Li Kheng Chai1,2, Clare E Collins1,2, Chris May1,3, Amy Ashman1,2, Carl Holder2, Leanne J Brown4, Tracy L Burrows1,2. 1. School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia. 2. Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia. 3. Family Action Centre, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia. 4. University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health, The University of Newcastle, North Tamworth Australia.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Innovative eHealth solutions that improve access to child weight management interventions are crucial to address the rising prevalence of childhood obesity globally. The study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a 12-week online telehealth nutrition intervention to improve child weight and dietary outcomes, and the impact of additional text messages (SMS) targeted to mothers and fathers. METHODS:Families with children aged 4 to 11 were randomised across three groups: Telehealth, Telehealth+SMS, or Waitlist control. Telehealth and Telehealth+SMS groups received two telehealth consultations delivered by a dietitian, 12 weeks access to a nutrition website and a private Facebook group. The Telehealth+SMS group received additional SMS. Feasibility was assessed through recruitment, retention, and intervention utilisation. Efficacy was assessed through changes in measured child body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and diet. RESULTS: Forty-four (96%) and 36 (78%) families attended initial and second telehealth consultations, respectively. Thirty-six families (78%) completed week 12 assessments. Child BMI and waist circumference changes from baseline to week 12 were not statistically different within or between groups. Children in Telehealth+SMS had significantly reduced percentage energy from energy-dense nutrient-poor food (95% CI -21.99 to -0.03%E; p = .038) and increased percentage energy from healthy core food (95% CI -0.21 to 21.89%E; p = .045) compared to Waitlist control. DISCUSSION: A family-focused online telehealth nutrition intervention is feasible. While the modest sample size reduced power to detect between-group changes in weight status, some improvements in child dietary intakes were identified in those receiving telehealth and SMS.
RCT Entities:
INTRODUCTION: Innovative eHealth solutions that improve access to child weight management interventions are crucial to address the rising prevalence of childhood obesity globally. The study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a 12-week online telehealth nutrition intervention to improve child weight and dietary outcomes, and the impact of additional text messages (SMS) targeted to mothers and fathers. METHODS: Families with children aged 4 to 11 were randomised across three groups: Telehealth, Telehealth+SMS, or Waitlist control. Telehealth and Telehealth+SMS groups received two telehealth consultations delivered by a dietitian, 12 weeks access to a nutrition website and a private Facebook group. The Telehealth+SMS group received additional SMS. Feasibility was assessed through recruitment, retention, and intervention utilisation. Efficacy was assessed through changes in measured child body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and diet. RESULTS: Forty-four (96%) and 36 (78%) families attended initial and second telehealth consultations, respectively. Thirty-six families (78%) completed week 12 assessments. Child BMI and waist circumference changes from baseline to week 12 were not statistically different within or between groups. Children in Telehealth+SMS had significantly reduced percentage energy from energy-dense nutrient-poor food (95% CI -21.99 to -0.03%E; p = .038) and increased percentage energy from healthy core food (95% CI -0.21 to 21.89%E; p = .045) compared to Waitlist control. DISCUSSION: A family-focused online telehealth nutrition intervention is feasible. While the modest sample size reduced power to detect between-group changes in weight status, some improvements in child dietary intakes were identified in those receiving telehealth and SMS.
Authors: Richard Ball; Kerith Duncanson; Lee Ashton; Andrew Bailey; Tracy L Burrows; Gail Whiteford; Maria Henström; Rachel Gerathy; Alison Walton; Jennifer Wehlow; Clare E Collins Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-12-23 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Xinxin Wang; Jieyu Liu; Di Gao; Yanhui Li; Qi Ma; Li Chen; Manman Chen; Tao Ma; Ying Ma; Yi Zhang; Jianjun Yang; Yanhui Dong; Yi Song; Jun Ma Journal: Front Pediatr Date: 2022-08-18 Impact factor: 3.569
Authors: Judith Byaruhanga; Prince Atorkey; Matthew McLaughlin; Alison Brown; Emma Byrnes; Christine Paul; John Wiggers; Flora Tzelepis Journal: J Med Internet Res Date: 2020-09-11 Impact factor: 5.428