Home and community‐based trial implemented by college mentors prevents overweight among urban adolescents

Abstract

Objective: Conduct RCT of health promotion among low‐income, urban adolescents (11–14 yrs). The 12‐session home and community intervention was implemented by college mentors. Method: BMI was measured. Dietary patterns were measured with the Youth Adolescent Food Frequency Questionnaire, and physical activity was measured by accelerometry. Adolescents were randomized into intervention (121/235) or control (114/235). Evaluations were conducted at baseline, post intervention (PI), and 2 years after baseline. Results: Retention over 2 years was 76%. At baseline 39% were at risk/overweight (OWT, BMI ≥ 85th %ile). After 2 years, rates of OWT declined 2.4% in the intervention and increased 12.1% in the control, OR=7.97, p=.007. Using GEE, intervention adolescents were less likely to advance to OWT than control adolescents, χ2=5.8, p=0.02. The decline in snacks/desserts was greater in intervention than in control (b=0.31, F=7.21, p=.007). Changes in play‐equivalent physical activity (PEPA ≥ 1800 activity counts/min) were moderated by BMI. Among youth who were OWT at baseline, PEPA decreased among control and increased among intervention, F=4.12, p=.03 at PI. There were no differences at 2 years. Conclusion: A home‐ and community based intervention delivered by college mentors prevented BMI increase, decreased snack/dessert consumption, and protected the heaviest youth from a decline in physical activity.