Satisfaction And Participant Adherence In A Family Healthy Lifestyle Intervention For Children With ADHD

Abstract

Consistent evidence demonstrates that healthy lifestyle behaviors (i.e., sleep, nutrition, physical activity, and recreational screen time) are related to neurocognitive development and daily functioning of children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, adopting and sustaining healthy home routines can be difficult for families. Interventions that effectively alter healthy home routines have potential to influence physical and mental health among children with ADHD. PURPOSE: To develop and beta-test the Building Unstoppable families through Intergenerational Lifestyle Transformation (BUILT) program; and assess fidelity, adherence, and satisfaction via attendance rates and post-intervention semi-structured interviews. METHODS: BUILT was offered at the University of Illinois at Chicago campus for six consecutive Saturdays. Two families from a Comprehensive ADHD Clinic, three children with ADHD, were enrolled and participated in sleep, physical activity, and nutrition activities during Family Fun Days and were also provided weekly home challenges related to cooking, physical activity, sleep, and screen time. Children earned tickets for completing home challenges, and these were redeemable for prizes. Attendance was taken at each session and semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents at post-intervention. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded using a thematic analysis approach. RESULTS: Participating families each attended 5 out of the 6 total sessions (83.33%). Thematic analysis of interviews showed positive aspects of the program included: improving routine structure, showing children their ability, keeping kids active, pursuing goals, relating accelerometer measures to activity, and associating nutrition with being strong and sports performance. CONCLUSION: Providing equipment, between session goals, and technology-based physical activity between sessions were beneficial to participant adherence. These findings will inform refinement of the intervention in a second iteration.