An exploration of factors influencing attrition from a pediatric weight management intervention

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pediatric Medicine
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Pediatric obesity presents a significant public health challenge.
• High treatment attrition rates disproportionately affect lower-income and ethnic minority populations, hindering effective childhood weight management.
• The NOURISH+ program is a parent-exclusive intervention for overweight or obese children aged 5-11.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate attrition barriers within at-risk families participating in the NOURISH+ childhood weight management program.
• To identify specific challenges faced by low-income and racially diverse families in adhering to treatment.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to NOURISH+ participants to assess barriers to treatment adherence.
• Qualitative and quantitative data analysis to understand caregiver-reported challenges.

Main Results:

• Practical barriers represent significant concerns for low-income, racially diverse families undergoing the NOURISH+ program.
• The parent-exclusive nature of NOURISH+, despite empirical support, may not align with caregiver expectations.
• Caregiver expectations and practical challenges were identified as key factors influencing adherence.

Conclusions:

• Addressing practical barriers and aligning treatment with caregiver expectations are crucial for reducing attrition in pediatric obesity interventions.
• Enhancing child engagement within weight management programs may improve treatment adherence and outcomes.
• Future interventions should consider practical support and caregiver-child dyadic engagement to improve pediatric obesity treatment effectiveness.