Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026
Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Comparison of program costs for parent-only and family-based interventions for pediatric obesity in medically
David M Janicke1, Bethany J Sallinen, Michael G Perri
1Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, 101 South Newell Dr. #3151, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA. djanicke@phhp.ufl.edu
Insights
Parent-only interventions for childhood obesity are a cost-effective alternative to family-based programs. Both approaches effectively reduce weight status, but parent-only interventions offer significant cost savings, particularly for rural families.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatric Medicine
- Health Economics
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a significant public health concern, particularly in rural communities.
- Intervention programs delivered through Cooperative Extension Services aim to address pediatric obesity.
- Comparing the cost-effectiveness of different intervention models is crucial for resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the costs of parent-only versus family-based group interventions for childhood obesity.
- To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of these interventions delivered in rural settings.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 93 overweight or obese children (aged 8-14) and their parents.
- Families were randomized to parent-only intervention, family-based intervention, or a waitlist control.
- Program costs and weight status changes were assessed over a 10-month period.
Main Results:
- Both parent-only and family-based interventions significantly reduced weight status compared to controls.
- No significant difference in weight status change was observed between the two intervention groups.
- Total program costs were $13,546 for parent-only and $20,928 for family-based interventions, with per-child costs of $521 and $872, respectively.
Conclusions:
- Parent-only interventions represent a potentially cost-effective treatment for pediatric obesity.
- These findings are particularly relevant for families in medically underserved rural settings.
- The results support the scalability and economic viability of parent-only models for childhood obesity treatment.
Purpose:
To compare the costs of parent-only and family-based group interventions for childhood obesity delivered through Cooperative Extension Services in rural communities.
Methods:
Ninety-three overweight or obese children (aged 8 to 14 years) and their parent(s) participated in this randomized controlled trial, which included a 4-month intervention and 6-month follow-up. Families were randomized to either a behavioral family-based intervention (n = 33), a behavioral parent-only intervention (n = 34), or a waitlist control condition (n = 26). Only program costs data for the parent-only and family-based programs are reported here (n = 67). Assessments were completed at baseline, post-treatment (month 4) and follow-up (month 10). The primary outcome measures were total program costs and cost per child for the parent-only and family interventions.
Findings:
Twenty-six families in the parent-only intervention and 24 families in the family intervention completed all 3 assessments. As reported previously, both intervention programs led to significantly greater decreases in weight status relative to the control condition at month 10 follow-up. There was no significant difference in weight status change between the parent-only and family interventions. Total program costs for the parent-only and family interventions were 13,546 US dollars and 20,928, US dollars respectively. Total cost per child for the parent-only and family interventions were 521 US dollars and 872 US dollars, respectively.
Conclusions:
Parent-only interventions may be a cost-effective alternative treatment for pediatric obesity, especially for families in medically underserved settings.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Community Based Intervention
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
01:24Obesity
01:26Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is limited...
01:21Drug Dosing: Obese Patients
01:30Primary Healthcare Services
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
01:27Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...