Abstract
Background: Recently, our team implemented a 13-week group-based intervention for parents of children with obesity (“C.H.A.M.P. Families”). The primary objective of this study was to explore, qualitatively, parents’ perspectives of their experiences in and influence of C.H.A.M.P. Families, as well as their recommendations for future paediatric obesity treatment interventions. Methods: Twelve parents (seven mothers, five fathers/step-fathers) representing seven children (four girls, three boys) with obesity participated in one of two focus groups following the intervention. Focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim and data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Findings showed that parents perceived their participation in C.H.A.M.P. Families to be a positive experience. Participants highlighted several positive health-related outcomes for children, families, and parents. Parents also underscored the importance and positive impact of the group environment, specific educational content, and additional program components such as free child-minding. Recommendations for future interventions were also provided, including greater child involvement and more practical strategies. Finally, parents identified several barriers including socioenvironmental issues, time constraints, and parenting challenges. Conclusions: Researchers developing family-based childhood obesity interventions should consider the balance of parent and child involvement, as well as emphasize group dynamics strategies and positive family communication.
Highlights
Obesity is widely recognized as one of the most significant health problems affecting children in the 21st century [1,2,3]
The results showed that overall, childhood overweight/obesity treatment interventions consisting of high levels of parental involvement were significantly more effective with regard to improving child weight-related outcomes (i.e., weight, body mass index (BMI), standardized BMI (BMI-z), and percentage overweight) than were interventions with low levels of parental involvement [26]
The parents who participated in focus groups described several perceived benefits for children, families, and themselves, all of which were attributed to their involvement in the program
Summary
Obesity is widely recognized as one of the most significant health problems affecting children in the 21st century [1,2,3]. The prevalence of both overweight and obesity among children has increased dramatically over the last 30 years, with recent estimates showing that nearly 340 million children are affected worldwide [1]. Children with overweight and obesity tend to carry excess weight into later life [13], which can lead to the development of additional health consequences during adulthood, including stroke [14], osteoarthritis [15], and some cancers [15]. Parents underscored the importance and positive impact of the group environment, specific educational content, and additional program components such as free child-minding
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