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Automated Behavioral Text Messaging and Face-to-Face Intervention for Parents of Overweight or Obese Preschool

Lisa Militello1, Bernadette Mazurek Melnyk, Eric B Hekler

  • 1The Ohio State University, College of Nursing, Columbus, OH, United States. militello.14@osu.edu.

JMIR Mhealth and Uhealth
|March 16, 2016
PubMed

Insights

A cognitive behavioral intervention using text messages (SMS) improved healthy lifestyle behaviors in parents of overweight preschoolers. This feasible and acceptable program showed preliminary effects on parental knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric obesity intervention
  • Behavioral science in primary care
  • Mobile health (mHealth) technology

Background:

  • Children overweight as preschoolers are 5x more likely to be overweight at age 12.
  • Early intervention is critical for preventing long-term obesity.
  • Overweight and obesity in preschoolers pose significant public health challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a cognitive behavioral intervention (TEXT2COPE) for parents of overweight preschoolers.
  • To evaluate the preliminary effects of TEXT2COPE, combined with mobile health (mHealth), on healthy lifestyle behaviors.
  • To deliver the intervention within a primary care setting.

Main Methods:

  • A 7-week manualized cognitive behavioral skills building intervention was used.
  • The intervention combined face-to-face visits with text message (SMS) interventions.
  • Parents dictated message content and adapted delivery frequency and timing for personalization.

Main Results:

  • The TEXT2COPE program was found to be feasible and acceptable.
  • Significant improvements were observed in parental knowledge of nutrition and physical activity.
  • Parental beliefs and behaviors regarding healthy lifestyles showed significant positive changes.

Conclusions:

  • Cognitive behavioral intervention combined with SMS shows promise for supporting overweight/obese preschoolers and their families.
  • The tailored mHealth approach is effective in enhancing parental engagement.
  • Further research is needed to explore long-term health and behavioral outcomes.
Abstract

Keywords:
Behavior TherapyChildHealth BehaviorMobile HealthObesityOverweightParentsPsychologyTelemedicineText Messaging/SMS

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