Participant experiences in a paraprofessional-led weight management program for children and families

Pediatric obesity is a serious and widespread medical condition that is increasing in the United States. Unfortunately, family-based programming to address the disorder fails to successfully reach and engage many children, particularly in low-income communities. To provide more affordable, accessible, and scalable programming options, researchers partnered with pediatricians and the Cooperative Extension Service (Extension) in a Midwestern state to develop a collaborative intervention. Partnering pediatricians referred children and families to a weight management program delivered by a trained Extension paraprofessional. The current study describes family experiences with the program.

Researchers conducted a focus group or family interview with 13 program completers to elicit program perceptions, experiences with paraprofessionals, and motivators to continue. The focus group and family interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim for textual analysis. Using thematic analysis, researchers examined patterns across transcripts and formulated emerging themes.

Key themes that emerged included (1) nutrition guidance, (2) interaction, (3) child influence, and (4) family engagement. Families viewed paraprofessionals as compassionate and competent educators who were instrumental in helping families modify health-related behaviors.

Results of the current study are important to efforts focused on addressing childhood obesity, particularly in underserved communities where access to healthcare services is limited.