A Primary Care Healthy Choices Intervention Program for Overweight and Obese School-age Children and Their Parents

Abstract 

Introduction

The escalating crisis of childhood overweight and obesity creates an urgent demand for evidence-based interventions that can be used by primary care providers. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to test the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a theory-based Healthy Choices Intervention (HCI) Program with 15 9-12 year old overweight and obese children and their parents in a primary care setting.

Methods

A 1-group, 7-week pre-test/post-test study design was used. Outcome measures included: body mass index (BMI) percentile, physical activity and nutrition knowledge, beliefs, choices and behaviors, anxiety, depression, self-concept, and social competence.

Results

Children and parents found the HCI to be useful and informative. Positive effects of the HCI for the children included decreased BMI percentile, increased knowledge, beliefs, choices and behaviors, and self-control. Positive effects of the intervention for the parents included increased knowledge, beliefs, behaviors, and decreased anxiety.

Discussion

This study provides evidence to support the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of the HCI with overweight and obese school-age children and their parents within a primary care setting.

Key words: School-age obesity, primary care interventions, cognitive behavior skills building