Abstract
BackgroundIncreasing rates of childhood overweight and obesity highlight a need for the evaluation of lifestyle interventions. The purpose of the study was to determine the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance of a novel family-focused program targeting children with obesity (i.e., the Children’s Health and Activity Modification Program [C.H.A.M.P.]) using the RE-AIM framework, an evaluation tool for community-based health interventions.MethodsA single-centre, single cohort interventional feasibility study was conducted over the course of two years. Children with obesity and their families completed a 4-week group-based lifestyle intervention in Year 1 (n = 15; Mage = 10.6; 53% female) and/or Year 2 (n = 25; Mage = 10.6; 56% female). Outcome variables were measured pre- and post-intervention, as well as 6- and 12-months following completion of the formal program.ResultsOverall, C.H.A.M.P. had high reach in terms of participant representativeness. In addition, participation in the program was associated with significantly improved standardized body mass index (BMI-z), body fat percentage, lean mass percentage, and child- and parent-proxy reported quality of life (QOL; effectiveness/individual maintenance). Furthermore, a number of community partnerships were built, strengthened, and maintained prior to, during, and following implementation of the two-year program (adoption/setting maintenance, respectively). Finally, the intervention was delivered as intended as evidenced by high adherence to the schedule, attendance rates, and cost effectiveness (implementation).ConclusionsBased on RE-AIM metrics, C.H.A.M.P. appears to be a promising childhood obesity program. The findings reported will inform researchers and practitioners on how to design and implement future community-based programs addressing pediatric obesity.Trial registrationISRCTN Registry, Study ID ISRCTN13143236. Registered 27 March 2015.
Highlights
Increasing rates of childhood overweight and obesity highlight a need for the evaluation of lifestyle interventions
The current study was a single-centre, single cohort interventional feasibility study held over the course of two years
The RE-AIM framework was used to determine the feasibility of C.H.A.M.P., a multi-faceted community-based lifestyle intervention for children with obesity and their families
Summary
Increasing rates of childhood overweight and obesity highlight a need for the evaluation of lifestyle interventions. The purpose of the study was to determine the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance of a novel family-focused program targeting children with obesity (i.e., the Children’s Health and Activity Modification Program [C.H.A.M.P.]) using the RE-AIM framework, an evaluation tool for community-based health interventions. Among Canadian children and youth aged 5-17, it is estimated that the combined obesity and overweight prevalence is nearly 33% [2]. Multi-faceted treatment interventions integrating a family-based component have elicited significant and positive results among children with obesity [5,6,7]. There appears to be consensus in the literature with regard to the components that should be included in comprehensive programs targeting childhood obesity. A focus on dietary change, the promotion of physical activity, behavioral counseling, and to parent training and modeling have been recommended [5,8,9,10]
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