Parent Weight, Diet, Active Living, and Food-Related Outcomes of the Family-Focused: NU-HOME Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Little is known about parent outcomes of rural, family-focused childhood obesity prevention trials.Objective Our aim was to evaluate parent outcomes of the rural, family-focused NU-HOME (New Ulm at HOME [Healthy Offerings via the Mealtime Environment]) ran-domized controlled trial designed to prevent obesity in children aged 7 through 10 years.Design Families were randomized to the intervention or wait-list control group after baseline data collection. Staff measured parent height, weight, and percent body fat. Surveys measured parent cognitive and behavioral outcomes (eg, portion-size confi-dence, dietary intake, total and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and screen time). Post-intervention data were collected 8 to 10 months after baseline.Participants/setting The randomized controlled trial took place in rural, south central Minnesota, and enrolled parent and child dyads (N 1/4 114; 2017-2018); 98 parents provided data at post intervention (2018-2019) and comprise the analytic sample. Parent inclusion criteria were being the primary meal preparer, living with the child most of the time, and being willing to attend intervention sessions. Exclusion criteria were planning to move or having a medical condition that would contraindicate participation.Intervention The theory-guided intervention (7 sessions and 4 goal-setting calls) focused on family eating and active living behaviors.Main outcome measures Height, weight, and percent body fat were measured and the survey assessed diet, active living, and food-related outcomes.Statistical analyses performed Multiple linear regression models tested change in parent outcomes from baseline to post intervention by treatment group adjusted for demographic characteristics and baseline values.Results In the intervention group vs control group, parent total weekly hours of physical activity was 1.73 hours higher (95% CI 0.11 to 3.35 hours) and portion-size confidence was 1.49 points higher (95% CI 0.78 to 2.19). No other statistically signifi-cant changes were observed by treatment group.Conclusions Findings indicate that parent cognitive and behavioral outcomes are amenable to change in family-focused childhood obesity prevention programs. Parent increases in portion-size confidence and total physical activity hours may support long-term parent health and provide positive context for child health.