Perspectives and Impact of a Parent-Child Intervention on Dietary Intake and Physical Activity Behaviours, Parental Motivation, and Parental Body Composition: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Shazya Karmali, Danielle S. Battram, Shauna M. Burke, Anita Cramp, Andrew M. Johnson, Tara Mantler, Don Morrow, Victor Ng, Erin S. Pearson, Robert J. Petrella, Patricia Tucker and Jennifer D. Irwin
Additional contact information
Shazya Karmali: Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
Danielle S. Battram: Food and Nutritional Sciences, Western University, Brescia University College, London, ON N6G 1H2, Canada
Shauna M. Burke: School of Health Studies, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
Anita Cramp: Middlesex London Health Unit, London, ON N6A 3N7, Canada
Andrew M. Johnson: Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
Tara Mantler: School of Health Studies, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
Don Morrow: Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
Victor Ng: Department of Programs and Practice Support, College of Family Physicians of Canada, Mississauga, ON L4W 5A4, Canada
Erin S. Pearson: School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1, Canada
Robert J. Petrella: Department of Family Practice, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
Patricia Tucker: School of Occupational Therapy, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
Jennifer D. Irwin: Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 18, 1-40

Abstract: Adults and children in Canada are not meeting physical activity guidelines nor consuming sufficient nutrient-rich foods. High engagement in these unhealthy behaviours can lead to obesity and its associated diseases. Parent-child interventions aimed at obesity prevention/treatment have assisted families with making positive changes to their nutrition and physical activity behaviours. Given that the home environment shapes early health behaviours, it is important to target both parents and children when addressing diet and physical activity. One method that has been shown to improve health outcomes is co-active coaching. The current study explored the impact of a three-month co-active coaching and/or health education intervention on the dietary intake and physical activity behaviours of parents with overweight/obesity and their children (ages 2.5–10; of any weight). Body composition (i.e., body mass index [BMI] and waist circumference), changes in parental motivation with respect to physical activity and dietary behaviours, and parental perceptions of program improvements were collected. A concurrent mixed methods study comprised of a randomized controlled trial and a descriptive qualitative design was utilized. Fifty parent-child dyads were recruited and randomly assigned to the control ( n = 25) or intervention ( n = 25) group. Assessments were completed at baseline, mid-intervention (six weeks), post-intervention (three months), and six-month follow-up. A linear mixed effects model was utilized for quantitative analysis. Inductive content analysis was used to extract themes from parent interviews. No significant results were observed over time for the dependent measures. Parents in both control and intervention groups reported varied program experiences, including developing changes in perspective, increased awareness of habits, and heightened accountability for making positive changes in themselves, and consequently, their families. Parents also shared barriers they faced when implementing changes (e.g., time, weather, stress). Qualitatively, both groups reported benefitting from this program, with the intervention group describing salient benefits from engaging in coaching. This research expands on the utility of coaching as a method for behaviour change, when compared to education only, in parents with overweight/obesity and their children.

Keywords: overweight/obesity; parent-child dyad; coaching; physical activity; nutrition; motivation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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