Integrating a family-focused approach into child obesity prevention: Rationale and design for the My Parenting SOS study randomized control trial
2011

My Parenting SOS: A Family-Focused Approach to Prevent Child Obesity

Sample size: 280 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Ward Dianne S, Vaughn Amber E, Bangdiwala Kant I, Campbell Marci, Jones Deborah J, Panter Abigail T, Stevens June

Primary Institution: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Hypothesis

The primary hypothesis is that children in the intervention arm will have a lower mean change in percent body fat compared to children in the control arm by the end of the 35-week intervention.

Conclusion

The Parenting SOS program aims to improve parenting practices to promote healthy weight development in preschool-age children.

Supporting Evidence

  • More than 20% of US children ages 2-5 are classified as overweight or obese.
  • Parents greatly influence their children's diet and physical activity behaviors.
  • Most parents are unable to recognize when their child is overweight.

Takeaway

This study is about helping parents learn how to encourage their kids to eat healthy and be active so they don't become overweight.

Methodology

The study uses a randomized control design to test a 35-week intervention consisting of 12 sessions focused on parenting skills and promoting healthy behaviors in children.

Potential Biases

Potential bias may arise from self-reported measures of BMI and dietary intake.

Limitations

The study may face challenges in engaging parents and ensuring they prioritize obesity prevention amidst competing demands.

Participant Demographics

Families with preschool-age children, including diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Statistical Information

P-Value

2%

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2458-11-431

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