Adapting Interpersonal Psychotherapy for the Prevention of Excessive Weight Gain in Rural African American Girls

O Cassidy,T Sbrocco,R Osborn,M Carter,H Waldron,A Vannucci,B Nelson,J F Young,J Heimdal,M Tanofsky-Kraff,N Mirza,L B Shomaker,D E Wilfley,D Jackson-Bowen

doi:10.1093/jpepsy/jst029

Abstract

To obtain focus group data regarding the perspectives of rural African American (AA) girls, parents/guardians, and community leaders on obesity, loss of control (LOC) eating, relationships, and interpersonal psychotherapy for the prevention of excessive weight gain (IPT-WG). 7 focus groups (N = 50 participants) were moderated and the transcripts analyzed by Westat researchers using widely accepted methods of qualitative and thematic analysis. A session was held with experts in health disparities to elucidate themes. Participants understood LOC eating; however, they had culturally specific perceptions including usage of alternative terms. Relationships were highly valued, specifically those between mothers and daughters. IPT-WG program components generally resonated with participants, although modifications were recommended to respect parental roles. Experts interpreted focus group themes and discussed potential barriers and solutions to recruitment and participation. Findings suggest that adapting IPT-WG may be acceptable to rural AA families. This research is the first step in developing a sustainable excessive weight gain and binge eating disorder prevention program for rural AA adolescents.

Highlights

MethodsParticipantsThe study was approved by the Institutional Review Boards at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Findings suggest that adapting IPT-WG may be acceptable to rural AA families
This research is the first step in developing a sustainable excessive weight gain and binge eating disorder prevention program for rural AA adolescents

Summary

Methods

ParticipantsThe study was approved by the Institutional Review Boards at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. A rural community sample of AAs primarily from Princess Anne and Salisbury communities in Maryland was recruited to participate in a focus group to discuss ‘‘thoughts, attitudes, and experiences related to body weight, eating, and communication.’’ In Princess Anne, MD, population density is 3,300; median household income is $32,200; and percentage of individuals below the poverty line is 33%. The communities were identified as rural due to limited access to healthcare, barriers to transportation, and geographic isolation (Eastern Shore Area Health Education Center; Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 2007; U.S DHHS HRSA). The threshold for LOC eating in the current study was set based on prior research, which demonstrates that even infrequent reports of LOC eating is predictive of excess weight (Stice, Cameron, Killen, Hayward, & Taylor, 1999) and body fat gain (Tanofsky-Kraff et al, 2006) and the onset of BED (Tanofsky-Kraff et al, 2011) in pediatric samples

Results

Discussion

Conclusion