Skip to main content
Article
Perspectives and impact of a parent-child intervention on dietary intake and physical activity behaviours, parental motivation, and parental body composition: A randomized controlled trial
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
  • Shazya Karmali, Western University
  • Danielle S. Battram, Brescia University College
  • Shauna M. Burke, Western University
  • Anita Cramp, Middlesex-London Health Unit
  • Andrew M. Johnson, Western University
  • Tara Mantler, Western University
  • Don Morrow, Western University
  • Victor Ng, Le Collège des médecins de famille du Canada
  • Erin S. Pearson, Lakehead University
  • Robert J. Petrella, The University of British Columbia
  • Patricia Tucker, Western University
  • Jennifer D. Irwin, Western University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-2-2020
URL with Digital Object Identifier
10.3390/ijerph17186822
Abstract

Adults and children in Canada are not meeting physical activity guidelines nor consuming sufficient nutrient-rich foods. High engagement in these unhealthy behaviours can lead to obesity and its associated diseases. Parent-child interventions aimed at obesity prevention/treatment have assisted families with making positive changes to their nutrition and physical activity behaviours. Given that the home environment shapes early health behaviours, it is important to target both parents and children when addressing diet and physical activity. One method that has been shown to improve health outcomes is co-active coaching. The current study explored the impact of a threemonth co-active coaching and/or health education intervention on the dietary intake and physical activity behaviours of parents with overweight/obesity and their children (ages 2.5–10; of any weight). Body composition (i.e., body mass index [BMI] and waist circumference), changes in parental motivation with respect to physical activity and dietary behaviours, and parental perceptions of program improvements were collected. A concurrent mixed methods study comprised of a randomized controlled trial and a descriptive qualitative design was utilized. Fifty parent-child dyads were recruited and randomly assigned to the control (n = 25) or intervention (n = 25) group. Assessments were completed at baseline, mid-intervention (six weeks), postintervention (three months), and six-month follow-up. A linear mixed effects model was utilized for quantitative analysis. Inductive content analysis was used to extract themes from parent interviews. No significant results were observed over time for the dependent measures. Parents in both control and intervention groups reported varied program experiences, including developing changes in perspective, increased awareness of habits, and heightened accountability for making positive changes in themselves, and consequently, their families. Parents also shared barriers they faced when implementing changes (e.g., time, weather, stress). Qualitatively, both groups reported benefitting from this program, with the intervention group describing salient benefits from engaging in coaching. This research expands on the utility of coaching as a method for behaviour change, when compared to education only, in parents with overweight/obesity and their children.

Citation Information
Shazya Karmali, Danielle S. Battram, Shauna M. Burke, Anita Cramp, et al.. "Perspectives and impact of a parent-child intervention on dietary intake and physical activity behaviours, parental motivation, and parental body composition: A randomized controlled trial" International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Vol. 17 Iss. 18 (2020) p. 1 - 41
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/tara-mantler/5/