R R Kipping1, R Jago, D A Lawlor. 1. School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2PS, UK. ruth.kipping@bristol.ac.uk
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Little is known about the effectiveness of parent involvement in school-based obesity prevention interventions. METHODS: A qualitative study with parents of children aged 9-10 years was conducted to identify possible methods to involve them in a school-based obesity prevention intervention, followed by a process evaluation of homework and school newsletters to involve parents. RESULTS: Qualitative study: parents supported the use of homework and school newsletters to involve them and overcome the main barriers of their work and time. Process evaluation: Ten homeworks and inserts for the school newsletter about the obesity prevention intervention were developed and delivered. The majority of homeworks were given out (73%), completed by children (84%) and recalled by parents (60-68%). The majority of homeworks were enjoyed by parents and children. All the schools put information about the project in the newsletter and this was recalled by parents. Most parents felt the homeworks were a practical way of involving them. CONCLUSIONS: Homeworks are routinely given to children and provide a means of engaging potentially all parents if parental support is required. Homeworks which are novel, fun and involve activities and social contact are enjoyed by parents and children and may increase awareness of healthy diet and physical activity.
BACKGROUND: Little is known about the effectiveness of parent involvement in school-based obesity prevention interventions. METHODS: A qualitative study with parents of children aged 9-10 years was conducted to identify possible methods to involve them in a school-based obesity prevention intervention, followed by a process evaluation of homework and school newsletters to involve parents. RESULTS: Qualitative study: parents supported the use of homework and school newsletters to involve them and overcome the main barriers of their work and time. Process evaluation: Ten homeworks and inserts for the school newsletter about the obesity prevention intervention were developed and delivered. The majority of homeworks were given out (73%), completed by children (84%) and recalled by parents (60-68%). The majority of homeworks were enjoyed by parents and children. All the schools put information about the project in the newsletter and this was recalled by parents. Most parents felt the homeworks were a practical way of involving them. CONCLUSIONS: Homeworks are routinely given to children and provide a means of engaging potentially all parents if parental support is required. Homeworks which are novel, fun and involve activities and social contact are enjoyed by parents and children and may increase awareness of healthy diet and physical activity.
Authors: R Jago; E Rawlins; R R Kipping; S Wells; C Chittleborough; T J Peters; J Mytton; D A Lawlor; R Campbell Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2015-09-23 Impact factor: 3.295
Authors: Rona Campbell; Emma Rawlins; Sian Wells; Ruth R Kipping; Catherine R Chittleborough; Tim J Peters; Debbie A Lawlor; Russell Jago Journal: Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act Date: 2015-11-11 Impact factor: 6.457
Authors: Russell Jago; Lesley Wood; Simon J Sebire; Mark J Edwards; Ben Davies; Kathryn Banfield; Kenneth R Fox; Janice L Thompson; Ashley R Cooper; Alan A Montgomery Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2014-04-16 Impact factor: 3.295