STEP IN: Supporting Together Exercise and Play and Improving Nutrition; a Feasibility Study of Parent-Led Group Sessions and Fitness Trackers to Improve Family Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors in a Low-Income, Predominantly Black Population

Michelle C. Gorecki (), Megan E. Piotrowski, Courtney M. Brown, Radhika R. Teli, Zana Percy, Laura Lane, Christopher F. Bolling, Robert M. Siegel and Kristen A. Copeland
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Michelle C. Gorecki: Division of General and Community Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, MLC 7035, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
Megan E. Piotrowski: Division of General and Community Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, MLC 7035, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
Courtney M. Brown: Department of Pediatrics, Division of Primary Care Pediatrics, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
Radhika R. Teli: Department of Pediatrics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
Zana Percy: Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
Laura Lane: Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
Christopher F. Bolling: Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
Robert M. Siegel: Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
Kristen A. Copeland: Division of General and Community Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, MLC 7035, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 9, 1-15

Abstract: Background: Pediatric obesity is prevalent and challenging to treat. Although family-centered behavioral management is the gold standard, many families face structural inequities to its access and efficacy. Identifying ways to manage pediatric obesity within primary care is needed. Methods: This feasibility study included three sequential trials of peer-led group sessions occurring biweekly or monthly between 3/2016 and 2/2017. Parent–child dyads were recruited from a large academic primary care clinic via mailed invitations, prioritizing patients living in local zip codes of historical disinvestment. Eligible patients were 6 to 12 years with a body mass index ≥85th percentile, with parent and child interest in making healthy lifestyle changes, and English speaking. Results: 27 dyads participated, 77% were non-Hispanic Black. Retention and attendance rates were highest in the initial four-session biweekly pilot (100%, 0 dropouts), high in the full six-session biweekly cohort (83%, 1 dropout), and moderate in the monthly cohort (62.7%, 4 dropouts). Families reported high satisfaction with the sessions (4.75/5). Qualitative comments suggested social connections had motivated behavior change in some families. Conclusion: Parent-led group sessions for pediatric weight management show promise in engaging families. A future large trial is needed to assess behavior change and anthropometric outcomes.

Keywords: obesity management; pediatric obesity; group weight management; peer support; peer-led group sessions; primary care pediatrics; patient engagement; health disparities (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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