Use of digital messages to increase parental engagement in an after‐school obesity prevention program

Abstract

Research shows that parental engagement in childhood obesity prevention programs is key for children's healthy eating and activity. However, parental participation is difficult to achieve. The aim of this study was to test if the use of personalized digital nutrition and physical activity messages delivered to parents via a digital home message center impacted children's reported food intake and child/parent goal‐setting. Results from the intervention group (n = 34) were compared to a historical control (n = 34) without the parental engagement component. Results show a total increase in healthy breakfast intake (mean pre‐post difference: treatment [T] = −2.04, control [C] = −8.98, p = .03). The treatment group decreased intake of sugar‐sweetened beverages (T = .16, C = −5.75, p < .001), but increased intake of solid fats and sugars (T = − 2.14, C = −1.34, p < .001) compared to the control group. The control group increased intake of 1% (T = ‐.34, C = −6.79, p = .02) and fat‐free milk (T = −1.91, C = −2.21, p = .01) compared to the intervention group. Children whose parents were involved in the treatment group were more likely to return goal cards than children in the control group (percent returned: T = 44%, C = 24%, p < .001). Although child food intake results were mixed, parent engagement increased significantly as evidenced by the increase in returned goal cards.Funding Source: Mercy Health Partners