A Novel Family E-Health Intervention Process To Reduce Childhood Obesity
A Novel Family E-Health Intervention Process To Reduce Childhood Obesity
Participants will receive text messages at intervals set by preference but at least 2 times per week relating to Lifestyle Health Education for 6 months. The topics to be reviewed include: Nutrition, Physical Activity, Tobacco Avoidance, Sleep, Stress Management, and Social Connection. Participants will be asked to complete surveys regarding these topics at the beginning and end of the week; in addition, participants will self report to the study team vital signs (including blood pressure, blood glucose, total cholesterol, waist circumference, and body mass index (BMI)) at the beginning and end of the study. Although there is a chance participants may encounter some issues with the study procedures (possible breach of confidentiality, or issues with the study procedures), these risks are minimal. The study team will always keep information secure, and participants may decline to participate in any study procedures, or withdraw from the study, at any time.
One benefit from this study may be that participants may improve their overall health by learning more about healthy eating, improved physical activity, limiting/avoiding tobacco intake, improved sleep patterns, adequate stress management, and better social connection. Participation in this study is not required.
Participants will be randomized (like the flip of coin) to one of two study groups. Based on the group assigned, participants will receive text messages which include either: 1) reminders of health education available through the patient portal of the electronic medical record for participant's child, or 2) briefs on six health education topics: nutrition, physical activity, sleep, tobacco avoidance, stress management, and social connection. No matter which group assigned, participants will attend one live or virtual group meeting to close the study.
For both groups, researchers will measure knowledge, attitudes and health habits before and after the program. Researchers will also request self-reports of health status (height, weight, waist size, Body Mass Index (BMI), blood pressure, blood sugar, and total cholesterol). Participants will provide the researchers with estimates of most recent blood pressure, total cholesterol, and blood glucose test if known. The study will include text message briefs received at least twice weekly for six months, and will include the following measures:
For both groups, the following will be measured at the first visit (also called the "baseline visit" completed at the time of enrollment) and also at the last visit (during the live or virtual community celebration):
As described above, participants will be randomized to one of two groups:
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria: