5 years

OBJECTIVES

To test the reliability and validity of a physical activity and sedentary behaviour home environment audit tool for young children (2-5 years old).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional.

METHODS

Parents of children aged 2-5 years were recruited through online methods (i.e., social media and blogs). Reliability of the SPACES home audit tool was assessed using self-reported surveys (n = 55) completed on two separate occasions, approximately 12 days apart. Validity of the home audit tool was assessed in a separate sample via home observations by researchers conducted after parents completed the self-report survey (n = 21). The audit tool measured indoor and outdoor home environment characteristics hypothesised to influence young children's physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Data were analysed using intraclass correlations (ICCs) and Kappas.

RESULTS

The majority of items demonstrated acceptable reliability and validity (80.4% and 53.4%, respectively). Size of the child's bedroom showed substantial agreement for reliability (ICC = 0.85), and slight agreement for validity (ICC = 0.23). Physical activity equipment items within the indoor environment showed slight to moderate agreement for reliability (ICC = 0.32-0.68) and slight agreement for validity (ICC = 0.15-0.35). Screen time equipment showed substantial agreement for reliability (ICC = 0.83) and fair for validity (ICC = 0.38). Outdoor items (e.g., backyard size, availability and condition of physical activity equipment, outdoor features) showed substantial agreement for reliability and validity (ICC = 0.84-0.95).

CONCLUSIONS

The home audit tool was found to be reliable and valid for many items. This tool could be used in future research to understand the impact of the home environment on young children's physical activity and sedentary behaviour.

A Comparison of Weight-Related Behaviors of Hispanic Mothers and Children by Acculturation Level

Hispanic mothers and children in the United States experience a high prevalence of obesity, which may be affected by maternal acculturation level. Little is known about the association of acculturation on weight-related behaviors. This study describes differences in weight-related behaviors by acculturation level of Hispanic mothers residing in the U.S. and compares them to behaviors of White mothers. Acculturation level was determined using personal acculturation and acculturation environment variables. Cluster analysis of acculturation variables identified three groups of Hispanic mothers: low personal and environmental acculturation (n = 46), high personal and low environmental acculturation (n = 65), and high personal and environmental acculturation (n = 38). Results indicate that, compared to White mothers (n = 340), the least acculturated cluster of Hispanic mothers tended to model physical activity less often and the most acculturated exerted more pressure on children to eat. Mothers in the least acculturated cluster tended to rate children’s health status lower, indicate that children had greater fruit juice and less milk intakes, have more meals in locations associated with less healthy meals, and have the least space and supports for physical activity. Findings highlight relationships between maternal acculturation level and weight-related behaviors and suggest strategies for helping acculturating Hispanic mothers create healthier lifestyles and home environments.

"If my family is happy, then I am happy": Quality-of-life determinants of parents of school-age children

Objective:

Obesity is a public health concern for children and adults and effective obesity prevention programming is needed urgently. The effectiveness of health-related messaging and interventions is influenced by the way content is framed. HomeStyles is an obesity prevention program, which aims to promote health through the frame of improved quality of life.

Methods:

Thus, focus groups were conducted with English- and Spanish-speaking parents of school-aged children (ages 6–11) to identify key quality-of-life determinants as described by parents.

Results:

Parents (n = 158) reported that their quality of life was influenced by family happiness and parent and child health (e.g. adequate sleep, exercise, healthy diet). Many parents expressed that their busy schedules and lack of family time were detrimental to their quality of life. Work–life balance and financial stability were other factors commonly noted to impact quality of life. Spanish-speaking parents also reported being undocumented and feeling a lack of a sense of community negatively influenced their quality of life.

Conclusion:

Considering parent-defined quality-of-life determinants when framing health-related messaging and developing interventions may increase participant interest and ultimately improve health-related behaviors. Next steps in the HomeStyles project include using parent-reported quality-of-life determinants to guide the development of intervention materials.