Childhood Obesity Research Demonstration project: cross-site evaluation methods

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pediatric Obesity Research
• Health Services Research

Background:

• The Childhood Obesity Research Demonstration (CORD) project integrates public health and primary care interventions.
• This evaluation focuses on children aged 2-12 years.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the Childhood Obesity Research Demonstration (CORD) model's impact on behavior, body weight, BMI, quality of life, and healthcare satisfaction.
• To develop evidence-based recommendations for replicating and disseminating integrated public health and primary care programs for childhood obesity.

Main Methods:

• Pooled analysis of data from three independent CORD demonstration projects.
• Utilized common measures across family, facility, and community levels.
• Employed mixed linear models for impact evaluation, alongside process, sustainability, and cost analyses.

Main Results:

• The evaluation plan is designed to assess the effectiveness of the CORD model.
• Common measures and a robust framework facilitate cross-project data analysis.
• The study aims to determine the association between the CORD model and changes in key health and behavioral outcomes.

Conclusions:

• A unified framework and common measures are crucial for analyzing data across multiple childhood obesity intervention projects.
• The comprehensive evaluation will inform the replication and dissemination of effective, integrated community-wide programs.
• Evidence-based recommendations will guide future efforts in combating childhood obesity.