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Using the RE-AIM framework to evaluate the feasibility of a parent-focused intervention targeting childhood obesity
Daniel Briatico1, Kristen C Reilly1, Patricia Tucker1,2
1Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
Insights
The C.H.A.M.P. Families program shows promise for treating childhood obesity. This parent-focused intervention demonstrated feasibility and effectiveness in improving children's quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Health Intervention Research
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a significant public health issue requiring effective interventions.
- Community-based programs offer potential for improving child health behaviors and outcomes.
- Thorough evaluation is crucial for translating research into practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of the community-based, parent-focused "C.H.A.M.P. Families" intervention for childhood obesity.
- To utilize the RE-AIM framework for a comprehensive evaluation of the intervention.
Main Methods:
- A single-group, non-randomized feasibility study with 16 parents/caregivers of 11 children with obesity.
- A 13-week intervention included parent education sessions, family activities, and follow-up support.
- The RE-AIM framework (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, maintenance) was used for assessment.
Main Results:
- The intervention reached 0.09% of eligible families, with participants representative of the target population.
- High participation rates, fidelity, and cost-effectiveness were observed.
- Improved child health-related quality of life and established community partnerships were noted.
Conclusions:
- The C.H.A.M.P. Families intervention is a feasible and promising parent-focused approach for childhood obesity treatment.
- The RE-AIM framework provided a comprehensive evaluation of the intervention's potential.
- Further research and implementation efforts are warranted.
Background:
Childhood obesity remains a serious public health concern. Community-based childhood obesity treatment interventions have the potential to improve health behaviors and outcomes among children, but require thorough evaluation to facilitate translation of research into practice. The purpose of the current study was to determine the feasibility of a community-based, parent-focused childhood obesity intervention ("C.H.A.M.P. Families") using the RE-AIM framework, an evaluation tool for health interventions.
Methods:
A single-group, non-randomized, repeated measures feasibility study was conducted. Participants (n = 16 parents/caregivers of 11 children with obesity) completed a 13-week parent-focused education intervention. The intervention consisted of three main components: (a) eight group-based (parent-only) education sessions; (b) eight home-based (family-centered) activities; and (c) two group-based follow-up support sessions for parents and children. The five dimensions of RE-AIM-reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance-were assessed using various measures and data sources (e.g., child, parent/caregiver, costing, census) obtained throughout the study period. Outcome variables were measured at baseline, mid-intervention, post-intervention, and at a 6-month follow-up.
Results:
Overall, the C.H.A.M.P. Families intervention reached approximately 0.09% of eligible families in London, Ontario. Despite the small number, participants were generally representative of the population from which they were drawn, and program participation rates were high (reach). Findings also suggest that involvement in the program was associated with improved health-related quality of life among children (effectiveness/individual-level maintenance). In addition, the intervention had high fidelity to protocol, attendance rates, and cost-effectiveness (implementation). Lastly, important community partnerships were established and maintained (adoption/setting-level maintenance).
Conclusions:
Based on a detailed and comprehensive RE-AIM evaluation, the C.H.A.M.P. Families intervention appears to be a promising parent-focused approach to the treatment of childhood obesity.
Trial Registration:
ISRCTN Registry, Study ID ISRCTN 10752416 . Registered 24 April 2018.
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