Utilizing an Environmental Framework to Explore the Acceptability of a Health Promotion Program for Youth with...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Health
• Disability Studies
• Health Promotion

Background:

• Children with spina bifida or cerebral palsy often require tailored health interventions.
• Enhancing physical activity and diet are crucial for managing chronic conditions in children.
• The acceptability of health programs directly influences their effectiveness and sustainability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the acceptability of the Children and Teens in Charge of their Health (CATCH) program.
• To identify factors influencing program acceptability among children with spina bifida or cerebral palsy and their parents.
• To assess the utility of an environmental systems framework in understanding health program adoption.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative interviews were conducted with pediatric participants (n=6) and their parents (n=6).
• An environmental systems framework (microsystem, mesosystem, macrosystem) was used for analysis.
• Participant feedback was gathered on program components and overall experience.

Main Results:

• The CATCH program was broadly acceptable to both children and parents.
• Microsystem factors like child motivation, age, and health status influenced acceptability.
• Mesosystem factors, including virtual coaching and coach-child relationship, were significant.
• Macrosystem factors, such as COVID-19, impacted goal attainment but not overall acceptability.

Conclusions:

• The CATCH program demonstrates potential as a tailored health promotion intervention for children with disabilities.
• An environmental systems framework provides valuable insights for optimizing health program design and implementation.
• Future research should further explore adaptations of the CATCH program for diverse pediatric populations.