Abstract
ABSTRACTHow messages are framed (gain or loss frame) modulate the effect of health information on physical activity level in adults. The role of framing of health information messages to parents about their child's physical activity is unknown.Adult participants (parents) were randomized to see a video that either emphasized the benefits of physical activity (gain frame) or the risks of physical inactivity (loss frame) in children. The primary outcome was the change in the reported level of physical activity for their children between baseline and two-week follow-up.92 individuals participated in the study and we obtained follow-up data for 48 participants (20 gain frame and 28 loss frame). Using a generalized linear model, we found that the frame presented to parents significantly influenced the trajectory of their child’s physical activity (p = 0.03), with the loss frame condition resulting in more favorable trajectory. Both the willingness to pay for organized physical activities and the perceived barriers to physical activity were similar between the two intervention groups.The change in the reported level of activity of the child over a two-week period was significantly different whether parents were exposed to a loss frame or a gain frame video message.
Highlights
Rising prevalence of sedentary behavior and obesity in children has amplified the need for effective preventive counseling by physicians
A total of 92 individuals participants consented to participate in both parts of this study: 39 viewed a gain frame video and 53 viewed a loss frame video
There was no statistically significant difference between those randomly assigned to the two video groups in variables previously described as linked to children’s level of physical activity (Lipnowski et al, 2012) except for the parental level of physical activity (Appendix 2)
Summary
Rising prevalence of sedentary behavior and obesity in children has amplified the need for effective preventive counseling by physicians. In Canada, only one third of youth engage in an average of 60 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day, as recommended by national guidelines (Tremblay, Carson, & Chaput, 2016). Physical activity counseling has been shown to be cost-effective and desirable by most health professionals (Cobiac, Vos, & Barendregt, 2009; Price, Desmond, Ruppert, & Stelzer, 1989). Physicians often feel overwhelmed and ill-prepared by the task of obesity prevention, and report limited efficacy in inducing behavior change
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