Pathways family intervention for third-grade American Indian children

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pediatrics
• Health Behavior

Background:

• Childhood obesity is a significant public health concern requiring multifaceted interventions.
• School-based programs can effectively promote healthy behaviors, but family involvement is crucial for sustained impact.
• The Pathways intervention aimed to prevent obesity in third-grade American Indian children by integrating school and family components.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of a family intervention designed to reinforce health behaviors promoted by a school-based obesity prevention program.
• To identify and prioritize family behaviors related to food choices and physical activity for intervention.
• To develop strategies for creating an informed home environment supportive of behavioral change in children.

Main Methods:

• Formative assessment and literature review to identify priority family behaviors.
• Implementation of three family intervention strategies: 'family packs,' family events, and family advisory councils.
• Evaluation of strategy implementation and reception through forms and attendance records.

Main Results:

• Family packs (Strategy 1) and family events (Strategy 2) were more easily implemented and better received by families.
• Family advisory councils (Strategy 3) faced greater implementation challenges and were less well-received.
• The study provided insights into the practicalities of engaging families in school-based health interventions.

Conclusions:

• School-based obesity prevention programs can be enhanced by involving families through accessible strategies.
• Family events and take-home materials appear more feasible and effective than advisory councils for initial family engagement.
• Findings offer valuable implications for designing and implementing future family involvement strategies in intervention programs.