Assessment of an intervention for preventing pediatric overweight and obesity through the World Café technique: A qualitative study

Abstract

PurposeTo evaluate the self-reported perspectives of participants involved in the Previene Cádiz intervention for preventing pediatric overweight and obesity. Design and methodsThis qualitative study collected information through the World Café technique. A purposive sample of 40 participants was used, of which 14 were schoolchildren, 12 were teachers, and 14 were parent volunteers. The data were segmented, and concepts were created and grouped into dimensions and categories. ResultsThe participants confirmed they had learned new information and behaviors about healthy habits. Parental awareness was considered a crucial and necessary element in changing family habits; therefore, increasing the motivation of family members was deemed a critical task in public health interventions conducted in school settings. DiscussionDespite the suitability of qualitative methodology to evaluate the perceptions of the main players in an educational intervention, scientific literature is scarce. Obtaining information from the educational community about an intervention is not always easy, so the perspectives of teachers, students, and families about the Previene Cádiz intervention through the World Café approach is considered a relevant contribution. ConclusionsThe participants considered the intervention positive in terms of learning and fostering increased knowledge, awareness, and healthy behaviors. Practice implicationsFuture interventions should encourage the active participation of all social groups involved, integrating dynamic and collaborative training activities that are acceptable to all participants.