Perceptions of a family-based lifestyle intervention for children with overweight and obesity: a qualitative study on sustainability, self-regulation, and program optimization

Putter, Kaila C; Jackson, Ben; Thornton, Ashleigh L; Willis, Claire; Goh, Kong Min Bryce; Beauchamp, Mark R; Benjanuvatra, Nat; Dimmock, James A; Budden, Timothy

doi:10.26181/20962360.v1

Perceptions of a family-based lifestyle intervention for children with overweight and obesity: a qualitative study on sustainability, self-regulation, and program optimization

journal contribution

posted on 2022-09-06, 03:29 authored by Kaila C Putter, Ben Jackson, Ashleigh L Thornton, Claire WillisClaire Willis, Kong Min Bryce Goh, Mark R Beauchamp, Nat Benjanuvatra, James A Dimmock, Timothy Budden

Background: Family-based lifestyle interventions (FBLIs) are an important method for treating childhood weight problems. Despite being recognized as an effective intervention method, the optimal structure of these interventions for children’s overweight and obesity has yet to be determined. Our aim was to better understand participants’ (a) implementation of behaviour strategies and long-term outcomes, (b) perceptions regarding the optimal structure of FBLIs, and (c) insights into psychological concepts that may explain the success of these programs. Methods: Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants. We conducted focus groups as well as one-to-one interviews with parents (n = 53) and children (n = 50; aged 7–13, M = 9.4 yr, SD = 3.1) three months following their involvement in a 10-week, multi-component, FBLI involving education and activities relating to healthy nutrition, physical activity, and behavior modification. Using an interpretivist approach, a qualitative study design was employed to examine participant experiences. Results: We identified three higher-order categories: (a) participants’ program experiences and perceptions (b) lifestyle changes post-program, and (c) recommendations for optimizing family-based programs. Themes identified within these categories included (a) support and structure & content, (b) diet and physical activity, and (c) in-program recommendations and post-program recommendations. Conclusions: We identified several challenges that can impair lasting behavior change (e.g., physical activity participation) following involvement in a FBLI. On optimizing these programs, participants emphasized fun, interactive content, interpersonal support, appropriate educational content, and behavior change techniques. Concepts rooted in motivational theory could help address calls for greater theoretical and mechanistic insight in FBLIs. Findings may support research advancement and assist health professionals to more consistently realize the potential of these interventions.

History

Publication Date

2022-08-11

Journal

BMC Public Health

Volume

22

Article Number

1534

Pagination

16p.

Publisher

Springer Nature

ISSN

1471-2458

Rights Statement

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