Evidence, theory and context--using intervention mapping to develop a school-based intervention to prevent obesity in...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pediatric Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Limited data exists on school-based obesity prevention interventions for children.
• Documenting intervention development is crucial for understanding success and failure factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development of the Healthy Lifestyles Programme (HeLP), a school-based intervention targeting childhood obesity.
• To outline the application of the Intervention Mapping protocol in creating a theory-based, feasible intervention.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the first four steps of the Intervention Mapping (IM) protocol.
• Focused on reducing sugary drink consumption, increasing healthy snacks, and decreasing screen time.
• Incorporated school assemblies, parent engagement, workshops, and classroom education over three terms.

Main Results:

• Two pilot phases indicated the intervention's acceptability and feasibility for schools, children, and families.
• Children aged 9-10 were most receptive and engaged families effectively.
• Intervention activities were mapped to behavior change objectives: motivation, action, and maintenance.

Conclusions:

• The Intervention Mapping protocol facilitated the development of a feasible, theory-based intervention for childhood obesity prevention.
• The systematic approach ensures alignment between behavior change techniques and program objectives.
• This framework supports process analysis and enhances the intervention's potential to reduce childhood obesity.