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Guelph Family Health Study's Home-Based Obesity Prevention Intervention Increases Fibre and Fruit Intake in
Julia A Mirotta1, Gerarda A Darlington2, Andrea C Buchholz3
1a Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON.
Insights
Home-based interventions improved preschool children's diets. The Guelph Family Health Study found increased fibre and fruit intake in children receiving four or two home visits compared to a control group.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Obesity Prevention
- Public Health Interventions
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a significant public health concern.
- Early childhood is a critical period for establishing healthy eating habits.
- Home-based interventions offer a promising approach for obesity prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a home-based obesity prevention program.
- To determine the impact of a 6-month intervention on preschool-aged children's dietary intake.
- To evaluate changes in nutrient and food group consumption.
Main Methods:
- Randomized controlled trial involving families with children aged 1.5-5 years.
- Intervention groups received 4 or 2 home visits with tailored support.
- Control group received general health advice via email.
- Dietary intake assessed using 3-day food records before and after the intervention.
Main Results:
- The group receiving 4 home visits showed significantly higher fibre intake.
- Both the 4-home visit and 2-home visit groups had significantly higher fruit intake compared to the control.
- No significant changes were observed in overall energy or other nutrient intakes.
Conclusions:
- Home-based interventions can effectively improve the diet quality of preschool-aged children.
- Targeted home visits are a viable strategy for promoting healthier eating behaviors.
- Further research can explore long-term effects and scalability.
Purpose:
The Guelph Family Health Study (GFHS) pilot was designed to examine the feasibility and effectiveness of a home-based obesity prevention intervention on health behaviours and obesity risk. The objective of this analysis was to determine the effect of the 6-month intervention on preschool-aged children's dietary intakes.
Methods:
Families with children aged 1.5-5 years old were randomized to receive one of the following: 4 home visits with a health educator as well as tailored emails and mailed incentives (4HV; n = 19 children); 2 home visits with a health educator as well as tailored emails and mailed incentives (2HV; n = 14 children); or general health advice through emails (control; n = 12 children). Three-day food records were completed by parents for their children before and after the 6-month intervention and analyzed for 3-day average intakes of energy, nutrients, and MyPlate food groups.
Results:
After the 6-month intervention, the 4HV group had significantly higher fibre intake and the 4HV and 2HV groups had significantly higher fruit intake, both compared with the control group.
Conclusions:
This study provides support for a home-based intervention approach to improve the diet quality of preschool-aged children.