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Outcomes of an early childhood obesity prevention program in a low-income community: a pilot, randomized trial
M M Cloutier1, J F Wiley2, C-L Kuo3
1Department of Pediatrics UCONN Health, Children's Center for Community Research Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, CT, USA.
Insights
A community-based obesity prevention program improved breastfeeding rates and reduced infant sleep issues in underserved families. This pilot study highlights the potential of behavioral interventions for early childhood health.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a significant global health concern.
- Early intervention is crucial for preventing long-term health consequences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a pilot community-focused obesity prevention program for mother/newborn dyads.
- To assess the impact of an enhanced home visitation program (NFN+) on obesity-associated behaviors.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial comparing a standard home visitation program (NFN) with an enhanced program (NFN+).
- The NFN+ incorporated behavioral strategies targeting breastfeeding, diet, sleep, and screen time.
- Recruited underserved mother/newborn dyads, with weight-for-length z-score and maternal diet as secondary outcomes.
Main Results:
- Higher retention rates at 12 months in the NFN+ group (84.6% vs. 56.1%).
- NFN+ mothers showed increased breastfeeding duration at 6 and 12 months.
- NFN+ infants experienced fewer nocturnal awakenings at 12 months.
Conclusions:
- A multi-component behavioral intervention effectively increased breastfeeding duration.
- The intervention also led to a decrease in nocturnal awakenings among infants.
- These findings suggest the efficacy of targeted behavioral strategies in early childhood obesity prevention.
Background:
Obesity is a major and worldwide health problem in children.
Objectives:
The Early Childhood Obesity Prevention Program is a multi-component, randomized, controlled trial of a pilot community-focused obesity prevention program for mother/newborn dyads.
Methods:
Underserved, mother/newborn dyads were recruited to receive a standard home visitation program (Nurturing Families Network, NFN) or an enhanced program (NFN+) that incorporated behavioural change strategies (e.g., goal-setting, problem-solving) and focused on six obesity-associated behaviours (breastfeeding, juice/sugar-sweetened beverages, solids, infant sleep, TV/screen time and soothability) with linkages to community resources. Weight-for-length (WFL) z-score and maternal diet were secondary outcomes.
Results:
Fifty-seven dyads were recruited and 47 fully eligible dyads were enrolled (NFN = 21, NFN+ = 26). Forty-one (87.2%) were assessed at 6 months and 34 (72.3%) at 12 months. Retention at 12 months was higher for NFN+ dyads (84.6% vs. 56.1%, p = 0.04). NFN+ mothers were more likely to continue breastfeeding at 6 and 12 months vs. NFN mothers (p = 0.03 and 0.003, respectively), and at 12 months, NFN+ infants had fewer nocturnal awakenings (p = 0.04). There were no differences in other primary outcome measures or in WFL z-score at 6 or 12 months.
Conclusions:
A multi-component behavioural intervention increased breastfeeding duration and decreased nocturnal awakenings in infants of low-income families.
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